Spring Break in Costa Rica

College is the time to experience life on your own, learn, meet different people, and, in this case, travel sustainably. With the guidance and company of Professor Stuchel, a group of students taking his ecotourism class will be traveling to Costa Rica for the Spring.

In an interview with Professor Stuchel, he explained that the students learned in his Eco Tourism class how tour operators and tourist destinations can operate ethically by minimizing the environmental impact and supporting the local economy. He mentioned the first eight weeks of the course are online, and then week 9 is the trip. Following the trip, there are two weeks of reflection and wrapping up the class.

I was shown the trip itinerary by a student, and it included many exciting, adventurous, and educational activities. One day after arrival, the students were able to visit a coffee plantation and sample the products they sell. The itinerary also mentions visiting hot springs on the same day. On day three, the students got a tour of a chocolate farm and saw hanging bridges as well. The next day, the student traveled by van and boat through the beautiful Costa Rican scenery and into the cloud forest. Then, on day five, students could experience ziplining through some more stunning Costa Rican scenery, and they had the option to explore suspended bridges of the forest canopy or go horse riding in the hills. The itinerary then stated that students would visit Manuel Antonio National Park on day six. Another option that day was for students to relax at the beach in the fun surf town. The itinerary suggested learning salsa in town that night. Then, on day seven, students went white water rafting in Quepos and Manuel Antonio National Park. For the last day, the itinerary suggests that students can chill on the beach in the morning, and then the whole group would later take a bus back to the capital. The group of students was then scheduled to fly out the next day.

During my interview with Professor Stuchel, I asked him about specific ways students can be sustainable on their own trips for spring break. He suggested buying local. This supports the economy and avoids buying travel bottles that create extra waste sometimes. Another way was buying meaningful souvenirs and not wasting money or resources on objects or clothing that might just get thrown away. Lastly he mentioned offsetting the carbon footprint of flight or other travel by donating to foundations that help the goal or by walking as much as possible.

Lastly, I asked Pofessor Stuchel why he would recommend the trip, and he said, “It's a great trip for people who haven't traveled abroad because they speak English. They take U.S. dollars, they are very friendly, and there are sloths, monkeys, and other wildlife.” Overall, it is a great list of activities, and the feedback from one student I talked to was extremely positive.