How to choose a safe student travel company

The rush of exhilaration one faces while attending a trip abroad can be full of excitement, adventure, and new experiences. However, amidst all the fun, one should always be leery of the potential dangers that may arise.  To assist with any worry, consider the importance of choosing a safe travel company. Though there is no need to be paranoid, it is important to realize there are threats to Americans in an exotic location, which include (but are not limited to) dangerous water currents, kidnappings, and poisonous animals. 

Due to recent events involving dangerous tides in areas like Costa Rica, it has become a more publicized need for Americans to be aware of their environment while in a new place. Appleseed Expeditions chooses to spend time on the beaches of Tamarindo, one of only two locations in Costa Rica to supply lifeguards on their beaches.

Below are some additional questions to ask in determining the safety of your next trip abroad:

Does the company provide its own travel guide to accompany the group?  
This type of person will be responsible for organizing the overall logistics of the trip. He or she will be with you from the beginning of the tour until the end to oversee the arrangements for all transportation, meals, accommodations, and sightseeing. The travel guide carries a cell phone for use in case of emergency. 

Does the tour guide know your destination area well? 
For the protection of  you and your travelers, you should choose a company that will use trained guides with relevant certifications in case problems arise. The guide should also know the area well, including the language of the locals.  

Will this guide be on-call 24/7?
Many travel companies do not supply full-time guides, which leaves travelers unattended during the night hours. A good travel company should have a guide on-call at all hours of the night, and active in the participation of their activities during the entirety of their day and evening.  
Does the company require or recommend adult chaperones, volunteer parents or faculty?  
It is important to bring along chaperones in addition to your guide (if you are provided one from the travel company). The ideal amount of chaperones would be one for every 10 students. Kids tend to think they are invincible, and don't always use common sense. Parents and students are needed to ask the right questions, and determining safety during the trip. 

Will there be a group leader in charge of the group?
Generally, the teacher or adult who coordinated the trip, organized the chaperones, and worked hand in hand with the travel company will be on the tour, and is responsible for fulfilling all disciplinary actions. 

What is the company's function in assisting adults with planning student tours?
Will the company plan the entirety of your trip or are there activities, meals, accommodations or transportation you must arrange on your own? 

Does the company mandate rules and regulations for student security and behavior, or are such guidelines merely recommended?  
If tour company rules, such as a nighttime curfew, exist and are violated by traveling students, will the adult chaperones or company tour leaders have mechanisms in place to be made aware of such violations? If so, what steps will be taken? 

Does a student tour group director (a company representative back at company headquarters) exist? 
At what point do tour group leaders contact the tour group director or the tour group director contact headquarters in case of emergency? 

Will the tour group always have a knowledge of clinics in the area? 
A good tour company should always know the easiest access to clinics throughout all parts of their journey. 

Does the company book reputable vendors? 
Whether it is bus companies, accommodations, or vendors, you should work with honest and safe companies. A good travel company will send specific guidelines to hotels in advance according to tour leaders' directions. For example, they may instruct the hotel to book males and females on different floors or in areas that are safe and appropriate for students.

*Ask questions, read brochures, call the company - find out exactly what to expect. During the trip, you should always remain alert and aware of your surroundings. Take these safety precautions, and you are ready for an experience abroad that you will never forget. 

Feel free to contact Appleseed Expeditions about any alternative break question you might have. We can also plan future alternative breaks for you and your school. Just go to www.appleseedexpeditions.com or contact us at info@appleseedexpeditions.com

What to see while on your class trip to Costa Rica

Thousands of tiny leaf cutter ants—each carrying greenery five times their own body weight—march in a single file line across a rainforest trail. Scarlet macaws, blue Morpho butterflies, hummingbirds, and other vibrant wildlife dart in front of our group as we trek across a trail in the Braulio Carrillo National Rainforest Park. Howler monkeys make a guttural ruckus that can be heard for miles, while the raccoon-like coatimundis make brief appearances. This enchanted land can offer a wide array of experiences, but for the typical school group who wants to experience both the science of the rainforest, the ecology of the ocean, and the culture of Latin America within a short trip time frame (less than 12 days), it important that you visit certain areas. These different regions offer a wide variety of experiences for you school group or class trip to Costa Rica.

San Jose and the Central Valley

Coffee and volcanoes; San Jose is the capitol of Costa Rica and sits nestled in a volcanic valley at about 4,100 feet. Because of its elevation, it receives cool weather in the evenings and substantial rain throughout the year. This climate and elevation is the perfect setting for some of the finest coffee in the world. Additionally, San Jose is surrounded by several active volcanoes from Poaz to the northwest, Irazu to the east, and dormant volcanoes to the south. Because of its location, which lies directly over two tectonic plates, it has had a history of earthquake activity. For those educators wanting to experience culture, history, the coffee baron heritage, cooking classes and folkloric dance, San Jose provides the perfect place to visit for language students.

