Registration and Payments:
For Holistic Journeys In-country or International trips, you will be asked to complete the form below and make your deposit to secure your space. Payment can be made via check, PayPal, Venmo or wire transfer to my specified bank. Please feel free to contact Rebecca with any questions, need for information on specific countries, locations, health concerns or to satisfy your curiosity. We also request that you carry international health and/or travel insurance for all international trips. Check with your personal insurance, who knows, Medicare Advantage programs do have some emergency coverage, so call and talk with them. You will be required to provide information on your chosen policy.
Why Holistic Journeys?
Holistic Journeys believes immersion in a cross-cultural eco-wellness experience can enhance your quality of life via perspective, perception and understanding! We offer unique soft adventure opportunities specific to the regions and countries we explore. and incorporate local guides at each venue. The focus of our experiences is to link personal wellness activities (yoga, nature meditation, breath, walking, art and writing) with immersion into regional art, music, traditions, cultural cuisine and farm to table opportunities.. As Nature is paramount to Holistic Journeys we make every attempt to weave nature awareness with creative art expression focusing on the unique ethnobotany, flora, fauna and environmental impact of our footsteps worldwide. Our trips can be geared to all ages, families and are inclusive of gender, sexual orientation or special abilities, but talk to us to ensure what trip is right for you or how to create a your special adventure. Regardless of where or with whom, our goal is to create experiences through a lens of respect, awareness, sustainable impact and appreciation.
Why Holistic Journeys? The Question is, Why NOT?
Below find a collection of useful information and links for those joining Holistic Journeys for a retreat or eco-wellness adventure. and don’t forget, you can call or email, anytime. Rebecca
Country Information Sheets:
An updated Fun Fact document will be sent to you once you have paid your deposit on any chosen trip. These are thorough narratives with lots of pertinent information, so please take the time to read it. Save it on your phone or drive files, better yet, down load it and share a copy with friends and family. I also encourage you to do this with a copy of your passport, and birth certificate if handy, This is so important if you happen to lose your passport (it happens). These documents help expedite a temporary replacement. Copies of your drivers license, vaxx card (I know, but some countries want it), and prescription list can come in handy. So, down load them, share and save copies.
Packing Suggestions:
The following are general packing guidelines for all trips. We highly suggest (really insist) bringing only one suitcase on rollers and one small backpack (carry-on) this can double for an easy alternative for day trips and outings.
Raingear: A light rain jacket or windbreaker is very useful (essential if your trip includes activities in higher elevations, cloud forests or water activates). A light-weight pair of gloves, warm hat, socks, hiking boots/shoes may also be needed for higher elevations.
Walking poles: Some folks love hiking poles for balance or questionable knees or hips. If you bring a walking stick make sure it can collapse and fit in your suitcase, better yet, use it walking through the airport as every agent has opinions on what you can carry, vs need to use. Make sure it has a solid rubber tip.
Hat: For rain and sun shield is a must, something lightweight and foldable. I also pack a couple of bandanas, a wrap around scarf and visor, they just come in handy.
Clothing: Lightweight cotton or quick dry pants and or travel skirts are better than jeans. Bring a couple pairs of shorts and a bathing suit, a couple pairs of yoga pants and one or two long-sleeved light weight shirts for sunny days, one sweater or microfleece shirt for cool mornings, and a couple travel T-s or short-sleeved shirts or yoga tops. Quick drying cotton or smart wool socks are best with a heavier pair for hiking is also recommended. I also love a sarong, vs. a swimming towel as I can use it as a wrap and is lighter weight and takes up less room.
Footwear: Lightweight hiking boots or running shoes are usually adequate. Rubber boots will be made available for night hikes. Strapped water shoes are nice for water events or light hiking and general comfort. Depending on the specific adventure, if you plan to summit mountains, like Mt. Chirripo, or various volcanos, you will need more sturdy boots, hiking poles and layered warmer cloths and lightweight rain gear.
Flashlight: Absolutely indispensable, don’t come without it. Bring extra batteries and a spare bulb or now rechargeable. Take batteries out of everything you bring, certain batteries can explode and cause quite the stir on buses or planes. Better yet, bring a second flashlight (head lamps are best to keep your hands free if you are doing night explorations one with a red bulb option is essential) for a back-up. Your cell phone may also double as one but you will feel better at night if you have a head lamp.
First aid: Besides any medications (and backups or your specific prescription, in case you lose a pack or it is one you essential to your health), bring Band-Aids, moleskin for blisters, and antibiotic cream. Sun blocker lotion is very important. Mosquitoes can be a problem during some seasons or regions, so insect repellent is recommended. There are many quality natural alternatives and due to new mosquito borne diseases, DEET is now recommended (see special listing) Antihistamines , Aspirin or substitute, Eye drops, Imodium and or a stool softener if you are prone to travelers constipation, an Antihistaminic lotion (Calamine), arnica and a deep muscle rub is good to bring. I love my homeopathics and tinctures but that’s up to you. One that works well for me in case of flu or stomach issues is Oscillococcinum. Ear plugs may also be handy if you are a light sleeper.
Personal hygiene items: Quality sunglasses, toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, soap, shampoo, condoms, tampons (flushable or burnable applicator only) sewing kit, scissors, knife, (must not be in carry-on, sooooo get one there) pack of travel tissues and wet wipes, lots of plastic bags to put things in to keep them dry, water bottle with tight-fitting lids. Please refrain from bringing lots of electric devices like curling irons, hair dryers, and/or strong smelling perfumes.
Program materials: Notebooks, pens, cameras, binoculars, I-Pad/lap-tops, yoga mat (some locations offer mats) or use a towel. If you bring a music device or an I-Pod, please bring ear plugs so that others may enjoy the sounds of nature.
Remember when you pack, all items that are red listed for airlines should be stowed and not in your carry-on. and you know what we recommend, only carry-ons!
Helpful Links:
http://www.cdc.gov/globalhealth/organization.htm
https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/prevention-kit.html
https://www.gooseinsurance.com/en/https://www.gooseinsurance.com/en/