https://www.explorer-x.com/home daily 1.0 2026-05-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1667419371917-V2PSBYK4QQXCQNKXXPHB/unsplash-image-hRRjixxRgfQ.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696276262372-ME7KZTUJEPGNYJ3QHW0M/robin-stuart-B_Asz7tHO6g-unsplash.jpg Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1566588114619-EWAMT6524PDTDLES7BOV/nytimes-logo-png-new-york-times.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1733936950221-ZPWA5F0YS65IK69A7MHA/AFAR+%281%29.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1590003595447-WROG2EIOI9T324FTOYNT/national-geographic-traveler-vector-logo.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1566587960604-YXFXK9SPCFZ3F5P1MHM7/Forbes-Black-Logo-PNG-03003.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1566587960424-N672A64XNWBV2DZ83Z4J/SeattleMet+Logo.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1733937049185-I3UAG8MRNMZN2MASKBHI/Seattle+Times+%281%29.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1629935327402-WJRU0ZRXGHQ9Y4TL5GT6/Newsweek.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1566587900459-951JU8K9T1DJG9Q0NO38/Vox-Gray.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1566587900301-PIZEA9C9UO9WOZ5V72LG/Washington-Post-Logo-1.png Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a97f2374-44db-455d-b2b6-7a94739c45ef/cole-keister-b0d5Wjl6-9c-unsplash.jpg Home - Destination: Unknown We plan your experience with thoughtfulness and meticulous detail, but don’t reveal your destination and what you are going to do there until 1—2 days before you depart! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/4b620c7b-3c4b-440b-9876-3630e42dcbb2/unsplash-image-5dusgr_R35E.jpg Home - Custom Travel Handcrafted travel experiences personalized just for you based on your interests, budget, timelines, how you like to travel, and why you are going on this adventure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/7a7c19ed-d361-4086-a05a-ec6f603674db/pexels-taryn-elliott-4858581.jpg Home - Why Travel with X Simple: Experience and Connections. We have spent decades building friendships, relationships, and connections around the world — local guides, accommodation providers, and experts — that allow us to share special access to people, places, and moments with you. Our travel experiences will take you to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world and peel back the curtain on some of its most unique cultures. From Australia to Zimbabwe and just about everywhere in between, our team of experienced travel designers has been there — and we would be honored to work with you on planning your next travel experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f9747d69-6324-405c-b85f-32f020181eea/pexels-vlada-karpovich-7368311.jpg Home - What it Means to Travel with X When you plan your next adventure with us, your expert travel designer will work with you to handcraft an extraordinary itinerary that offers: – Immersive experiences with local guides, experts, and friends – Boutique hotels full of charm, character, and warmth – Pace/flow grounded in the concepts of Slow, Mindful Travel – Endless opportunities for connection, learning, and growth – Sustainable design to minimize environmental impact Our Travel Designers have spent decades exploring the world, gathering experiences, building relationships, and honing their skills as artisans of adventure. Working alongside our partners and colleagues around the world, your Travel Designer will craft an itinerary customized just for you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/271aa70d-d455-4abd-9bd4-f9149172f503/pexels-taryn-elliott-3889991.jpg Home - About Our Travel Experiences As we begin our Journey together, there are a few points to keep in mind: – The travel experiences we design average 10 days in length – Most of the travel experiences we design start at $20,000 – We work best with people who travel for learning and growth – The ideal time to begin planning is 4–6+ months before departure – We only plan travel experiences outside of the United States Whether you are ready to begin planning your Journey or simply want to learn more about how we work, we invite you to reach out to us to begin a conversation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/59b3d842-b618-4201-8a49-06ef213e8bcb/unsplash-image-a6mfMjCFkII.jpg Home - Where to Explore with X Our travel designers have spent decades exploring the world, from iconic destinations like Chile and France to under-the-radar hidden gems like the Faroe Islands and Mongolia. We’ve walked the streets, stayed in the hotels, shared meals at family-run tables, met the makers and guides, and experienced the privately guided moments that truly bring a place to life. Over time, we’ve built not just knowledge, but perspective and a deep understanding of what transforms a trip into something truly meaningful. Just as importantly, we work hand-in-hand with trusted local partners on the ground — the people who open doors, introduce us to their communities, and help us uncover the stories, history, culture, and spirit of each destination. These relationships allow us to design thoughtfully crafted, highly personalized journeys rooted in connection. We intentionally focus on a select group of destinations where we have genuine expertise and deep relationships; you’ll find those detinations at the link below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/cba19a71-bc50-4e3d-84aa-9323737d9b67/unsplash-image-LarvHiXifpA.jpg Home - Our Value Proposition Most of our travelers end up paying a 10—15% premium to work with us … which is an incredible value when you consider all that you get for your money: – Expert travel design and itinerary development – Handpicked accommodations, guides, and experiences – Local knowledge and connections from our in-country team – Destination documents / information to guide your Journey – Technology to help make your adventures seamless – On-trip support in case unforeseen challenges arise Ultimately, perhaps the best value you receive when working with us is your time back. Rather than spending dozens of hours researching hotels, tours, transfer options, etc., we handle all of that for you so that you can spend your time with the people and on the things that are most important to you. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal daily 0.75 2026-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1742271337724-BB1XFF50LGA4QGD08G74/unsplash-image-9t8kaFr-Xc0.jpg Journal & Blog https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2026/5/20/destination-slovenia monthly 0.5 2026-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/7fa4138c-d5a2-41db-98a9-265f4e9cf4fb/image+%281%29.jpg Journal & Blog - Destination: Slovenia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2026/5/5/destination-unknown-nbspits-like-a-trust-fall-but-in-travel monthly 0.5 2026-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1778002976540-LM5LUAC1E3B52A2W2ZH3/unsplash-image-nXt5HtLmlgE.jpg Journal & Blog - It's Like a Trust Fall, But in Travel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2026/4/22/why-japan-breaks-every-rule-you-use-to-plan-a-trip monthly 0.5 2026-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899119302-9O9PJ4XFFNS0C33VQ7GZ/IMG_2459+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899116121-6DARZWROVVWG819TIV98/IMG_2526+4.jpg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899132933-FX5E87IP8V2B1C3TS1N3/IMG_2700+2.jpg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899133519-345VKGJSZYOUKRT2UYIV/IMG_2960+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899143785-U8TXYL79LLFFUKO97R2O/IMG_6905+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899141124-OYSDDV7A4D6KJX6W7CNL/IMG_6992+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899154585-X3PP68E6L26R4O3HTGMH/IMG_7016+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899152194-8A34HW07OS4QN3XAP46J/IMG_7055+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899162943-SXQVTMD7QN117JUPKAGW/IMG_7139+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899163084-AZ6TVWAUL9V00CZGCSHD/IMG_7174+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899166797-G8IBXN5N66HYKY0HP987/IMG_7181+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899167354-U9XSUJ9SUU3W6PVIA7EC/IMG_7204+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899170029-SPKKU0820YZMOTGA8CTR/IMG_7235+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899180821-QJD1A9BQ7T1NYLND58VK/IMG_7242+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899175896-6TO31UNJ7KMJE09YRGR4/IMG_7305+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899181517-4YXWFIAQT5AK69JU2LUG/IMG_7320+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899198588-ENFYX7O1KDFTV0CHD46Y/IMG_7752+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899213860-RGRHHCJQNNTUUTQN29FL/IMG_7762+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899219062-QM27OBBT8IYK4AOWCGB5/IMG_7875+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899223215-DK8XENGO8KYURON1L3NM/IMG_7899+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899241340-65TY9CSYMGJ7E6886WO5/IMG_7922+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899240268-9WE2GBRET6YJK1ZDNW88/IMG_8027+3.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899250768-08TM6FLT6B2XUFLN9IX7/IMG_9407+3.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1776899249454-OXDOUR3MLLTZL627KNWI/IMG_8042+3.jpeg Journal & Blog - Why Japan Breaks Every Rule You Use to Plan a Trip https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2026/4/15/the-rise-of-destination-unknown monthly 0.5 2026-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/16d96b04-0ed5-4a8a-bf7c-143c3f200968/getty-images-zs28eUDmwNE-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - The Rise of Destination: Unknown - What Is Destination: Unknown? For anyone newer to this idea, Destination: Unknown is, at its core, still everything you have come to expect from an Explorer X experience: A highly personalized, thoughtfully designed travel experience built entirely around your interests, your pace, your budget, your timeline, and more. Every hotel, every guide, every transfer, every activity is curated with the same care and intention we bring to all of our trips. The difference is simple: We choose the destination for you ... But we don’t tell you where you’re going or what you’ll be doing there until just a day or two before departure. That’s it. That’s the twist. And that twist changes … everything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/66296d0a-3de2-4636-a418-fd7cd3fc8019/getty-images-xP9aeD0kNTk-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - The Rise of Destination: Unknown - Identifying the Destination: Unknown Traveler The travelers who choose Destination: Unknown are, in many ways, the same people who are drawn to Explorer X in the first place. They’re busy. They don’t have the time or the desire to plan their own travel. They value expertise, trusted relationships, and having someone guide them toward the right experience. But there’s a layer deeper beyond that. The travelers who ultimately choose Destination: Unknown tend to share a more pronounced sense of curiosity about the world. They want to slow down and, in the process, engage more deeply. Perhaps most importantly, they’re drawn to how travel can shift perspectives, introduce new ways of thinking, and create meaningful connections with people and place. They choose this kind of journey because, on some level, they hope and expect it to change them. They may not know exactly how. But they trust that stepping into something unknown — something they didn’t choose, plan, and/or predict — will open a door. And that when they return home, something about the way they see the world, and move through it, will be different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d946a829-75df-4755-b909-a45ae8b7fdcf/mushaboom-studio-GBnnAurWXyk-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - The Rise of Destination: Unknown - Why People Choose DU: Decision Fatigue For many of the people we work with, life is full. They’re managing careers, businesses, and teams. They’re raising families. Coordinating schedules. Making decisions all day long; some small and inconsequential, others significant and high-stakes. What’s for dinner? Who’s picking up the kids? When should I schedule that meeting? What do I prioritize next? What to say yes to. What to say no to. Dozens or even hundreds of decisions, every single day. And somewhere along the way, even travel, which is meant to be restorative and fun, becomes another layer of pressure and another set of decisions to make: Where to go. When to go. Which hotel. Which experiences. Is this the best option? Is there something better? It adds up. And for many, it becomes exhausting. Even debilitating. Destination: Unknown offers something rare in that context: Relief. The opportunity to step away from the noise and the mental load. To release the responsibility of choosing … not out of indifference, but out of trust. To know that someone else is holding that decision with care, intention, and perspective. And in doing so, to create space to breathe. To anticipate. To simply experience what’s to come without having to manage it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/7c8f910c-d280-4212-9b28-1635f2a91e88/getty-images-Zp1ZAw0tusg-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - The Rise of Destination: Unknown - Why People Choose DU: The Desire to Feel Alive For others, the motivation is different. It’s not about the number of decisions they’re making, but rather how their days are starting to feel. Full, yes. Meaningful, in many ways. But also structured. Predictable. Repeated. Life has a rhythm to it, and over time, that rhythm can begin to feel a little too familiar. A bit dulled. Mundane, even. There’s a quote from Joseph Campbell that captures this perfectly: “People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning for life. I don’t think that’s what we’re really seeking. I think that what we’re seeking is an experience of being alive.” That idea resonates deeply with many of the travelers who choose Destination: Unknown. They’re not looking to escape their lives. They’re looking to feel something within them again. When you don’t know where you’re going, the experience begins long before the trip itself. Anticipation shifts. Curiosity builds. There’s a sense of energy around the unknown — an excitement that’s hard to replicate when everything is already decided. You’re not retracing someone else’s steps. You’re not following a script. You’re stepping into something unknown, and that has a way of waking you up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/fa1ceb6a-5a26-4093-961d-909022de79fe/getty-images-ztljKZZOo0I-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - The Rise of Destination: Unknown - Why People Choose DU: Reclaiming (or Creating) Their Identity The third theme is more personal: Self-identity. For some travelers, choosing Destination: Unknown is about reconnecting with a part of themselves that feels a bit distant. The version of them that was more curious. More spontaneous. More open to saying yes without needing to know exactly how things would unfold. Life has a way of narrowing us over time: Responsibilities grow. Patterns settle in. We begin to choose what is familiar, what is proven, what feels safe. And in that process, it’s easy to lose touch with that more expansive, open version of ourselves. For these travelers, Destination: Unknown becomes a way back. A way to reconnect with that sense of curiosity and possibility; to remind themselves that they are still willing to step into something new, to be surprised, to feel that sense of discovery again. It’s not about doing something extreme. It’s about returning to a part of themselves that they don’t want to lose. For others, it’s not about reconnecting, but becoming. They’re earlier in their travel journey, in many cases just starting to travel internationally. They haven’t yet fully defined themselves as travelers, but they know they don’t want to follow the common path. They want something different, something that reflects who they’re growing into. For them, Destination: Unknown is a way to step into that identity. To choose something that feels a bit bolder, a bit less predictable. To begin to see themselves as someone who is open, curious, and willing to embrace the unknown. And in doing so, they don’t just experience something new. They start to become someone new, too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/8cc89584-c009-4c74-9d21-d9199f06dc71/getty-images-5BC1oxd8Fx0-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - The Rise of Destination: Unknown - Why People Choose DU: The Gift of the Journey The most meaningful part of Destination: Unknown is not always the trip itself. In fact, it usually isn’t. It’s what happens after the trip. When travelers return home, they often carry with them more than memories. There’s a shift — sometimes subtle, sometimes more pronounced — in how they approach their lives. They tend to be more comfortable with uncertainty. More willing to say yes to things they can’t fully control. More open to new experiences, even in their everyday routines. They become a bit more spontaneous. A bit more curious. A bit more willing to follow something simply because it feels interesting, rather than because it’s been planned or proven. And over time, those small shifts gently compound to transform our experience of life. They turn into a different way of being in — and a different way of moving through — the world. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2026/4/9/a-different-way-to-think-about-travel-this-year monthly 0.5 2026-04-12 https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2026/3/11/slowing-down-on-a-journey-through-spain monthly 0.5 2026-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248202980-OKH1RNC2S0DPLFEHIWNH/IMG_8750.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248218103-APS0OCYAEJLF36USQH7E/IMG_8753.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248218065-QNTZZ2OZRX7JFMYKVYTG/IMG_8756.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248251461-18WMYML5L2OUYMUPQ2BJ/IMG_8768.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248268384-SJFMF84SZR6BY5QLA9Y0/IMG_8772.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248280115-WAS8JJ5BNZ1PYR6FFKUA/IMG_8781.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248292385-MPIYU51XQF9MB3WDEC7B/IMG_8791.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248318847-C71SSGB6ZE06U33NLVIY/IMG_8797.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248301230-CM3IANT0PP5ZREP14F3A/IMG_8798.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248311068-B49IE48IHDAVQIWJNQR5/IMG_8808+2.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248342734-2WR9M4TZ4S11XWTVF3B4/IMG_8826.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248347917-EDOTIVUJ24QCXFGY4MN0/IMG_8829.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248432660-8ME32G84TKO6ZKC2RAV7/IMG_8835.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248482618-OCUY37GU86OSZDE7FW3Z/IMG_8878.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248502295-3DPUYC0AKQFM1CJZFRSO/IMG_8883.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1773248515131-N7WHN9UGGET7V8FIHNJ4/IMG_8885.jpg Journal & Blog - Slowing Down on a Journey Through Spain https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2026/2/25/our-favorite-under-the-radar-destinations-to-visit-in-2026 monthly 0.5 2026-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1772052108060-JO089IOD40M0PB5G30IO/unsplash-image-yzt1-J3BPwQ.jpg Journal & Blog - 7 Under-the-Radar Destinations to Explore in 2026 - Uruguay Often overshadowed by its larger neighbors, Uruguay is quietly one of South America’s most soulful destinations. Along the Atlantic coast, golden beaches stretch from the sophisticated shores of Punta del Este to the bohemian calm of José Ignacio. In Montevideo, life unfolds slowly along the Rambla, where locals gather nightly to sip mate and watch the sun slip into the sea. The food scene is grounded in tradition — wood-fired asado, fresh seafood, handmade pastas influenced by Italian heritage — paired beautifully with robust Tannat wines from small, family-run vineyards near Carmelo. Beyond the coast, rolling countryside and estancias offer horseback riding, cycling, and wide-open skies. With the right local introductions — winemakers, artists, chefs — Uruguay reveals itself not as flashy, but as deeply authentic, warm, and wonderfully unhurried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/31b59b56-1ed1-4b3e-aa7a-a28c2b499e07/unsplash-image-qGpfKldqKq0.jpg Journal & Blog - 7 Under-the-Radar Destinations to Explore in 2026 - Mongolia Vast, untamed, and profoundly humbling, Mongolia is for travelers craving space — both physical and mental. The steppe rolls endlessly beneath big skies, dotted with white gers and roaming horses. In the Gobi Desert, dunes rise dramatically from the earth, while in the north, alpine lakes and forests invite hiking and horseback exploration. But Mongolia’s true magic lies in its people. Connecting with nomadic families offers rare insight into a way of life shaped by resilience, hospitality, and deep respect for nature. Meals are simple and hearty, stories are shared around the stove, and modern distractions fade quickly. It’s not luxury in the traditional sense — but it is richness in experience. A journey here invites perspective, stillness, and awe in equal measure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1772056959620-RKVJ59Q4YG82LQEPE12O/unsplash-image-AAVR8hB75ko.jpg Journal & Blog - 7 Under-the-Radar Destinations to Explore in 2026 - The Faroe Islands Suspended between Iceland and Norway, the Faroe Islands feel almost mythic. Emerald cliffs plunge into the North Atlantic, waterfalls tumble directly into the sea, and mist drapes across dramatic headlands in ever-changing light. This is a destination for hikers, photographers, and anyone drawn to raw landscapes. But beyond the scenery, there’s a fascinating Nordic culture — centuries-old turf houses, tight-knit villages, and a surprisingly innovative culinary scene centered on hyper-local seafood and lamb. With private guides who know the rhythm of the weather and the quiet corners away from cruise traffic, the Faroes become more than dramatic views. They become an immersive lesson in resilience, simplicity, and life at the edge of the world. (Michael’s Note: This is not under the radar for Explorer X – As many of you know, I talk about the Faroes all the time!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1772058588696-9Q347IQKP5WIR17SJQRC/unsplash-image-uqB-Rzbm6BY.jpg Journal & Blog - 7 Under-the-Radar Destinations to Explore in 2026 - Colombia Colombia is one of the most dynamic countries in Latin America today — vibrant, creative, and alive with possibility. Cartagena’s colorful colonial streets pulse with music and Caribbean flavor, while Medellín’s innovation story offers powerful insight into resilience and reinvention. In the coffee region, lush hills invite slow mornings at family-run fincas, learning the craft behind every cup. Along the Caribbean coast, protected beaches and jungle-lined coves provide space to unwind. The cuisine is regional and diverse — tropical fruits you’ve never tasted before, fresh ceviches, hearty mountain fare. With thoughtful local connections — historians, coffee growers, artists — Colombia reveals itself as a place of depth, warmth, and extraordinary transformation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1772057790658-8NFXA3WWPS20J681804H/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 7 Under-the-Radar Destinations to Explore in 2026 - Georgia At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Georgia feels both ancient and undiscovered. Tbilisi’s winding streets and carved wooden balconies hint at Persian, Russian, and Ottoman influences layered across centuries. Georgia is a dream for wine lovers — often called the birthplace of wine, with 8,000 years of tradition and clay qvevri vessels still used today. Meals here are feasts: khachapuri, dumplings, garden herbs, and endless toasts during a traditional supra. Beyond the cities, the Caucasus Mountains offer hiking, horseback riding, and alpine scenery that rivals anywhere in Europe — without the crowds. With local hosts guiding intimate tastings and village visits, Georgia delivers culture, cuisine, and connection in abundance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1772057980937-3UQ88Q8I0M2SYOQ8ML5J/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 7 Under-the-Radar Destinations to Explore in 2026 - Namibia Namibia is a study in scale and silence. Towering rust-colored dunes rise from the Namib Desert, skeletal trees stand in white clay pans, and the night sky feels impossibly close. Wildlife experiences in Etosha National Park offer intimate, less crowded safaris — elephants and lions gathering at watering holes beneath vast horizons. Along the Skeleton Coast, shipwrecks and seals create an almost surreal landscape. Luxury here is understated and beautifully integrated into the environment — remote lodges designed for privacy, stargazing decks, guided desert walks. Namibia is ideal for travelers who crave open space, striking photography, and moments that feel cinematic yet deeply grounding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/3ffafdcc-658d-4ac7-aa17-4b82c5075b73/ales-krivec-Hzmxat7aFgk-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - 7 Under-the-Radar Destinations to Explore in 2026 - Slovenia Compact yet remarkably diverse, Slovenia blends Alpine peaks, Adriatic charm, and wine country elegance into one accessible destination. Ljubljana is effortlessly charming — pedestrian-friendly, café-lined, and environmentally conscious. Lake Bled’s iconic island church draws photographers, while Triglav National Park offers hiking, cycling, rafting, and mountain adventures that feel active yet approachable. In the wine regions, boutique producers pour crisp whites and natural wines alongside farm-to-table cuisine rooted in seasonality. Slovenia is ideal for travelers who want Europe’s beauty and culture without the intensity of overtourism. With the right local guides and thoughtfully designed pacing, it becomes a seamless blend of nature, gastronomy, and relaxed sophistication. (Michael’s Note: Another destination that is popular among our traveler community, so perhaps not under-the-radar to you.) https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2026/2/14/why-travel-insurance-is-one-of-the-smartest-decisions-youll-make monthly 0.5 2026-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ccde16ab-6079-4121-81b7-c8e2255e9c6d/gustopo-galang-FkOoGsh-R5U-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - Why Travel Insurance Is One of the Smartest Decisions You’ll Make - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/4293b39f-42fb-498a-8f14-760bbf823b10/imhaf-maulana--DI8yJMezW4-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - Why Travel Insurance Is One of the Smartest Decisions You’ll Make - Wanderwell Travel Insurance While you are welcome to use any provider you prefer, our recommendation is Wanderwell, based out of Portland, OR. Their customer service is outstanding, and they advocate for customers — setting proper expectations, providing personable guidance to prepare a thorough claim, and following up to reduce delays — which is why we partner with them. If you'd like to learn more about the benefits of travel insurance and/or ask any specific questions you may have, click the button below to connect with the folks at Wanderwell. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2026/1/26/iceland-6-things-i-learned monthly 0.5 2026-04-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/bc6b241e-ee67-450a-8b11-2af2f83251d3/Header+Photo+2.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned - Make it stand out Photo by Kelly Studer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545509623-KRFAXSP4HW5B4299M8F8/unsplash-image-meOFNlRbHmY.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned - 1. Iceland Is One of the Safest Places I’ve Ever Traveled Iceland stands out for how safe it feels — not just statistically, but emotionally. There’s virtually no crime, no military, and I don’t remember seeing a police officer even once. Trust is simply part of everyday life. One guide told me it’s common for people to leave their car keys on the hood while they go explore nearby nature. When I arrived at Deplar Farm, they showed me to my room but didn’t give me a key. Naturally, I was a bit puzzled and confused. I was told I didn’t really need one — they wanted it to feel like staying in a home with friends. Iceland is one of the few places I’ve traveled where personal safety never crossed my mind. I didn’t feel the need to be on guard, and that absence of concern created a sense of calm I noticed right away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1c69b61f-ba04-4335-ae68-fe967a21337e/unsplash-image-Sfg1aQlU0bA.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned - 2. If You Think It’s “Too Cold,” Think Again Iceland’s Arctic-adjacent location gives it a reputation for extreme cold, but the reality is more nuanced. Thanks to the Gulf Stream and North Atlantic current, winter temperatures often hover around freezing — much milder than many inland places at the same latitude. Wind and weather changes are real, and some days feel colder than the thermometer suggests. But with proper layers, it’s very manageable…and surprisingly comfortable. What truly offsets the cold is Iceland’s hot spring, hot tub, and sauna culture. After a blustery day outdoors, soaking in warm water or spending time in a sauna feels incredible. And as you would guess, there are cold plunge opportunities for the brave. The contrast doesn’t just make the cold tolerable — it makes the whole experience better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545659903-TK3J2CJ6YDSNO8AGPKM9/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned - 3. It’s Basically Impossible Not to Slow Travel in Iceland I couldn’t help but notice how calm, focused, and relaxed I felt the entire time I was traveling in Iceland. Maybe it’s the cold that naturally slows you down, the rhythm of the land, the hot spring and sauna culture, or the easy going ways of the Icelandic locals. Either way, it works magic on your nervous system. It is larger than many people expect, with long stretches of road and very little development. The vastness and emptiness is remarkable. You can drive for hours and pass nothing but land, sky, waterfalls, glaciers, and volcanic fields — and that’s kind of the point. There’s something mesmerizing about this place. Mother Nature reigns supreme here. She’s both quiet and very loud at the same time. If you’re used to being busy and over-scheduled in your everyday life, Iceland is the perfect antidote. Doing less doesn’t feel like missing out, it feels like more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1167b947-2e6d-4c54-925e-c747428966d9/4+v2.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned - 4. Low-Key Luxury Is Where Iceland Truly Shines This might surprise you, but “luxury” accommodations are relatively new in Iceland. Over the last several years, more high-end hotels and villas have emerged — and they all seem to share the same approach. Luxury here is relaxed and low-key, never formal or fussy. It’s down-to-earth, attentive without being precious, and warm and personal rather than stiff or performative. What stood out to me most is how naturally this mirrors Icelandic culture itself. Deplar Farm, in the north, is a perfect example. This all-inclusive, 13-room retreat is remote, intimate, understated, and entirely choose-your-own-adventure — from heli-skiing and surfing to full spa mode. One of my favorite “little” details? They serve a savory snack every day at 6pm … and they’ll find you wherever you are to offer it. More often than not, they found me soaking in the outdoor hot spring with a cocktail in hand. Truly heaven. It felt less like a hotel and more like a beautiful house shared with friends: cozy spaces, playful touches (including Viking costumes), incredible seasonal food served at a communal table, and even a custom playlist you can turn on in your room. I could write a whole post just about this place! In the south, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon Hotel, which opened in 2024, offers a different kind of magic. The rooms are beautifully designed, the dining is excellent, and the hot tubs and saunas overlook a lake with a glacier in the background. It was such a delight to see guests wandering around in robes and slippers, moving between hot tubs and lounge areas as if that were exactly how the place was meant to be enjoyed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/78f48cf3-63dd-4604-9b3a-eeaa0b5a3ac0/unsplash-image-VTzcKDm7Sug.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned - 5. Start (and End) Your Trip Right Most U.S.-based flights arrive early in the morning. My recommendation? Start your trip with a night in Reykjavik. From the airport, it’s about a 45–60 minute drive into the city. Drop your bags at your hotel, grab a bite to eat at one of the city’s excellent food halls, and then head straight to Sky Lagoon. Spending a few hours soaking there and experiencing their 7-step Skjól ritual is one of the best ways to recover from jet lag. It’s relaxing, stunningly beautiful, and very Icelandic. By the time you’re done, hotel check-in feels perfectly timed. On the other end, consider spending your last night at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon or its sister property, Silica Hotel. This is your last chance to indulge in their world-famous hot spring and spa, potentially see the Northern Lights, and it’s an easy 15-minute drive to the airport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/eb092b94-976e-4f89-9786-dbaf227ba75d/unsplash-image-va_nrBLonf8.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned - 6. When to Go Depends Entirely on What You Want Iceland has something special to offer in every season; it really comes down to what kind of experience you want. Deep Winter (mid-Nov–mid-Feb): Best Northern Lights viewing, ice caves, dramatic frozen landscapes, fewer crowds, and slightly better pricing (except over the holidays) — with limited daylight and unpredictable weather. Late Winter / Early Spring (mid-Feb–March): Longer days, continued auroras, more stable conditions, and heli-skiing season in the north. Spring Shoulder (April–mid-May): Fewer crowds, increasing daylight, emerging wildlife — but no Highlands access yet. Summer (late May–early Sept): Midnight sun, best overall weather, full road access (including the Highlands), puffins, whale watching — and the highest prices with more crowds. Fall Shoulder (mid-Sept–early Nov): Northern Lights return, great hiking and food experiences, fewer travelers — with shorter days and occasional storms. Different regions shine at different times, which is where thoughtful planning really matters. Ideally, summer trips should be planned 6+ months in advance; other seasons can often work well with 3–4 months’ lead time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545239272-EKAOT2VRTZ48NISXY4CX/IMG_2315+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545238422-5V1RKVWVTC6WUVPSYRD1/IMG_4847.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545245154-GOYV89DOUBEGKEJR7NPR/IMG_5482.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545250504-OCWRDCGIQAP3ZSHHNTH0/IMG_5703.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545255048-9WWZ2U2FRU4PKU2EJQMF/IMG_5854+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545266296-NOU8PSML5EVB8Q8Z9ZQ9/IMG_5905.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545261723-VF0HHV72HH8AV5NX3CQZ/IMG_5911.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545272778-S2S6C8C6OETH85ZHQ5U3/IMG_5958.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545271947-H35F60H4WD33QFZMZ814/IMG_6026.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545276157-94XBJ6J9AG6OA5VKVFDK/IMG_6117.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545279335-8A7TQRVU025J37DZA5L3/IMG_6159+2.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545288632-LQIWZSM3KDNNXI1RNCUT/IMG_6236.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545292113-DEJJRYM3608JYU6CWNHP/IMG_6408.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545295985-UC7J002SUVR8CXC3OQKA/IMG_6473.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545309171-VV7NK5WEKMWFHA7AEOEB/IMG_8620.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769545300313-3S99YQST78GKT270D0YI/ISIMG-1007876.jpeg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 6 Things I Learned https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/1/7/tanzania-a-journey-from-new-jersey-to-east-africa monthly 0.5 2026-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/cc2aa56d-c6b6-4d9d-a3cf-ec282895e2f7/IMG_5582.jpeg Journal & Blog - Tanzania: A Journey From New Jersey to East Africa - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769017886514-ERM64BZIV5S7ETPGPW4V/shanna+1.png Journal & Blog - Tanzania: A Journey From New Jersey to East Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769017907629-ITXUM5Z4S4RGHKGM427R/Shanna+2.png Journal & Blog - Tanzania: A Journey From New Jersey to East Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769017915262-RG1JE3266EH2LJQ65Z2T/Shanna+4.5.png Journal & Blog - Tanzania: A Journey From New Jersey to East Africa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1769017906928-I8JSPFPZ62GSR4R46Z0M/Shanna+3.png Journal & Blog - Tanzania: A Journey From New Jersey to East Africa https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/10/27/the-journey-within-introduction monthly 0.5 2026-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1761606568252-AX2RMSOSPF0VNNG5SO2A/unsplash-image-1Gw9HyCP-74.