Why should I book with Green Planet Expeditions instead of doing it myself?
Book with Green Planet Expeditions (GPE) for a journey beyond the ordinary. Our professional services offer unparalleled value and imaginative experiences tailored to your preferences. While the cost is comparable to what you might spend independently, the value you receive is unparalleled, we secure special rates and exclusive offers, ensuring elusive cost savings. Our dedicated experts handle every detail, providing access to the best guides, opportunities for upgrades, and cultural insights. Entrust us with your plans for a stress-free experience, with swift issue resolution. With GPE, your travel is not just a trip; it’s a curated adventure crafted with passion and expertise.

How long in advance should I book a Green Planet Expedition?
For an optimal travel experience, book your expedition with Green Planet Expeditions well in advance, preferably six months to a year before your intended departure. This is crucial for highly sought-after destinations like Antarctica, Peru (Machu Picchu), Ecuador (Galapagos Islands), Patagonia (Argentina and Chile), Costa Rica, and Colombia, which tend to sell out quickly. Early bookings enable us to intricately plan and customize your itinerary, securing the finest accommodations, expert guides, and exclusive experiences tailored to your preferences. This proactive approach guarantees availability and allows us to leverage our network for special rates, upgrades, and privileges, ensuring an unparalleled and seamlessly curated experience.

What is the typical timeframe for trip planning?
You can expect your initial itinerary to be within 24 to 48 hours after our introductory call where we understand your preferences. We delve into your interests, travel requirements, and style, discussing potential ideas for your chosen destination. Our team then crafts a bespoke itinerary, typically delivered within a couple of days; if more time is needed, we’ll inform you. This allows flexibility for refining trip details with your party before finalizing plans. For intricate needs, the planning process may extend, ensuring comprehensive attention to detail. Alternatively, if you’re eager to start your journey promptly, we can expedite the entire process, taking you from inquiry to flight arrangements within hours.

Is there a planning fee?
If you’re booking one of our pre-designed trips showcased on our website and require only a few adjustments, there are no additional fees. Our predesigned trips are not set in stone, they can be modified according to your needs. However, for our comprehensive custom trip planning service, which involves creating an entirely new itinerary with distinct destinations and activities beyond our existing offerings, a nominal fee is applicable if a third revision is necessary and involves substantial changes. Starting at $250 per party, this fee reflects the dedicated hours we invest in researching and curating a tailor-made trip proposal aligned with your unique interests and budget. Importantly, the planning fee is a valuable investment credited toward the total cost of your trip upon confirmation, ensuring a seamless transition from the planning phase to the execution of your personalized adventure. For trips departing within 4 weeks of your initial contact, an additional rush fee of $500 per party applies. Please note that this rush fee is separate and not applied to the cost of the itinerary. It accounts for the priority we assign to rearranging other bookings to accommodate your last-minute travel needs, reflecting our commitment to providing exceptional service.

Will I be joining a group?
Only if you want. We do offer group departures, primarily tailored for families seeking shared experiences with children of similar ages and interests, and also for trips that involve big vessels like Antarctica and Galapagos Islands, etc. If you wish to initiate a group for a particular date with other like-minded travelers, kindly notify us at least 11 months in advance. This allows us to showcase the proposed group trip on our website, facilitating the inclusion of additional participants. A non-refundable deposit will be requested and the amount varies according to the destination.
The majority of our trips, however, are designed as private experiences, providing considerable flexibility for your party. While private journeys ensure a personalized adventure, it’s worth noting that certain side excursions, particularly on trips like Antarctica, Patagonia, and Galapagos Islands, may be conducted on a shared basis. This can be attributed to cost-saving measures or compliance with regulations set forth by operators or park administrations, ensuring a seamless and enriching travel experience.

What type of trips do you plan?
We provide a range of experiences, including luxury escapes, adventure journeys, cultural exploration, family-friendly adventures, and wellness retreats. Each experience is personalized unless you opt for a group expedition. For any destination deemed safe, we can plan your journey.