La Fortuna and Volcano Arenal

The village of La Fortuna sits at the base of the 5470-feet high Arenal Volcano in the North by the northwest part of this West Virginia-sized country. Arenal is one of the seven active volcanoes, and the most active volcano in Central America, shooting out pyroclastic bombs each night. This amazing fireworks show can be quite a sight if you are lucky enough to see it on an unclouded night. Nearby is the Fortuna waterfall that many compare to a scene directly out of the movie Jurassic Park. The rushing waters descend almost 450 feet directly into a pool of mesmerizing, clear water. This waterfall is a must-see excursion within this tropical region. Because La Fortuna has waterfalls, rainforest, volcanic activity, and hydrothermal springs, it is a perfect location for a school group to enhance their in-class science experience. Teachers can promote their students' experience by teaching rainforest ecology, symbiotic relationships, hydrology, geology, and a variety of environmental studies. Appleseed Expeditions is a science-oriented travel company that can provide an ecologist's guides to help enhance this experience.

If you are looking for a book that will help prepare your students for their experience in the tropics of Costa Rica we recommend a book called “Tropical Nature: Life and Death in the Rain Forests of Central and South America”. You can order this at - http://www.amazon.com/Tropical-Nature-Forests-Central-America/dp/0684187108

Monteverde and the Bridges in the Sky

The Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve is a Costa Rican national park that has some of the highest number of diverse species in the entire country. The Preserve consists of over 10,500 hectares of tropical rainforest with most of the forest being virgin or primary uncut rainforest. This area consists of over 2,500 plant species including thousands of orchids, 100 species of mammals, 400 bird species, 120 reptilian and amphibian species, and thousands of insects. The Bridges in the Sky are aerial suspension bridges built over the top of the rainforest. They span canyons and drainages, and bring visitors face to face with the upper level of the forest canopy. Because of this high biodiversity, high amount of plant insect symbiotic relationships, and virgin rainforests, this is a must see area for science students. Many AP biology students from high schools across the nation team up with local scientist to study species biodiversity in this region of Costa Rica. If you are interested in having your school group volunteer with these scientists in this region contact us at info@appleseedexpeditions.com.

Guanacaste and Tamarindo

Tamarindo and the Pacific Northwest coast is known as Guanacaste is free-spirited and laid-back; a different drummer kind of place. For those wanting to experience lush tropical crocodile filled estuaries, untouched golden beaches, and rare Pacific dry forests, Gauanacaste is the region for you. The warm Pacific is inviting with its blue waters, rock reefs, and peculiar wildlife. Many snorkelers will receive an up-close and personal experience with golden puffer fish, wild yellow belly sea snakes, and the occasional whale shark. For a science class trip, students will be able to learn about the interconnections with the rare dry rainforest, estuaries and the fragile marine ecosystems. Free time along this region consists of surf lessons, kayaking, or the mandarin colored sunset.

Manuel Antonio National Park

Four beaches are contained within this park along the southwestern part of the Pacific in Costa Rica. The first beach is separated by a natural land bridge formed by sand accumulations. The diversity of wildlife in these three square miles has no comparison in the country. This park contains 109 species of mammals and over 160 different species of birds, including the scarlet macaw. Both Brown-throated Three-toed Sloth and Hoffmann's Two-toed Sloth make their home here. A major draw to this park is that you are guaranteed to see monkeys. These include the Mantled Howler monkey, the Central American squirrel monkey, and the white-faced Capuchin. The is a great place to encourage students to compare them to the similar species diversity found in the ocean environment.

Tortuguero National Park

Tortuguero, translated in Spanish literally means Land of Turtles. This park is located on the Northern Caribbean coast of Costa Rica in the Limón Province. Because of its location along the northern coastal area of the Caribbean Sea, it provides the perfect nesting area for many of the world's most endangered sea turtles. There are two biological stations in this area, the Cano Palma Biological Research Station and the John H. Phipps Biological Field Station. Both stations concentrate on research and conservation of local endangered sea turtles such as the hawksbill, green, and leatherback. Science students can enhance their in-class teaching that emphasizes marine biology and ocean conservation. Appleseed Expeditions provides guided tours of this region with professional marine biologists and ecologist to help students understand their role in marine preservation.