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Introduction - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/10/10/the-journey-within-travel-in-your-20s monthly 0.5 2025-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/06a56005-af8a-4fe6-b54e-8989e846d0bc/unsplash-image-XGHQR7Sb6uI.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 20s - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b2f66d7e-b8b9-4a9f-a18f-b6d748ed53db/MB+Headshot+%40+SP.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 20s - About the Author Michael Bennett, Ed.D., co-founder of Explorer X, has spent years teaching and guiding others through the Hero’s Journey — using travel as both a metaphor and a method for personal transformation. His work blends education, storytelling, and self-discovery, helping travelers reconnect with their sense of purpose through mindful, meaningful exploration. He believes every journey is ultimately an inward one — and the most important passport we hold is the one that leads us back to ourselves. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/10/10/the-journey-within-travel-in-your-30s monthly 0.5 2025-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1760149894642-10Y183QXH72PEVD7DNNG/unsplash-image-NFEoAQe0hxI.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 30s - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b2f66d7e-b8b9-4a9f-a18f-b6d748ed53db/MB+Headshot+%40+SP.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 30s - About the Author Michael Bennett, Ed.D., co-founder of Explorer X, has spent years teaching and guiding others through the Hero’s Journey — using travel as both a metaphor and a method for personal transformation. His work blends education, storytelling, and self-discovery, helping travelers reconnect with their sense of purpose through mindful, meaningful exploration. He believes every journey is ultimately an inward one — and the most important passport we hold is the one that leads us back to ourselves. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/10/10/the-journey-within-travel-in-your-40s monthly 0.5 2025-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a1b57377-b3b1-4e8e-9daf-032644358b92/jakob-owens-eD3mggHwM5M-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 40s - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b2f66d7e-b8b9-4a9f-a18f-b6d748ed53db/MB+Headshot+%40+SP.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 40s - About the Author Michael Bennett, Ed.D., co-founder of Explorer X, has spent years teaching and guiding others through the Hero’s Journey — using travel as both a metaphor and a method for personal transformation. His work blends education, storytelling, and self-discovery, helping travelers reconnect with their sense of purpose through mindful, meaningful exploration. He believes every journey is ultimately an inward one — and the most important passport we hold is the one that leads us back to ourselves. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/10/10/the-journey-within-travel-in-your-50s monthly 0.5 2025-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/90a26071-51d8-4e4c-a066-47399df965fd/roberta-sant-anna-F6hw9sRejFA-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 50s - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b2f66d7e-b8b9-4a9f-a18f-b6d748ed53db/MB+Headshot+%40+SP.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 50s - About the Author Michael Bennett, Ed.D., co-founder of Explorer X, has spent years teaching and guiding others through the Hero’s Journey — using travel as both a metaphor and a method for personal transformation. His work blends education, storytelling, and self-discovery, helping travelers reconnect with their sense of purpose through mindful, meaningful exploration. He believes every journey is ultimately an inward one — and the most important passport we hold is the one that leads us back to ourselves. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/10/10/the-journey-within-travel-in-your-60s monthly 0.5 2025-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e850a5ad-a189-4b3b-b565-15912d69e530/Untitled+design+%2885%29.png Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 60s - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b2f66d7e-b8b9-4a9f-a18f-b6d748ed53db/MB+Headshot+%40+SP.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 60s - About the Author Michael Bennett, Ed.D., co-founder of Explorer X, has spent years teaching and guiding others through the Hero’s Journey — using travel as both a metaphor and a method for personal transformation. His work blends education, storytelling, and self-discovery, helping travelers reconnect with their sense of purpose through mindful, meaningful exploration. He believes every journey is ultimately an inward one — and the most important passport we hold is the one that leads us back to ourselves. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/10/10/the-journey-within-travel-in-your-70s monthly 0.5 2025-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/3637cafe-7a57-48cf-a4fb-c0a39e80ea6c/getty-images-EwDJdjKJpbw-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 70s - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b2f66d7e-b8b9-4a9f-a18f-b6d748ed53db/MB+Headshot+%40+SP.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 70s - About the Author Michael Bennett, Ed.D., co-founder of Explorer X, has spent years teaching and guiding others through the Hero’s Journey — using travel as both a metaphor and a method for personal transformation. His work blends education, storytelling, and self-discovery, helping travelers reconnect with their sense of purpose through mindful, meaningful exploration. He believes every journey is ultimately an inward one — and the most important passport we hold is the one that leads us back to ourselves. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/10/10/the-journey-within-travel-in-your-80s monthly 0.5 2025-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1762361754326-5Y5WV60J9QRKZTWD4P2T/unsplash-image-q6BwcarAj0Q.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 80s - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b2f66d7e-b8b9-4a9f-a18f-b6d748ed53db/MB+Headshot+%40+SP.jpg Journal & Blog - The Journey Within: Travel in Your 80s - About the Author Michael Bennett, Ed.D., co-founder of Explorer X, has spent years teaching and guiding others through the Hero’s Journey — using travel as both a metaphor and a method for personal transformation. His work blends education, storytelling, and self-discovery, helping travelers reconnect with their sense of purpose through mindful, meaningful exploration. He believes every journey is ultimately an inward one — and the most important passport we hold is the one that leads us back to ourselves. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/11/13/slovenian-surprise monthly 0.5 2026-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1761779039203-QVA4QS4BITJFQE33UZG0/unsplash-image-RZrIJ8C0860.jpg Journal & Blog - Slovenian Surprise - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1762970468319-05EBYFG0K9QOOWDAYQMN/katie+slovenia+5.png Journal & Blog - Slovenian Surprise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1762970430577-GTPRA0AUPX1HB464F03W/katie+slovenia+3.png Journal & Blog - Slovenian Surprise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1762970409501-IT27BM1VNCQAMH7U5CSP/katie+slovenia+1.png Journal & Blog - Slovenian Surprise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1762970447597-WGBR7GE77688RUIM2I8C/katie+slovenia+4.png Journal & Blog - Slovenian Surprise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1762970403822-QHP6AFCE7D6QW9K3P8Z6/katie+slovenia+2.png Journal & Blog - Slovenian Surprise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1762970474631-NHZZ0QQXSO22J694C40Y/katie+slovenia+6.png Journal & Blog - Slovenian Surprise https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/10/16/why-human-travel-designers-matter-in-the-age-of-ai monthly 0.5 2025-12-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f81ad8e0-b980-42e2-8586-5aded5610869/curated-lifestyle-z4szIgGPn3g-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - Why Human Travel Designers Still Matter in the Age of AI - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/10/2/the-faroe-islands-7-things-i-learned monthly 0.5 2025-10-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696637377568-4OYZ34F4FP83TMT5AMRT/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696636830108-TJZYRY9JFG58XKDNNV6I/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned - 1. The Faroe Islands are stunningly beautiful. The Faroe Islands are seriously, stunningly, breathtakingly beautiful. The best way I can describe them is this: If Ireland and Iceland had a baby, it would be the Faroes. With lush green pastures and rolling hills dotted with sheep, majestic cliffs and mountains (also dotted with sheep), and lakes, fjords, and waterfalls, you feel like you are walking through a postcard pretty much the entire time. Taking a bad photo of the Faroes seems like an impossible task. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/bb9512f1-314e-48c4-965f-d2e0495c5ee1/Heimabli%CC%81di-Velbastadur-Guide-to-Faroe-Islands.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned - 2. The locals are welcoming and proud. Each time I have been there, I have found the Faroese to be a resilient, warm, and humble people who are deeply connected to (and proud of) their rugged islands. Rooted in seafaring and farming traditions, they masterfully balance independence with close-knit community life. While proud of their heritage, they’re also open, creative, and adaptive — blending tradition with modernity, and shaping a truly distinct cultural identity in the North Atlantic. For an immersive glimpse into life in the Faroes, be sure to visit Anna and Óli for a delicious dinner and thought-provoking conversation. If you are interested in spending a night at a local farm, check out Hanusarstova, where Harriet, John, and their animals will welcome you with open arms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759429123946-Q3HEOUV6FQZ3JJC059C1/unsplash-image-jX5Nx1kSM8I.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned - 3. There is a fascinating convergence of old and new ways of life. In the Faroe Islands, the meeting of old and new generations creates a unique cultural balance. Elders pass down traditions of fishing, sheep farming, and food preservation — skills that sustained life for centuries in this remote landscape. Meanwhile, younger Faroese who head abroad for their higher education are bringing fresh perspectives, modern technology, and global influences back home. Rather than abandoning tradition, they often reinterpret it: Reimagining fermented dishes in fine dining, blending music rooted in ballads with contemporary sounds, or using digital tools to strengthen small communities. This intersection of long-held traditions with exciting new approaches ensures the Faroese identity remains vibrant, honoring heritage while adapting to a changing world. One example of this intersection of old and new is that … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/eb37412c-055f-4df8-a066-71fb694daef8/Aarstova-800px-01-772x1030.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned - 4. The food scene is unexpectedly good and innovative. The food scene in the Faroe Islands is both rugged and refined: Hearty stews of lamb and potatoes shared in family homes, and artful tasting menus drawing visitors from across the world. In the Faroes, food is culture, heritage, and survival intertwined. With limited farmland and a short growing season, Faroese cuisine has historically relied on the sea and the land’s natural resources. Fish, lamb, and seabirds form the backbone of the diet, prepared in ways that reflect both necessity and creativity. In recent years, the islands have become known internationally for their innovative chefs who are redefining Nordic cuisine while staying rooted in tradition. Restaurants such as PAZ (with two Michelin stars), ROKS, Aarstova, and Ræst pioneer of Faroese fine dining, highlight the purity and freshness of local ingredients. Dining here often feels more like storytelling than eating, with each plate reflecting a landscape shaped by sea, wind, and stone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696634670150-D3ALZ9I2WD0GUP3CFDJX/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned - 5. The Faroes are surprisingly easy to get to … and get around. Atlantic Airways, the national airline of the Faroes, has regular routes to/from major airports throughout Europe, including Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Oslo, and Paris, making it surprisingly easy to get there. Even better, Atlantic Airways is equipped with the best navigation technology in Europe for travel during foggy and/or rainy weather (which you can expect at some point during your travels to the Faroes), minimizing flight delays and cancelations compared to all other airlines. Once you are there, getting around the islands is also a breeze: The roads are very well taken care of and there are even undersea tunnels that connect the islands (including an undersea roundabout!). Of course, ferries and boats are readily available and the friendly locals are always willing to give you directions should you lose your way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696636753612-MH147OYKTIBYJ8N8MQN8/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned - 6. The ideal time to visit is in the Summer. All three times I have visited the Faroes have been in mid-to-late September, and while we were blessed with some pleasant (read: not rainy) weather and even a sunny day or two, the weather was pretty much what you might expect from a bunch of islands in the North Atlantic in the Fall: Cold, windy, and damp. For predictably nicer weather, traveling to the Faroes in June, July, or August is your best bet. Opportunities for hiking abound, there are some fun festivals, and with warmer weather (warm being relative; highs in the summer tend to hover around 55–60F) and sunnier days, the summer is the perfect time to visit. If you aren’t afraid of a little rain and wind, May and September are nice and offer better pricing with fewer crowds (not that there is much of a crowd in the summer). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696636100196-JFO8NXYCNC1S574V52ID/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned - 7. Add a few nights in Copenhagen. The Faroe Islands are an absolutely amazing destination, but for most travelers, spending a week there is plenty of time to see and do just about everything on your list. It is, afterall, a very small country. Since getting to/from the Islands almost always includes a stopover someplace, my recommendation is to take a few nights before and/or after to explore Copenhagen. It’s a world-class city with lovely little neighborhoods, great accommodation options, an incredible food scene, and some of the most beautiful people on the planet. Spending 3—4 nights in Copenhagen sandwiched around a week in the Faroes is the recipe for an incredible adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432646020-PXFUE484Q03K2PFWUW28/IMG_8300.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432643228-6SRGHENHNO1PE2PE817S/IMG_8318.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432674618-JQ2BEXLSBZ98YN9POQPV/IMG_8320.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432700053-RNAMBNC3LBDKSB0T1WCF/IMG_8341.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432690245-9VQBXSG9X2ZI2DKNZKC1/IMG_8375.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432734357-YW3BWTOY41NKSPYW5QOP/IMG_8381.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432715135-IB2UWP9Y20VBI6WHP29U/IMG_8383.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432739976-NAD5MXM46HC0JU98A1VV/IMG_8398.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432785454-D4J60THPXJ47RJEPNCX3/IMG_8407.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432771846-PCY9CA3JVPSPL7MBJIYO/IMG_8408.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432784249-ADW3P35CE1MDL1K8CZH3/IMG_8413.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432800601-1Y717TTZG7WCXUR7HHXY/IMG_8415.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432808451-OZAKQ5VQWYEXPO7GEF8W/IMG_8435.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432839055-AXJ701P9K6RFYXT92508/IMG_8466.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432965499-80XYTJS7ZEW9YOBJHGHF/IMG_8477.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1759432813230-3B8OAPQ3NOXN7TP5TVLK/IMG_8456.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 7 Things I Learned https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/8/6/destinations-for-traveling-more-mindfully monthly 0.5 2025-08-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/284d535c-da92-4933-bdf9-c1fccafff314/New+Landscape+Banner+-+Explorer+X+%282%29.png Journal & Blog - 8 Destinations for Traveling Slowly Next Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a756fe69-2877-4bb5-82d3-907f9bd86a6a/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - 8 Destinations for Traveling Slowly Next Spring - Australia When to Go: March—May Australia is the unexpected: A place to explore the world’s oldest cultures on vast ochre plains and unimaginably blue waters. It’s vast yet intricately connected, the perfect backdrop to a slow-paced journey. You only have to travel a stone’s throw from any of Australia’s cities before you’ve landed somewhere truly out of this world. Traveling to Australia in March through May offers warm, sunny days and mild evenings as the country transitions away from the scorching summer sun into autumn. This shoulder season means fewer crowds at iconic destinations like the Great Barrier Reef and Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, allowing for more intimate wildlife encounters and scenic hikes without peak-season congestion. Harvest season the Barossa and Hunter Valley vineyards invite you to sample world-class wines and fresh local produce like prized black truffles and artisanal cheeses. Coastal cities of Sydney and Melbourne offer pleasant beach weather, vibrant festivals, live music, and alfresco markets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/862cb891-10dc-417e-b61f-ff770173263b/unsplash-image-COdSojTOQKs.jpg Journal & Blog - 8 Destinations for Traveling Slowly Next Spring - Chile When to Go: March—April Chile is nature on a colossal scale, but travel here is surprisingly easy — if you don't rush it! Preposterously thin and unreasonably long, Chile stretches from the belly of South America to its foot, reaching from the driest desert on earth to vast southern glacial fields. This means one thing: Traveling to and from different regions takes careful planning and a little extra time. March and April mark the beginning of shoulder season, when you can enjoy a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds (and lower prices for flights and hotels). Warm days and cool nights make this the perfect time for outdoor activities like hiking in Patagonia, where the intense summer winds have died down, or exploring the otherworldly Atacama Desert. For wine enthusiasts, it’s also harvest season, where vineyard festivals feature grape stompings and tastings. Chileans heartily embrace the concept of buena mesa: The love of good food and good company. ¡Salud! Read: Chile: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/175c116a-44c3-4f29-804f-81b1153775a6/unsplash-image-L6T_6Rp2iEk.jpg Journal & Blog - 8 Destinations for Traveling Slowly Next Spring - Colombia When to Go: February—March Colombia’s breathtaking diversity stretches from Andean peaks to pristine Caribbean beaches and the Amazon jungle. Its rich cultural tapestry is reflected in its music, world-class coffee, and colorful festivals. Warm hospitality and delectable cuisine make Colombia an increasingly popular destination for travelers looking to slow down and soak it all in. February and March are the country’s sunniest and driest months with consistently warm temperatures and minimal rainfall for strolling along colonial cobblestone streets in laid-back Cartagena or visiting the soft white beaches in Tayrona National Park. In February, Barranquilla’s legendary Carnival is a riot of color, music, and dance; March is perfect for exploring the historic La Candelaria district in Bogotá under clear skies. Take in the diversity, warmth, and beauty of this country at a pace that lets you enjoy every stop and connect with the people and places you meet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9d0bfc52-a12a-4ce4-8217-6794bf07d745/unsplash-image-Uo1_a7cTQKU.jpg Journal & Blog - 8 Destinations for Traveling Slowly Next Spring - Ecuador When to Go: Year-Round Ecuador is a land of swaths of green between postcard-perfect plazas, vibrant Kichwa villages, and white-sand beaches and cultural fusion to mindfully explore. The Andean Highlands down to the lush Amazon Rainforest and Galápagos Islands are all home to extraordinary biodiversity. Diverse regions in a compact size make it ideal for relaxed, immersive travel. From March through May, Ecuador dazzles with vibrant landscapes, wildlife, and festivals on full display. As the “land of eternal spring,” Quito’s mild highland climate is perfect for exploring historical ornate churches and palaces and the city’s Inca ruins. In the Andes, spring alpine wildflowers bloom along the Avenue of the Volcanoes; the Amazon Basin offers rainforests teeming with colorful birds and butterflies. Nesting season peaks in Spring in the Galapagos, making wildlife encounters unforgettable. With fewer crowds and lush scenery, spring in Ecuador is ideal for your immersive adventures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/cea41de9-1837-4297-a369-51eb9bd9667c/unsplash-image-NaY693XXXpY.jpg Journal & Blog - 8 Destinations for Traveling Slowly Next Spring - Morocco When to Go: March—April Morocco is a gateway to Africa and a country of dizzying diversity, its compact geography and layered cultural tapestry making it a dream slow travel destination. From sun-drenched shores to rugged highlands and golden desert expanses, the country offers endlessly varied landscapes to explore. Distinguished by its Berber, Arabian, and European influences, Morocco’s reflects centuries of cultural exchange. March and April mean lush landscapes under mild skies, a welcome break from summers of 100°F or more. In iconic Marrakesh, spring provides comfortable weather for sipping mint tea and exploring colorful, spice-filled souks. Coastal Essaouira pairs seafood feasts with laid-back surf culture, and Fez showcases imperial palaces and mosques. Craving adventure? Trek in the Atlas Mountains, where your local guide shares Berber cultural tradition. Explore the legendary Sahara Desert’s sweeping dunes on camel by day and gather around communal fires under dazzling night skies. Here, time slows and the warmth travels home with you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b837290b-2919-4b2a-b14e-5e65e87852f2/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - 8 Destinations for Traveling Slowly Next Spring - New Zealand When to Go: March—April New Zealand can be mellow or action-packed, but it's always epic. Explore mammoth national parks, dynamic Māori culture, and world-class surfing and skiing. Spanning two main islands and numerous smaller ones, you’ll find the forests, mountains, lakes, beaches, and fiords that have made NZ one of the best hiking (locals call it 'tramping') destinations on the planet. March and April shift into autumn, with warm days and crisp evenings under vivid skies. Trails of rust-red beech forests and serene lakes of Milford Sound and Fiordland National Parks are much quieter. Auckland’s 100+ beaches and diverse neighborhoods shine, with cooler nights for alfresco dining and coastal sightings of migrating shorebirds and whales. On Waiheke Island, vineyards and olive groves hum with the harvest as you sip wines from cellar doors beneath golden foliage. Fewer crowds and comfortable weather mean this shoulder season is the perfect time to slow down and savor New Zealand’s natural charm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ee627fe3-20c6-4d32-a35d-220f3eebc8ce/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - 8 Destinations for Traveling Slowly Next Spring - Peru When to Go: Year-Round Peru enchants with ancient civilizations, dramatic landscapes, and vibrant cultural traditions, weaving deep heritage with modern vitality. The third largest country in South America, you’ll want to plan for at least a ten-day journey to mindfully explore. Take this big place in small bites and don't rush. In Peru, the adventure usually lies in getting there. Peru is a year-round destination, but journeys between February and April offer cultural sites and events with thinner crowds (ideal for Machu Picchu!). You don’t have to be a history buff to marvel at the ancient Incan city or colonial Lima, where history is potent and still pulsing in streetside festivals. Remote villages outside the city preserve sacred rituals and time-honored crafts; your travel designer can find the most intimate experiences for you. Less-traveled hiking trails in the Andean Highlands burst into bloom in April, while local markets brim with fresh produce and handwoven textiles. Spring journeys here ensure authentic experiences, vibrant landscapes, and cultural immersion without the rush. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d654be94-bdcf-4946-89b6-eae4ed9153f5/unsplash-image-8oLnCRz7hwM.jpg Journal & Blog - 8 Destinations for Traveling Slowly Next Spring - South Africa When to Go: April—May South Africa is a premier safari destination, where sweeping coasts and mountain ranges give way to vast wildlife preserves, savannas and deserts. Here, music, vibrant art scenes, and flavorful cuisine and geography meet heritage and adventure in a dynamic immersive journey. Visiting South Africa in autumn’s April and May mean cool evenings and tapering rainfall. Home to the Big 5 — Lions, Leopards, Buffalo, Elephants, and Rhinos — national park wildlife safaris showcase animals gathering around dwindling water sources. The Cape Winelands are perfect for wine tours and scenic drives with rich red and gold foliage; breezes keep beaches in the Cape Peninsula and the southeastern region pleasant sans summer crowds. Cape Town is a true fan favorite, with its exciting Mediterranean vibe, amazing culinary scene, beautiful Cape Dutch architecture, and thriving art community – all set to the backdrop of iconic Table Mountain and the turbulent waters of the Atlantic Ocean. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/7/15/the-transformative-benefits-of-slow-travel-connection-reconnection-amp-new-perspectives monthly 0.5 2025-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/944c454e-ed89-4d29-b1e1-bf1760954481/unsplash-image-Zve6l7EpgJw.jpg Journal & Blog - The Transformative Benefits of Slow Travel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/6/17/where-to-travel-europe-this-fall monthly 0.5 2025-08-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/355bd68a-6c8d-42d3-88f5-9d05ae1e2b0a/matheo-jbt-Qvm7Cp-Zh_I-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/bd3c144c-93d4-4804-8808-0fa84cff0b7d/unsplash-image-Y6lwa7g0MGk.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Croatia When to Go: October—November Croatia, situated along the stunning Adriatic Sea, is a country rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Its picturesque coastline is dotted with over a thousand islands, offering pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and charming coastal towns. In the medieval city of Dubrovnik, often called the "Pearl of the Adriatic," stroll around the labyrinth of limestone-clad streets, soaking up the medieval-meets-the-Mediterranean vibe. Inland, the capital city of Zagreb blends historic architecture with a vibrant urban scene. When summer crowds are thin, nature enthusiasts delight as your travel designer packs your itinerary with the breathtaking Dinaric Range, Plitvice Lakes and Krka National Park, each known for craggy peaks, cascading waterfalls, and lush landscapes. In the fall, you’re far more likely to cross the tourist/guest barrier and be invited into a local's home, where you'll soon become acquainted with the refrain 'Jedi! Jedi! Jedi!' (Eat! Eat! Eat!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/7e14654a-aaf8-47d0-8d6a-697dc9f4a893/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - The Faroe Islands When to Go: August—September The Faroe Islands, a remote archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean, captivate with their rugged beauty and unspoiled landscapes. Comprising 18 islands, these Danish territories are a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Picture-perfect villages with colorful houses dot the coastline, framed by steep cliffs and cascading waterfalls. The Faroes boast dramatic fjords, where the sea meets towering mountains shrouded in mist. The islands are a haven for birdwatchers, with colonies of puffins, skuas, and fulmars nesting on sheer cliffs overlooking the tumultuous ocean. Hiking trails crisscross the islands, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic and the lush, green valleys below. The weather, though notoriously unpredictable, makes the fall season exceptionally magical. Autumn blankets the landscape in rich, earthy tones, while the soft light enhances the already striking beauty of the fjords and valleys. Fall is also a prime time to experience local traditions, as well as the vibrant bird and marine life that flourish before winter sets in. Read: The Faroe Islands: 5 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/23887d55-461f-436e-ab49-e0eed21c547a/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - France When to Go: October France, a country synonymous with art, culture, and romance, is a captivating blend of historic landmarks, picturesque landscapes, and culinary delights. France offers diverse experiences for every traveler—especially those willing to head out far beyond the iconic Eiffel Tower and grand boulevards of Paris into the sun-kissed vineyards of Bordeaux and the lavender fields of Provence. Explore the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley, or indulge in world-renowned cuisine and wines in Lyon. Rich in history, France boasts medieval towns like Carcassonne and Avignon, where ancient walls and charming cobblestone streets transport visitors back in time. In the fall, France's timeless beauty takes on a golden glow as the countryside comes alive with autumn colors. It is the perfect season to visit vineyards in low crowds during the closing of the grape harvest, or stroll through enchanting towns where seasonal markets supply ingredients for fall cuisine featuring truffles, root vegetables, squashes, and chestnuts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/987e1401-eba6-4f59-9017-e8180bbd7d98/unsplash-image-Dc-PiwAYKR8.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Greece When to Go: October—November Greece, cradle of Western civilization and a land of mythical beauty, invites travelers to explore its rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant culture. From the ancient Acropolis in Athens, crowned by the iconic Parthenon, to the sun-drenched islands of Santorini and Mykonos with their whitewashed buildings and azure seas, Greece offers a blend of antiquity and modernity. On a private tour, dive into the history of the ruins of Delphi and Olympia, where the ancient Olympic Games began, or discover the narrow streets of Rhodes Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the fall, Greece becomes a haven of tranquility, with cooler temperatures and fewer crowds allowing for a more intimate encounter with its treasures and communities. Autumn bestows a golden hue over olive groves and vineyards, making it a perfect time to explore the countryside or partake in grape and olive harvest festivals. Thrill seekers will discover fewer crowds on the beaches, with world-class kitesurfing, wreck diving, and rock-climbing locations with dizzying views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ebf5b160-6094-49c6-9f8e-a8ecc2e3a6f2/unsplash-image-iWIDgeUbskQ.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Greenland When to Go: August—September Greenland, the world's largest island, captivates with its pristine wilderness, stunning landscapes, and unique blend of Arctic culture. Known for its vast expanses of ice sheets, towering glaciers, and rugged fjords, Greenland offers adventurers unparalleled opportunities for exploration. Whether heli-skiing over breathtaking mountainscapes, kayaking among icebergs in serene fjords, or dogsledding across frozen tundra, the island's untouched beauty is awe-inspiring. Greenlandic towns and settlements, characterized by colorful wooden houses against a backdrop of Arctic wilderness, provide a glimpse into a resilient culture shaped by centuries of hunting, fishing, and traditional crafts. In the fall, Greenland reveals a quieter, yet equally captivating, charm. The landscape transitions to earthy tones, and the Arctic air carries a crisp freshness. It’s an ideal time for hiking and savoring the serene beauty of the fjords without the busyness of summer crowds. Autumn also marks the return of the mesmerizing northern lights, which illuminate the Greenlandic skies in shades of green, purple, and blue. The season provides travelers with a chance to immerse themselves in Greenland’s traditions, as locals celebrate the bounty of nature with seasonal dishes and community festivals. Read: Why You Need to Travel to Greenland Now https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/5b3b3bd5-692b-4a63-a812-72dce037faf9/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Iceland When to Go: August—September Iceland, a land of dramatic landscapes, sits perched atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Volcanic eruptions and glacial activity have sculpted this island nation, creating otherworldly scenery of geysers, lava fields, waterfalls, and glaciers. Cascading ice sheets cling to volcanic peaks, while geothermal springs bubble beneath the earth's surface. Despite its icy name, Iceland boasts a surprisingly mild climate due to the warming Gulf Stream. This allows for a unique ecosystem, with vibrant green valleys nestled between stark black lava rock. Puffins and other seabirds fill the skies, while reindeer and Icelandic horses roam the remote highlands. In the fall, Iceland takes on an ethereal quality as the weather changes, and sweeping autumn colors contrast beautifully with its snowy peaks and dark lava fields. Fall is also the gateway to the northern lights season, as shorter days and darker skies provide the perfect backdrop for nature's most spectacular light show. It’s an excellent time to enjoy geothermal hot springs in solitude and watch waterfalls framed by autumn hues. Without the heavy influx of summer tourists, visitors can enjoy Iceland’s popular destinations, like the Golden Circle and Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, at a more relaxed and intimate pace. Read: Iceland: 5 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/98cf64f3-fd00-4e2b-aeda-cb1f6efae6fd/unsplash-image-nE-W03knyT4.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Ireland When to Go: September–October Ireland, known as the Emerald Isle, is a land of rugged landscapes, rich history, and warm hospitality. From the bustling streets of Dublin, with its vibrant pubs and historic landmarks like Trinity College and Dublin Castle, to the dramatic cliffs of Moher and the serene beauty of the Ring of Kerry, Ireland offers a diverse range of experiences. Explore ancient ruins such as the Rock of Cashel and Newgrange, witness the mystical landscapes of the Giant's Causeway and the Burren, or immerse yourself in traditional Irish music and dance at the Galway Oyster Festival or the Cork Opera House. In the fall, Ireland transforms into a breathtaking haven of golden hues and tranquil charm. The countryside bursts into color, from amber woodlands to golden rolling fields, making it an ideal time for scenic drives and leisurely hikes. The season is also perfect for wandering through historic sites and cozying up in traditional pubs, where the warmth of Irish hospitality feels even more inviting. Autumn festivals, such as the Galway Oyster Festival, highlight the country's culinary heritage, offering an unforgettable taste of Ireland's seasonal delights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0c453aa8-dcc1-46f7-ad7a-d5b9cbefcdc2/unsplash-image-QSza1vLx4jY.