What are the distinctive features and experiences that characterize your trips?

Our trips are infused with distinct flavors:

Positive Impact
Contribute to the areas you visit, creating a positive impact, either directly or indirectly.

Local Guides
Enjoy the expertise of amazing private local guides.

Physically driven adventures
Active components such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, kayaking, trekking, or participating in surf lessons or yoga classes. These activities provide a profound sense of accomplishment and are tailored to your needs.

Boutique Hotels
Stay in lovely small boutique hotels tailored to your budget.

Less-Known Destinations
Explore off-the-beaten-path locations, reserved for the daring few, engaging in intimate encounters with locals—a cherished treasure highly valued by discerning travelers.

Excellent Cuisine
Indulge in good food, regardless of how remote the destination is, as we strive to offer excellent cuisine.

I have already made arrangements for certain aspects of my trip. Is it possible for you to
exclusively organize the activities or experiences for me?
Our service entails a comprehensive approach to trip planning. We cannot organize individual activities or experiences independently of the entire itinerary. Our commitment to delivering a seamless and cohesive travel experience involves meticulous coordination of all aspects, from accommodations to activities, to ensure a harmonious and well-integrated journey. By handling the complete planning process, we can guarantee the highest quality and consistency throughout your trip.

Who oversees that everything goes smoothly during our trip for our well-being?
For a seamless journey, your dedicated Travel Master oversees all aspects of your trip, collaborating with trusted partners on-site. They handle day-to-day operations, answer questions, and provide 24/7 emergency contact. We provide necessary contact details before your arrival, prioritizing local partners for their prompt response and effective communication in the local language. With over two decades of relationship-building, we ensure you receive genuine care and support from our extensive network.

Do I need to get Travel Insurance?
Yes. To prioritize your safety and follow our policy, travel insurance is a mandatory requirement for your Green Planet Expeditions trip. We encourage you to explore various options for travel insurance, and while we have recommended providers, you have the flexibility to purchase insurance from any source that best suits your preferences and needs.

What defines a Travel Master?
At Green Planet Expeditions, we’ve broken the mold, redefining the standard. Our Travel Masters, with experiences ranging from residency, birth, and extensive travel, to professional engagements, possess an intimate understanding of their destinations. Emphasizing human connection, we understand that entrusting someone with your precious vacation time is a significant decision. We want you to feel in the best hands, ensuring your journey is not only expertly curated but also personally attuned to your desires.
We actively stay informed through continuous education, participating in seminars, and engaging with local guides, hotel owners, etc. Our commitment extends to annual familiarization trips, ensuring we are well-versed in the latest offerings. With a network of local partners keeping us informed, we, as Travel Masters, also take the time to enjoy well-deserved vacation moments ourselves. For us, Travel Masters, the essence of our existence is woven into the fabric of travel. It’s not just a passion; it’s a way of life, a perpetual exploration that enriches our souls and defines our being.

How can we work together?
It takes just a few steps:

Choose Your Destination
Explore and select your dream destination. Unsure? Call us for personalized ideas or check our pre-designed itineraries for inspiration.

Tailored Preferences
Share your travel preferences by phone or online form. After getting to know you a bit, we’ll craft an initial itinerary, offering free customization. For extensive revisions, a $250 planning fee deposit may apply, credited towards the trip cost upon confirmation.

Seal the Deal
Secure your trip with a 50% deposit or the required amount. We assist with insurance and flights for a seamless experience.

Get Mandatory Travel Insurance
Your safety is paramount. Obtain mandatory travel insurance within 15 days of booking for additional coverage.

Predeparture E-packet and Travel-related Gift
Upon deposit, receive a Predeparture e- packet with your itinerary and a thoughtful gift for first-time travelers. Enjoy loyalty program discounts for repeat travelers.

Final Preparations
Final payment is due 60 days before departure. A month before, receive a Final E-packet with crucial details, including 24/7 WhatsApp support.

Memorable Journey
We’re with you every step, ensuring an extraordinary adventure. Prompt
follow-ups for any needs during your trip.