Sarapiqui and La Selva Biological Station

La Selva Biological Station is a rainforest research station in Costa Rica, providing a facility of worldwide importance for tropical ecology. Located near Sarapiqui in the central lowlands, La Selva includes a nature reserve that protects about 15 square kilometers (5.8 square miles) of virgin tropical rainforest. The research station is run by the Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS), and provides research for universities in Costa Rica and abroad. Prominent professors from all over the globe study tropical biodiversity and sustainable agriculture at this station. Appleseed Expeditions groups team up with researchers to volunteer and help with ongoing rainforest studies. Last year (2010), we had several teams helping a herpetologist study the breeding habits of red poison arrow frogs.

Pacuare River

The Pacuare River in Costa Rica has its source in the Cordillera de Talamanca, and flows almost 90 miles to the Caribbean ocean. This is the most popular white water rafting river experience in Costa Rica partly because of its challenging rapids and partly because of its tropical location. National Geographic stated that the Pacuare rates in the top 10 rivers to raft in the world. The rainforests that surround the river are home to exotic animal species such as jaguars, monkeys, ocelots, and a very large number of birds.

For more information or to schedule a class trip to Costa Rica please contact Appleseed Expeditions at info@appleseedexpeditions.com or go to www.appleseedexpeditions.com. We can also provide educational materials and resources to prepare you for your school adventure at no extra cost.

Ten Steps to Fundraising

You've done your research, you found the perfect location, you've selected the right team of students, and just as your excitement peaks, you receive your price quote. Nothing is worse than a higher bill than you've been anticipating, and unfortunately, cost is enough to halt all your plans.

Fortunately for you, this does not have to be the case! 

There are many ways to master the art of fundraising, and make your trip more affordable or even better, completely FREE! Though this may sound too good to be true, it is quite possible with proper planning and adequate resources. The best part about fundraising is the team will grow closer in the process, making your expedition even greater than expected.

Follow these 10 steps for a smooth and pleasant fundraising experience:

Step 1: Plan ahead of time. Planning = Money. The more time you have to earn the money, the more money you will earn towards your trip. By providing yourself adequate time before your money is due, you are setting yourself up for success. Know that it will take a minimum of six months to pull off your event. Accept this timeline and plan for about eight months.

Step 2: Define a goal. This is a dollar amount you want to raise.

Step 3: Motivate your team. If your team does not feel empowered to earn the funding, they will put in little effort and passion, which will hurt the potential success of your fundraiser.

Step 4: Define your target audience. Are you looking to get a group of parents to attend a school fundraiser, or are you looking for people with money to participate? Find the best method of fundraising catered to this defined audience. If you live in a busy area with a lot of traffic, host a carwash. If you live in a community where everyone knows each other, consider door-to-door sales. If you live in an affluent area, perhaps you can hold a fundraising event. Understand hosting an event may be a greater cost in itself, but it may be extremely helpful in paying much of your costs after the event takes place.

Step 5: Create a theme based on your target audience.

Step 6: Set up a projected financial spreadsheet to figure out what it is really going to cost to pull off your particular fundraiser. 

Step 7: Find a venue, and plan the event around the location. Create a "picture" of three possible event scenarios; good, better, and best. Begin by creating the smallest or "good" event, and as your fundraising progresses, you can add additional elements if they will earn back at least 10 times their cost. Otherwise, they'll only end up costing money. Remember, your purpose is to make money; not just throw a party. This is especially important when you start purchasing food. Be careful where you choose to spend the money you have, and make sure that at least 50% of the money collected actually makes it into the fundraiser cause. More than that is even better!

Step 8: Gather your materials. Take a look at your cost sheet and decide which services and materials you may be able to acquire through donations, and which ones will cost you money. Assign or agree to roles of responsibility to acquire each of the things you need - whether in money or donations. 

Step 9: Create a list of places and companies you want to ask to help. Come up with a brief, yet effective message for your audience, and find out what the process is to get them to help you. You should have materials prepared ahead of time that will be easy to distribute via email, fax, or computer forms so you can do immediate follow-up with potential donors and sponsors.

Step 10: Go! After all your efforts and planning you are now ready to begin fundraising. This should go smoothly and effectively. Your travelers will be grateful they can attend their trip at a discounted price while having fun at the same time!

*Attention Teachers! Look no further for fundraising ideas:

• http://www.fundraiserinsight.org/ideas/
• http://www.skillsusa.org/educators/frideas.shtml
• http://www.fasttrackfundraising.com/
• http://diyfundraising.com/fundraising-and-todays-busy-teacher/ 
• This site is particularly helpful as it highlights exactly how much money was earned for a particular fundraiser, as well as a project summary and tips for success.

