One of the most fantastic things about travel, for me as a plant geek, is seeing plants in their native habit. Or seeing things we think of as houseplants or annuals out in the landscape as perennials. Hibiscus hedge? Oh, yeah! Arriving in Rome and seeing those iconic pencil thin Cypress (Cupressus) and then stroking them and inhaling the fragrance. Lovely!

This love of plants is one of the reasons Costa Rica has become a favourite destination. It is known to be one of the most eco-diverse places on the planet, with more plants, birds, butterflies and more critters, including the famous sloth. You can get up in the morning, catch the sunrise in the evergreen jungle of the east coast, drive to high elevations and be in misty cloud forest for afternoon tea and still catch sunset in the deciduous forest of the west coast.

I love the mix of tender (for us) plants you can find in the landscape. Peace lilies and ZZ plants in the border, creeping fig climbing a six foot concrete wall. Yes, a hedge seven feet tall of flowering hibiscus, which I have struggled with as a houseplant. Too many photographs are taken just walking down an alley.

Want to do some good while you travel? We still can’t choose if our airline is using ‘eco-friendly’ fuel but we can choose more sustainable hotels on many of the apps. Have you heard of Pack With A Purpose? If you can make a little room in your suitcase you bring to your destination something the local community needs. You can choose from different groups including animal rescue, for example, who may be needing puppy pads or tick medication. Or simple search the area you’re visiting for dog rescues, schools, botanical gardens, beach clean-ups. They’d appreciate something you could slide in the suitcase. Large garbage bags, heavy duty gloves, crayons are just some of the things that might be needed. Leaves you a little extra room for the souvenirs on the way home, right?