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Italy When to Go: September—October Italy, a country steeped in history, art, and culinary excellence, beckons travelers with its rich cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. From the ancient ruins of Rome, including the Colosseum and Roman Forum, to the artistic treasures of Florence, home to Michelangelo's David and the Uffizi Gallery, Italy is a feast for the senses. This fall, trust your travel designer to craft the itinerary that embraces the greatest Italy has to offer, while taking full advantage of the smaller crowds. Tour the romantic canals of Venice, the Renaissance architecture of Milan, and the coastal beauty of the Amalfi Coast and Cinque Terre. Indulge in authentic Italian cuisine, from pasta and pizza to gelato and fine wines from Tuscany and Piedmont. Italy's diverse regions offer everything from snowy peaks in the Dolomites to sun-soaked beaches in Sicily, providing endless opportunities for outdoor activities and scenic drives. With its passionate people, centuries-old traditions, and world-renowned landmarks, Italy promises an unforgettable journey through art, history, and la dolce vita. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f3a68a48-cf56-45b8-8668-cd22e0ca5615/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Norway When to Go: September Norway, a land of breathtaking fjords, majestic mountains, and vibrant coastal cities, captivates travelers with its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the colorful wooden houses of Bergen to the modern architecture of Oslo, Norway offers a blend of historic charm and contemporary sophistication. Explore the iconic fjords of Geiranger and Nærøyfjord, recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, or embark on scenic rail journeys like the Flåm Railway through stunning landscapes. In the fall, Norway’s natural splendor takes on a magical quality as its forests turn shades of gold, amber, and red, reflecting in the tranquil waters of the fjords. Autumn is an ideal time to experience the country’s hiking trails, offering crisp air and fewer crowds. It’s also the start of the Northern Lights season, as the longer nights provide an excellent chance to witness this extraordinary natural phenomenon. Cozying up in small, picturesque villages or enjoying seasonal Norwegian treats, like cloudberry desserts or warm lamb stew, adds a rustic warmth to any fall adventure. Read: Norway: 5 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/fe744acd-fad5-46c8-bf55-ab26e3464f8b/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Portugal When to Go: October—November Portugal, nestled on the Iberian Peninsula, enchants visitors with its rich history, stunning landscapes, and warm Mediterranean climate. Explore Lisbon, the vibrant capital, where historic neighborhoods like Alfama and Belém showcase ancient monuments, charming cobblestone streets, and delectable pastries like pastéis de nata. Discover Porto, renowned for its port wine cellars along the Douro River, with your local guide. In the fall, Portugal exudes a quieter, golden charm as the summer crowds recede. The season is ideal for visiting the terraced vineyards of the Douro Valley during the tail end of the grape harvest, when the vineyards are ablaze with color. Enjoy a relaxed tour of a local winery or nab a seat at one of the local fall wine festivals. Connecting with locals in historic towns like Sintra, with its mystical palaces and gardens, is more accessible in the fall shoulder season, while the Algarve’s stunning coastline and beaches remain inviting with fewer visitors—although your swim will be on the refreshing side! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/44226dc4-aa70-4e7f-9fa4-d712ed390cf0/unsplash-image-pOWBHdgy1Lo.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Slovenia When to Go: October–November Slovenia, a hidden gem in Central Europe, enchants visitors with its pristine natural landscapes, charming towns, and rich cultural heritage. With your personal guide, explore Ljubljana, the capital city known for its medieval castle overlooking the Old Town, where cobblestone streets lead to vibrant markets and outdoor cafes along the Ljubljanica River. Discover Lake Bled, with its picturesque island and cliff-top castle, a postcard-perfect setting for boating and hiking in the Julian Alps. Slovenia's diverse geography includes the underground wonders of Postojna Cave and the emerald waters of the Soča River, ideal for outdoor adventures like rafting and hiking even in the cooler months. Autumn Slovenian cuisine cooked on hometown hearths range from hearty stews and dumplings to creamy pastries and local wines from vineyards dotting the countryside. Slovenia's rich cultural traditions, with folk music and festivals to historic architecture and art, provide a glimpse into its vibrant heritage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/6f3ea52a-cf22-463a-b126-787c5b7510a6/unsplash-image-8KhL4DAM6rk.jpg Journal & Blog - Where to Travel in Europe This Fall - Spain When to Go: October—November Spain, a country steeped in history, art, and vibrant culture, beckons travelers with its diverse landscapes and lively cities. Explore Madrid, the capital known for its grand boulevards, world-class museums like the Prado, and lively tapas bars in neighborhoods like La Latina. Discover Barcelona's architectural wonders, from Gaudí's Sagrada Família to the Gothic Quarter's medieval streets and unique charm. Autumn in Spain adds a colorful and vibrant experience; seasonal festivals such as La Rioja’s grape harvest season bring wine regions to life, while cooler weather makes for a more comfortable time exploring Andalusia’s iconic Alhambra Palace in Granada or the historic Alcázar of Seville. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/4/17/best-practices-for-booking-flights-and-flying-stress-free monthly 0.5 2025-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c1f6b8ee-75c3-4901-a08a-191ecdf2371c/unsplash-image-LjX-m_UXQGM.jpg Journal & Blog - Best Practices for Booking Flights — and Flying Stress-Free! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9a18bb30-1799-4dfc-968e-da20ec603097/unsplash-image-Hcfwew744z4.jpg Journal & Blog - Best Practices for Booking Flights — and Flying Stress-Free! - When Booking Flights Look for a minimum 2-hour layover for all international connections; ideally, your layover is closer to 3 hours. This helps insure against complications from delays (ex: missed connections) and increases the likelihood that your checked luggage makes it to your destination on time! Whenever possible, book one ticket for the whole trip. For example, book your flight between home and your destination with one carrier (ex: Delta, American, United, etc.) rather than booking different flights with different carriers. Book the fewest connections possible, even if it's a little more expensive. If budget allows, consider upgrading to Premium Economy or even Business Class. These more spacious seats can help reduce the effects of jetlag tremendously! After booking your flight, see if the airline offers discounted options for cabin upgrades – especially for overnight flights! For international flights arriving at your final destination before 9am, consider booking a hotel room the night before to guarantee immediate check-in. When taking an overnight flight, see if you can find a flight that arrives at your final destination sometime around mid-to-late afternoon (if possible). That way you can go through the entry process (see below), enjoy your transfer to the hotel, freshen up, grab dinner, and pass out. This helps offset jetlag and sets you up for success for the rest of your journey! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/031a08d4-2f7a-4884-8d57-91162e71559e/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - Best Practices for Booking Flights — and Flying Stress-Free! - Packing for Your Flight Do your best not to check a bag (if possible); if you DO check a bag, our recommendation is as follows: 1 checked bag per 2 travelers plus one carry-on per person with 3 days worth of clothes — especially underwear and socks — just in case your checked bags don’t make it there on time. Always put an Apple AirTag (or similar) in any checked luggage so that you know where your bags are at all times. (We like to put an AirTag in all of our bags — even carry-on bags — just in case they inadvertently wander off with someone else.) Be sure to bring any medications and valuable items with you in your carry-on luggage; do not put them in checked luggage if you can avoid it. (Note: Depending on where you are going, consider leaving your "flashy" jewelry at home to avoid unwanted attention.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e6e433e6-407c-4b10-babf-a5b5063a6d1b/unsplash-image-ji5XMfO3dXY.jpg Journal & Blog - Best Practices for Booking Flights — and Flying Stress-Free! - At the Airport: Take Photos of Your Bags! For any luggage that you are checking in, we recommend the following: – Take a photo of your bag before you place it on the baggage belt. If your bag does end up getting misplaced, you’ll need to describe it (in painstaking detail), so having a new photo of your bag will help with that! – Take a photo of the bag tag with your – and the bag’s – final destination on it as well as the little sticker with the bar code you receive as your receipt. (These are very easy to lose but important if your bag goes astray!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/17b9c903-95be-4471-96a9-d24c776fdcf1/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - Best Practices for Booking Flights — and Flying Stress-Free! - Passport Control & Immigration: What to Expect On arrival at your final destination, the general flow is as follows: Passport Control (if you have not already done this elsewhere in the country/region) > Baggage Claim > Customs > Exit If you have an international connection, you will need to go through Passport Control at the first port of entry to a country or region. For example, if you are flying from JFK and connecting through Paris en route to Rome, you will go through passport control in Paris as it is your first point of entry into Europe. However, in most international destinations, you will not need to collect your luggage if you are simply connecting through. For example, if you are flying from JFK and connecting through Paris en route to Rome, your bags will meet you in Rome (even though you go through Passport Control in Paris). On arrival back into the United States, you will need to collect your luggage and go back through security if you are connecting to another destination in the States. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9f3d41f7-87b6-441c-8664-0457eba5faa7/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - Best Practices for Booking Flights — and Flying Stress-Free! - What Are the Differences Between Global Entry, TSA Pre-Check, & CLEAR? TSA Pre-Check > Expedited security within the US only; not relevant for security outside of the US Global Entry > Expedited Passport Control when re-entering the US (also includes TSA Pre-Check) CLEAR > Expedited security within the US only that allows you to jump to the front of the security line; not relevant for security outside of the US; can be used in combo with TSA-Pre-Check https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/4/2/on-travel-thoughts-from-kent-nerburn monthly 0.5 2025-04-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/41bdc46b-dafb-4961-bcad-c5942817f6ea/colin-meg-NOpNUUfsoRU-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - On Travel: Wisdom from Kent Nerburn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/3/17/why-you-need-to-travel-to-greenland-now monthly 0.5 2025-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1742251937318-PPJSWU5O52QPWFMRIUMO/unsplash-image-zzafB27e6OU.jpg Journal & Blog - Why You Need to Travel to Greenland Now - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1742256284369-KX8FLQNOCXTF7PSZKVQ6/unsplash-image-StwKASUXr5Q.jpg Journal & Blog - Why You Need to Travel to Greenland Now - Greenland: An Introduction Greenland, a vast island under Danish sovereignty, is a land of icy extremes. Its immense ice sheet, covering 80% of its surface, dominates the landscape, leaving coastal fringes of rugged mountains and deep fjords. The Arctic climate brings long, harsh winters and brief, cool summers, with dramatic weather shifts. The Inuit people, the island's primary inhabitants, maintain a rich cultural heritage tied to traditional hunting and fishing. Greenlandic (Kalaallisut) is the official language, alongside Danish. Nuuk, the capital, is a hub of modern life amidst the wilderness. Greenland's economy relies heavily on fishing, while its strategic location and mineral resources attract increasing international interest, particularly amidst the backdrop of climate change and shifting global politics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1742314403037-P6L7P8C8WGTXNLJ22KQE/unsplash-image-GG1CwF4qdlg.jpg Journal & Blog - Why You Need to Travel to Greenland Now - Astounding Natural Beauty Greenland's natural beauty is breathtakingly stark. Towering icebergs calve from colossal glaciers, drifting through deep, sapphire fjords. The midnight sun paints the icy expanse in hues of pink and gold, while the aurora borealis dances across the night sky in vibrant greens and purples. Rugged, snow-capped mountains pierce the horizon, contrasting with the vast, white wilderness. Coastal tundra bursts with wildflowers in the brief summer, attracting Arctic wildlife. The sheer scale of the ice sheet, the deep blue of the glacial meltwater, and the raw, untamed landscape create an unforgettable visual experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1742253415018-7WS6DBBB9AXFJTE48WCD/unsplash-image-v7DzvSEcNks.jpg Journal & Blog - Why You Need to Travel to Greenland Now - A Fascinating Mix of Cultures Greenland's cultural fabric is a blend of ancient Inuit traditions and modern Danish influences. Inuit culture, with its deep connection to the land and sea, persists in language, art, and hunting practices. Kalaallisut, the Inuit language, thrives alongside Danish. Contemporary Greenlandic society embraces modern amenities, yet traditional values remain strong. This mix is visible in everything from architecture to cuisine. You'll find traditional kayaks alongside modern fishing vessels, and hear Greenlandic folk songs alongside contemporary music. This cultural fusion creates a unique and evolving identity, reflecting Greenland's position between tradition and modernity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1742253212760-3LBP5L7VL3SQU4IIF421/unsplash-image-QnrRw9px8aw.jpg Journal & Blog - Why You Need to Travel to Greenland Now - A World of Endless Adventures Greenland offers unparalleled Arctic adventures. Kayaking among icebergs, dog sledding across frozen tundra, and hiking through untouched wilderness are just the beginning. Witnessing the northern lights, spotting whales in fjords, and ice climbing frozen waterfalls provide unforgettable thrills. Remote settlements offer unique cultural experiences, while multi-day treks challenge even seasoned adventurers. The vast, untamed landscape demands respect, but rewards with breathtaking beauty and a sense of profound solitude. From fishing for Arctic char to exploring hidden ice caves, Greenland delivers a raw, immersive adventure unlike any other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1742253373332-UNZTD19ZJEMDH0CVBE53/unsplash-image-t265fxqWA5Q.jpg Journal & Blog - Why You Need to Travel to Greenland Now - Increased Accessibility Greenland's aviation landscape is undergoing a transformation with the development of new airports, most notably in Nuuk and Ilulissat. The Nuuk Airport, with its expanded 2,200-meter runway, opened in November 2024 and can accommodate larger aircraft, enabling direct international flights from places like New York and Copenhagen, Denmark. This significantly enhances connectivity, reducing travel times and costs for both residents and tourists. Similarly, the Ilulissat Airport's expected opening in 2026 aims to boost tourism by improving access to the stunning Ilulissat Icefjord. It should be noted that while these developments bring economic opportunities, they also raise considerations about environmental impact and the balance between progress and preserving Greenland's culture and pristine natural beauty. Note: Be sure to check out this Skift article for more on the intersection of economic growth and environmental conservation in Greenland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1742314491131-G1NLTBQQJHERG5UGFDDD/unsplash-image-nt_nl97DKM0.jpg Journal & Blog - Why You Need to Travel to Greenland Now - An Uncertain Future There are a series of forces and factors that could change Greenland in the foreseeable future. First, it is considering its independence from the Kingdom of Denmark, which would have a myriad of social, political, and economic effects. As mentioned above, the new airport in Nuuk is set to make Greenland much more accessible for travelers – and tourists. And finally, the current US president’s obsession with Greenland for its natural resources and strategic geopolitical location could lead to increased tension and even military action. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f5997df6-9485-4920-babd-a5aabaef32cc/unsplash-image-Le891OC-QC8.jpg Journal & Blog - Why You Need to Travel to Greenland Now - The Bottom Line: The Time is Now Greenland is a remarkable and largely untouristed destination in an era of overtourism. It’s landscapes and scenery – from icebergs to mountains to the Northern Lights – will take your breath away. Engaging with the complex mix of cultures will leave you with profound and exciting questions. And in the birthplace of kayaking, hiking and dogsledding will have your heart pumping. But it’s also clear that Greenland is on the verge of potentially dramatic change. ‘Change for the better?,’ you ask? Time will tell. But if you want to see the real Greenland before it’s too late, the time to visit may be right now. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/03/hero-travel-fund-finalists monthly 0.5 2025-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/7948f60a-733a-4839-9f82-e61cc1ee4c9e/HTF+New+Landscape+Banner+v3+%282%29.png Journal & Blog - Meet the Hero Travel Fund Finalists! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/8f2b4f57-5f3f-4e35-815c-3b3f432d480d/Shanna+Sunshine.jpeg Journal & Blog - Meet the Hero Travel Fund Finalists! - Keishanna Rasin — 1st Place Winner! Newark, NJ | Subrogation Specialist Keishanna is a Brooklyn native who is on a mission to sprinkle kindness across the globe. She started her work career in New York City in programs such as Close2Home, foster care facilities, and transitional housing. Keishanna is currently working in the insurance industry while she plots her next move. Outside of work, she is an adventure-seeker and nature-lover who has a 100+ lbs furry child. HTF Travel Experience: Shanna is working with the Explorer X Team to plan a Destination: Unknown adventure! > Watch Shanna’s application video! > Watch Shanna’s ‘reveal’ video as she finds out she is the HTF winner! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/96aa569b-870c-4819-9429-ce19b5459bcd/KlotzCDMXChurros.JPG Journal & Blog - Meet the Hero Travel Fund Finalists! - Katie Lotz — 2nd Place Winner! New York City | English as a New Language (ENL) Teacher Katie is a teacher at a public high school in the Lower East Side of New York City. She teaches English as a New Language (ENL) to students from around the world, many of whom have only recently arrived in the US. A longtime language learner, Katie studied Mandarin Chinese for many years and continues her studies of Spanish to this day. Outside of work, Katie enjoys yoga, hiking, and the beach. She also loves karaoke! Her go-to song is “Valerie” by Amy Winehouse. HTF Travel Experience: Katie and her fiancé are working with the Explorer X Team on planning their honeymoon to Slovenia! > Read Katie’s heartfelt application essay here! > Watch Katie’s ‘reveal’ video here as she finds out she won 2nd Place in the HTF! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/7c63926f-1e53-4935-804b-830ed16028d4/IMG_8378.jpeg Journal & Blog - Meet the Hero Travel Fund Finalists! - Michele Zachary – Finalist & Hero Lakeside, MT | Registered Respiratory Therapist, NPS Michele has worked in a healthcare field for the last 25 years, 23 as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. She primarily works in the neonatal and pediatric areas. She enjoys her job, even on the hard days. When she’s not at work at the hospital, she volunteers her time between two non-profits: She Jumps as an event coordinator and, secondly, her local alpine race team. She’s also married to a firefighter and is a mother to two active kids! When not at work, Michele enjoys skiing, gardening and being in the sunshine! Dream Travel Experience: Italy & Southern France https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d5890852-3017-487e-838e-03596c8ccecb/2222.jpg Journal & Blog - Meet the Hero Travel Fund Finalists! - Leslie Jirsa – Finalist & Hero New York City | NYC Master Teacher Leslie is one of 43 New York City Public School Master Teachers, spending part of her day as a teacher and also empowering the teachers she works with as an instructional coach. She left a career in print and documentary journalism after realizing the interviews, footage, and historical research she conducted made her want to work with human beings before the hardened layers of trauma had settled in — before they were forced to “build resilience.” She loves connecting with people, languages, and cultures. Dream Travel Experience: Ecuador https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2025/02/chile-destination-unknown-5-things-i-learned monthly 0.5 2025-03-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1740000812673-S44M4A4ZSSEY83P3P480/unsplash-image-Zf2mL1gtaVg.jpg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1739469892583-LPQER3TTDHE94E1YFB0Z/unsplash-image-tzZPC-LJV-A.jpg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned - Don’t sleep on Santiago. When excitement at the start of the trip is high, and you’re looking to stretch your legs after lots of flight time, the Lastarria District of the big city of Santiago is a great starting point. This area is sprinkled with parks, pedestrian-only streets, graffiti art reminiscent of Cartagena, and lots of cute places for a bite to eat. If you spend a full day here, take your pick from a number of museums to gain an understanding of the history of the country, stop for a pisco at CHPE Libre, and be sure to check out Santa Lucia Park, which has arguably better 360 degree views of the city than the famous funicular, as long as you’re willing to climb ~200 stairs to get there. And a quick note: The airport at Puerto Natales will be your gateway to Patagonia from Santiago (choose a seat on the left side of the plane for Torres del Paine views!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d96e6b2b-370a-412d-a3bc-0722b05fdecd/photo-1578704410892-86dbdab9b4e8.jpeg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned - Puerto Varas: Watersports Wonder If you want to vacation where the Chileans vacation, head to Puerto Varas in the Lake District. This cute little town on the shores of massive Lago Llanquihue is in striking distance to two volcanoes, a national park with endangered 4,000 year old alerce trees, and turquoise rivers. This is the perfect spot for those looking for any and all waterpsorts pursuits: Whitewater rafting, kayaking the fjords, paddleboarding, and more. More of a land-lover? Not to worry: There’s plenty of opportunities for road cycling, skiing, and hiking. This is a place I could have happily stayed for quite a while; there’s no lack of adventures to be had here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1739484565035-HQ4HNSPSR2KB3VIGNEH3/unsplash-image-2u5F02u-eIY.jpg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned - Explore Torres del Paine off the beaten path. When someone mentions Chilean Patagonia, what comes to mind? Let me guess: It’s the iconic towering peaks of Torres del Paine, a place on many a bucket list and Instagram account. The popularity is well-deserved with landscapes that feel out-of-this world, as dramatic granite towers stretch sky-high with a backdrop of frosty blue water. We spent our first few nights here, and it was well worth it, but we were grateful to have the chance to head out of the area into Estancia Cerro Guido. This vast swath of private land has been turned into a conservation area, a playground you can have all to yourselves. Here you can hike without seeing another soul, gallop across the open steppe knee-to-knee with the local gauchos stirring up vast herds of wild guanaco, take early morning wildlife safaris to track resident pumas, and/or participate in a sheep shearing. You get the picture; this is a great compliment to other properties in the area, because here you get a real sense of the history, culture, and wildlife of Chile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/dcee06de-21be-4892-b862-4bdd44b320d1/gabrielle-maurer-kXEmk5eKFkM-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned - October is a special time to be in Chile. Chile is beautiful no matter when you’re there, and offers unique highlights depending on the season. For example, puma tracking is best on those short winter days when you can follow their movements in the snow. But October/November is the locals’ favorite as this is springtime in Patagonia. It's quieter as properties are just coming out of winter and the staff is energized and excited to greet the new season’s arrivals. Adorable little lambs are frolicking about, flamingos and other birds begin to pass through, and the flowers are blooming. Being there in October myself, it did feel like quite a sacred and special time, a re-awakening of the land, covered with the bright orange and red hues of the neneo plant, spread across the hills like wildfire, one of the first signs of the arrival of spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/be36bd98-2120-4877-b854-957a04d0e9d3/photo-1485060937322-549e872004ad.jpeg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned - Chile is a land of extreme contrasts. There is a breathtaking diversity of landscapes on offer that seem to span entire worlds, so plan ahead if you want to experience them all. In the north lies the Atacama Desert, the driest place on Earth, where salt flats meet volcanic peaks and clear night skies that are perfect for stargazing. Heading south, you’ll find lush wine valleys like Casablanca and Colchagua with rolling vineyards and some of the best wine in the world. In the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, find a 30-meter high glacier on a trek through Torres del Paine. Keep in mind that Chile is a lo00000000ng country, so if you are planning on exploring several of these places, be sure to allocate plenty of travel time to get from one to another. (Of course, your Explorer X Travel Designer knows all of that and will plan accordingly.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/70884491-6108-4c60-92c2-1930148fd352/unsplash-image-IcslkNymhGA.jpg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned - Be open to embracing the unexpected with Destination: Unknown. The D:U process offered a unique lesson unlike other trips I've taken in the past (and with a career in travel, that's saying something!). In particular, it was a true lesson in letting go. As a travel designer myself, I have the tendency to plan every last detail, so this was quite a stretch for me to give up that control and put our fate in the hands of someone else. Luckily, I know those hands are my colleagues’ and they are more than capable; that level of trust in the collective expertise here at Explorer X and with our team members around the world was important for me to be able to surrender to the process. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1739469761463-465GI7ODTCMAFK1TJ9ZO/untitled-4+%282%29.jpg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1739469761193-TID0ZK6I0W1BFILDWDCS/untitled-7+%281%29.jpg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1739469769751-G37VGSMEUGOTJ4G8HIXI/untitled-40+%281%29.jpg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1739469765764-50TCEWQO16GP2R24VERW/untitled-8.jpg Journal & Blog - Chile: 6 Things I Learned https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2024/12/1/5-trends-for-traveling-in-2025-wg6ba monthly 0.5 2025-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1702063325727-LP3I3U3QY88IRINNF1FA/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Trends for Traveling in 2025 - Trend #1: People are Fully Embracing the Mindful Travel Movement What: While Explorer X has always been based on the concepts of Mindful Travel, the number of people who have meaningfully engaged in the conversations and content we offer has historically been modest. But in 2024, we saw more and more people actively engage with the resources and the tools we offer; better yet, we had more people seek out a trip with Explorer X because of our passion for mindful travel. Note: Check out our Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide here! Why: Globally, the concept of mindful (or transformative) travel is becoming more mainstream and less niche. Travelers are embracing the idea that you can simultaneously have fun and have an impactful and profound experience while out exploring. In fact, those we spoke to this year that had the most powerful travel experiences with us said that the two are often intertwined: The most impactful experiences were the ones that were also the most fun and engaging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d1689c03-177c-49d5-8a5d-830f730a37ea/GettyImages-1223350757.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Trends for Traveling in 2025 - Trend #2: Traveling with Friends & Family What: Over the past year, the percentage of people traveling with siblings, extended family, and/or friends in small groups (4–8 people) has risen dramatically, and that trend looks to be continuing into 2025 and beyond. Why: What we’ve heard from many of these groups is that since more and more people can live/work anywhere, people are more spread out around the world. That makes getting together regularly harder to do, so instead, they coordinate schedules and plan an epic travel experience together! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1701463728660-8IKBE77KKLBBVFGFA3YE/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Trends for Traveling in 2025 - Trend #3: Traveling to Celebrate Special Occasions What: In 2024, we saw a sharp spike in the number of people traveling for special occasions, specifically big birthdays and anniversaries (often those ending in a zero). We also had the honor of planning a handful of graduation trips and even a few epic honeymoons. Why: The ‘Experience Economy’ is inspiring people to focus more on doing things as the best way to spend their time and money instead of having things. Travel experiences are more meaningful, create lifelong memories, and are enjoyed by both giver and recipient. Note: Check out The Experience Economy by Joseph Pine and Time and How to Spend It by James Wallman for more on these topics! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1b685345-e310-4df7-b48e-dbb708c9c211/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Trends for Traveling in 2025 - Trend #4: Destination: Unknown Continues to Thrive. What: The number of travelers reaching out to us to plan their Destination: Unknown adventure continues to grow every year. In some ways, it has become what Explorer X is best known for. Several travelers loved their experience so much that they have already gone on or (or planned) their 2nd and even 3rd D: U Adventure, and many have sent their friends and family members to us as well! Why: The thrill of not knowing where you are going and/or what you are going to do is, in the words of one of our travelers, “intoxicating.” So much of our daily lives is planned days, months, even years in advance; having a travel experience planned for you but not knowing where you are going offers travelers that sense of adventure and the ‘feeling of being alive’ that many are missing in their day-to-day lives. Note: Explorer X has also been featured in Forbes, the New York Times, Seattle Met, and other online publications as a leader in these ‘mystery trips’ or ‘surprise experiences.’ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/21f9ff99-f7c3-4e4b-ba77-acc522446d99/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Trends for Traveling in 2025 - Trend #5: We’re Building a Community of Travelers What: The past 7+ years have been spent building a brand identity and connecting with like-minded people who love exploring the world mindfully. Over the past year, we saw more and more of those people come back to Explorer X for the 2nd, 3rd, even 4th trip. And just as importantly, they referred friends and family to us. In other words, we’re building a supportive community of travelers dedicated to traveling mindfully and living better. Why: We think of our travelers as friends, not clients, and do our best to get to know them as people and as travelers. Our high-touch approach to travel design and the way we invite people to get more out of their adventures by diving into some of the mindful travel concepts resonates with our travelers. And, honestly, we are just good at what we do: We design epic travel experiences, people love them, they come back for more, and they want their friends and family to have the oportunity to travel with us as well. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2024/11/10/5-things-i-learned-about-iceland monthly 0.5 2024-11-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/eb2a8bf1-92f8-4ba0-919a-3124e0bcdac3/unsplash-image-O7zkyNkQ1lM.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 5 Things I Learned - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1731261850054-700UXUQ7WXVP22TA3NPD/unsplash-image-zNN6ubHmruI.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 5 Things I Learned - Iceland is nature on an epic scale. From dramatic mountainscapes to stunning cliffs, black sand beaches, erupting volcanoes, underground lava tubes, and jaw-dropping waterfalls, Iceland really is nature at its finest. Some of our favorite spots to visit include: – Kirkjufell Mountain – Vatnshellir Lava Tunnel – Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss Waterfalls – Reykjadalur Thermal Hot Springs River – The mountains in the north near Siglufjörður – The rivers and glaciers of the Highlands And that’s ignoring the Northern Lights, the Blue Lagoon, and other more famous place to visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1731262021897-UH0J7YVPWA41CRXUY5GK/unsplash-image-eA68nWJw66U.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 5 Things I Learned - It’s surprisingly easy to get around Iceland on your own. We rented a car and hit the road upon our arrival at Keflavik International Airport, and found getting around to be surprisingly easy. The roads are well cared for, signage is easy to follow/understand, and cell service is generally quite good, so you’ll have reliable access to Google Maps and similar apps. In most countries, we recommend having a driver-guide when finances allow – they add tremendous value and can point out places and people you would have otherwise missed while relieving the stress of driving in a foreign country. In Iceland, however, having a driver-guide is nice but not as necessary. Note: If you do self-drive, be mindful of the hidden cameras that capture your speed; you will get a ticket if they catch you driving too fast (speaking from personal experience). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1731262452547-V0LNHS8LPEO5J3NXB0OY/unsplash-image-r0q06hjTgOc.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 5 Things I Learned - Sprinkle in some private tours to enhance your experience in Iceland. While the epic nature of the landscape offers endless opportunities for hiking, photography, and reflection, I’d strongly recommend adding a few privately guided experiences to enhance your time in Iceland. Some of our favorites include: – Spending an evening learning all about the Northern Lights with a local astronomer – Going on a privately guided glacier walk and exploring ice caves – Enjoying a special lunch on a local farm prepared by your hosts – Heading underground for a privately guided lava tube tour – Learning about Icelandic history and food traditions in Reykjavik And so much more! Be sure to talk to your Travel Designer for more ideas and ways to explore and experience Iceland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9387ee26-92cf-42f4-b89c-cdd55d1049e5/Screen+Shot+2024-11-10+at+10.39.46.png Journal & Blog - Iceland: 5 Things I Learned - Go beyond the Blue Lagoon, Reykjavik, and the Golden Circle. Beyond the Blue Lagoon, the Golden Circle, and all that Reykjavik has to offer, there are smaller towns and amazing hotels/properties that I absolutely fell in love with on this journey – and I would encourage you to check them out on your next adventure to Iceland. – Stykkishólmur: One of my favorite spots in Iceland; Hotels Egilsen and Karolina are quaint and lovely – Highland Region: Highland Base is the perfect basecamp for hiking, biking, and all manner of adventures – South Coast: Skalakot Manor is located near Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss and has terrific food and ambiance – Akureyi: Iceland’s 2nd biggest town (approx. 