Skip to main content
EF Go Ahead Tours logo

The story behind our September catalog cover

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the destination, photographer, and cover star featured on the front of our September catalog!

Our September catalog is here! This big book of travel dreams is more inspirational than ever—and not just because it’s where you’ll find your perfect trip. For the first time ever, the cover of the catalog was photographed by and features a member of our global travel family. Here’s your behind-the-scenes look at how this cover came to life!

Img

Discover the destination

Can you guess which country was the backdrop for this photoshoot? Did I hear someone say Costa Rica? If so, treat yourself to some fresh pineapple (or a piña colada). We’ll take some of each, please!

Carlos and Maikol, two members of our global travel family who live in Costa Rica, collaborated to capture the perfect cover image. You’ll learn more about them as you keep reading! Carlos spent the day photographing Maikol on the grounds of the organic pineapple farm he works at, which we visit on tour. The farm focuses on upholding the eco-friendly practices that Costa Rica is known for.

Visit the farm on tour

Img

Meet the photographer

The photographer who snapped the cover-worthy picture is Carlos, one of our Costa Rican Tour Directors. A licensed naturalist guide and National Geographic certified photography instructor, Carlos is as passionate about showing travelers the beauty of his home country as he is photographing it. Check out his Instagram to see his wow-worthy wildlife photos.

Carlos lives in the capital of San José and has more than twenty years of experience as a guide and photographer. Whether it’s through sharing expert knowledge or telling personal stories, it’s locals like Carlos who take your tour from being just a trip to one unforgettable travel experience.

Join a live, interactive Online Escape to meet Carlos!

Img

Say “hola” to the cover star

They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but the phrase really should be a picture can make a thousand people smile—or at least this photo can! Maikol is the star of our September catalog and one of the many locals you’ll meet on tour.

If there’s anyone who captures the essence of pura vida, it’s Maikol! He shares his passion for sustainable farming and tourism practices with every traveler who visits him at the organic pineapple farm he works at. Plus, he partners with his boss to create more opportunities for the people living in the rural region of Costa Rica where the farm is located.

Join a live, interactive Online Escape to meet Maikol!

Check out the e-version of our September catalog!

About the author

Emily Houston

Emily loves the simple travel moments—like watching hours pass by in minutes while sharing a meal and a laugh (or many) with her friends and family. Outside the office, you'll find Emily listening to anything and everything John Mayer, attempting to cook a New York Times recipe, or dreaming up her next trip.

Related tours

Skip to end of carousel
Extended: The Spring & Summer Flash Sale

Save up to $600 by 1/21

Save big on your spring or summer 2025 getaway today. Plus, secure last year’s tour prices before they increase. Dates are filling fast—don’t wait!†

Skip to start of carousel

More travel inspiration

Skip to end of carousel
Destinations

The Ultimate Europe Travel Guide: everything to know before planning your trip

World Travel

EF’s Responsible Supplier Guidelines

Destinations

Things to do in Lima, Peru, to experience its rich history and culture

Destinations

Your guide to the Mesa Verde cliff dwellings: ancient civilizations hidden in Colorado’s canyons

Travel tips

Exploring Himeji Castle: Japan’s graceful White Heron

Destinations

10 fun facts about Seoul’s Gyeongbokgung Palace and how to visit on tour

Travel tips

Things to do in Buenos Aires: The museums, galleries & street art you need to see on your next trip

Travel tips

The 12 best things to do in Buenos Aires for first-time travelers and returning visitors

Destinations

The best time to visit Japan: your month-to-month guide to planning the perfect Japanese vacation

Destinations

Exploring Arenal Volcano: Costa Rica’s sleeping giant

Travel tips

A food lover’s guide to Lima: What and where to eat on your next trip to Peru

Travel buzz

Is Colombia safe to visit? How a nation overcame conflict to welcome the world

Destinations

The best time to visit Costa Rica: a season-by-season guide to planning the perfect Costa Rican vacation

Travel tips

24 Hawaiian phrases and words to know before you go

Destinations

9 must-see attractions in Cartagena, Colombia

Travel tips

Lake Balaton, Tokaj, and Eger: These 3 Hungary wine regions are the hidden gems of Eastern Europe

Travel tips

Your one-stop packing list for vacation

Travel tips

How to spend 10 days in Turkey as a solo traveler

Travel buzz

Feeling the loneliness epidemic? You’re not alone! Here’s how guided group travel leads to new connections

Travel buzz

The best places to visit in 2024 and 2025 to see the northern lights

Skip to start of carousel