No matter what the economy is up to, with proper planning, an affordable trip can be planned. Do you have a desire to partner with Appleseed Expeditions for a cost-efficient trip? Through education, service, and adventure, groups are able to receive a well-rounded trip full of learning, inspiration, and fun! For more information or to sign up for an educational tour, call Appleseed at (877) 889-7150 or visit www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.

The importance of getting our students involved in service-learning

Education is crucial in the shaping of our children. To allow our kids to fully understand the importance of this education, we must first make sure they acknowledge their importance. In turn, they will learn that they are critical to the improvement of the world. In order to build up the passion and desire to make a difference, we must lead them to see examples of what they are capable of doing. Education is a stepping stone towards this potential, and service-learning projects are the perfect opportunity to connect students to the world around them.


Participating in service-learning projects in school, does a few important things. First, it helps improve the lives of others around the world. Second, it enhances a child’s relationship with their immediate community and the world. It also demonstrates to children that their skills and mindsets are important to creating changes they want to see. Finally, it enhances their drive for deeper education, so they can not only benefit their own lives, but also benefit others and the world around them.


Service-learning allows students to think critically. To define a problem and discuss how they can assist with the solution to a particular issue. They are able to practice leadership by brainstorming and not only discussing the answer to a problem, but to create change by doing, thus observing their first-hand impact.


Through these steps that take place in service-learning, kids are able to understand their value, and will seek a similar path in the future for continued impact. Service-learning allows students to discover how education is connected to their lives, and how their lives are connected to the world. Educators should guide them to become proactive in their environment, rather than reactive. You should encourage them to stop, think, and do something positive in response. Hopefully, they will begin to realize: education is a tool (a source of empowerment) to make something greater, and they have a role in this transformation.


If you are interested in pursuing a service-learning trip with your students contact


info@appleseedexpeditions for some incredible service-learning opportunities. Or visit us at www.appleseedexpeditions.com.

Affordable One-Day Class Trips in Florida

Need to get away for a day? These popular destinations are perfect, affordable, unforgettable, and in close proximity to your destination of choice!

Visit a museum. Florida's museums and science centers offer interactive displays and a glimpse into art and history of the state. — National Museum of Naval Aviation, St. Augustine-Potter's Wax Museum and Lighthouse and Museum, Ringling Museums, Amelia Island Museum of History, Fantasy of Flight, World Golf Hall of Fame, Kennedy Space Center

Take in a festival. There are special events and festivals going on throughout the year across Florida. Whether you go for the arts and crafts, special entertainment or simply for the great food... these are great get-away-for-a-day fun.

Visit an aquarium or zoo. Animal parks, aquariums, and zoos provide a glimpse into Florida's sea creatures and wildlife. — SeaWorld Orlando, Discovery Cove, Lowry Park Zoo, Jungle Island, Lion Country Safari

Take a cruise. There are a variety of day cruises that depart from ports throughout the state as well as dinner cruises and themed cruises. -- Amelia River Cruises

Theme parks. Florida is famous for its theme parks and while admission prices may seem high, there are ways to find these at a discounted rate. If you order your tickets online, you’re likely to be rewarded twice: first with a discounted ticket price, and later with quicker entry to the park. You may even find discounts online for activities and dining within the park! – Wannado City, Universal Orlando, Silver Springs, Wet'nWild Orlando, Florida Aquarium, Daytona Lagoon, Disney World.

State parks. Florida has some brilliant state parks, offering admission at reasonable prices! – Caladesi Island State Park, Gamble Plantation Historic State Park, Homosassa Springs State Wildlife Park, Skyway Fishing Pier State Park, Stephen Foster Folk Culture Center State Park, Ybor City Museum State Park, Fort Clinch State Park।

Stroll through gardens. Florida is well known for its beautiful foliage and these gardens are worth the visit! – Bok Sanctuary: Gardens, Belltower and Estate, Flamingo Gardens.

Spend the day at a tourist attraction. There are so many great attractions all around Florida that can be enjoyed in a day from markets to historic sites, you will not be disappointed! – Downtown Fernandina Beach, St. Augustine, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Cedar Key, Edison-Ford Winter Estates, St. Pete Pier, Sunset Celebrations, The Little White House in Key West, Green Meadows Farm, Renninger's Twin Markets, Tarpon Springs.

Of course, don't forget about taking off for the beach or a nearby pool to catch some rays for a free day of fun in the sun!

No matter what the economy is up to, with proper planning, an affordable trip can be planned. Do you have a desire to partner with Appleseed Expeditions for a cost-efficient trip? Through education, service, and adventure groups are able to receive a well-rounded trip full of learning, inspiration and fun! For more information or to sign up for an educational tour, call Appleseed at (877) 889-7150 or visit www.AppleseedExpeditions.com.