20,000 people), has loads of cute shops, restaurants, and hotels – Siglufjörður: A funky little fishing town in the north coast with a local microbrewery and a lovely hotel, Sigló Hotel And if budget allows, you won’t be disappointed with a stay at The Retreat at the Blue Lagoon. It’s a great way to cap off your Iceland adventure with some pampering after all of the activity! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1731264321405-CXLF0Y8X9627QA4TILV4/unsplash-image-Ovn1hyBge38.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 5 Things I Learned - And yes – Be sure to plan your trip around the Northern Lights. If your travel plans are flexible, then you should absolutely plan to visit Iceland at a time when the Northern Lights are most likely to be visible. While we can never guarantee that you’ll see them, here are some pro tips on how to maximize your chances: – Visit between September and April; the Lights are generally not visible in the summer months – Plan your trip to be in Iceland during a new moon phase, which helps reduce any light pollution – The further away from civilization you get, the more brilliant the lights will be (again, light pollution) – Be prepared to stay up late (or get up early): Both times I saw the Lights, it was well past midnight; ask your hotel for a ‘Northern Lights Wake-Up Call’ – they’ll ring your room if the lights are out! It’s hard to express how moving, emotional, and powerful it is to see the Northern Lights in person – certainly one of the more spiritual experiences I have ever had while traveling. I hope YOU get to experience them on your next trip to Iceland with us! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e7b91366-6117-445a-9d7e-5156bfe4dc01/unsplash-image-LCE_FU0yhPw.jpg Journal & Blog - Iceland: 5 Things I Learned - Reminder: Travel can be super powerful when you bring a little intention to it. Consider this a friendly reminder to bring a little more mindfulness with you the next time you embark on an adventure. It struck me once again just how powerful, enlightening, and uplifting travel can be during my time in Iceland. Together, Don and I dove into deep, heartfelt conversations, discussed our dreams and fears for the future, shared many stories and laughs, and found time for quiet contemplation, reflection, and meditation. The result? A deeper bond between the two of us and some personal clarity and inspiration for my own life moving forward. Learn more about traveling mindfully here. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2024/10/10/a-female-travelers-guide-to-finding-courage-and-connection monthly 0.5 2024-10-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728932754365-B2HKDN94CKISK613RLAM/2C284A62-10BC-4CFD-A082-247E1C85C339.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728932790112-2I4THX8UGK7N405IVKY6/IMG_2603.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728932815612-0YT4BJ7ARVRV7KK1V9LF/IMG_2767.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728933076436-2IUOM5CA49WWH0KNZUQA/IMG_2817.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728933051653-IOW5P3NUXPP5OJTV6UZV/IMG_1346.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728932800082-EHBLR7JDO5YRXMQBZDQG/IMG_2643.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728932780287-RB3OVG51Q0E60EZ6BKV4/IMG_2531.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728933051351-RCCQ2EDG8EEBJ5WTPB7U/IMG_1463.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728933090619-N3KQJJY7R9ZFAIEEI26N/IMG_2887.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728932780552-EARCM0GDZNQ5UP5K9TJZ/IMG_2528.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728933085424-R4BZ36FGDJQXIM0TDC9D/IMG_2862.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1728932826115-XA7TIXH362EKPR80WVQO/IMG_2899.JPG Journal & Blog - A Female Traveler’s Guide to Finding Courage and Connection https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/travel-fund monthly 0.5 2024-10-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b13274ed-5327-425a-a184-51ad3c14329f/unsplash-image-8kDOOrs608I.jpg Journal & Blog - Introducing the Hero Travel Fund - Introducing The Hero Travel Fund https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2024/6/12/6-takeaways-from-my-second-trip-to-tanzania monthly 0.5 2024-06-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718228182715-L2W6CDPWPIKABLD7WL2C/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823315446-WV5Y5V2MBCQDX728HQI9/untitled-7.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823314961-D21PO32YTEZRWPWJ4YNK/untitled-11.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823347225-ALJBG8U51E9W1B6FQRBL/untitled-52.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823351645-OOM9C397OXIRCNUKNMFL/untitled-67.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823345517-URB6M3VUHIF299X5D5OO/untitled-51.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823325139-XJN8N6DGOZOI8Y27U6YT/untitled-17.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823330509-HXHH4T9QWBF8GY9PLYBG/untitled-27.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823338735-B8QOP2FJIR0U2FM4QVYY/untitled-29.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823336144-ZSFU2HEZGHF9VSIS9GIB/untitled-37.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823339440-5SBGK9L50U7FNKSRYVG6/untitled-38.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823345105-FWA229TDO6X4J522XRAY/untitled-43.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1718823351166-WZTY8WVYQMZLUK9I54UT/untitled-60.jpg Journal & Blog - 6 Takeaways from My Second Trip to Tanzania https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/10/6/norway-5-things-i-learned monthly 0.5 2025-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1713209673262-Z8M7VNJXZM7WW5OWFI1V/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Norway: 5 Things I Learned - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1715807496655-GHGT5D5HT5HRVZEUCU3B/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Norway: 5 Things I Learned - 1. The best time to visit is September. Whether you are hunting for the Northern Lights or excited to experience the land of the midnight sun, Norway can accommodate: It is a true year-round destination. With that being said, based on my time there – and after speaking with countless locals in Norway — I think best time of year to visit may in fact be September. Here’s why: – The weather is still quite nice, especially the further south you go – Many of the tourists are gone, so you will have more space to explore – Fall colors explode — red and yellows and oranges — and harvest season arrives! – The Northern Lights start to come out, especially in Northern Norway – It’s a great time for the arts: You’ll find music and art festivals galore! Again, there is no bad time to visit Norway – it all just depends on your preferences and what you are looking to do/see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1715807526049-CJQH9H3IOK13K4MFQ0AL/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Norway: 5 Things I Learned - 2. The Perfect Combo: Bergen, the Fjords, and the North Most of our travelers spend about 12 days in their destination of choice. When traveling to Norway, there is a combination of locations that flows well logistically, offers a wonderful variety of landscapes, cultural experiences, and adventure activities, and hits many/most of the highlights travelers want to be sure to see: 3N @ Bergen – Fascinating History & Culture, Incredible Food Scene; imagine walking around and meeting the artists/craftspeople of the Bryggen, visiting the Edvard Grieg house, having a pint at Frille og Dyvekes Vinkjeller, and dining on world-class seafood! 3N @ The Fjords – Stunning Landscapes, Heart-Pumping Adventures, Beer/Cider Tastings; opportunities for adventure (hiking, kayaking) and jaw-dropping scenery abound in the Fjords, but don’t forget the ciders, beers, and Viking heritage that make this region so special. 6N @ The North — Lofoten, Senja, Svalbard, Kirkenes; the north is the place to go if you want the opportunity to see the Northern Lights, but don’t forget about the Midnight Sun as well! You’ll also find incredible wildlife adventures here (Dogsledding, Reindeer Viewing, and Polar Bear Safaris) to go along with a hearty people shaped by the vast landscapes that surround them. Of course, all of this depends on your passions and interests, but if you are looking for a well-rounded trip to this beautiful destination, this 12-day combo works really well! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1715807595406-XUYJG8SL0J6XW9DP0RYQ/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Norway: 5 Things I Learned - 3. Norway has a Fierce Dedication to Environmental Conservation One of the first things I noticed when arriving in Norway was how dedicated to environmental conservation the country as a whole was. Most (if not all) of the buses, trains, and other forms public transportation —including ferries and even some small cruise ships — run on electric power. Norway is one of the most innovative and progressive destinations in the world when it comes to climate change, environmental awareness, carbon neutrality, and sustainability: They have a national goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 and in 2023, over 80% (!!) of all new cars sold were electric vehicles. All of which is amazing, but is a bit (or a lot) paradoxical when you consider … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1715807617959-1CPRF5XXH6T94BUR7N2O/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Norway: 5 Things I Learned - 4. Overtourism is becoming a big issue. On the other hand, and in stark contrast to its focus on the environment, Norway has become a mass tourism destination: From cruise shippers to Northern Lights chasers, you will see no shortage of tourists (not travelers) in Norway if/when you go. When I was in Bergen — and this was in April, mind you! — there were loads of people disembarking from cruise ships for a few hours at a time, crowding the restaurants, shops, and streets. All of this left me wondering about the paradox of overtourism with cultural and environmental conservation in Norway. When flooded with tourists, any destination would struggle to maintain the culture that drew these people in the first place, and Norway is not an exception. The more people show up on cruise ships, the more watered-down the history and culture may become. And the bigger the demands are on efforts to preserve the stunning natural beauty that drew people there in the first place. The good news? It is absolutely worth spending time in Norway — especially when traveling with Explorer X. Why? Well, … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1715877318200-V78HWN1LYMWV82YEL2WW/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Norway: 5 Things I Learned - 5. Opportunities for Human-to-Human Connection Still Abound Of course, you know us well enough by now to understand that we’ll get you away from the mass tourism spots so that you can meet the people — artists, experts, and local craftspeople — that truly bring this amazing destination to life! Some of the moments, connections, and experiences we have planned for travelers in Norway include: – Meeting local artists/artisans in the Bryggen section of Bergen to learn about their craft – Having a private tasting and lunch with a world-renowned cider maker out in the Fjord area – Taking a private boat cruise down one of the Fjords with a local captain – Spending a day out with a professional king crab fisherman learning all about his craft – Going on a privately guided hike with a local husky trainer … and, of course, the dogs! … And so many other intimate and local experiences that we can offer you that give you a real glimpse into local life in Norway. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2024/4/24/the-intersection-of-travel-amp-health monthly 0.5 2024-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9d19e6ed-a5a6-4901-8d36-30fae4fca64c/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - The Intersection of Travel & Health - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2024/1/12/a-journey-through-japan-6-things-i-learned monthly 0.5 2024-01-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705087770886-W1G182BOAOM3BEOU3F7C/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned - You can have authentic and genuine local experiences even in big cities like Tokyo. Most visitors to Japan fly in/out of Tokyo, and it’s not something that should be skipped over. My advice: stay a couple of days. Even if you’re not into the shopping and modern tech scene, there is something for everyone (speaking as someone who isn’t personally into shopping or tech). To my own surprise, a few of my favorite experiences of my 20-day trip happened in the first couple of days while I was in Tokyo. From serendipitously stumbling upon a new-years mochi-pounding neighborhood block party, to an early morning walk to watch the vendors sell their catch of the day at a seafood market to restaurant owners, to sharing a bench with a local man who’d been coming to this particular izakaya (small Japanese pub) every day after work for 25 years…these were some unexpected gems of Tokyo and now I do not doubt that I would have experienced more surprises for each day spent here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705087811397-F5EU4PRMJG3ACM11K1NY/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned - Look beyond Tokyo and Kyoto for a beautiful contrast of environments and cultures elsewhere. Did you know that women in the seaside town of Ise dive for sea snails and farmers collect the most perfect pearls? Did you know in Odai-cho and Owase you can enjoy homestays with rural families, learn their farming practices, go fishing or sea kayaking, and make meals together? And if you visit a place full of tourists like Kyoto, there are options to stay about an hour outside of hustle and bustle in adorable guesthouses with a local host who can give you a glimpse of what their real daily life is like, while still having quick access to all the major sites. When choosing destinations and experiences within Japan ask yourself, are you learning from and giving back to the local communities here? Or are you simply being served by them? Choose to be a traveler, not a tourist, and you’ll be rewarded with a richer and deeper experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705087872077-6EDQ9JR6FKGL31KKU9AE/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned - Get train and bus station assistance. No joke! Especially in big cities like Tokyo. I’m a fairly savvy traveler and can generally find my way around, but there were times navigating on my own that I thought I knew where I was going, only to end up completely turned around. The train stations can feel like a complete maze, and you’ll find very few who can speak English to direct you. Thus, I highly recommend hiring someone who can take you to the correct platform and meet you upon arrival at the next one. There is so much value in the stress you’ll save yourself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/fa63eee6-5b90-47c3-843c-21547154919d/DSC04681.jpg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned - Be open; be observant; try everything; get uncomfortable! Including the unfamiliar foods (Natto!) and the Japanese squatting toilets. Stay in traditional Japanese inns called Ryokans. Bathe nude in the onsens. Wear the house slippers and the toilet slippers. Practice the phrase “arigato gozaimasu” and use it often with a bow. In general, bow often. Use two hands to accept what is given to you. Observe the correct way to enter a shrine, purify, and pray. And if you take anything away from this, don’t ever stick your chopsticks upright into your bowl of rice (trust me)! These practices and more will earn you a greater understanding of the customs. You will gain respect and friendships by demonstrating your efforts to journey through this country as a humble student. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9c5f63c2-454a-4932-9b7b-ba3da68e7446/DSC04385.jpg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned - Movement heals. The bulk of my trip to Japan was a 12-day pilgrimage hike on the lesser known Kumano Kodo Iseji route on the Kii Peninsula. Many of us began with various aches and pains (fully expecting to utilize the support vehicle, personally speaking) that miraculously improved a bit more each day we walked. It became the general consensus among the group members that this is simply what the human body naturally needs for homeostasis - regular motion. And you can get plenty of that in a country where walking is a primary means of transport, whether that’s on the trail or in the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705088244540-RDXOWU10X8ORH434OWTS/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned - Adopt an attitude of gratitude. I learned so much from the warm Japanese people I encountered along the way, but most of all, it was this. A reminder to send thanks for every meal with a quiet “itadakimasu,” to worship nature, to express undivided attention with every human interaction, and to tread lightly, leaving everything as pristine in your wake as you found it, whether it’s a room in a guesthouse or a trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705088483466-U467L0S8FCP13EXX9F47/DSC03644.jpg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705088482229-X355QK7J8CSU180KGC49/DSC03709.jpg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705088484295-6CYHJO5ZSIIOI45D5Z04/DSC03711.jpg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705088504874-ICXEBLG6HCMY1AJVC382/DSC03809.jpg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705088485036-B4DPQIAZKCYWCUNSY6V0/DSC03782.jpg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705088510096-6EVQBBKLNL5K46D0LLI6/DSC03822.jpg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705088512204-XHQDXDP831AUTM92VO95/DSC03863.jpg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705088514692-MJRYST56GGGQA2KO1TTQ/DSC03889.jpg Journal & Blog - A Journey Through Japan: 6 Things I Learned https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2024/1/10/lessons-we-learned-in-2023 monthly 0.5 2024-01-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705019248846-0B8CBJBAP0S77ZN5AEPU/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Lessons We Learned in 2023 - Stop Taking Life for Granted By Michael Bennett | Co-Founder I remember waking up one day in early August with a pit in my stomach but having no idea why. Something was wrong, my intuition was telling me. It would be a few days before I received a phone call from a friend in Germany telling me that one of my best friends had passed away suddenly at 42. He had taken his own life. After getting over the initial shock, grief set in. I searched for answers — How could this happen? Why did this happen? — and eventually came to realize that sometimes in life, there are no answers. Sometimes shit just happens. This sudden and unexpected loss of a friend was a stark reminder of how much I had been taking for granted in my life – Friends, family, work I love, my health, and so much more. And I vowed to stop living that way. I vowed to begin seeing life as granted to me – the most precious of gifts. What a wonder to wake up to each and every day. What a joy to be able to call a friend or take a walk with Fred (my pup) or sip a cup of hot coffee. What a blessing to have a headache, because you know what? It means I am on the right side of the dirt for now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, yet most of us act like we are going to live forever. Newsflash: We won’t. So now is the time to begin living like we mean it. Now is the time to connect more meaningfully with the people we love. Now is the time to reach out to those who we have lost touch with. Now is always the time for a hug or an apology or a smile. Now is the time to take that trip you have been dreaming about for years. And now is the time to begin living life as if there is no tomorrow — because one day, we’ll all be right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705019186106-O4YZIVF8TGSP6W1XR41C/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Lessons We Learned in 2023 - Simplify Your Life By Robyn DeVoe | Travel Designer I don't often realize just how complex and overstimulating my day-to-day is at home until I am completely removed from it. Travel does just this; it's why I crave it like fuel. I can experience the same effect whether I'm on a river trip here in the States or trekking halfway across the world. I'm hit the same way every time – like a wave of relief when I launch the boat on the water or step off the airplane into different air, one full of new smells and sensations and sounds. I get off that one-track racing mindset of 'what's next on my to-do list' and, given the space, my mind is allowed to expand. For me, travel is not anxiety-inducing; just the opposite. Sure, the preparation can take a lot of work, but the unburdening I feel when I finally embark is valuable beyond measure. Upon taking those first strokes on the water or those first steps in a new land, nothing before that moment matters any longer. I am completely present and open to whatever comes my way. When I travel, a new, simple, healthy rhythm emerges: Wake, eat, explore, connect, sleep, repeat. I never feel more refreshed and aligned than I do when I travel. Some of the best sleep I ever get is on a trip, and it's no wonder why. This is my takeaway for 2023, but honestly, it's been the same takeaway for every year prior and I expect for every year to come as well: Simplify. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705019108151-5O6JI4JRP5I3ZEYPT94K/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Lessons We Learned in 2023 - See the World through Child’s Eyes By Melissa Burnside | Travel Designer This year, I embarked on the adventure of a lifetime. My adventure was one of introspection, love, and deep spiritual connection – parenthood. The birth of my daughter may have postponed a few a travel plans, but it led me on a trip of learning and growth that I could never experience anywhere else. She reminds me that living better means being present in each moment, remaining curious at the mundane, and seeing the world for the beautiful place that it is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705021023454-MV6UR3RCKJA56E6IG7OL/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Lessons We Learned in 2023 - Mindset is Everything By Curren Hamlet | Operations Manager It has been a monumental year personally and professionally. 2023 was my first full year working at Explorer X and held some of the most memorable and impactful events of my life. Along with being the first full year with X, it was also the first full year living with my partner Tayler, I adopted a cat, traveled to Europe for a month, and moved twice – ending up on the other side of the country in Washington DC. I learned many things about myself and the world this year. One of the more prominent lessons was on mindset. Mindset is everything. This is nothing new to me but dealing with stressful, life-changing events really made the importance of mindset and resilience apparent. Before moving for the first time the past year, I was living with my partner and another roommate and it was not working out. There was a point when I had to just accept the fact that something needed to change and change my mindset from “Why did I get myself into this situation” to “I am in this situation, and I need to make a change.” From this mindset switch, I was able to accept where I was and make progress toward a change, instead of just getting overwhelmed and shutting down. Successfully switching my mindset continued to be crucial throughout the year to navigate, travel, moving, work, and relationships. And I kept in mind that taking one step at a time gets you to the top of the mountain; you can’t always take a helicopter. What a year! Lots of positive stuff, but I look forward to a hopefully tamer year in 2024 (still fun, just less moving please). https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/12/1/5-trends-for-traveling-in-2024 monthly 0.5 2025-01-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1b685345-e310-4df7-b48e-dbb708c9c211/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Trends for Traveling in 2024 - Trend #1: Destination: Unknown has officially arrived. What: In 2022, we designed and delivered 5 total Destination: Unknown Adventures. In 2023, that number jumped up to 10 – and we already have 4 D:Us planned for 2024! And several travelers loved their experience so much that they have already gone on or (or planned) their 2nd and even 3rd D: U Adventure! Note: Explorer X has also been featured in Forbes, the New York Times, Seattle Met, and other online publications as a leader in these ‘mystery trips’ or ‘surprise experiences.’ Why: The thrill of not knowing where you are going and/or what you are going to do is, in the words of one of our travelers, “intoxicating.” So much of our daily lives is planned days, months, even years in advance; having a travel experience planned for you but not knowing where you are going offers travelers that sense of adventure and the ‘feeling of being alive’ that many are missing in their day-to-day lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1701463728660-8IKBE77KKLBBVFGFA3YE/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Trends for Traveling in 2024 - Trend #2: Traveling to Celebrate Special Occasions What: In 2023, we saw a sharp spike in the number of people traveling for special occasions, specifically big birthdays (often those ending in a zero) and anniversaries. Of course, we also had the honor of planning some pretty epic honeymoons, and even got to plan an engagement proposal on one of our trips! Why: The ‘Experience Economy’ is inspiring people to focus more on doing things as the best way to spend their time and money instead of having things. Travel experiences are more meaningful, create lifelong memories, and are enjoyed by both giver and recipient more than getting someone a watch or a necklace for a birthday or anniversary. You know that trip you’ve been dreaming of for years? Maybe now is the time to start planning! Note: Check out The Experience Economy by Joseph Pine and Time and How to Spend It by James Wallman for more on these topics! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d1689c03-177c-49d5-8a5d-830f730a37ea/GettyImages-1223350757.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Trends for Traveling in 2024 - Trend #3: Traveling with Friends & Family What: Historically, the majority of people who booked a travel experience with Explorer X were couples. But in 2023, the percentage of people traveling with siblings, extended family, and/or friends in small groups (4–8 people) rose dramatically, and that trend looks to be continuing into 2024. Why: What we’ve heard from many of these groups is that since more and more people can live/work anywhere, people are more spread out around the world. That makes getting together regularly harder to do, so instead, they coordinate schedules and plan an epic travel experience together! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1702063325727-LP3I3U3QY88IRINNF1FA/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Trends for Traveling in 2024 - Trend #4: More People are Embracing Mindful Travel What: While Explorer X has always been based on the concepts of mindful or transformative travel, the number of people who have meaningfully engaged in the conversations and content we offer has traditionally been modest. But in 2023, we saw more and more people actively engage with the resources and the tools we offer; better yet, we had more people seek out a trip with Explorer X because of our passion for mindful travel. Why: Globally, the concept of mindful or transformative travel is becoming more mainstream and less niche. Travelers are embracing the idea that you can simultaneously have fun and have an impactful and profound experience while out exploring. In fact, those we spoke to this year that had the most powerful travel experiences with us said that the two are often intertwined: The most impactful experiences were the ones that were also the most fun and engaging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/21f9ff99-f7c3-4e4b-ba77-acc522446d99/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Trends for Traveling in 2024 - Trend #5: We’re Building a Community of Travelers What: As a younger business, the past 6+ years have been spent building a brand identity and connecting with like-minded people who love exploring the world mindfully. In 2023, we saw more and more of those people come back to Explorer X for the 2nd, 3rd, even 4th trip. And just as importantly, they referred friends and family to us. In other words, we’re building a supportive community of travelers dedicated to traveling better and living better. Why: We think of our travelers as friends, not clients, and do our best to get to know them as people and as travelers. Our high-touch approach to travel design and the way we invite people to get more out of their adventures by diving into some of the mindful travel concepts resonates with our travelers. And, honestly, we are just good at what we do: We design epic travel experiences, people love them, they come back for more, and they want their friends and family to have the oportunity to travel with us as well. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/11/30/five-destinations-for-your-spring-awakening monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1701373379533-61F13L2JNFTA3QIHV3V4/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Destinations For Your Spring Awakening - Perfect Portugal With its vast and varied landscape in a relatively small country, you can really get a good feel for Portugal in just under two weeks. Moving from Lisbon, Porto, the Douro Valley, and then Alentejo, it’s the perfect combination of city and rustic country life. Hike along the Sintra-Cascais coast with endless cliffs, gardens, and romantic castles. Relish in the cheesy spicy goodness of francesinha sandwiches with a glass of port after a tour of Porto. Sail the Douro river, stopping to taste wines and meet the incredible people who live off these lands. The endless charm of this vibrant country will have you feeling alive after a long dreary winter! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1701375131470-X9MH89M934TFL9BW4YCK/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Destinations For Your Spring Awakening - Picturesque Peru If you just go to Machu Picchu, then you’re missing out on a world of beauty in Peru. If you can get away for a bit longer this April or May, venturing out to Lake Titicaca is a rewarding journey. Here you will find a floating island that the indigenous people have made from reeds and built homes on. This is often the highlight of our traveler’s trips, especially when paired with a visit to Colca Canyon, one of the world’s deepest trekking destinations. And if you really want to see something remarkable, the Nazca Lines, geoglyphs made in the soil of the Nazca Desert, will simply blow your mind! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/3a8d1425-ea73-442e-afbe-64c060f652db/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Destinations For Your Spring Awakening - Incomparable Italy Tired of feeling like a tourist in Italy? Skip Rome, Florence, Venice, and all the popular cities this time around and spend your days slowly savoring the small village life. Near San Gimigano in the Tuscan region, you can spend time with Diana at her winery, sipping Sangiovese and watching her three dogs run around. Head to a fisherman’s village and observe a way of life that has been part of the Italian culture for generations and enjoy the fresh catch of the day. May is a lovely time to visit: the weather is wonderful but the crowds (and the rates) are lower than peak season, so it’s a win-win! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1701374579385-QG7OF3PBLVSSZ5AN34T7/image-asset.png Journal & Blog - 5 Destinations For Your Spring Awakening - Gorgeous Greece If you visit this incredible country in the spring, you can avoid the canned-sardine-esque crowds and still enjoy all the country has to offer. Spend a few days exploring the Acropolis with our brilliant storytelling guides that are anything but dry, and enjoy the real gems of Grecian gastronomy on an immersive food walking tour. Instead of Santorini or Mykonos, make your way to Crete where you’ll meet a local woman who shares her cooking secrets with you. After, take a jeep tour out to the stunning Balos Lagoon and go for a swim in the turquoise waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1701374045374-XW3C0914GMD1H0BXZJXP/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Destinations For Your Spring Awakening - Majestic Japan While most known for the cheerful cherry blossoms blooming in the spring, Japan has endless surprises to explore March through May. In just a few weeks, you can move from Tokyo's diverse pop culture hub to the ancient countryside steeped in a rich history. Walk on Hagi-Okan, a historic road beloved by the locals and used by samurai during the Meiji Restoration who contributed to Japan's modernization. Take a break on Etajima, an island in the Seto Inland Sea, and immerse yourself in crafting traditional paper cloth while savoring the unhurried local way of life. This mesmerizing land holds a wealth of undiscovered treasures, from its tea culture to its arts – making it the perfect setting for a spring revival! https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/10/6/the-faroe-islands-5-things-i-learned monthly 0.5 2024-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696637377568-4OYZ34F4FP83TMT5AMRT/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 5 Things I Learned - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696636830108-TJZYRY9JFG58XKDNNV6I/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 5 Things I Learned - 1. The Faroe Islands are really beautiful. The Faroe Islands are seriously, stunningly, breathtakingly beautiful. The best way I can describe them is this: If Ireland and Iceland had a baby, it would be the Faroes. With lush green pastures and rolling hills dotted with sheep, majestic cliffs and mountains (also dotted with sheep), and lakes, fjords, and waterfalls, you feel like you are walking through a postcard pretty much the entire time. Taking a bad photo of the Faroes seems like an impossible task. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/4750770f-75b5-4f69-842b-8936f266d7a9/IMG_5553.jpg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 5 Things I Learned - 2. The locals are welcoming and proud. From dinner in the home of local farmers – be sure to check out Hanusarstova and enjoy dinner with Harriet, John, and their sheep (including the famous Elias) – to interacting with folks around town, I found the Faroese to be friendly and kind people who are proud yet humble. Of course, life on 18 remote islands in the North Atlantic has its pros and cons: The simplicity is endearing and quaint, and the Faroes are a wonderful place to embrace the ‘slow travel’ mindset, reconnect with nature and loved ones, and take a much-needed deep breath of ocean air. With that, you’ll also find many of the locals hold perspectives on things like whaling that are admittedly steeped in the long traditions and history of the islands but that can feel a bit outdated in today’s world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696634670150-D3ALZ9I2WD0GUP3CFDJX/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 5 Things I Learned - 3. The Faroes are surprisingly easy to get to … and get around Atlantic Airways, the national airline of the Faroes, has regular routes to/from major airports throughout Europe, including Copenhagen, Reykjavik, Oslo, and Paris, making it surprisingly easy to get there. During the summer, there are even direct flights from New York’s Stewart International Airport (SWF). Once you are there, getting around the islands is also a breeze: The roads are very well taken care of and there are even undersea tunnels that connect the islands (including an undersea roundabout!). Of course, ferries and boats are readily available and the friendly locals are always willing to give you directions should you lose your way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696636753612-MH147OYKTIBYJ8N8MQN8/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 5 Things I Learned - 4. Visit the Faroes in the Summer. I was there in late-September, and while we had a sunny day or two, the weather was pretty much what you might expect from a bunch of islands in the North Atlantic in the Fall: Cold, windy, and wet. For predictably nicer weather, traveling to the Faroes in June, July, and August is your best bet. Opportunities for hiking abound, there are some fun festivals, and with warmer weather and sunnier days, the summer is the perfect time to visit. (Note: Late-May and early-September may also work.