Family Trips to Costa Rica and Hawaii | Earth Explore Adventures

Answers to a few of the most frequently asked questions regarding Earth Explore Foundation Family Trips to Costa Rica and Hawaii.

Who can participate?	Who are the guides? How many guides per group?	What items do I need to bring along?
Do we have to attend a local meeting?	What are the dates?	What is a typical day like?
Are we part of a larger group?	What is included?	Can I travel with other families that I know?
How is an Earth Explore Foundation Family Trip different?	What are the hotels and lodges like?	How does air transporation work?
How active are your trips?	Are there meal choices?
Tell me more about the Foundation?	What documents do I receive?

Who can participate?

Earth Explore's family trips are designed specifically for families. The educational and adventure activities are suitable for all family members regardless of age, and are designed to create a fun and enriching experience that encourages bonding, enjoyment, and lasting family memories.

Do we have to attend a local information meeting?

Earth Explore staff share our trips with interested families at home meetings in the fall. However, your family does not need to attend a meeting to take part. You can sign up by phone, or by downloading or requesting a family information packet.

Are we part of a larger group?

Yes! In order to access the world's best guides and unmatched trip activities, our families travel as a group with other, like minded families, usually from your local area. That means you not only get to meet and interact with other families like your own, but your kids will have the chance to meet other travelers of their own age, and make friendships along the way.

How are your trips different?

Earth Explore Foundation Family trips are not just tours, but are designed for people who want to learn new things while they are exploring and having fun in a family setting. Because of the unique involvement of the Earth Explore Foundation, a federally recognized 501(c)(3) educational organization, our trips not only deliver all of the thrills, creature comforts, and great food of a first class tour, but are packed with once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for learning.

How active are your trips?

Although all of our family trips are considered active learning vacations, the types of activities and their intensity are specifically designed to be enjoyable for every member of the family. For example, when rafting or horseback riding we choose locations and guides that cater to families, including children of various ages. All activities are considered “soft” adventure, meaning they are fun and exciting, but quite doable for all family members. However, any time that a family member would like to opt out of an activity, an alternate activity will generally be offered.

What is the Earth Explore Foundation?

The Foundation is a federally recognized non profit educational organization, dedicated to helping families actively explore and learn in spectacular places across the globe. Since 1995, the Earth Explore Foundation has sponsored hundreds of learning vacations, in which thousands of participants have experienced adventure learning.

Who are the guides?

Because the Earth Explore Foundation is a 501 (c)(3) federally recognized educational organization, we can partner with the finest on-site educators and adventure suppliers. That means we have our pick of the finest field guides on the planet. These experienced experts are chosen for their knowledge, enthusiasm and outstanding people skills.

How many guides per group?

Unlike other organizations, Earth Explore Family Trips utilizes two full time guides and travel managers per group, meaning there is always an expert on hand should the schedule need to be rearranged, or a special need be pursued. In addition, our guides accompany the group 24/7, so that where ever you are, you are accompanied by the most knowledgeable and most competent guides in the travel industry.

What are the dates?

We offer several dates for family trips in the summertime, which range from mid-June to late August. We also offer winter break dates, and spring break dates that correspond with student school holidays. Please call our office, or check online for the latest updated date listings.

What is included?

Earth Explore Foundation Family trips include everything you need from arrival until departure. This includes three gourmet meals a day, deluxe hotel and lodge accommodations for the entire family, all educational and adventure activities, the full-time services of two expert dedicated guides and travel managers during the entire trip, all necessary supplies and gear while on the trip, and all transportation once the trip begins, including deluxe coaches, airport transfer services, motorlaunches, and internal charter flights (Costa Rica) during the trip. Expenses of a personal nature, like souvenirs, are the responsiblity of each family.

What are the hotels like?

Earth Explore Family Trips use discriminating local lodges, where the stay is among the most memorable parts of the journey. In Costa Rica our lodges are wholly owned by our partner organizations and are four star or higher, featuring lush gardens, fine restaurants, and top notch service. They are also surrounded by jungle; an atmosphere that you’ll never forget. In Hawaii, we use excellent small hotels, which feature outstanding service, true aloha spirit, and fine dining in lush tropical settings.

Are there meal choices?

Earth Explore Family Trips are able to cater to a wide variety of special meal needs, from vegetarian to vegan and everything in between. Our partners receive your special requirements months in advance, and are able to offer choices that you’ll find delightful.

What documents do we receive?

Upon registration, all families receive detailed information packets, which include trip itineraries, a printed information guide, fact sheet, and health forms to complete. Families also receive quarterly trip newsletters. About a month before the trip we send along luggage tags, trip caps, journals and other travel items.

What items do I need to bring along?

Earth Explore provides a custom travel cap, photo credentials, field journal, luggage tags and other items for each participant. All supplies and adventure gear is included on-site for every family member. In terms of personal items, our quarterly newsletter includes a suggested packing list with complete details about what to bring, how to pack, and travel requirements for both Costa Rica and Hawaii.

What is a typical day like?

The day begins at around 8:00 AM when we meet for breakfast and the morning briefing by your guides. Following breakfast, we set off for a day of adventures, which typically involve an organized morning activity, lunch, and another afternoon activity.

The day ends at dinner and the evening group meeting, at which the day’s activities are discussed, the next day is reviewed. Time may be allotted for games or other group activities. Often there is a chance for swimming at the hotel, socializing with friends, and other free time activities.

Can I travel with a family, or families I know?

Yes. However it is important that your friends register while there is still availability in your group. Space on our family trips is allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, but we will make every effort to coordinate your travel with other families that you know.

How does air travel work?

Each family is responsible for booking their own air travel. We ask that non-refundable reservations not be made until the dates are confirmed several months before travel. On the designated arrival day, an Earth Explore Family representative will be on hand at the airport to meet and greet arriving families, according to the schedules you provide to us. We will provide shuttle transportation to the hotel where the group reception takes place. This service is also provided on the departure day.