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1696636100196-JFO8NXYCNC1S574V52ID/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - The Faroe Islands: 5 Things I Learned - 5. Add a stay in Copenhagen. The Faroe Islands are absolutely amazing, but my experience was that after a week, I felt like I had seen and done pretty much all that I had set out to. It is, afterall, a very small country. Since getting to/from the Islands almost always includes a stopover someplace, my recommendation is to take a few nights before and/or after to explore Copenhagen. It’s a world-class city with lovely little neighborhoods, great accommodation options, an incredible food scene, and some of the most beautiful people on the planet. (Seriously, 65% of the people in Denmark could be models.) 3—4 nights in Copenhagen sandwiched around a week in the Faroes sounds like the recipe for an incredible adventure! https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/9/12/winter-destinations-2023 monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/afee3559-e104-460f-a3ef-4bd0a87d84d0/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Winter Escapes to Warm Your Heart & Soul - Enchanting Chile If there were ever a plane ride worth the distance, it would be to untouched Chile. With some of the most majestic landscapes in the world, Chile moves from the dry, other-worldly Atcama Desert to the snowy paradise of Patagonia. Explore the salt flats of the Andean foothills, and at night take advantage of being in one of the world’s first Dark Sky projects with some milky-way stargazing. When you venture down to Patagonia, you can sleep in old-school Mongolian yurts or stay at a working horse ranch and experience the beautifully simple gaucho lifestyle in the mountains. This once-in-a-lifetime trip will surely leave you feeling alive and connected to the wonders of the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1694558237306-NCL719838NTKG7P0AWOM/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Winter Escapes to Warm Your Heart & Soul - Gorgeous Guatemala Less of a trek but no less glorious, a trip to Guatemala starts you off in Antigua, a colorful city surrounded by volcanoes and misty mountains. Here you will get to explore the unique culture, partaking in a cooking class and getting to know the people of the region. From there, a four-day trek will lead you up and down the mountains and volcanos, camping (but in a real bed in a tent with shower access) and ending at the pristine Lake Atitlan. Splish splash in the turquoise water and take a boat to explore all the coastal villages. In one village, you can take a weaving workshop with the talented craftswomen, or you could sit with a shaman for a spiritual ceremony. From there, you can fly to Tikal National park to marvel at the ancient archeological sights. Don’t sleep on this vibrant destination if you’re looking for a warm-weather getaway! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1694558629292-T7YSF8U65TPKX8U10SE3/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Winter Escapes to Warm Your Heart & Soul - The Incomparable Northern Lights Pack your puff jacket because these destinations are chill in more ways than one. Iceland, Greenland, Norway, and Sweden are some of our favorite destinations for viewing the otherworldly Northern Lights and experiencing a true winter wonderland. For the most polar fun, venture north where the sunlight comes out for just a few hours every day. Michael’s expert tip for seeing the Northern Lights? Try to plan your trip when there’s a new moon, so there’s less light pollution in the sky. Skiing, dog-sledding, snow-shoeing – it’s all here for you. If the Christmas markets are a must, choose a Scandinavian country like Sweden or Denmark. It's here that you can experience true ‘hygge’ hospitality and cozy up with your loved ones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1694559992777-JZQFV8W3CYRIGSRV7Y88/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Winter Escapes to Warm Your Heart & Soul - Amazing Australia As we hunker down for hibernation here in the States, Australia is just waking up to a beautiful spring/summer. With world-class wines, incredible wildlife, the Great Barrier Reef, Uluru, Daintree Rainforest, the other-worldy Tasmania, the Outback, Kangeroo Island, Perth, and, of course, the southcoast cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide, This ancient land is abound with endless adventures for you. We always suggest giving yourself at least two weeks to explore. This warm weather destination will not disappoint those looking to escape the dregs of winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1694560166636-2VHB5NAW4QRWIDPD5CLN/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - 5 Winter Escapes to Warm Your Heart & Soul - Revitalized Rwanda Make some space in your 2024 winter calendar for a magical visit to Rwanda, especially if gorilla trekking is something you’ve always dreamt of doing. Traverse through the bamboo landscape to catch glimpses of these majestic creatures. Observe them in their natural habitat and see what you can learn from these gentle giants. One of the big draws of going to Rwanda is how close Volcanoes National Park is to Kigali International Airport. After your trek, spend some time along the shores of Lake Kivu for water activities and birdlife. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/5/31/the-inner-journey-5-before-you-travel-questions monthly 0.5 2023-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/eee7a317-9e04-4eaa-b621-2a499ac08b09/adult-1850177_1920.jpg Journal & Blog - The Inner Journey: 5 Before You Travel Questions - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/5/18/beyond-pumpkin-lattes-5-epic-fall-destinations-for-2023 monthly 0.5 2023-09-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1684434597511-XLV5F3QA08H1R8OUQ6D2/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Beyond Pumpkin Spice Lattes: 5 Fall Destinations We Love - Incredible Ireland Maybe the ultimate fall destination, Ireland feels most like Ireland when there’s a little chill in the air. How else are you going to cozy up to a big bowl of Guinness beef at a rustic farmstead after a hike along the Cliffs of Moher? As the Emerald Isle begins to take on shades of orange, red, and yellow, you can tour the Aran Islands by Land Rover, sing along to Irish folk songs, and hear local lore from your host or go foraging with a local chef and Irish wolf hounds in Donegal. So, pack your coziest sweater and your hiking books and prepare for the ultimate autumnal adventure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1684434891812-UWWBLBCM5ENFVZ4RG0ZZ/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Beyond Pumpkin Spice Lattes: 5 Fall Destinations We Love - Spectacular Spain If you hate to say goodbye to the sun so soon, look no further than Spain. After September, the crowds dissipate but the locals love to welcome in a slow traveler and show them their ways. Spend time in an old monastery that was converted into a small winery, dining on a delicious Andalusian tapas lunch with the vintners. After, you can venture over to an Iberian pig farm and spend the day learning about the animals and what a sustainably, ethical farm operation looks like. Enjoy a tasting of the most renowned cured meats in the world! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1684435048658-FSI27OYURAO0X2NL3CVP/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Beyond Pumpkin Spice Lattes: 5 Fall Destinations We Love - Majestic Morocco The best time to immerse yourself in the Sahara is later in the fall, when you can stay in a tented desert camp under a blanket of stars. You won’t need a telescope to take in the Milky Way when there’s zero light pollution around you! After some playtime and R&R in the desert, make your way into the city for exotic spice market visits and a buzzing energy that you can only experience in the animated medinas of this fascinating African melting pot of culture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1684435135842-1K0RWHRFBJFCUAOB5F9A/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Beyond Pumpkin Spice Lattes: 5 Fall Destinations We Love - Crazy for Croatia Nothing beats diving into the cooling waters of Hvar a day after hiking along the turquoise lakes and waterfalls of Plitvice Lakes National Park in early October! Croatia is growing in popularity for its immense natural beauty but come autumn, you won’t have to battle the masses to enjoy it. Take some time to go on a peaceful truffle hunting expedition in Istria and be sure to try some Croatian wines that are rising in popularity, like Plavac Mali. Croatia is another terrific way to keep the summer vibes going strong. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1684435227857-8UOQJNDCTWD051PDPQFH/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Beyond Pumpkin Spice Lattes: 5 Fall Destinations We Love - Tantalizing Tanzania If you’re looking to venture into the Southern Hemisphere this Fall, Tanzania’s magic is waiting for you. From the glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro to the crystal-clear beaches of Zanzibar, Tanzania is not your typical safari destination. Most importantly, we have a partner who can connect you to the nomadic tribes in meaningful ways. Witness their traditions and take part in activities like bow & arrow shooting, medicine walks, jewelry making, and even join in on a goat feast! https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/5/4/4-epic-experiences monthly 0.5 2023-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e6e29f50-6096-4f79-9cc7-7697706ceede/unsplash-image-Q5ZjqF6Wd3k.jpg Journal & Blog - 4 Epic Experiences We've Planned - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/4d285f55-b07f-4d78-8ed9-0dba169c0ffc/PHOTO-2018-10-23-14-54-05.jpg Journal & Blog - 4 Epic Experiences We've Planned - Make it stand out Esther & Constantin in Mongolia on their Destination: Unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a5b9681b-bdea-4822-9f47-96a41579d757/Groppe+Paraglide.jpg Journal & Blog - 4 Epic Experiences We've Planned - Make it stand out Christine celebrating her 60th with a Destination: Unknown experience in Slovenia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e02aff4e-7b4c-416f-8689-abf111cae424/Laura+Nepal.jpg Journal & Blog - 4 Epic Experiences We've Planned - Make it stand out Exploring spirituality in the Himalaya on a Destination: Unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c0e73e24-d1b4-40d0-9a65-f4afdf0a7809/image-asset.jpg Journal & Blog - 4 Epic Experiences We've Planned - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/4/12/michaels-musings-how-we-define-luxury-travel monthly 0.5 2023-04-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1681340839488-G6IQTGOIQUHRBC65EUB1/unsplash-image-i3x7NdbVqOI.jpg Journal & Blog - Michael's Musings: Redefining Luxury Travel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/3/29/the-gifts-of-the-unknown monthly 0.5 2023-03-29 https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/2/22/5-restorative-summer-escapes monthly 0.5 2023-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677095488685-00PAHCBNH5RB89GK30Q9/unsplash-image-o7FDNTDJOZg.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Restorative Summer Escapes - The Faroe Islands If your summer could use a dash of whimsy, the Faroe Islands are your best bet. This Archipelago halfway between Iceland and Norway can be rainy and cold most of the year. But come June, this lush paradise comes to life. Cruise around and catch the puffins sunning themselves on the cliffs. Wander through the colorful villages with their sod-roof homes before enjoying tea with a local family. If you book your trip at the right time, you might even catch a sea grotto concert in a cave, with incredible acoustics and ambience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677095637096-BC6V88IVMFKWE33WYXEH/unsplash-image-BAAYyQizKhc.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Restorative Summer Escapes - Mongolia Perhaps you’ve seen a photo of a fur-clad nomad riding a horse, with a massive eagle perched on their arm. But there is nothing like watching these eagle hunters in action. Every August draws travelers from all over the world to witness this during the Eagle Hunters Festival. There is a strong bond developed between eagle and hunter, and to observe this duo in their element is unlike anything we see here in the states. Explorer X travel designer, Robyn, recently shared her experience in the Mongolian wilderness, and anyone who goes is in for a wild ride! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677095775145-EGEZXPLXX1154WF7PPFH/unsplash-image-P9BY2joAcwk.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Restorative Summer Escapes - Norway While the Northern Lights in the winter are magical, Norway in the summer is Mother Nature really showing off. With long days of sunlight shining down on the fjords, every day feels like an endless celebration. If you can time your trip for the week of June 23rd, you’ll get to experience Midsummer Night, a festive time for gathering and enjoying aquavit with the locals. And if you’re really far north in Norway, you might even get a chance to see the midnight sun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677095901482-LVR02GSJL5JD9MNGRXBG/unsplash-image-luaDm_baHhI.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Restorative Summer Escapes - Slovenia Picture a raging glacier river with the most vibrant hues of turquoise and green you can imagine – that’s the landscape of Slovenia in the peak of summer. Bordering the North-East coast of Italy, Slovenia’s mountains and valleys are the perfect backdrops for a hike, a paddle, a cycle, or whatever your adventure style is. Add in the fact that Slovenia is an up & coming culinary destination, from beautiful farms & vineyards to a growing portfolio of Michelin-star restaurants, and Slovenia checks all the boxes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677096043713-EF12SOU4ZLGVF8G7ISKQ/unsplash-image-L4-BDd01wmM.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Restorative Summer Escapes - South Africa While our summer is South Africa’s winter, June-September is our favorite time to visit to avoid the intense heat and dry landscape. A safari ride at this time of year is sure to be lush, green, and comfortable. The wildlife, while still abundant, may be a bit harder to see during these months. That doesn’t mean it’s not worth a visit during this time, especially if you like traveling during the shoulder seasons to avoid throngs of tourists. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/2/16/the-3-us monthly 0.5 2023-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677265966210-8LBRBCTGANWFOXD1WW6J/unsplash-image--_GA1e-813o.jpg Journal & Blog - The 3 U's of Travel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2023/1/19/unfenced-amp-unencumbered-in-the-mongolian-wilderness monthly 0.5 2023-02-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a65a901c-2b1a-4cd8-98a2-88ba942ff4f9/DSC02773.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness - Make it stand out Photo by Jesse DeVoe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f67e9080-6775-4eaa-963b-f1d405bee249/eagles7-12.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness - Make it stand out Photo by Robyn DeVoe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ea9c6b4d-d586-4819-ad54-75a3d044c842/DSC02631.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness - Make it stand out Photo by Robyn DeVoe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/15e9c754-9a47-46be-a84d-8fe779f0808e/eagles7-7.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness - Make it stand out Photo by Robyn DeVoe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1674671617152-BUVWLGD7E2GNYDPXE56W/eagles7-8.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1674672667384-I6O6WIZZZHXP44Z8ZTMD/Monglia1-5.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1674671364787-Y2G0LL66P7PDY3YCK8OQ/eagles7-9.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1674671501129-HR84AS0KOYY1JSV2FYI2/Monglia1-4.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1674671507261-FIIM53YT389SPNXZCY92/Monglia1-3.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1674671352838-57KUQG1P8RTMQXY0TAQ7/DSC02749.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1674671523246-JJSUVV812COX2TMX1I26/DSC02663.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1674672635222-PAEYLTQNPM8K9KKJ1CVU/eagles7-2.jpg Journal & Blog - Unfenced & Unencumbered in the Mongolian Wilderness https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2022/9/9/what-quest-are-you-on monthly 0.5 2022-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/535f0ad3-3c5a-4369-99a4-da6196b3895b/Explorer+X+HERO+Traveling+Man Journal & Blog - What Quest Are You On? - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2022/5/17/making-the-time-for-mindful-travel monthly 0.5 2022-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/640c2007-453f-4f43-ba32-39c04f3ddec8/Copy+of+BLOG+POST+IMAGE+TEMPLATE+-+Explorer+X.jpg Journal & Blog - Making Time for Mindful Travel - Make it stand out Photo by Lauren Schwartz, Ph.D. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/8230e230-7670-464b-b081-2c97d65d2c64/Volcano+sunrise+in+Chile+by+Michael+Bennett.png Journal & Blog - Making Time for Mindful Travel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/64743ffe-e585-4cfa-a7a3-69ca40ee6f79/Mountain+and+plains+in+Chile+by+Michael+Bennett Journal & Blog - Making Time for Mindful Travel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/46d1c401-1200-4c99-971f-8a45ab525be6/4.png Journal & Blog - Making Time for Mindful Travel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2022/3/4/mindful-travel-an-introduction-to-the-journey monthly 0.5 2022-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e0f4a248-083c-4f87-a7d2-23f09f09d889/March+Blog+Post+%231+-+Maksim+Romashkin+-+woman+in+jacket+standing+in+front+of+mountain+in+hero+pose+-+Explorer+X.png Journal & Blog - Mindful Travel: An Introduction to The Journey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/dcf258c1-09e6-456f-ac1c-e2bcd2d3e246/March+Blog+Post+%231+-+Explorer+X+-+Woman+listening+to+Ecuador+rainforest+sound+ecology+-+Explorer+X.png Journal & Blog - Mindful Travel: An Introduction to The Journey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d5c770c5-8c57-42fd-951d-fc834893d026/March+Blog+Post+%231+-+Taryn+Elliot+-+Man+smelling+spices+in+market+stall+in+Morocco+-+Explorer+X.png Journal & Blog - Mindful Travel: An Introduction to The Journey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/594b6352-bbc4-4534-96d1-06d69e4cdadc/March+Blog+Post+%231+-+Pavel+Danilyuk+-+Belarus+-+Couple+snuggling+with+cocoa+in+winter+outside+an+outdoor+cabin+-+Explorer+X.png Journal & Blog - Mindful Travel: An Introduction to The Journey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/exploring-x-better-travel-better-life monthly 0.5 2022-02-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c4e71831-adc5-4968-99a3-ee84e83adda1/February+Explorer+X+Blog+Banner+Travel+Better+Live+Better.png Journal & Blog - Exploring X: How Better Travel Can Lead to a Better Life - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/eaf7f90b-ae44-4ed0-869c-d4fa3eecb5e5/February+Blog+Black+Woman+Breathing+Balcony+Sea+View+Reflecting.png Journal & Blog - Exploring X: How Better Travel Can Lead to a Better Life - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c1d16c1c-1d1e-4f08-bdb4-4b8af44b05e8/February+Blog+Couple+On+Rock+Near+Mountain.png Journal & Blog - Exploring X: How Better Travel Can Lead to a Better Life - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2020/11/30/the-greatest-gift-comes-from-giving monthly 0.5 2020-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1606843694195-RIQUBO6YXSHKL9I0LUFR/GMLM+Kids.jpg Journal & Blog - The Greatest Gift Comes from Giving https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1606842999167-LNBBVIJU668RZ57R2COQ/The+Giver+of+Dreams+v.2.jpg Journal & Blog - The Greatest Gift Comes from Giving https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2020/11/13/debunking-5-myths-about-transformational-travel monthly 0.5 2022-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1605303993595-9I3BHK5FMR3VHXP8D3OH/pexels-zakaria-boumliha-2827374.jpg Journal & Blog - Debunking 5 Myths About ‘Transformational Travel’ https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2020/8/19/adjusting-to-altitude-handling-the-ups-and-downs monthly 0.5 2020-08-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1597883315165-E5OGNOY03SS5DIZ3KY06/ExplorerXshirt-jumping.jpg Journal & Blog - Adjusting to Altitude: Handling the Ups and Downs Becki rocking her Explorer X gear! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1597883525091-XX1F5VPHA4PAIFN3GA7C/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Adjusting to Altitude: Handling the Ups and Downs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1597883599340-TWKGSL14GTSFL8Y33TLG/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Adjusting to Altitude: Handling the Ups and Downs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1597883763603-0FD148IKCQTO0WJ30J1P/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Adjusting to Altitude: Handling the Ups and Downs https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1597883887715-IHIJKJYZLGD3G02ESVAQ/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Adjusting to Altitude: Handling the Ups and Downs https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/what-you-can-do-to-be-a-more-sustainable-traveler monthly 0.5 2020-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1588719675068-C4F9IASPJM5ALL6W92KX/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - What You Can do to be a More Sustainable Traveler https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1590530889172-VQDCTV7RG0ZQ4N7YOHIE/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - What You Can do to be a More Sustainable Traveler - Learn More About Explorer X’s Sustainable Travel Initiative Learn more about our pledge to environmental responsibility and how we’re taking action https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/preparing-adventure-and-transformation monthly 0.5 2020-05-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1588636613474-AK2HPW488D5JLLTDM5V9/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Preparing Your Body and Mind for Adventure and Transformation https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2020/4/1/10-best-wanderlust-books-to-help-you-escape-quarantine monthly 0.5 2020-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1585725530291-BUYQNSYY1IRZJSLNR7L7/alice-donovan-rouse-xwOhLGFkrRc-unsplash.jpg Journal & Blog - 5 Best Wanderlust Books to Help you Escape Quarantine https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/the-things-i-lost-in-mexico monthly 0.5 2020-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1584378761980-1YFH7YO59LKTEP90ABM4/12.jpg Journal & Blog - The Things I Lost in Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1584379113016-K778SNEGRUM1929PMQQS/1-3.jpg Journal & Blog - The Things I Lost in Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1584379201233-EIHNSBB1VKMMZKRVR2RR/Hike.jpg Journal & Blog - The Things I Lost in Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1584379255640-S480IF53PSV7ZJQ2D2YW/Tortilla.jpg Journal & Blog - The Things I Lost in Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1584379279566-2CUK4RXW3D2KCDMY7FII/DiegoDelia.jpg Journal & Blog - The Things I Lost in Mexico https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1584379310491-38FD486ZRCHOYPY8L3LP/19-2.jpg Journal & Blog - 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Guyana Field Notes: "I'm not in Montana Anymore" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1580403244084-ZT08SDJHELBXUUPTGV2X/Kenneth.jpg Journal & Blog - Guyana Field Notes: "I'm not in Montana Anymore" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1580403243196-60MT1LVALOT7F0KSL7IN/MiniRainbow.jpg Journal & Blog - Guyana Field Notes: "I'm not in Montana Anymore" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1580403253343-FE6RCUP55CRXBNINKRV0/Tarzan.jpg Journal & Blog - Guyana Field Notes: "I'm not in Montana Anymore" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1580403248875-1YN6GRVEGASISTC3TJC3/IMG_8139.JPEG Journal & Blog - Guyana Field Notes: "I'm not in Montana Anymore" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1580403254433-RPM6LOW8RS1O05W2PM0Q/IMG_8276.JPEG Journal & Blog - Guyana Field Notes: "I'm not in Montana Anymore" https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/zion-national-park-canyoneering monthly 0.5 2022-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1572294150155-A34MSBGPV87YQ335MQUA/IMG_1220.jpg Journal & Blog - Why you should Canyoneer on your Next Visit to Zion National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1572294313249-Q7OT8GM73DNCTKI37ODO/IMG_1186.jpg Journal & Blog - Why you should Canyoneer on your Next Visit to Zion National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1572294398895-RP0N0KIPB5MB6I5CN69V/IMG_1455.jpg Journal & Blog - Why you should Canyoneer on your Next Visit to Zion National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1572294441155-R4SFDO3NKWKE1VZFAH0B/IMG_1487.jpg Journal & Blog - Why you should Canyoneer on your Next Visit to Zion National Park https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/new-york-times-transformational-travel monthly 0.5 2020-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1571953102794-Z3PQKMHUJSU4QIRHIS01/image-asset.jpeg Journal & Blog - Transformational Travel and The New York Times https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2019/7/29/the-dance-of-the-unseen monthly 0.5 2021-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1564425762452-A8AT0TY2REPKALDB84BU/PHOTO-2019-06-19-04-22-25+2.jpg Journal & Blog - 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10 Transformative Insights for Family Adventures https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2019/4/24/a-life-transformed-in-southeast-asia monthly 0.5 2022-02-16 https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2019/3/28/notes-from-a-travelers-journal monthly 0.5 2019-03-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1553837075755-WGXV5H24HTLJLR8TR06K/unnamed-2.jpg Journal & Blog - Notes from a Traveler’s Journal https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2019/3/7/gifts-discovered-from-walking-the-camino-de-santiago monthly 0.5 2022-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1551986349858-2TMHHUKXEJ3WKA6FIN7L/IMG_0080.jpg Journal & Blog - Gifts Discovered from Walking the Camino de Santiago Travelers listening intently to Beth Jusino at Adventure Uncorked at the Adventure Hub & Winery on February 7, 2019. Hosted by Explorer X. https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2019/1/31/introducing-pam-perry-our-newest-travel-mentor monthly 0.5 2022-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1548978927219-L7311U3JEQ9AU4L1CA0P/Pam-Nepal.jpg Journal & Blog - Introducing Pam Perry, Our Newest Travel Mentor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1548978868721-C35Z76DY3BSUPFJ9HNQ3/Pam-3.jpeg Journal & Blog - Introducing Pam Perry, Our Newest Travel Mentor https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2019/5/21/an-ode-to-overwhelm monthly 0.5 2022-02-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1558454835014-5M62503KIXSL29FGS1YY/10275308_10104060553185729_313184070923226891_o.jpg Journal & Blog - An Ode to Overwhelm https://www.explorer-x.com/journal/2019/5/21/a-travelers-definition-of-home monthly 0.5 2019-05-21 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c3846d95-58a2-4894-acbc-2d0ebcda764b/unsplash-image-gvRRsmX5T8I.jpg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a7293a53-394f-4499-a65b-32995c6d2aa9/unsplash-image-TKTPiRHjWus.jpg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/77d892aa-08f0-449b-a9c5-496a39201d58/GettyImages-1082038848.jpg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f3a9fce6-6c28-4c9a-8576-c8ae9988e6e3/unsplash-image-PX9M7T1eiRI.jpg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/468abb52-e5cc-44ed-a757-38dd6f543359/armands-brants-9wDesv9hKTA-unsplash.jpg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/03f9189d-097c-4a9d-9997-b2eadf5fc495/unsplash-image-vD3L-rN_qNw.jpg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist - Your Journey begins in Spain … You’ll spend the first 4 days of your adventure exploring the rolling countryside of Andalucia. You’ll meet with shepherds and farmers, visit local villages, enjoy the food and wine of this spectacular region of southern Spain, and experience what life would have been like for Santiago. Next, head to Tarifa, a town on the southern coast with stunning views across the Mediterranean to Africa, where local musicians and gypsies will share their traditions and culture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/2ea33fa7-e5f0-439e-8f48-8800379eaf3a/unsplash-image-LhVJaRPweJc.jpg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist - The Journey continues in Morocco … From Spain, sail across the straight of Gibraltar to Morocco. Over the course of the next 4 days, you’ll explore the lovely port city of Tangier with a local guide: Learn about the importance of tea in Morocco, meet local experts and artisans who will teach you about Moroccan and Arabic culture, and spend time meandering through the souks and markets of northern Morocco. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c44a443d-6c90-4503-95a2-a412e4bba090/unsplash-image-MNxFb17V6vk.jpg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist - Finally, your Journey ends in Egypt. Lastly, make your way to Egypt, where you’ll spend the first 2 nights at the Fayoum Oasis, a location of one of our favorite scenes from the book. After exploring the desert and learning about the Bedouin people and the culture of the Oasis, head to Cairo for the final 2 nights of your adventure. On the last full day of your adventure, you’ll have a privately guided visit to the Pyramids at Giza. That night, celebrate the Journey you have been on and prepare to pursue your Personal Legend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e6c02294-08f4-4105-8560-df67d2f7e1cc/hotel-cuevagato-hab04-01.jpeg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist - La Cueva del Gato @ Ronda, Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/2b6a39f1-74bf-44af-900c-feb3001ef34e/lamaisondetanger_gallery_rooms_07.jpg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist - La Maison de Tanger @ Tangier, Morocco https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/854c175b-9f03-4dfd-ad2b-f1eba7eef39e/lazib-inn.jpeg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist - Lazib Inn @ Fayoum Oasis, Egypt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/03c13023-cd6b-4aea-9f16-c9bf6b6a220f/unsplash-image-yw1y-alKGrg.jpg In the Footsteps of the Alchemist - Highlights of this Journey While we are keeping the detailed itinerary a bit of a mystery so that you can focus more on the Journey of learning and growth rather than trip logistics, we can share some of the experiences, activities, and adventures we are most excited about! + A day with a shepherd in the Andalusian countryside + Private intro to Moroccan tea ceremony and tasting + Free time to explore the souks and markets of Tangier + An evening in the Desert with a Bedouin community + Privately guided visit to the Pyramids at Giza https://www.explorer-x.com/events daily 0.75 2023-02-22 https://www.explorer-x.com/events/https/wwweventbritecom/e/wisdom-wanderlust-destination-croatia-tickets-559096391357-yc8d4 monthly 0.5 2023-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/49574c6e-d844-402e-a1d0-ec1668531df1/Christine+Winebrenner+Irick_Nature+Headshot.jpeg Upcoming Events - Wisdom & Wanderlust: Conversation with Christine Winebrenner Irick - Conversation with Christine Winebrenner Irick Award-Winning Podcaster / Mother / Global Explorer Christine Winebrenner Irick is the Founder of Lotus Sojourns and host of the Soul of Travel Podcast. Christine creates and guides transformational journeys for her travel company Lotus Sojourns. She is dedicated to creating space for women to connect authentically around the world. Christine wants women to embrace their purpose and know themselves as valuable and equal members of this global community. Christine has three daughters she loves to explore with and plans to spend a year traveling the globe with them from July 2023-July 2024. She loves to read and considers that an extension of inner and outer journeys. She grew up in Montana and is happiest when she finds herself sitting near crystal clear water at the base of a mountain with sunshine on her face. Join the Explorer X team for an inspiration and educational conversation with this award-winning podcaster! Free to Attend! https://www.explorer-x.com/events/https/wwweventbritecom/e/wisdom-wanderlust-destination-croatia-tickets-559096391357 monthly 0.5 2023-02-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c2ea9fbf-3f62-4d68-8297-633764cef24b/unsplash-image-LXEh_j1ME6U.jpg Upcoming Events - Wisdom & Wanderlust - Destination: Croatia - Destination: Croatia The sensational Croatian coast has long been known for its sun and beaches, and with over 1000 islands to explore by kayak and sailboat, challenging mountain biking, expanding cycling paths, and spectacular hiking, it is little wonder that the Croatian coast is one of Europe’s most popular tourist spots. But there is another piece of Croatia that is less traveled but just as breathtaking … and possibly even more thrilling! This ‘other’ Croatia, Inland Croatia, is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets, an outstanding adventure stage ready for you to discover, home to stunning waterfalls, lakes, forests, and mountain peaks – all waiting for you to explore and discover. Join the Explorer X team and our fabulous partners in Croatia for an exclusive conversation about what makes it a must-visit destination. Free to Attend! https://www.explorer-x.com/events/2023/2/16/wisdom-amp-wanderlust-nbspdestination-mongolia monthly 0.5 2023-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/eb1dba0e-81a6-471a-bfe6-2fbc5d658b63/unsplash-image-mdtYgoLsfNk.jpg Upcoming Events - Wisdom & Wanderlust – Destination: Mongolia - Destination: Mongolia If asked to describe Mongolia, it’s likely many will mention the nomadic lifestyle, Genghis Khan, and yurts. However, what many don’t realize is that Mongolia has incredible geographic diversity, lively cosmopolitan cities, and fascinating traditions and cultural practices. Sandwiched between Russia and China, Mongolia has recognizable influences from each country and culture, creating a unique mélange. From the Gobi Desert (Asia’s second-largest desert) to the Altai Mountains, rolling plateaus to dense forests, and hundreds of lakes to vast grasslands - Mongolia is host to various stunning landscapes. Sitting at 1,350 meters, Mongolia’s capital city of Ulaanbaatar is full of history and life, displaying Soviet-era architecture, museums, monasteries, and a mixture of ancient and modern lifestyles. Don’t miss the chance to watch the eagle hunters ride, sleep in a yurt, or taste the local delicacy of mare’s milk in this remarkable country! Price: FREE to attend! https://www.explorer-x.com/destination-unknown daily 0.75 2026-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1747260636987-CJ78WZ7SEXYC5T6K4EQZ/unsplash-image-xAqrT-279UA.jpg Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1747429570133-1SFVKOBLDXN42MY3M44B/unsplash-image-2gVgVf5CNAE.jpg Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c65db4e7-30a8-4325-936b-b5ee03e11df1/colin-meg-NOpNUUfsoRU-unsplash.jpg Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1747431465939-GNNC6UBUVLM1IXMRY0MD/unsplash-image-LCE_FU0yhPw.jpg Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/7d771210-5c62-4417-b92e-5e18718f880d/pexels-luis-del-ri%CC%81o-15286.jpg Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/bbd09743-f602-4dc9-bfc6-e647b2f470d7/DU-1.jpg Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/cc756ba0-9bbe-429d-9681-a58ed61eba63/unsplash-image-LsbXf8nXu5Y.jpg Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ab191cba-d18d-4c51-bc91-3340cfd5e2fb/sies-kranen-N9VYCgrSEEU-unsplash.jpg Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/afebfeea-3fa9-40c7-971d-018aa0a3bf38/curated-lifestyle-uS-kiapHp64-unsplash.jpg Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/04273196-2d4e-410b-96c8-03c070b76390/image-asset.jpg Destination: Unknown - Destination: Unknown Basics Working alongside our partners around the world, your Travel Designer will handcraft a DU itinerary personalized just for you. – Local accommodations full of charm, character, and warmth – Immersive experiences with local guides, experts, and friends – Endless opportunities for reconnection, learning, and growth – A pace/flow grounded in the concepts of Slow/Mindful Travel – Sustainable design to minimize environmental impact Pricing for D:U experiences typically starts around $25,000 and includes all accommodations, privately guided experiences, private transfers, international and domestic flights, some meals, our Travel Design expertise, and on-trip Journey Management and Support. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f4d5186d-01de-45e4-b01e-8c05e397093d/sies-kranen-N9VYCgrSEEU-unsplash.jpg Destination: Unknown - Who Are Destination: Unknown Travelers? The travelers who choose DU are, in many ways, the same people who are drawn to Explorer X in the first place: They don’t have the time or the desire to plan their own travel. They are overwhelmed with decision fatigue. And they value expertise, experience, trusted relationships, and having someone guide them toward the right experience. But there are layers beyond that. The travelers who ultimately choose DU tend to share a more pronounced sense of curiosity about the world and a drive for deep learning and growth. They are looking to break from their routines and reconnect with the ‘feeling of being alive.’ And they are drawn by the idea of finding and/or reconnecting with their identity and who they truly are (not just who/how they have been being). They choose this kind of journey because, on some level, they hope and expect it to change them. They may not know exactly how, but they trust that stepping into something unknown — something they didn’t choose, plan, and/or predict — will open a door. And that when they return home, the way they see the world, and move through it, will be different. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c8b41002-f623-49ba-acdd-121dd868c05c/curated-lifestyle-bai22YVREsE-unsplash.jpg Destination: Unknown - The Destination: Unknown Process Regardless of which level of DU you choose, your trip will be carefully crafted based on in-depth personal conversations with an expert Travel Designer (as well as some forms we ask you to complete and send back to us). Here’s how the process works: — An in-depth conversation with a Travel Designer to see if DU is right for you — If so, we begin our process of collecting detailed information from you — We craft your personalized Journey with thoughtfulness, care, and consideration — We help you prepare for your Journey with packing lists, weather info, and more — Your Destination and detailed itinerary are revealed 1—2 days before you depart — We share documents and technologies that help you seamlessly navigate your DU — Our team at home and our local team support you throughout your Journey Of course, we’d love to explain more about how our Destination: Unknown process works on a call with you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1778541492127-H480A0SF97DY6AJP1PHB/image-asset.jpeg Destination: Unknown - Level I: Journey Unknown You will know your destination — you can pick where you go or let us pick for you — but you won’t know anything else about your itinerary, the experiences you’ll have along the way, or your accommodations until 1—2 days before your departure, when we will reveal all and walk you through your full itinerary! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9d179ac8-216e-4369-85bd-85f090ba9c46/unsplash-image-7dEyTJ7-8os.jpg Destination: Unknown - Level II: Destination Unknown Our Flagship Program! Our team will choose your destination based on a series of in-depth conversations with you (and some forms you complete) and then meticulously handcraft your adventure: Flights, accommodations, activities and experiences, guides, some meals, and more! 1—2 days before departure, we’ll reveal all and walk you through your detailed itinerary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1778625528160-U5HOHSJAR2BE97RPNW22/unsplash-image-Kk4aAeVacTQ.jpg Destination: Unknown - Imagine Imagine going on an adventure but you have no idea where you are going! Imagine that each and every day is going to be a surprise full of new activities. Imagine not worrying about how and when you will get to each event. Imagine a week-long scavenger hunt, meeting a local artist and learning his craft, finding your way to a fairy tale Island, and hunting for a castle. Imagine hiking to 5,000 feet to stay overnight in a cabin, soaring high over a lake and mountains, sleeping in a chalet on top of the world, and biking down a mountain to your next location. Imagine learning to forage for food in the forest, sleeping in a castle, picnicking in a vineyard, and seeing views beyond what you would ever expect. This was our Destination: Unknown experience. Christine & Paul | New York https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1621183561985-USTPZT3IJ5EA8W8KIPU1/unsplash-image-8oYPewvmhnY.jpg Destination: Unknown - “It doesn't matter where you go; the important thing is how alive you are.” —Pico Iyer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1566588114619-EWAMT6524PDTDLES7BOV/nytimes-logo-png-new-york-times.png Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1733936950221-ZPWA5F0YS65IK69A7MHA/AFAR+%281%29.png Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1566587960604-YXFXK9SPCFZ3F5P1MHM7/Forbes-Black-Logo-PNG-03003.png Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1566587960424-N672A64XNWBV2DZ83Z4J/SeattleMet+Logo.png Destination: Unknown https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1566587900301-PIZEA9C9UO9WOZ5V72LG/Washington-Post-Logo-1.png Destination: Unknown https://www.explorer-x.com/what-if-adventures daily 0.75 2025-03-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677442890204-LIEJN0XU3COY9PYIW5Q9/unsplash-image-Av_NirIguEc.jpg What If Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677443265826-IAXWT808446QVFSIGUP5/unsplash-image-4nXkhLCrkLo.jpg What If Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677443420874-5G4667L5CUJ015EQG1H0/unsplash-image-dmkmrNptMpw.jpg What If Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677443640245-BUN7N4ZRGLWTJB1233Y8/unsplash-image-yAX2rKyT2BQ.jpg What If Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677444075340-C8K4F3FMOZYFGZ0MU7UI/unsplash-image-Ah34ZeFy0PY.jpg What If Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677444213165-RERK9YNT9N60TCZ508HI/unsplash-image-akT1bnnuMMk.jpg What If Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677444353093-BAQ8E8A7EB3T8B09L6E9/unsplash-image-LEgwEaBVGMo.jpg What If Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677445054957-0BIZH87KSPYDVXUPXMUR/unsplash-image-nXo2ZsKHTHg.jpg What If Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677528816542-3925CJ0GCKPWGTO4M8YC/unsplash-image--_GA1e-813o.jpg What If Adventures https://www.explorer-x.com/namibia-photographic-journey-2025 daily 0.75 2024-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1662571496566-XWO0LZH4OEKLJ3TSKP5J/unsplash-image-YXwt-vJ3szA.jpg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1693936708012-KRFR5IAB7PP99V2LN6EX/image-asset.jpeg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ed035d44-cbc3-4bad-8272-d2fd7d245324/DJP.jpeg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 - YOUR GUIDE: DOUG JOHNSON Doug Johnson is a highly respected professional photographer and educator, always sharing the art of photography with his students and colleagues. He has conducted over 150 workshops in some of our world’s most beautiful locations: in the flower fields of Namaqualand, South Africa, the vibrant city of Havana, Cuba, and our country’s world-class national parks. For more than twenty years, Doug has educated hundreds of students, from all over the world in the technical and aesthetics of photography through Rocky Mountain School of Photography programs. He has taught alongside some of the most respected educators in the field including Alison Shaw and Freeman Patterson, as well as good friends, Neil Chaput de Saintonge, Eileen Rafferty, Elizabeth Stone, Tony Rizutto, and Tim Cooper. He believes education and truth are the “means to the end” and that good old-fashioned love and fun are the vehicle we use to navigate through our journey. Doug’s lifelong passion for teaching the technical and aesthetics in the art of photography is a direct reflection of the long-term relationships he shares with his students and peers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1693935871128-2LJT5GS62DP9QER16HP9/image-asset.jpeg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1693935897309-OB1F2BXC96JH1JNQHZQ9/image-asset.jpeg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1693935924789-H9Q3WARZ2MM3SLUXV1VZ/image-asset.jpeg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1693935948112-JZARLVVNTT4HICRSET57/image-asset.jpeg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1693935966841-H67VIPE2WG4LNH5WVZ4J/image-asset.jpeg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1693935993179-36KXX41WGX6YJG83N8MU/image-asset.jpeg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1693936048288-HM8SCY0TOOC87M4LAIXQ/image-asset.jpeg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1693936123480-Z0M95DIU7W08ET0MVW3Z/image-asset.jpeg Namibia Photographic Journey 2025 https://www.explorer-x.com/mindful-travel daily 0.75 2026-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/68074597-157c-4502-9cc4-660044807cea/getty-images-uJFPe7ftMRM-unsplash.jpg Mindful Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d6929e46-09cf-4256-95c7-6f73a162bf96/image-asset.jpg Mindful Travel - Prepare for the Journey Taking time to learn more about your destination — the language, the history, the cultural nuances, the arts — before you head out can open up opportunities for more meaningful engagement and deeper conversations while you explore. We’ll also encourage you to … https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/da87e7ff-87ad-4483-9fa5-bbdf88426ebe/marcos-paulo-prado-tcyW6Im5Uug-unsplash.jpg Mindful Travel - Use the Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide As your travel experience gets closer, The Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide will be your go-to for preparing for the Journey ahead. This Toolkit is a carefully curated collection of materials designed to guide you in making the most of your adventures. + Our best practices for Mindful Travel + Articles, poems, and other readings to inspire you + Tools for helping you to prepare for your Inner Journey + A list of reflection questions and exciting challenges + Resources for taking action when you get home While many people choose to go through the Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide on their own, your Travel Designer is always available if you have any questions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1609960520426-0C4RD5KJA2U6EV2ZBTK9/image.jpg Mindful Travel - Slow Down To truly explore, we must first slow down. Speed is, after all, the enemy of attention. Our itineraries are meticulously crafted yet allow time for the surprisingly unpredictable. Let your senses guide you. Wander and explore with curiosity. Allow the spontaneity of the adventure to unfold. And discover something less scripted but, perhaps, more true. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1610312778851-K3QNNLRV13F2JN6I5VAL/pexels-taryn-elliott-3889827.jpg Mindful Travel - Immerse & Connect As you explore with us, we’ll connect you with the people, places, and experiences that truly bring a destination to life: A cooking class with an award-winning chef, a private walking tour with a local historian, a craft workshop with a local artisan, and small, local, charming accommodations all give our trips a warm and intimate yet sophisticated feel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/816aee05-2ef6-4299-a82e-f6cafe50d42d/woman-in-white-and-red-floral-dress-standing-on-green-grass-3605015.jpeg Mindful Travel - Travel like a HERO As you explore, remember to travel like a HERO and be: + Humble: Be respectful; you are a guest in another land + Engaged: Practice curiosity and push your comfort zones + Resilient: Go with the flow; have patience; be resourceful + Open-Minded: To the people, ideas, and beliefs you encounter (Shout out to the Transformational Travel Council for that ^ gem!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/029817e1-c65b-43f1-a172-d16d7d394efe/image-asset.jpg Mindful Travel - Take Action & Make a Positive Impact None of this really matters unless we use all that we learn and experience to create change in our own lives, in the community around us, and in the world. A nice framework for this Positive Impact are the 4 Ps: Personal (changes in our own life) Places (cultural & economic sustainability of destinations) People (benefits to people in our local communities) Planet (mindfully, consciously protecting Mother Earth) Our Energy—Work—Love Worksheet (found in the Travel Better > Live Better Toolkit) is a handy little tool for identifying 1–2 small actions you can take when you get home that will have a BIG impact on your life and those around you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b40534da-02fb-4d10-9f91-b14b248cb0aa/image-asset.jpg Mindful Travel - Continue Your Learning Journey For those looking for additional support on your Journey of learning and growth, we’ve partnered with a diverse team of life, career, and relationship coaches and experts to give you the opportunity to work 1:1 with them before, during, and/or after your Journey. From helping you get into shape for your adventure ahead to working with you to implement small but powerful changes in your life once you get home, these coaches can help you turn a great trip into a truly life-changing travel experience! https://www.explorer-x.com/japan daily 0.75 2026-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705613770230-QVN1F05PA8P4JGYPZA16/image-asset.jpeg Japan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705613352720-DJYVP6CDJJL0VWRJZF56/image-asset.jpeg Japan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705613372498-ZCNW60X0F5PJX5RMOICA/image-asset.jpeg Japan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705613385742-0NRREYPWEM3PI2E7KTSI/image-asset.jpeg Japan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705613396722-QPJIVKZRW32X3RIGR6PC/image-asset.jpeg Japan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705613413402-2Q1YKLSROPZF2U45PKC5/image-asset.jpeg Japan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705613423610-DIDVFOQWNI9BCWLRENGW/image-asset.jpeg Japan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705613450635-LOSTEOOWISIPJ49O2HX9/image-asset.jpeg Japan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1705613469589-7POXPUBNFGTAZEYMI0QC/image-asset.jpeg Japan https://www.explorer-x.com/chile daily 0.75 2026-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1722552171087-D8B0JVJNPH8EZSM2470Z/unsplash-image-SFubVJcCgcQ.jpg Chile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/69a6c194-9230-4ef1-86de-fbdf9276908d/martin-bennie-2u5F02u-eIY-unsplash.jpg Chile - Chile: The Basics Why Travel to Chile: The Atacama Desert, Wine, Gauchos, Patagonia When to Travel There: October through April is the best time to visit When to Start Planning: 6–9+ months in advance for peak season Price Expectations: Starting at $10,000/pp based on 2 people sharing Extensions to Consider: Argentina; Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1667848058538-GX23KHD0KIODTRPXUCL9/unsplash-image-Zf2mL1gtaVg.jpg Chile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1667848255218-BFM3UJ34V23M2CKPTQ9P/unsplash-image-HNOaMthcq0w.jpg Chile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1667848300026-AIM6MBTZKO3QDRZN3CR7/unsplash-image-8-TUVSGe9ws.jpg Chile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1667848629336-V8IRKKEAX6PWDD1RYRMO/hector-marquez-701563-unsplash.jpg Chile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1667848840391-8SCONC62HUNYETADQWZR/unsplash-image-zBVhMwd7g_A.jpg Chile 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Journeys https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1716323639037-UFVUXXS9ST754HXOJEVB/image-asset.jpeg Heroic Journeys - Level I: Individualized Program for Existing Clients Designed for helping professionals (“Coaches”) interested in using international travel experiences to drive breakthroughs, learning, and growth for existing clients. The coach would not accompany them on the Journey but would help them prepare for the journey, create tools/resources they could use while traveling, and then help them process all that they learned on their adventures when they get home. > The Coach refers existing clients to Explorer X for a Custom Travel Experience OR … > Explorer X designs a Custom Travel Experience in collaboration with the Coach to address the client’s goals, intentions, etc. > The Coach works with the Client to identify intentions, desired outcomes, and questions for their Journey > The Coach may provide additional resources for the client to use or work on/through on their Journey > The Coach works with the Client after they return to identify specific action items they are committed to taking and helps hold them accountable through follow-up calls and meetings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1716323709148-CUEAXIP8NFUC6DPDP1WK/image-asset.jpeg Heroic Journeys - Level II: New Program Offering for Individual Clients Designed for Coaches & Companies looking to grow their business by creating a new stand-alone program that uses an international travel experience to drive breakthroughs, learning, and growth. The coach would not accompany them on the Journey but would help them prepare for the journey, create tools/resources they could use while traveling, and then help them process all that they learned on their adventures when they get home. > Sold as a Packaged Program: Coaching + Custom Travel Experience > Coaching Fees TBD + Travel Credit with Explorer X TBD > Explorer X designs a Custom Travel Experience in collaboration with the Coach to address the client’s goals, intentions, etc. > The Coach works with the Client to identify intentions, desired outcomes, and questions for their Journey > The Coach may provide additional resources for the client to use or work on/through on their Journey > The Coach works with the Client after they return to identify specific action items they are committed to taking and helps hold them accountable through follow-up calls and meetings > Recommended Program Length: 3—4 months (not including travel design time) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1716323792669-G65P6JXT89FQK9G6QQLL/image-asset.jpeg Heroic Journeys - Level III: Small Group Adventure (Retreat Style) Coaches or Companies create a new program offering centered around an international travel experience designed specifically for a small group of clients. This is an abbreviated, retreat-style program with limited post-trip interaction with the group and/or coach. > The Coach attends and facilitates the Journey for the group > The Journey has a specific location (ex: Chile), itinerary, travel dates, and pricing > The Coach hosts two (2) group and one (1) 1:1 conversation before the Journey > The Coach hosts one (1) group and one (1) 1:1 conversation after the Journey > Total Program Length: 2—3 Months https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1716323875938-T6BG8UONQLYL01ZQP47W/image-asset.jpeg Heroic Journeys - Level IV: Small Group Journey (Extended Program) Coaches or Companies create a new program offering centered around an international travel experience designed specifically for a small group of clients. This is an extended program with significant post-trip interaction with the group and/or coach. > The Coach attends and facilitates the Journey for the group > The Journey has a specific location (ex: Chile), itinerary, travel dates, and pricing > The Coach hosts two (2) group and one (1) 1:1 conversation before the Journey > The Coach hosts a minimum of three (3) group and three (3) 1:1 conversations after the Journey > Recommended Program Length: 5–6 Months https://www.explorer-x.com/nordics daily 0.75 2024-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1716836755502-6N9PVZCGNJSQZUFZ4WQ7/image-asset.jpeg The Nordics https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1674679588432-6D9P6S9YEWMX06CG26R0/unsplash-image-3_ZGrsirryY.jpg The Nordics - Denmark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e4dac8d6-48d5-4dab-a341-48516c14a9bd/unsplash-image-1r6rwX1FUdc.jpg The Nordics - Finland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/874d2052-42ab-4475-9f98-95c7157ded5e/unsplash-image-zNN6ubHmruI.jpg The Nordics - Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/4506882a-c578-453f-9b5b-c4e8ca4dd8a4/unsplash-image-EqtvTJ-ufnM.jpg The Nordics - Sweden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/04803ef4-6b43-4ee0-8833-75d3c8954599/unsplash-image-NrP9I1utqug.jpg The Nordics - The Faroe Islands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1674679402727-P9FGA5550RTRF8TEHQVE/unsplash-image-yuF2B5Zyz88.jpg The Nordics - Greenland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/5f72b4b4-7dc0-4667-b6a6-d6ce1bbda691/unsplash-image-641pLhGEEyg.jpg The Nordics - Norway https://www.explorer-x.com/how daily 0.75 2026-05-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1716915901139-57FDGYG1YNYPN9NLVS0J/pexels-vlada-karpovich-7368311.jpg The Explorer X Process https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c44fbaab-e3a0-4078-9818-bea9587ecf89/unsplash-image-goholCAVTRs.jpg The Explorer X Process - Your Journey begins with a ‘Call (to Adventure)’ Our Journey together begins with a 30-minute call with one of our expert Travel Designers. In that conversation, you’ll have an opportunity to share your vision for your adventure, ask any questions you may have about your potential destination(s), and learn more about what it’s like to work with Explorer X on designing your experience. If this feels like a good fit, a $1500 Travel Design Fee gets us started on crafting the travel experience of your dreams! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c1f200e5-12d3-4129-896f-9c1513cf980a/unsplash-image-R4sP8_Bq0Bw.jpg The Explorer X Process - We roll up our sleeves and start designing your travel experience! Our team will huddle up, share ideas and resources, and your dedicated Travel Designer will begin working with our partners in your destination to plan your adventure. For Custom Travel, we’ll bounce options and ideas off of you and even ask you to contribute to the process if you want! When we’re done, you’ll sign off on your itinerary and we’ll get everything officially locked in for you with a deposit. For Destination: Unknown, we may ask for a few preferences and other inputs, but we’ll keep your destination a secret. Once we have everything in place for you, a deposit locks everything in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/dbb3ad61-5208-4fde-b994-2f9932fa09c8/unsplash-image-gvc7MK4gnDk.jpg The Explorer X Process - Take time to prepare for your Journey Your Travel Designer will provide you with access to our proprietary Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide — a resource chocked full of questions, prompts, quotes, poems, articles, and activities to help you prepare for the adventure ahead and help you deepen your travel experience. Like anything else in life, the more you put into preparing for your Journey, the more you’ll get from it, so we encourage you to really dive into the Toolkit. Finally, you’ll have a final pre-departure call with your Travel Designer to do a final review of trip logistics and details and any other last-minute questions you may have. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/25f36c97-e348-4666-ac59-6be717808596/unsplash-image--GkLdVcOjGE.jpg The Explorer X Process - Embark on your adventure! Hop on your flight(s) and embark on your adventure with an outsized sense of curiosity, a suitcase full of humility and perseverance, and a backpack full of openmindedness! We’ll be available throughout your trip to make sure everything is up to expectations and to answer any questions you may have or help you deal with any unforeseen events. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/34078332-2770-4690-a333-bcdc423aac87/woman-in-white-and-red-floral-dress-standing-on-green-grass-3605015.jpg The Explorer X Process - Travel like a HERO … As you explore, remember to travel like a HERO: – Humble: Be mindful and respectful; you are a guest in another land – Engaged: Practice curiosity, push your comfort zones, challenge yourself – Resilient: Going with the flow, knowing everything isn’t going to be perfect – Open-Minded: To the people, ideas, beliefs that you encounter along the way (Shout out to the Transformational Travel Council for that ^ gem!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/6b33c22b-429f-40a5-87cb-b1cf894278b5/unsplash-image-bH7kZ0yazB0.jpg The Explorer X Process - The Journey ends … or does it? Just because your trip is over doesn’t mean the Journey is finished! When you get home, the next phase of your Hero’s Journey begins. Our Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide will help you make sense of what you experienced, identify things you learned, and begin to take actions — big or small — that will positively impact your life, your community, and the world around you. To help with this process, we’ll provide you with support: Community conversations, mastermind groups, introductions to coaches and consultants, and loads of recommended resources and tools. https://www.explorer-x.com/custom-travel daily 0.75 2026-04-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1716928238090-C0BE1KZO2T3PL2U4WK46/getty-images-fPWbQTihaYE-unsplash+%281%29.jpg Custom Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9bec0d7c-f74b-4d56-986a-844a3a00968d/unsplash-image-i3x7NdbVqOI.jpg Custom Travel - What it Means to Travel with X … When you plan your next adventure with us, your expert travel designer will work with you to handcraft an extraordinary itinerary that offers: – Immersive experiences with local guides, experts, and friends – Local accommodations full of charm, character, and warmth – A pace/flow grounded in the concepts of slow and Mindful Travel – Endless opportunities for reconnection, learning, and growth – Sustainable design to minimize environmental impact Whether you are looking for a Custom Travel Experience or ready to embark on a Destination: Unknown adventure, we invite you to begin your Journey with us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9fdee865-96bc-48e4-aa12-5bbed4a2e852/pexels-vlada-karpovich-7368311.jpg Custom Travel - The Travel Design Process Planning your travels with Explorer X is simple and easy: – We start with a phone/Zoom call to learn more about each other – You’ll share the vision you have for the Journey of your dreams – Your Travel Designer will craft a custom travel experience for you – Our Mindful Travel Toolkit to help you prep for the Journey – While you travel, our team in the US and in-destination will be there to support you Our job? To make the travel design process easy so that you can focus on having an extraordinary travel experience — and a truly life-changing Journey! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/34bb8f55-e80f-4cee-8135-645c5c3b9ece/colin-meg-NOpNUUfsoRU-unsplash.jpg Custom Travel - About Our Travel Experiences A few points to keep in mind as you begin your Journey with us: – The travel experiences we design average 10 days in length – Most of the travel experiences we design start at $20,000 – We work best with people who travel for learning and growth – The ideal time to begin planning is 4–6+ months before departure – We only plan travel experiences outside of the United States Working alongside our partners and colleagues around the world, your Travel Designer will craft an itinerary customized just for you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f4b82817-19e2-41e9-8656-71849657ab9c/pexels-taryn-elliott-3889986.jpg Custom Travel - Where to Explore with Us From Australia to Zimbabwe and just about everywhere in between, our team of experienced travel designers has been there. We have spent decades building friendships, relationships, and connections around the world that allow us to share special access to people, places, and experiences with you. Our travel experiences will take you to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world and peel back the curtain on some of its most unique cultures. https://www.explorer-x.com/iceland daily 0.75 2026-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1719874362655-RVDFLDLN4AMJGL7TEPS9/image-asset.jpeg Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1719874571805-OMXTD2JCW3PTMFCRDU9R/image-asset.jpeg Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1719874593541-N8T0EO2KPB7IJX2AJCW9/image-asset.jpeg Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1719874656435-QU9Y9R41YU0OW75M4Y8Z/image-asset.jpeg Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1719874631479-FNN9D8AOC9H0U313UBLB/image-asset.jpeg Iceland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1720047475302-DBY0XQPWW1WYQ1F3PH4N/image-asset.jpeg 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https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1722280239910-EJFG2VT2NOOT90ETG12S/unsplash-image-8kDOOrs608I.jpg The Hero Travel Fund https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1733871680122-QID553UL9SJ0TORAUQJR/unsplash-image-2gVgVf5CNAE.jpg The Hero Travel Fund https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/2d22ce7c-c3ab-4346-b97d-31c6f2ec4644/getty-images-zjYnaCXetYA-unsplash.jpg The Hero Travel Fund https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a0f26616-ada2-4483-bd65-e4421eb42e82/unsplash-image-14weKuGAe3I.jpg The Hero Travel Fund https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/09eeb88a-8131-4081-85e2-3fde3697659c/alexey-demidov-EP1J3DM8kEU-unsplash.jpg The Hero Travel Fund https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/727de66c-aa26-4c31-afc5-9b82bcc11a40/HTF+Header.png The Hero Travel Fund https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/6dde1e7b-4db5-4f5c-beff-5ee9257f8bc7/pexels-brett-sayles-2310604.jpg The Hero Travel Fund - Key Criteria of the Hero Travel Fund While every Hero Travel Fund (HTF) applicant has a unique story to tell, they share many of the same characteristics. The HTF was created for you if you have: — A demonstrated history of making a positive impact in your community and in the world — A strong desire to travel ... and use those travel experiences for learning, growth, and renewal — A need for financial support to bring your travel dreams to life — Proficient written and verbal communication skills — A positive and values-aligned digital presence The HTF is intended for people who have ‘given their life to something bigger than oneself,’ and who are making the world a better place every day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c880ded1-9119-4470-9ae7-a9d2c92c1c1d/unsplash-image-IraMdOH78NE.jpg The Hero Travel Fund - HTF Award Details & Inclusions Each year, we select one individual who is making a meaningful difference in their community and gift them with a deeply personalized travel experience designed for renewal, connection, and reflection completely paid for by Explorer X. This includes: — Accommodations throughout the adventure — All experiences, activities, and excursions — All transfers and transportation in-destination — Breakfast every day and some additional meals — Explorer X Travel Design and Operations services — In-destination logistics support from our local team — Explorer X gear See the FAQ section below for additional information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/409a0609-3dc3-43f4-b76a-a111f1eb9f7a/image-asset.jpg The Hero Travel Fund - How to Apply Key Dates & Deadlines for 2026 — March 26 – August 31: Rolling Application Period — October 1: Semi-Finalists Announced — October 31: Semi-Finalist Essays Due — November 20: Finalists Announced — December 1–11: Finalist Interviews — December 18: Winner Announced The Application Process: — Applicants begin by submitting a Basic Info Form, Resume/CV, and short Video describing why they deserve to win the HTF — Semi-finalists will be asked to submit an Essay sharing their vision for the Journey they would go on should they be selected as a winner — Finalists will Interview with the Explorer X Team to connect, learn more about one another, and review any outstanding questions https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/3fe4e386-3051-4f2a-b18b-e7ee7751af5d/IMG_5582.jpg The Hero Travel Fund - Meet the 2025 Hero Travel Fund Winners Keishanna Rasin Shanna is a Brooklyn native who is on a mission to sprinkle kindness across the globe. As a career social worker and youth advocate in New York City, Shanna spent more than a decade selflessly serving her community before a traumatic event prompted her to seek renewal through the Hero Travel Fund. In November 2025, Shanna went on a solo Destination: Unknown Adventure to Tanzania with her Hero Travel Fund award. Read her blog here. Katie Hoover Katie is a teacher at a public high school in New York City, where she teaches English as a New Language (ENL) to students from around the world, many of whom have only recently arrived in the United States. After several challenging years, she looked to the Hero Travel Fund to craft a restorative honeymoon for her and her husband. Katie and her husband, Texas, went on a Destination: Unknown Adventure to Slovenia in July 2025. Read her blog here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a8b37cc8-ed4c-461f-a2a1-7d37658f6a3d/unsplash-image-TBHOuN6URGU.jpg The Hero Travel Fund - Support the Hero Travel Fund There are opportunities for those who share our belief in the power of travel to transform lives to donate to the Hero Travel Fund. Your donation expands the fund to honor more heroes and widen the ripple effect of positive change. As a contributor, you’re honoring someone’s story, uplifting communities, and investing in a more connected, compassionate world. On behalf of the Explorer X team, our traveler community, and all of the heroes out there helping make the world a better place: Thank you for helping us make these life-changing experiences possible. Please note: Explorer X is a for-profit organization; as such, your donation to the Hero Travel Fund is NOT tax-deductible. Please see the HTF Donation Page for important notes and details. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1733357639928-DCGHL8KRF8220G3VTFMN/Heroic+Logo.png The Hero Travel Fund https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1733357626756-F2F92BDGQNHCT78IGL9O/Wanderwell+Logo.png The Hero Travel Fund https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1734378378200-KIYQSU9F646DRNRVAWKU/Soul+of+Travel+Podcast+Logo_Horizontal+-+2.png The Hero Travel Fund https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/39c87bc5-4576-48a2-b798-62dfa06e7ea8/HTF+Logo+%E2%80%93+Long-3.png The Hero Travel Fund - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/pay daily 0.75 2024-09-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1721148628860-CG27Z2MSNK03J297DB9G/image-asset.jpeg Travel Design Fee https://www.explorer-x.com/tips daily 0.75 2024-07-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1721413703055-O928LQ5I2GYP4VXVHHYZ/Plane%252Bin%252BTrees.jpg Travel Tips & Info https://www.explorer-x.com/toolkit daily 0.75 2025-07-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1724441174776-76TBGX96UC7B3XKDSRI3/emma-dau-2Jv5KvC45uc-unsplash.jpg The Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/eff0fcc7-e2ed-4ad5-b89e-a17fae709cf8/adult-1850177_1920.jpg The Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1653499467287-ACU7PUXWRR5X13MXMKXY/unsplash-image-R4sP8_Bq0Bw.jpg The Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide - Before You Travel … + Do: The 6 ‘Before You Go’ Questions + Consider: Your Travel Practice + Read: Why We Travel by Pico Iyer + Read: On Travel by Kent Nerburn + Read: The Hero’s Adventure by Joseph Campbell https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1653499650380-7BTQUBY3JUW862DZ13XZ/unsplash-image-yw1y-alKGrg.jpg The Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide - While You Travel … + Do: Take a ‘Mindful Moment’ every day + Ask: Questions for Your Journey + Ask: Questions for Couples + Play: The Mindful Travel Challenge + Do: Travel like a HERO (Humble, Engaged, Resilient, and Open-minded https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/60df208a-5ef6-4f8c-9744-bfb1081e46f3/noemi-macavei-katocz-GAv6SVHKQiw-unsplash.jpg The Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide - When You Get Home … + Do: The Energy—Work—Love Worksheet + Do: The Journey Reflection Guide + Read: Advice for a Human by Matt Haig + Read: For a New Beginning by John O’Donohue + Do: Sign up for Heroic And don’t forget to talk to your Travel Designer if you are looking for additional resources! https://www.explorer-x.com/devoes daily 0.75 2024-10-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1727126473418-1Y5NDQAZ4C423YL7MIEB/unsplash-image-PrXVzkJOqq4.jpg DeVoe's Destination: Unknown https://www.explorer-x.com/partners daily 0.75 2026-04-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/2b80e7ce-99f1-46a6-b64f-419067cb3496/nathan-dumlao-pLoMDKtl-JY-unsplash.jpg Partners & Affiliates https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/5180ac02-9d22-4eab-ab2e-40a0bc1b16a5/Screenshot+2025-07-15+at+16.28.32.jpg Partners & Affiliates - Modern Elder Academy (MEA) Modern Elder Academy (MEA) workshops help people in midlife find the clarity, inspiration, and fulfillment they crave and thrive as they navigate the challenges and opportunities that come in the second half of life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/29ff9ee3-6f60-4105-8a44-17cc221e5a88/HEROIC+Logo+X-2+SQ.jpg Partners & Affiliates - Heroic Heroic is a social training platform that integrates ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools to help you show up as the best, most Heroic version of yourself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/63faf696-53d0-46a4-a873-2645dd78b8df/AO+Bozeman+3.jpg Partners & Affiliates - Robyn DeVoe Wellness Robyn will guide and empower you to cultivate unwavering confidence in your body and mind so that you are ready to embrace every adventure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/cf81a66e-0c0b-4867-a92d-157a10b7b4c1/unsplash-image-_B0efO8WXXI.jpg Partners & Affiliates - All Roads North All Roads North custom designs unforgettable road trips to help you discover what America is all about: Diverse and breathtaking beauty that you won’t find anywhere else. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/3c2c2a14-3c62-448d-a3af-7c4873522c6a/FNT.jpg Partners & Affiliates - First Nature Tours First Nature Tours crafts bespoke luxury experiences in the Pacific Northwest. The FNT team elevates every journey with unmatched service and knowledge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/58e478e7-e182-4dbf-b5dc-77ebc3955a3f/unsplash-image-ZrhtQyGFG6s.jpg Partners & Affiliates - The Table Less Traveled TTLT brings expert chefs, local partners, and our community of travelers together through food-based, small-group travel experiences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d9df55e0-7c22-4e6a-b502-a15a8928763c/Mosaic+Earth+Travel+Yukon+2024+-+DJI_0546+-+small.jpg Partners & Affiliates - Mosaic Earth Travel Mosaic Earth designs and leads immersive, multi-day small group tours that connect travelers with the lush nature and rich cultures of Canada’s West Coast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/75df2845-1717-4c9b-9876-7076a0f031a7/unsplash-image-iDzKdNI7Qgc.jpg Partners & Affiliates - Wanderwell Travel Insurance Wanderwell offers modern, comprehensive travel insurance plans designed to cover the most common travel perils, all with superior support and advocacy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ff3fdb62-6d8e-4708-9ae9-669e6ea0ba06/Context.jpg Partners & Affiliates - Context Travel Context is a network of scholars and specialists whose aim is to invite travelers off the tourist track and into the real life of the people, history, and culture of the world's greatest cities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/6d71fc11-8201-4f01-94be-ee88ec287836/OrlandoinBarcelonaforFlytographer.jpg Partners & Affiliates - Flytographer Flytographer is a travel-focused photography service that connects travelers with professional local photographers around the world so you can capture high-quality photos during your trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/6b30a906-4b58-48fa-b66e-58b7cb772aff/unsplash-image-qPcSUERqBAc.jpg Partners & Affiliates - Traveling Spoon Traveling Spoon connects travelers with local, vetted hosts to share the joy of a homemade meal in their home and learn about their cultural and culinary traditions. https://www.explorer-x.com/denmark daily 0.75 2025-01-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1736217522089-KIYBG2MRVFZ05EQOEHEF/unsplash-image-tcE9zSc2SU8.jpg Denmark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1736217703757-5ZS700JPH4HK2SUGZ7NU/unsplash-image-3_ZGrsirryY.jpg Denmark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1736217727258-VK5FJXMT5JISKBF7IFR8/unsplash-image-imLsDPLnr7Y.jpg Denmark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1736217739596-4MMRYYTLGU23O0IUNE0C/unsplash-image-I17LBNJq9q8.jpg Denmark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1736217800022-WRBNC2VP0SQN0QPY546I/unsplash-image-iXed2ZaTobo.jpg Denmark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1736217827395-AASTGJADIAMKF2RRX0RR/unsplash-image-oGAB1BkqCp4.jpg Denmark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1736217774856-SOYOSX0E0XKBKNL7JCC8/unsplash-image--hwDGRQzAeM.jpg Denmark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1736743035714-C0J0G078J9JJKWX248QR/unsplash-image-oV3NeTurBa0.png Denmark https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1736217853006-4DGRQOM2CQUXQPJ94OQJ/unsplash-image-RaRnuPiLHmc.jpg Denmark https://www.explorer-x.com/value daily 0.75 2026-04-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1740446889002-ZVPEMZNYVYOX0Q798YFQ/unsplash-image-LarvHiXifpA.jpg Pricing & Value Model https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e26e4875-28b9-40c8-86b2-1f7a6845102a/image-asset.jpg Pricing & Value Model - Our Value Proposition Let’s start here: Most of our travelers end up paying a 10—15% premium to work with us … which is an incredible value when you consider all that you get for your money: – Expert travel design and itinerary development – Handpicked accommodations, guides, and experiences – Local knowledge and connections from our in-country team – Destination documents and information to guide your Journey – Technology to help make your adventures seamless – On-trip support in case unforeseen challenges arise Ultimately, perhaps the best value you receive when working with us is your time back. Rather than spending dozens (or hundreds!) of hours researching hotels, tours, transfer options, etc. — and still not knowing if you booked the right ones — we handle all of that for you so that you can spend your time with the people and on the things that are most important to you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/226cdc9a-9cc1-4e57-bd71-ffdb0d99d658/pexels-taryn-elliott-4858581.jpg Pricing & Value Model - The Journey: Experiences, Accommodations, Transfers, & Meals Approximately 75% of your total trip cost The itinerary that your Travel Designer will craft for you includes the following in the price of your adventure: – Handpicked Local Accommodations – Privately Guided Experiences & Activities – Transfers & Transportation – Some Meals & Culinary Experiences … and so much more! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/2595a9ac-3552-49f2-ba61-07ddec5157b8/pexels-vlada-karpovich-7368308.jpg Pricing & Value Model - Expert Travel Design: Bringing Your Travel Dreams to Life Approximately 12% of your total trip cost Our Travel Designers have spent decades exploring the world, gathering experiences, building relationships, and honing their skills as artisans of adventure. Working side-by-side with our partners, colleagues, and connections around the world, your Travel Designer will craft an itinerary built around your interests, preferences, timeframe, budget, and more. Of course, this process takes time — hours, days, or even weeks — and that commitment to quality carries a cost and offers an incredible value that our travelers are happy to pay for. Note: Your Journey with us begins with an upfront Travel Design fee of $1500 USD that will credited towards your trip once you confirm your itinerary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1724454876228-ETDYYCC302U0J3QING6W/unsplash-image-Hcfwew744z4.jpg Pricing & Value Model - Journey Management: Technologies & Communications Approximately 10% of your total trip cost Beyond designing your adventure, our team supports you every step of the way on your Journey with us. – Use of the Vamoos app (a traveler fav!) – A beautiful itinerary with detailed daily info – Loads of destination documents and information – On-going pre-trip support with your Travel Designer – Support from our in-destination team while traveling – A post-trip conversation with your Travel Designer – Access to our Mindful Travel Toolkit & Guide This support carries a ton of value — peace of mind so that you can focus on having an epic adventure rather than trip logistics and the tools and resources to make the most of your adventure — and is an invaluable part of your Journey with us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0bb1695d-d9ce-4e71-bfd2-3020ecec2159/unsplash-image-kPDV_tzjOUY.jpg Pricing & Value Model - Purpose & Impact: Supporting People, Places, & Planet Approximately 3% of your total trip cost Our mission as a business is simple: Make a meaningful, lasting, positive, and profound impact in the world. – People (inspiring positive change in your life, in our communities, and in the world) – Places (cultural and economic conservation and/or regeneration of destinations) – Planet (mindfully, consciously protecting our environment and Mother Earth) With that in mind, we allocate a percentage of every trip to projects that are making a real difference in the world: – 1% for the Planet (Members) – Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (Members) – The Hero Travel Fund (Our own project!) A sustainable business is also measured in sound economic health, so we allocate a small percentage of every trip to business growth and consistently creating innovative experiences for our travelers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/8407f2ca-77f6-4fb1-a37c-c8f9c01431ff/daria-gordova-hvtxJXByJfI-unsplash.jpg Pricing & Value Model - The Bottom Line We wholeheartedly believe that working with Explorer X provides you with an amazing value. We couldn't be more proud of the work we do to provide you with a life-changing travel experience and the positive impact that we are making on our team, our travelers, our destinations, and the world! https://www.explorer-x.com/signature-journeys daily 0.75 2026-06-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c49a2c0e-fc9a-4124-82cd-4d7a87ddf25d/unsplash-image-5dusgr_R35E.jpg Signature Journeys https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1745775856704-M88SC012UP17FMNSMPTJ/unsplash-image-H8w5w4AiY1Q.jpg Signature Journeys - Signature Journeys: Basic Info Regardless of destination, all of our Journeys have the same foundations: + Built on the principles of slow, mindful, immersive travel + A mix of destination highlights and hidden gem experiences + Focus on connecting you with local people, culture, and food + Handpicked local accommodations full of warmth and charm + Crafted from personal experience exploring each destination + Fully customizable to your interests, budget, and timeframe Ready to start exploring our Signature Journeys? Let’s go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/bff19073-3145-4423-aca0-932a19e51996/unsplash-image-CIMk0FSOrAE.jpg Signature Journeys - Australia: 14 Days Sydney / Uluru / Tasmania / Melbourne https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0844451d-a21d-4b89-b89d-160ae4b7fcbe/unsplash-image-SFubVJcCgcQ.jpg Signature Journeys - Chile: 14 Days Atacama / Wine Country / Lake District / Patagonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9049f493-d6be-4af2-8fbd-d48b404b9e84/unsplash-image-RvDc461s1EI.jpg Signature Journeys - Croatia: 12 Days Dubrovnik / Hvar / Split / Istria https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/171b09fd-0513-458a-a91e-3711d1662200/image-asset.jpg Signature Journeys - The Faroe Islands: 11 Days Copenhagen / Tórshavn / Kalsoy / Vagar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0f411675-bfcb-4041-ab6c-bed9c228cf8c/unsplash-image-nD9tEn63suc.jpg Signature Journeys - France: 13 Days Paris / Normandy / Provence / Nice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d51b2d7d-7437-42e3-b492-f59cb351ca40/unsplash-image-ilQmlVIMN4c.jpg Signature Journeys - Greece: 13 Days Athens / Crete / Naxos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f2a29817-7d95-455e-8b8c-2788b810660d/image-asset.jpg Signature Journeys - Iceland: 13 Days Reykjavik / South Coast / Highlands / The North / Snæfellsnes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/85b493a2-3b34-461b-95d2-46c97acc120a/unsplash-image-KViyTyPUsl8.jpg Signature Journeys - Ireland: 13 Days Dublin / Westport / Connemara / Burren https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/7574a241-12ca-4697-87e4-a6acd4752ad7/unsplash-image-PeLkhi_B3wI.jpg Signature Journeys - Italy: 13 Days Rome / Tuscany / Florence https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/41c42090-a66b-4cb1-9cae-c0dfe3841a1d/getty-images-8X_Rz3giae4-unsplash.jpg Signature Journeys - Japan: 13 Days Tokyo / Shizuoka / Kyoto / Hiroshima / Kuma Valley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d5d0400b-8fcb-4118-9896-6347dfd2b474/unsplash-image-BRVpzGwNzzI.jpg Signature Journeys - Morocco: 10 Days Fez / Marrakech / Atlas Mountains https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b5b31a1d-7497-430a-8721-f0d5587b6a02/image-asset.jpg Signature Journeys - Norway: 12 Days Oslo / Fjords / Bergen / The North https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1762466883117-4WDOSPD9IJ6OQ49RO9TX/unsplash-image-PO7CGnoDFUI.jpg Signature Journeys - Peru: 10 Days Lima / Sacred Valley / Machu Picchu / Cusco https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/3d874f9a-a440-4f95-81ae-cbeff4f966a5/unsplash-image-k89cvE4zY2A.jpg Signature Journeys - Portugal: 13 Days Lisbon / Alentejo / Douro / Porto https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/78ae62a8-8dfb-43db-b926-ccf2b4bdbc6a/unsplash-image-pOWBHdgy1Lo.jpg Signature Journeys - Slovenia: 11 Days Ljubljana / Julian Alps / Soca Valley / Brda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/77be54eb-5b3a-4bfb-8e33-b098b4869164/unsplash-image-cusbuH6PdTM.jpg Signature Journeys - South Africa: 14 Days Kruger NP / Cape Town / Winelands / Hermanus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/47c54d93-2c7a-454c-96ac-b73091e59a4a/unsplash-image-Cqwmreb84cs.jpg Signature Journeys - Spain: 13 Days Madrid / Sevilla / Andalucia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d8d36273-f181-45fe-bca8-351aad587709/unsplash-image-WfZ4WCuNtlg.jpg Signature Journeys - Tanzania: 14 Days Serengeti / Lake Natron / Ngorongoro Crater https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/bb0e0436-f4cf-41a5-837d-dd1503f05b5d/paz-arando-ISf-Z96VRk4-unsplash.jpg Signature Journeys - Uruguay: 11 Days Montevideo / Punte del Este / José Ignacio / Colonia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b05c20e5-a6a3-4c43-9884-220b99a17a95/unsplash-image-Za6Jf-7WVQ8.jpg Signature Journeys - In the Footsteps of the Alchemist Spain / Morocco / Egypt https://www.explorer-x.com/flights daily 0.75 2025-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1740534349944-QPGKS33FZS4WF52TMAJP/image-asset.jpeg Flying Best Practices https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/96cafdb4-18f5-426f-bc80-0120cbd6787c/image-asset.jpg Flying Best Practices - When Booking Flights Look for a minimum 2-hour layover for all international connections; ideally, your layover is closer to 3 hours. This helps insure against complications from delays (ex: missed connections) and increases the likelihood that your checked luggage makes it to your destination on time! Whenever possible, book one ticket for the whole trip. For example, book your flight between home and your destination with one carrier (ex: Delta, American, United, etc.) rather than booking different flights with different carriers. Book the fewest connections possible, even if it's a little more expensive. If budget allows, consider upgrading to Premium Economy or even Business Class. These more spacious seats can help reduce the effects of jetlag tremendously! After booking your flight, see if the airline offers discounted options for cabin upgrades – especially for overnight flights! For international flights arriving at your final destination before 9am, consider booking a hotel room the night before to guarantee immediate check-in. When taking an overnight flight, see if you can find a flight that arrives at your final destination sometime around mid-to-late afternoon (if possible). That way you can go through the entry process (see below), enjoy your transfer to the hotel, freshen up, grab dinner, and pass out. This helps offset jetlag and sets you up for success for the rest of your journey! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0a022cb3-30a8-40a5-a5e6-1c71581b74b5/image-asset.jpg Flying Best Practices - Packing for Your Flight Do your best not to check a bag (if possible); if you DO check a bag, our recommendation is as follows: 1 checked bag per 2 travelers plus one carry-on per person with 3 days worth of clothes — especially underwear and socks — just in case your checked bags don’t make it there on time. Always put an Apple AirTag (or similar) in any checked luggage so that you know where your bags are at all times. (We like to put an AirTag in all of our bags — even carry-on bags — just in case they inadvertently wander off with someone else.) Be sure to bring any medications and valuable items with you in your carry-on luggage; do not put them in checked luggage if you can avoid it. (Note: Depending on where you are going, consider leaving your "flashy" jewelry at home to avoid unwanted attention.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f5c85db2-58c7-48cf-aac9-70670e4a8371/image-asset.jpg Flying Best Practices - At the Airport: Take Photos of Your Bags! For any luggage that you are checking in, we recommend the following: – Take a photo of your bag before you place it on the baggage belt. If your bag does end up getting misplaced, you’ll need to describe it (in painstaking detail), so having a new photo of your bag will help with that! – Take a photo of the bag tag with your – and the bag’s – final destination on it as well as the little sticker with the bar code you receive as your receipt. (These are very easy to lose but important if your bag goes astray!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1e59ab86-d79a-4372-be8c-82a711349648/image-asset.jpg Flying Best Practices - Passport Control & Immigration: What to Expect On arrival at your final destination, the general flow is as follows: Passport Control (if you have not already done this elsewhere in the country/region) > Baggage Claim > Customs > Exit If you have an international connection, you will need to go through Passport Control at the first port of entry to a country or region. For example, if you are flying from JFK and connecting through Paris en route to Rome, you will go through passport control in Paris as it is your first point of entry into Europe. However, in most international destinations, you will not need to collect your luggage if you are simply connecting through. For example, if you are flying from JFK and connecting through Paris en route to Rome, your bags will meet you in Rome (even though you go through Passport Control in Paris). On arrival back into the United States, you will need to collect your luggage and go back through security if you are connecting to another destination in the States. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/117047b3-51a7-4b3f-8172-1c89231645f9/image-asset.jpg Flying Best Practices - What Are the Differences Between Global Entry, TSA Pre-Check, & CLEAR? TSA Pre-Check > Expedited security within the US only; not relevant for security outside of the US Global Entry > Expedited Passport Control when re-entering the US (also includes TSA Pre-Check) CLEAR > Expedited security within the US only that allows you to jump to the front of the security line; not relevant for security outside of the US; can be used in combo with TSA-Pre-Check https://www.explorer-x.com/tz25 daily 0.75 2025-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d5c6a719-0266-4a89-8aec-025b31fb91fb/image-asset.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c79bddf1-6310-4e90-932f-488cd2e05fac/image-asset.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/51322639-9add-47fb-aaef-46c4e8414e4e/image3.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 - Welcome from Jake & Quinn Our family has a deep appreciation for the power of travel and the role it can play in our learning and growth, from gaining new perspectives and global understanding to seeing the world through the eyes of others and becoming more self-aware and compassionate. I co-founded the Transformational Travel Council and Explorer X, a Seattle-based travel design company, to create a movement in travel. Through our leadership, we're guiding travel and tourism towards taking a more conscious and mindful approach to how (and why) we travel. Doing so amplifies the benefits, impacts, and positive change for travelers and the people and places visited during those experiences. This year, Quinn is required to do a minimum of 30 hours of volunteering as part of his curriculum, so we've decided to head to Tanzania and the Serengeti to fulfill those hours in a more meaningful, mindful, and conscientious way. Our experiences there will include: + Coral Reef Restoration Volunteering + Engaging in Community Development Work + Spending a Night in the Bush with Maasai Warriors + Embarking on a Sunrise Mountain Climbing Adventure + Learning about the Serengeti Desnaring Program + Heading out on a Rhino Tracking expedition + Experiencing the Big 5 on Safari in the Serengeti + Spending time bonding with one another (and the group) This time in Tanzania will very much be a ‘Rites of Passage’ experience where fathers and sons will bond through the adventures as well as deep, vulnerable, and meaningful campfire conversations as everyone there — fathers and sons — approaches key transitions in life in the months and years ahead. Quinn and I are honored to invite you to join us on this volunteer safari experience in August. Please contact me or my business partner, Michael Bennett (michael@explorer-x.com) at Explorer X, if you have any questions. Journey on – Jake & Quinn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614571536-BNGXK0BAWQHZ7P9B7HFN/harshil-gudka--2qN2QQwT8s-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614586300-N1XEB18NRAK0TVLJSOGV/hendrik-cornelissen-qs4E9t0hJc0-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614588268-EJYSYTRKTZPESZE4UTMX/hu-chen-0LwfbRtQ-ac-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614668635-HIOZC3MXHXRXH9UGQ00E/ashim-d-silva-h8b1T39sm2w-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614597354-KW6MN26HBSXFTMNRWM1Y/matthew-spiteri-WfZ4WCuNtlg-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614686815-GZZ8DTFQ88M3YPXASR9U/avel-chuklanov-HTyONr8k5TQ-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614602947-1JTDRJTZR88TXI6ATQ07/ramon-sanchez-orense-w2AHqz-AzQ4-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614672588-SIELPGD5GTOUKB8N9MNN/hu-chen-BRXn1JtdXtc-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614686464-GKHRYSHAIT8TZN3EBKS5/hu-chen-t-7Mlatf9iI-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614786235-2SKJ026W83UBL65JN4JD/joel-herzog-dNYIGwQqAtI-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614782298-HLZZL0FR4981J9TR9VGC/toby-wong-vEePbAm4FEg-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1743614929711-E0LJITQ7E837CGWHFOGK/danai-tsoutreli-MYQ9xq9QwvE-unsplash.jpg SAAS @ Tanzania 2025 https://www.explorer-x.com/traveler-stories daily 0.75 2025-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1750193217160-VB6OQEV7VHW6M9D4BRKH/unsplash-image-k7fUP9RQj3Y.jpg Traveler Stories https://www.explorer-x.com/traveler-stories/2025/6/17/michaels-journey-to-slovenia monthly 0.5 2025-06-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1750193664947-XZ2Y4Y1MMZ9FYAVWLCO2/unsplash-image-E3m55QwJqUY.jpg Traveler Stories - Slow Travel in Slovenia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1750193540901-7GVQU3SZUFP1FDW3G3MM/daniel-j-schwarz-wtOwHKBVpXM-unsplash.jpg Traveler Stories - Slow Travel in Slovenia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1750193550938-GPWBZB6PWUOGC4JWUCIQ/danai-tsoutreli-MYQ9xq9QwvE-unsplash.jpg Traveler Stories - Slow Travel in Slovenia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1750193557946-8BEHTLQO644DYT5NG57S/devon-divine-fYMcmGrRuCk-unsplash.jpg Traveler Stories - Slow Travel in Slovenia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1750193558859-A8Z0LKBHL5LMORGMEEII/dirk-goncalves-martins-c3sIya0V6js-unsplash.jpg Traveler Stories - Slow Travel in Slovenia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1750193562612-WQYZP8UCH1AQNXFNHYDR/dirk-goncalves-martins-FC6eqU9rUsA-unsplash.jpg Traveler Stories - Slow Travel in Slovenia https://www.explorer-x.com/impact daily 0.75 2025-12-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1764012771820-BG6733GY775ADVLCP426/unsplash-image-tWWCqIMiUmg.jpg Purpose & Impact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1764012795643-QJFZC5D1O185XWNPVJFX/unsplash-image-tWWCqIMiUmg.jpg Purpose & Impact https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1764016882262-GDEDJTURWR2UPB3N2RIV/unsplash-image-zFSo6bnZJTw.jpg Purpose & Impact - The Hero Travel Fund The Hero Travel Fund honors extraordinary people who make a meaningful difference in their communities. Each year, we gift a fully customized, mindful travel experience to one individual who inspires, uplifts, and serves others with heart. It’s our way of saying thank you — and giving heroes the chance to rest, reconnect, and rediscover themselves. Explorer X launched the Hero Travel Fund in 2025. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1764015710032-UIV0N221PPO24BD2YNA4/unsplash-image-0QEG_xOoY7Y.jpg Purpose & Impact - 1% for the Planet 1% for the Planet is a global movement uniting businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions. Members commit to donating at least one percent of annual revenue to vetted nonprofits working to protect ecosystems, combat climate change, and restore the natural world. Explorer X has been a proud member of 1% for the Planet since 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/016fe725-58fc-4876-b905-44ef4b98a89b/imgi_17_DJI_0330.jpg Purpose & Impact - The Adventure Travel Conservation Fund Founded by businesses in the adventure travel and outdoor industries, the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund (ATCF) is dedicated to protecting threatened communities, cultures, and wild places to preserve their cultural and recreational integrity. Our members are adventure travel and outdoor industry leaders who advocate for and support projects that allow sustainable adventure tourism to grow into the future. Explorer X has been a proud member of and donor to the Adventure Travel Conservation Fund since 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/fb242a49-e745-4d99-9cd1-e0da08e6204f/unsplash-image-wpOZTOhdk7I.jpg Purpose & Impact - The Long Run Since 2009, The Long Run has worked at the intersection of nature conservation and sustainable tourism. Rooted in the vision that tourism can create lasting prosperity for people living on a healthy, resilient planet, they support a global community of tourism industry change-makers dedicated to accelerating positive impact through conservation, community, culture, and commerce. Explorer X is proud to be joining The Long Run beginning in 2026. https://www.explorer-x.com/the-library daily 0.75 2025-11-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1764023128963-7K4442D9DIMQABRWLRD2/unsplash-image-w_qTfiPbjbg.jpg The Library https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/983dc3a5-b39d-47f9-95c6-a740673a8407/unsplash-image-sfL_QOnmy00.jpg The Library - Books Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/dedb41e3-52d2-424d-9b94-959df2f568e6/unsplash-image-dw3CndCL4Qo.jpg The Library - Articles Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1c210b30-8e46-45bc-81d8-5a720a203d8a/unsplash-image-OKLqGsCT8qs.jpg The Library - Podcasts & Videos Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.explorer-x.com/dimarino-reveal daily 0.75 2025-12-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765228697860-QWX7620484U03JO4EJH3/unsplash-image-LUPXhXj2ip0.jpg DiMarino Destination: Unknown Reveal https://www.explorer-x.com/antarctica daily 0.75 2026-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765300895559-BDYAT15DENAELZTQZRUU/unsplash-image-nvBfwtaUBnI.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e1a83a5b-3214-486e-924a-57e1bff2e916/unsplash-image-3Xd5j9-drDA.jpg Antarctica - Antarctica: The Basics Why Travel to Antarctica: Penguins, Icebergs, a Profound Sense of Awe When to Travel There: Late-November through early-March When to Start Planning: At least a year in advance; closer to 2 years if possible Price Expectations: Starting at $15,000/pp based on 2 people sharing Extensions to Consider: Chile and/or Argentina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302387021-XXEKEVH2H2LF6UIV0A3I/unsplash-image-yK5490Vr8MA.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302422202-P7NKXNCOYMMMB6IX88PC/unsplash-image-WRrGflm_Umo.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302446198-43RN9C3XDOF4TH09CEFC/unsplash-image-IJjQgjH6Cz0.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302567942-7ZKL0LOYMG4GLP8T91UT/unsplash-image-KChaULE3o-Y.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302758560-XG0FVVZI1N9OWEQK09OW/annie-spratt-8pUCWssjh14-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302741728-W938X6QMKGJTUOEWSGF7/derek-oyen--Eu3Iud63rA-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302751338-XJCAMYJUK2YOJIMH3IKZ/getty-images-9zEu-HgdQ-8-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302762231-JEH4RM4NYQNZZF4AW7XG/getty-images-HeEeMjGoABQ-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302762776-3KKTKQ0EVURQVG3MPBWJ/getty-images-Pq53pLu6LzA-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302775596-WWSBDYR8R3SFU192GKFZ/getty-images-QAlk8kuO2Ik-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302779438-MSE6GMZZOHAEPTZT6E3C/mads-schmidt-rasmussen-oEYZol-iF_s-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302781048-CG53NYA9BXKSOK2L9BN3/matt-palmer-M7EnqaUt6Yg-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302794662-NJPI9DWQ0481BKUVZDTW/rod-long-gUYYvPrnuHY-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302822777-7LWPPE4A6WPITQ9YMGLY/torsten-dederichs-wp_lje3dZGI-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1765302828447-BNH1089FGEHUIUENAJU5/yomex-owo-TtQm-1ra4IU-unsplash.jpg Antarctica https://www.explorer-x.com/rogue-2026 daily 0.75 2026-03-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/bfdf603d-2ca4-4308-a120-246a36b01159/180708cc-0535.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/3d0f426b-543e-470c-94ec-7a6455b9a6a6/Rogue+Pricing+Background.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0f87bc7a-edfb-45b9-820b-bcfdd3cd1ed7/240629-Rogue-0676.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 - Make it stand out Photo Credit: Chad Case/ROW Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/099e941a-c45c-4296-8ee6-7979b876be50/240629-Rogue-0649.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 - August 7 | Day 0 - Travel to Merlin, OR / Orientation Meeting Travel to Merlin, Oregon and meet your Team Leader at Morrison's Lodge at 5:45pm for a one-hour orientation meeting to answer last-minute questions. You will receive your waterproof gear bags to pack. Dinner is on your own. Accommodations: Recommend staying at Morrison's Lodge (Not Included in trip cost) | Meals Included: None https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b8a0de91-6bc1-4bdb-a9b1-fd67bcfee67d/180708cc-3891.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 - August 8 | Day 1 - Rainey Falls / Black Bar Lodge Your day begins at Morrison’s Lodge, following a brief orientation the evening before. After a short drive to the river, we review safety basics, get fitted with PFDs, and load into a mix of oar rafts, paddle rafts, and inflatable kayaks. The first stretch of the Rogue is gentle with a few splashy rapids to wake everyone up before we reach Grave Creek and our first Class III rapid. Soon we arrive at Rainey Falls, a dramatic Class V rapid. Guests walk around while guides navigate the rafts through the Fish Ladder channel. On the other side, we stop for a riverside lunch near Whisky Creek and hear stories of early miners. The afternoon brings a lively series of Class II and III rapids before we land at Black Bar Lodge. After settling in, enjoy appetizers, local drinks, a family-style dinner, and a peaceful evening under a star-filled sky before lights out at 10pm. Accommodations: Black Bar Lodge | Meals Included: L, D https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/dff6ebd9-7a2b-4a86-abc9-b2ea6b5e64cf/180708cc-1707.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 - August 9 | Day 2 - Rogue River Ranch / Marial Lodge You’ll wake to birdsong and the aroma of fresh coffee and tea in the lodge dining room, followed by a hearty breakfast and a preview of the adventures ahead. While you enjoy your meal, guides shuttle river bags to the rafts. As the canyon warms in the morning sun, we launch into an exciting stretch of river, beginning with Horseshoe Bend. A series of Class II and III rapids—Telephone Hole, Meadow Creek, Kelsey Shoots, Dulog, Battle Bar Riffle, Island Rapids, and China Bar—keep the energy high and the laughter flowing. We pause midday for a scenic riverside lunch, possibly near a historic site or a spot perfect for a short walk. By afternoon, we visit the historic Rogue River Ranch before continuing to Marial Lodge for our second night. After happy hour appetizers and a family-style dinner, there’s time for an optional canyon hike and relaxed evening conversation. Accommodations: Marial Lodge | Meals Included: B, L, D https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/02d08911-74d0-443e-9d8b-bdc7918f69cf/240629-Rogue-0748.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 - August 10 | Day 3 - Mule Creek Canyon / Blossom Bar / Devils Staircase With fewer river miles ahead, we ease into the morning with a leisurely breakfast before launching into one of the most thrilling stretches of the trip. Whitewater excitement begins in Mule Creek Canyon and the churning “Coffee Pot,” followed by a quick stop to admire a hidden waterfall tucked into a quiet cove. At Blossom Bar, we scout the best line before navigating the boulder-filled rapid—then celebrate and continue on to the legendary Devils Staircase. After a high-energy morning, we refuel with lunch on a sandy beach and perhaps a short hike. By afternoon, we arrive at historic Half Moon Bar Lodge, perched above the river amid grass and forest. There’s time to relax, explore, or simply soak in the scenery. A hearty lodge dinner and evening storytelling cap the day before turning in under the peaceful river sky. Accommodations: Half Moon Bar Lodge (4-day trips) | Meals Included: B, L, D https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b2c6dad2-4a1a-4291-b590-2d9d1fe867e2/180708cc-0957.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 - August 11 | Day 4 - Rafting / Hiking / Take Out @ Foster Bar We greet the final morning at our own pace — perhaps with a quiet walk or a warm cup of coffee? —before gathering for one last hearty breakfast. Then it’s down to the rafts for a scenic farewell float filled with playful Class II and III rapids, including Quarter Inch, Solitude, Payton, Tacoma, Crooked, and Mermaid Riffles. Along the way, lush canyon views and lively side creeks provide a fitting backdrop to our final miles together. We stop for a celebratory riverside lunch among volcanic rock and hardwood forest, raising a toast to the shared adventures of the past few days. Afterward, we drift to the take-out at Foster Bar, aiming to arrive by 3:00pm. From there, guests either reunite with their shuttled vehicles or return by van to Morrison’s Lodge, arriving around 5:00pm. Meals Included: B, L https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0740b697-7b64-4d9a-86e4-84e7998e0a19/240629-Rogue-0455.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 - Black Bar Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/4909034e-6daf-4a4f-a645-f440f796475b/240629-Rogue-0711.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 - Marial Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/9b31e72d-e27f-48e3-906a-9c4a3971b40d/240629-Rogue-0884.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 - Half Moon Bar Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0ceabd01-27b7-4275-9c60-df14b0a7832b/Jake_Haupert-Headshot-Pilgrimage.jpeg Rogue River Adventure 2026 - Your ‘Inner Journey’ Guide: Jake Haupert While the Rogue River offers an unforgettable outer adventure, this journey is equally about what unfolds within. Guided by Jake Haupert of Explorer X and the Transformational Travel Council, your family will be invited into a thoughtful, facilitated inner experience designed to deepen connection and meaning throughout the trip. Before launching, Jake will help set intentions, offering simple frameworks and reflective prompts that encourage each participant to consider what they hope to experience — not just on the river, but within themselves and with one another. Along the way, in quiet eddies, around shared meals, and beneath starlit skies, Jake and his family will gently facilitate conversations that invite vulnerability, curiosity, and authentic sharing. Through guided questions, storytelling, and spacious listening, families will explore themes of courage, trust, resilience, gratitude, and growth, all mirroring the rhythm of the river itself. The rapids become metaphors. The calm stretches become opportunities for reflection. Celebrations, fears, laughter, and even moments of discomfort are welcomed as part of a shared narrative unfolding in real time. This is not group therapy, nor is it overly structured. Rather, it is intentional space held with care so families can bond more deeply, speak more honestly, and listen more fully. By the journey’s end, you will carry home more than memories of whitewater and canyon walls: You’ll leave with strengthened relationships, shared language for meaningful conversations, and perhaps even subtle shifts in perspective that continue long after the river’s current has faded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184587328-BDMRSN258FEBKWVSFRR6/180708cc-0535.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184586227-DLHWRYZW9M792LNS1NQV/180708cc-0569.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184595080-SDS7L6H4R75OBF9JCQQ1/180708cc-0683.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184598816-JV1QP9AKEW8LRJPASVUJ/180708cc-0911.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184607916-JVQXE3OTQ0KK2YE30QSY/180708cc-0928.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184609198-MKAJDV922P08K4VAWL88/180708cc-0957.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184615891-PUFGXZ4ZEF1X8RT2GM84/180708cc-1627.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184616989-TNENK4NYCK41K70ME9AV/180708cc-1707.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184624481-UCOS1F5JQW26NM7OUL4U/180708cc-1928.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184632697-F1CXNNTVOAULYCERT6FN/180708cc-2249.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184633800-IS24V4DB5W6GH6H5H3WY/180708cc-3778.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184641723-0MNLYIRVCT7T9KGGYY73/180708cc-3891.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184682182-V15NMDBJQUXRPK4OHM3K/240629-Rogue-0229.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184706478-6T691HA5D7CJTNFE5HWQ/240629-Rogue-0307.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184741157-H5U46IPW6IE9CZX6KZ3W/240629-Rogue-0649.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184799976-ZGK494IDXUXOP23S65E5/240629-Rogue-0676.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184800500-UDZU8PZGTPA0P94A0IK4/240629-Rogue-0705.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184867246-04HEZQTYAB30OHH2K1SD/240629-Rogue-0748.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184878272-OMVF2ZVLAVXN4ZNNO7ND/240629-Rogue-0874.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771184926518-V01JRRKNFLF7FLZ962OX/240629-Rogue-0884.jpg Rogue River Adventure 2026 https://www.explorer-x.com/people daily 0.75 2026-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1857a717-904e-46c3-b8c9-71231fb152dd/getty-images-BHJnvN96npg-unsplash.jpg The People You'll Meet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1857a717-904e-46c3-b8c9-71231fb152dd/getty-images-BHJnvN96npg-unsplash.jpg The People You'll Meet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1770831916921-214MLNX1RV72C2YBTCUN/unsplash-image-1JgUGDdcWnM.jpg The People You'll Meet - Michael Travel Designer | Seattle, WA Michael and his dog, Fred, go for walks every afternoon through Seward Park’s old-growth forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1770832061723-SW0AB1KKKNSQH3OZ0IAO/unsplash-image-auNr-4jnx8U.jpg The People You'll Meet - RObyn Travel Designer | Bozeman, MT The description of the person goes here. It should only be a sentence or two long and contain basic, high-level information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e6d8c06a-2077-4455-ae55-21a2ed05f73e/unsplash-image-XW17Q7NWWIU.jpg The People You'll Meet - Kelly Travel Designer | Asheville, NC The description of the person goes here. It should only be a sentence or two long and contain basic, high-level information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1770850517188-IY4CGCQMVUMMFLN456BF/unsplash-image-jhzPuYpYMZA.jpg The People You'll Meet - Carrie Travel Designer | Seattle, WA The description of the person goes here. It should only be a sentence or two long and contain basic, high-level information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1770832016857-KOGY9XWNBW3903FMHEVH/unsplash-image-ueEPDYDChWE.jpg The People You'll Meet - Curren Operations Manager | Washington, DC The description of the person goes here. It should only be a sentence or two long and contain basic, high-level information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1770832098404-VSRT1RP7H91FWRRK4J1O/unsplash-image-4NQEvxW2_4w.jpg The People You'll Meet - DAVID Travel Designer | Austin, TX The description of the person goes here. It should only be a sentence or two long and contain basic, high-level information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1770832508485-D1VPZCKDWZMDKAZHJ7YW/unsplash-image-pD1KUHCZ9Yc.jpg The People You'll Meet - MElissa Travel Designer & Project Manager | Boise, ID The description of the person goes here. It should only be a sentence or two long and contain basic, high-level information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1770850623719-68M1LCZS07XPOAVCZXLH/unsplash-image-wW0BUXTTUmU.jpg The People You'll Meet - Jake Co-Founder | Seattle, WA The description of the person goes here. It should only be a sentence or two long and contain basic, high-level information. https://www.explorer-x.com/team daily 0.75 2026-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0c2b9c42-b66f-41e3-976c-2dfd8fe2698a/MB+Headshot+%40+SP.jpg Meet the Team - Michael Bennett, Ed.D. | Co-Founder & CEO Seattle, Washington Once described as “a disarmingly earnest combination of spiritual guru and travel designer with a strange obsession with Joseph Campbell,” Michael is a seasoned traveler, speaker, consultant, educator, and entrepreneur who has dedicated his life to inspiring, guiding, and supporting others in becoming the Hērō of their own story. He believes that through travel, we all embark on our own Hero’s Journey of exploration, discovery, learning, and growth — and that doing so unleashes our creativity, cultivates our curiosity, and invites us to live healthier, more intentional, and more courageous lives. Michael is a recognized thought leader in the travel industry and has been quoted in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Seattle Times, Forbes, AFAR, National Geographic Traveler, Skift, Vox.com, USA Today, and CNBC, among other publications. Michael earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Delaware and his MBA and Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) from Pepperdine University. He is also one of the Co-Founders of the Transformational Travel Council. Most Recent Travels: Slovenia, The Faroe Islands, Spain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/643eb1f6-ce4d-43cd-a26f-c0303ddd608c/Jake_Haupert-Headshot-Pilgrimage.jpeg Meet the Team - Jake Haupert | Co-Founder Seattle, Washington Jake is guiding travelers and the travel industry toward a more meaningful, regenerative, and equitable world, striving to maximize the potential of tourism. His calling is to positively transform how we live our lives, how we are with others, and how we relate to our planet. He believes the time is now to disrupt the status quo of travel for good. Jake believes that travel is too often devoid of intention, integrity, and meaning, resulting in personal experiences lacking their full potential. An unintended consequence of this is adding to rising inequities, overtouristed communities, and severe climate impacts. Too often, travel reinforces boundaries, worldviews, and practices rather than stretching and evolving them. Meaningful journeys begin from the inside out. Jake's work is helping travelers and tourism professionals create favorable conditions for transformation in a regenerative system by applying universal design principles. Jake, co-founder and CEO of the Transformational Travel Council, is also the Co-Founder/Strategic Advisor for the following conscious travel organizations, including ROAM Beyond, EverGreen Escapes, and Explorer X. Favorite Destinations: Australia, Tanzania, and wherever he is now :) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b4e1241e-86e2-40cb-8744-29657628daf5/Melissa+1.png Meet the Team - Melissa Burnside | Travel Designer Boise, Idaho Melissa has over 15 years of experience in organizational leadership and project management, but she has always known she wanted to see and experience the world. After years of the corporate grind, Melissa went on a solo trip and changed her life in the process. That intentional and mindful travel experience made a profound impact and sparked an insatiable desire for exploration and personal growth. Truly believing that the right adventure can uncover a deep sense of gratitude and meaning, she joined Explorer X to encourage others to develop, grow, and experience the life they seek through travel. In her free time, Melissa enjoys camping, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking, and exploring with her family in Idaho. Favorite Destinations: Switzerland, Canada, Ecuador https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/45eb5714-3bab-4e9d-b843-ef58efa4bc7a/Carrie+Culp+copy.jpg Meet the Team - Carrie Culp | Travel Designer Seattle, Washington Carrie’s fascination with Africa began with a book about African wildlife that she read in her elementary school library. As kids, she and her best friend “practiced” running away to Africa in the woods of Southern New Jersey. While this plan never came to pass, she did get there eventually and fell in love with Africa on her first visit. She went back to train as a Level 1 Field Guide (safari guide) the very next year. There is something about taking steps on African soil that makes her feel at home and connected to the earth. She has traveled to the African continent thirteen times in many years, and loves to share its beauty with first-time travelers and those who have caught the bug the way she had. In 2014, she could no longer resist the feeling or her need to give back to the people and wildlife there. She founded the Endangered Canid Project, a not-for-profit organization that benefits the research and conservation of the African Wild Dog and other endangered species. The organization’s mission is to connect college students to real-world projects that enhance their education and benefit research and conservation. The organization’s flagship current project is with Washington State University for the design and construction of an affordable research drone for conservation. Favorite Destinations: Botswana, Namibia, Antarctica https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c0aa2988-00a1-4d3b-8148-bd4fabe52032/AO+Bozeman+3.jpg Meet the Team - Robyn DeVoe | Travel Designer Bozeman, Montana Robyn caught the travel bug at a young age while exploring Europe with her parents and was officially hooked while studying ecotourism in Fiji and Australia. Her professional career in the travel industry has taken her to places near and far, from soaring over Arches National Park in a Cessna to snorkeling with sea turtles in the Galápagos. Travel has given her new perspectives, instilled in her a sense of gratitude and wonder, and overall shaped her into an independent and empowered woman. Today, Robyn finds true fulfillment in being able to help her clients unlock the trip of their dreams and ultimately spreading appreciation and support for communities and environments around the world through responsible tourism. When Robyn is not crafting itineraries, you can find her wearing her health coaching hat, helping her clients live their best lives, while she does the same, recreating in the mountains around her home in Bozeman, Montana. Favorite Destinations: Tanzania, Peru, Mongolia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/aa220070-7d1a-4d52-ae2a-c1919c31ceea/9D04A78A-EFD1-483B-85FD-DD5BFFE5D364_1_105_c.jpg Meet the Team - Curren Hamlet | Operations Manager Curren has loved traveling from a young age; from visiting family across the US to exploring the natural world through camping and hiking. These lifelong passions led Curren to pursue a degree in Recreation Management and Leadership with a focus on Stainable Tourism, graduating from Western Washington University in 2021. During his time at WWU, Curren partook in a summer-long internship with Explorer X which led to him joining the Explorer X team post-grad. Curren continues to love supporting global exploration mindfully and sustainably by sharing his vision for a green future. Outside work, Curren enjoys connecting with family and friends through skiing, backpacking, photography, and world travel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a16bda97-8732-4d0b-97cb-018e98a818e4/DJ+Headshot.jpg Meet the Team - David Jones | Travel Designer Austin, Texas David Jones is a seasoned travel designer and industry veteran who has dedicated his career to transforming how people experience the world. Currently a Travel Designer at Explorer X, David brings a wealth of expertise in crafting highly personalized, immersive journeys that go beyond typical sightseeing to foster genuine human connection and personal growth. Now based in Austin, Texas, David continues to champion the philosophy of mindful exploration at Explorer X. He specializes in designing "trips of a lifetime" that emphasize sustainable design and slow travel. Whether navigating iconic destinations or under-the-radar hidden gems, David’s work is defined by his belief that travel is a catalyst for transformation and a more purposeful way of living. Favorite Destinations: Italy, Egypt, Georgia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/2dadec62-36b7-43cf-a4bb-a94d42adab59/Kelly+-+Headshot.jpg Meet the Team - Kelly Studer | Travel Designer Asheville, North Carolina Kelly caught the travel bug at 17 during a family ski trip to Ischgl, Austria. The new and unexpected experiences captivated her, sparking a lifelong passion for exploring the world— 36 countries and counting. She thrives on adventure, believing that stepping into the unknown sparks personal growth. For her, traveling to unfamiliar places is the perfect way to ignite that journey of discovery. With over 20 years in the corporate world and experience as a career and leadership coach, she’s now using her talents for intuitive inquiry, relationship building, innovative thinking, and meticulous planning to create truly personalized travel experiences that spark joy, courage, and wonder. Her mission is to design journeys that illuminate the magic and aliveness in life. Kelly leads a life of intentional simplicity, filled with what brings her joy —meaningful conversations, good food and wine, drumming, and loving on her dog. She’s known for her playfulness, sense of style, and finding “just the right thing.” She currently lives with her husband in Asheville, NC, but remains a California girl at heart. Favorite Destinations: France, Japan, Italy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/bd6d2905-9cb2-45a0-897f-ef0557efff7c/IMG_3863.jpg Meet the Team - Fred Chief Food Officer | Kahu: Michael https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/09fee9e4-4ced-4147-aa9f-a9cfe354f65c/IMG_1135.jpg Meet the Team - Brooklyn First Lady of Explorer X | Kahu: Melissa https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ed351b00-2405-467b-9749-0d279581cebd/IMG_5136+2.jpg Meet the Team - Indy Doctor of Bark-eology | Kahu: Michael https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e41c6b68-ed7c-411d-b730-2f9a0b128ac1/IMG_6641.jpg Meet the Team - Bowie Squirrel Relations Officer | Kahu: Kelly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/040e6e33-37af-4116-b63f-55341f3fef03/Hank.jpeg Meet the Team - Hank Head of Security | Kahu: Jake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b38ab629-a118-4968-a975-485772827c0e/Prana.jpeg Meet the Team - Prana Licker-in-Chief | Kahu: Jake https://www.explorer-x.com/uruguay daily 0.75 2026-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630385317-LQ2LCRCVRKTTTEBG7GXR/paz-arando-ISf-Z96VRk4-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771629761792-F5FL36KGCSN76D1QRC5Y/unsplash-image-yzt1-J3BPwQ.jpg Uruguay - Uruguay: The Basics Why Uruguay: Food & Wine / History & Culture / The Ocean / Light Adventures When to Travel: October through April Start Planning: 4–6 months in advance is ideal Price Expectations: Starting at $10,000/pp based on 2 people sharing Extensions to Consider: Chile, Argentina, and/or Brazil https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630036317-DLFDLJUXZ8B2UIYOGSGB/unsplash-image-Y_J9VezlMPc.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630089414-R2S1TXILRU3NFFAISTZB/unsplash-image-ehFgttlFJNA.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630338410-TZ2WB7YLUMBS73FRLB8Y/cristina-gottardi-4s-squ9t3tA-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630324159-YH6VCBLC10O67FEOJ7JC/gonzalo-kaplanski-wBLHtMUq88Y-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630336747-HWQIAUPW6KZJJOTGXYE8/greta-scholderle-moller-EgMxtT9M1p4-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630346893-XYTNYW7O6C57INX5OK6J/guilherme-hellwinkel-7s8kl2sQjnk-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630356956-EQ0WM5PX2JWMIFLM0BFC/guzman-barquin-srDw4BqUFd8-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630352631-CNPOYNK0ERP23WOCAUU8/john-cameron-mhTj_0jACd0-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630364395-LY6EE4JKIH2F63K31CLA/jsb-co-ySbmG1Ft2qE-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630376170-H4D4J5MPONTTN7QL4VGX/martin-franco-AksmkMQTdik-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630385317-LQ2LCRCVRKTTTEBG7GXR/paz-arando-ISf-Z96VRk4-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630385976-JH43N8KE6Z9K4LSTPHJ8/pedro-slinger-8xWgYDhAGrQ-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630394267-KVRJI1PINGBHWZYZ7UMK/pedro-slinger-tviWSDpxQsY-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630408991-G34MGE32XUCHWY3Q44BV/petr-slovacek-I94rqMbITW8-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630410331-I583NE95JBSZ00XUCAHU/sergio-arteaga-cH1ZLaoWNms-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771630418247-FWHTFJQ59789OVWS5JSJ/sergio-arteaga-LrJO7_oyd08-unsplash.jpg Uruguay https://www.explorer-x.com/faroes2026 daily 0.75 2026-05-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/330ff144-8039-44ae-8b15-719287409b83/Faroes+Nerburn-3.jpg The Faroe Islands with Kent Nerburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/350cdecc-4be9-4d7f-a311-c266e0f64a5a/image-asset.jpg The Faroe Islands with Kent Nerburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1775253369639-98QSNRTVGNKT0QOYDNIL/unsplash-image-LzhKgc9sBKg.jpg The Faroe Islands with Kent Nerburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/8551ab0e-8272-4a8d-977f-b54ca93c43c4/Faroes+Nerburn-4.jpg The Faroe Islands with Kent Nerburn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/8b5a133e-de80-4fc8-a27f-ea3237cf6c09/tomas-malik-BWSEY5d6ZGA-unsplash.jpg The Faroe Islands with Kent Nerburn - Welcome to the Faroe Islands The Faroe Islands are a place where nature feels both powerful and intimate. Steep green cliffs rise from the sea, waterfalls tumble into the ocean, and weather shifts by the hour. Scattered across a remote stretch of the North Atlantic, the 18 islands offer a sense of quiet and simplicity that’s increasingly rare. Life here is deeply connected to the land and sea, shaped by generations of tradition and resilience. Yet beyond the landscapes, it’s the people who leave the deepest impression: Warm, thoughtful, and proud of their culture. Traveling here isn’t about checking boxes; it’s about slowing down, taking it in, and experiencing a place that invites both reflection and discovery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/cd505d13-91b5-44b6-9440-59f988417d08/unsplash-image-g-O9LQV51Qc.jpg The Faroe Islands with Kent Nerburn - About This Journey Set in the remote North Atlantic, this small group journey to the Faroe Islands invites you into a deeper kind of travel — one rooted in connection, curiosity, and quiet discovery. Dramatic cliffs rise from the sea, waterfalls spill into the ocean, and weather shifts by the hour, shaping both the landscape and the rhythm of life. But it is the people of the Faroes who will bring this place fully into focus. Throughout the journey, we’ll spend time with a remarkable range of locals — professors, politicians, farmers, fishermen, and artists — each offering their own lens into the islands’ history, culture, and evolving identity. These are not staged encounters, but genuine conversations that reveal what it means to live in a place both deeply traditional and quietly forward-looking. Privately guided experiences will lead us through villages, along windswept trails, and into everyday spaces, while unstructured time allows for rest, reflection, and personal exploration. There will be moments to linger over meals, in conversation, or simply in the presence of the landscape. Guiding this experience is author Kent Nerburn, whose thoughtful, story-driven approach invites us to look beyond what we see and engage more meaningfully with what we feel and learn. This is a journey not just to a place, but into it; an opportunity to experience the Faroe Islands with depth, intention, and a sense of shared discovery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/390d9542-e0e1-4c65-9227-9b50f29d4274/Kent+Nerburn+Headshot.png The Faroe Islands with Kent Nerburn - Your Guide for this Journey: Kent Nerburn Kent Nerburn is an author, educator, and storyteller whose work explores the intersections of culture, spirituality, and human connection. Best known for his thoughtful and deeply reflective writing, he has spent much of his career seeking to understand how people make meaning of their lives, and how stories, landscapes, and relationships shape that understanding. His books, including Neither Wolf nor Dog and The Girl Who Sang to the Buffalo, have been widely praised for their quiet wisdom and their ability to bridge cultural divides, particularly through his long-standing relationships within Native American communities. With a background in theology and art, Kent brings a multidisciplinary lens to his work, blending intellectual curiosity with a profound respect for lived experience. As a guide and facilitator, Kent is less interested in delivering answers than in asking meaningful questions, inviting others to slow down, listen closely, and engage more deeply with the world around them. His presence transforms travel into something more than observation; it becomes a shared exploration of place, story, and self. On this journey, Kent offers not just insight but perspective, helping travelers move beyond surface-level experience and into something more reflective, more human, and ultimately, more lasting. Read Kent’s personal invitation to join him on this Journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/8b5a133e-de80-4fc8-a27f-ea3237cf6c09/tomas-malik-BWSEY5d6ZGA-unsplash.jpg The Faroe Islands with Kent Nerburn - The Itinerary: In Brief D1 / Sept 5: Arrive in the Faroes + Welcome Dinner D2 / Sept 6: Exploring Tórshavn & Kirkjubøur D3 / Sept 7: The Lake Above the Ocean + Múlafossur Waterfall D4 / Sept 8: The National Gallery + Meeting a Local Artist D5 / Sept 9: Discovering Kalsoy Island D6 / Sept 10: The Villages of Streymoy Island D7 / Sept 11: A Day on the Farm + Special In-Home Dinner D8 / Sept 12: Airport Transfer + Depart for Home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/706bf88c-20a8-4b51-abc5-dcdab0e241ef/Foroyar.webp The Faroe Islands with Kent Nerburn - Your Accommodations: Hotel Føroyar Perched above the capital of Tórshavn, Hotel Føroyar offers a stay that feels deeply connected to the landscape itself. Built into the hillside with a traditional grass roof, the hotel blends seamlessly into the surrounding terrain, with sweeping panoramic views over the town, the fjord, and the ever-changing North Atlantic skies. Inside, the design is understated and distinctly Nordic: Light-filled rooms, clean lines, and expansive windows that invite the outside in. The experience here is as much about slowing down as it is about exploring: mornings begin with crisp ocean air and quiet vistas, while evenings might unfold over locally inspired cuisine or a restorative visit to the spa. Though it feels tucked away in nature, the hotel is just a short walk or drive from the heart of Tórshavn, offering a seamless balance between solitude and connection. At Hotel Føroyar, the setting isn’t just a backdrop; it becomes part of the experience, grounding your time in the Faroe Islands in both place and perspective. https://www.explorer-x.com/jake daily 0.75 2022-02-05 https://www.explorer-x.com/michael daily 0.75 2024-10-22 https://www.explorer-x.com/carrie daily 0.75 2024-11-20 https://www.explorer-x.com/lost daily 0.75 2025-06-22 https://www.explorer-x.com/fred daily 0.75 2020-10-08 https://www.explorer-x.com/robyn daily 0.75 2024-10-22 https://www.explorer-x.com/indy daily 0.75 2020-10-09 https://www.explorer-x.com/curren daily 0.75 2024-10-22 https://www.explorer-x.com/sara-leger daily 0.75 2024-10-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1643147745720-TOGRPBOZQ3RDVVD3O452/IMG_6152.JPG Sara Leger https://www.explorer-x.com/melissa-burnside daily 0.75 2024-10-22 https://www.explorer-x.com/brooklyn daily 0.75 2022-02-05 https://www.explorer-x.com/kelly-studer daily 0.75 2024-11-14 https://www.explorer-x.com/bowie daily 0.75 2025-12-19 https://www.explorer-x.com/transformational-travel daily 0.75 2023-01-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1537567577025-Y8L041HNRVC7ZW5FTOPJ/maximilian-manavi-huber-281376.jpg Transformational Travel https://www.explorer-x.com/the-heros-journey daily 0.75 2024-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1534209301332-WQJSMM5YMDLMLB166UHI/Girl+in+Cave.jpg The Hero's Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1532060435860-NPHCHSB5N4ANI6J4QTE0/THJ+Drawing.jpg The Hero's Journey https://www.explorer-x.com/read daily 0.75 2024-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1533242607740-KCOBSA57QXOYEUJVBR3R/Unsplash-Books.jpeg What to Read https://www.explorer-x.com/retreat-concierge daily 0.75 2025-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1677370151778-A7LSB17ULS7QZQU0NRWL/unsplash-image-snnhGYNqm44.jpg Custom Group Adventures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1653429918887-RO7A8WVSIR369WUIV9YK/unsplash-image-eZIE5ZFR7Cs.jpg Custom Group Adventures - Who This is For Custom Group Adventures are for you if you … + Have an engaged, active community with the means and desire to travel + Are looking to connect with your audience in a unique and meaningful way + Don't have the time (or interest) to plan your adventure + Want the support of an expert in planning and executing your group adventure + Add an exciting new revenue stream for your business https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1630090815471-QQAF7NJWRJTTEGQBBYBK/pexels-askar-abayev-5638751.jpg Custom Group Adventures - You dream. We design. You share your vision and dream for this custom group experience with us and we’ll take care of the heavy lifting of planning all of the logistical steps for your group’s journey. We’ll organize everything from accommodations and transportation to local activities that will give you a true taste of the destination you are exploring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1622221220186-RLYFP2Z1R5PF3LIMFVVM/unsplash-image-ZWD3Dx6aUJg.jpg Custom Group Adventures - What to Expect When you work with Explorer X for your Custom Group Adventure, here’s what you can expect … + A call with an Experience Designer to clarify your vision for the trip + Help picking the perfect location for your adventure + Expert trip planning and logistics for your Journey + Collecting payments from your travelers (optional) + Document collection (ex: Passport info, flights; optional) + Liability insurance coverage in case something unforeseen happens + Access to our Inner Journey Toolkit & Guide for your travelers + Use of the Vamoos app for your guests to access relevant documents https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1634087902034-8D2IGTFD35QZ0UDO6URF/Lena3.jpg Custom Group Adventures - Your Role + Share your vision for your adventure with us + Take a deep breath and relax while we plan your adventure + Work with us to create program content for your group + Get your community to register for this adventure + Deliver an extraordinary experience that fosters deep connection to your brand/product! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1630090733381-U9WK793EK8EP1RBYESVC/unsplash-image-betmVWGYcLY.jpg Custom Group Adventures - Your Investment To begin your Custom Group Adventure with us, we require a non-refundable $5000 travel design fee. This fee will be credited toward your final trip payment. https://www.explorer-x.com/about-explorer-x-old daily 0.75 2024-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1593015265315-5RA812SJ1E6V1OUJ3K1Q/Screen+Shot+2020-06-24+at+9.12.34+AM.png About Explorer X (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1592412269267-HTAFCOQKBE5V6V20D77L/Washington-Post-Logo-1.png About Explorer X (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1592412268906-33XWDA4EFLAJQQGVMGNE/Vox-Gray.png About Explorer X (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1592412271399-AT6M5Z01MCAABLAWNH0Z/SeattleMet%2BLogo.png About Explorer X (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1592412271897-YCO9JGLNZ8ARTFEHC9N0/Forbes-Black-Logo-PNG-03003.png About Explorer X (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1592412273332-LKB9973RY35IAH7ZT929/national-geographic-traveler-vector-logo.png About Explorer X (Old) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1592412273845-468YO04QF1KWKVIBBFTK/nytimes-logo-png-new-york-times.png About Explorer X (Old) https://www.explorer-x.com/team-old daily 0.75 2026-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/37c6f0d3-fcf1-4135-8927-6503085f5174/MB+Headshot+%40+SP.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Michael Bennett Co-Founder & CEO | Seattle, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/99f8e686-996a-47fd-832b-bd388f0f85c4/9D04A78A-EFD1-483B-85FD-DD5BFFE5D364_1_105_c.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Curren Hamlet Operations Manager | Washington, DC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e7b0b2ac-5824-44e4-8ddc-788d428f8c94/AO+Bozeman+3.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Robyn DeVoe Travel Designer | Bozeman, MT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/4db94f2d-4f9f-453e-9662-fcd91848637d/Carrie+Culp+copy.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Carrie Culp Travel Designer | Seattle, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c29e8889-dc75-4064-8fbc-4c518cf85833/Jake_Haupert-Headshot-Pilgrimage.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Jake Haupert Co-Founder | Seattle, WA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/2f046953-3c81-4537-8a97-ec61509c31da/Melissa+1.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Melissa Burnside Travel Designer & Project Manager | Boise, ID https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/5a81d05c-7c28-483c-8696-05f70b111643/Kelly+-+Headshot.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Kelly Studer Travel Designer | Asheville, NC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ff56a578-7ad2-4302-8812-bddb2a34a72b/DJ+Headshot.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - David Jones Travel Designer | Austin, TX https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/bd6d2905-9cb2-45a0-897f-ef0557efff7c/IMG_3863.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Fred Chief Food Officer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/09fee9e4-4ced-4147-aa9f-a9cfe354f65c/IMG_1135.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Brooklyn First Lady of Explorer X https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ed351b00-2405-467b-9749-0d279581cebd/IMG_5136+2.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Indy Doctor of Bark-eology https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e41c6b68-ed7c-411d-b730-2f9a0b128ac1/IMG_6641.jpg Meet the X Team (Old) - Bowie Squirrel Relations Officer https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/040e6e33-37af-4116-b63f-55341f3fef03/Hank.jpeg Meet the X Team (Old) - Hank Head of Security https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b38ab629-a118-4968-a975-485772827c0e/Prana.jpeg Meet the X Team (Old) - Prana Licker-in-Chief https://www.explorer-x.com/sustainability daily 0.75 2025-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1590000517727-59DPBNV59PZSXE69RQO7/image-asset.jpeg Sustainable Travel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1741286868375-JYQMGT770E2FDPHJQHLK/unsplash-image-Usy12zpjZ5Y.jpg Sustainable Travel - Our Solutions At Explorer X, we believe part of our mission is to guide our travelers in becoming more empathetic global citizens and stewards. With this in mind, a few things we prioritize when planning travel experiences for our Explorers include: – Reducing the number of places visited, staying longer in each. (An added benefit of this is a more immersive experience.) – Prioritizing locally-owned properties that use eco-friendly practices such as eliminating (or reducing) single use-plastics, biodegradable shampoos/products – Using local guides/experts – culture, history, context, etc. – Transfers and transport – hybrid or electric vehicles, walking tours, public transportation, etc. – Mindfully mixing highlight experiences and hidden gems so as to not overwhelm local resources and to encourage exploration of … – Making sure activities and experiences planned do not interfere with local culture to ensure integrity, etc. – Exchange of ideas that can positively impact local people, global understanding, etc. – Making sure activities and experiences planned do not interfere with or handle wildlife unless for rehabilitation or research purposes. We hope that our travelers see us as a resource to help our planet thrive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1741287807985-POYZPI2VQ1O2201E4IYE/unsplash-image-eNOlrYUx5ZQ.jpg Sustainable Travel - What You Can Do We are inviting you to take a stand and do your part to incorporate some or all of the following eco-friendly habits into life before, during, and after travel to ultimately be a more sustainable and environmentally regenerative member of your community. Up to the task? Here’s how to get started: Support locally-owned retail shops for travel gear, or better yet, repurpose items you already own or that you can borrow from friends and family. When purchasing new items, ensure that they are ethically made and high quality, choosing non-plastic materials like bamboo or stainless steel when possible. Walk, use a bicycle, or use public transportation to get around town while traveling (and/or at home). Throw some reusable cutlery and straws in your carry-on for grab-and-go airport food; Bring a reusable water bottle. Sign up for a composting and/or recycling service in your neighborhood. You may find that composting is cheap and easy with curbside pickups! Reduce/Re-use/Recycle: For groceries, try re-usable produce bags, silicone ziplock bags like the Stasher brand, beeswax wraps, and use mason jars for grocery shopping in the bulk section or for travel snacks. Small reusable containers are great for refilling with a travel-sized amount of shampoo/conditioner, too! Consider purchasing sustainably raised meat or consuming less meat in general. Pick earth-friendly health and home products for yourself and your family to rid toxins from your household. Try the Think Dirty or Skin Deep websites. Remove geotags on photos posted to social media. Consider charitable donations and support to local and legitimate on-the-ground non-profit organizations in the places visited as well as efforts back home. https://www.explorer-x.com/in-the-media daily 0.75 2025-01-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1595013416587-OACCSB94ZI691H4O8C1G/mark-cook-bFfDVO7P5Sk-unsplash.jpg In the Media https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/8ee2ec9a-8d04-4058-b38b-143b9a215739/SOT+Episode+Graphic_RobynDeVoe.jpg In the Media - Soul of Travel Podcast – Episode 210 The Intersection of Travel & Wellness with Robyn DeVoe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/869c31f5-e217-4ea2-b527-e721a6474de3/image-asset.jpg In the Media - Marriage Therapy Radio – Episode 290 Marriage Therapy Radio’s Zach Brittle talks about his recent trip to Ireland with Explorer X. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1692647210375-G6TMQBRW2W6DG2UW9PJS/image-asset.jpeg In the Media - Forbes Destination: Unknown – The Ultimate Surprise Trip (August 2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1680123770896-2JN8AYE4CDQOJFONHSY4/unsplash-image-H3oXiq7_bII.jpg In the Media - Adventure Travel Conservation Fund Conservation Conversation with Explorer X (March 2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/868cbf40-f8d9-4682-9f1b-195c484c1f27/MB+%40+Egypt-1.jpg In the Media - Adventure Travel Trade Association Adventure Champion Spotlight: Explorer X (March 2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1630015605933-LMD8TWGVGGMPW4951JYD/Elephants2-Faded2.jpg In the Media - The Seattle Times How the Pandemic Has Changed Our Mindset Toward Travel (July 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1630015288752-JJ7F1DJ8S0XQO5IMHA48/F014040-zelena_slovenija+%E2%80%93%C2%A0Cred+Ciril+Jazbec.jpg In the Media - Newsweek 'Great Resignation' Breaks: Learn Something New on These Trips (August 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1692647522579-TTHTJK1S8NLMH6F3RFP5/image-asset.jpeg In the Media - AFAR 6 Solo Wellness Trips to Book in 2021 (January 2021) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594704715370-O8UGGYVM80CIQ7ID18WY/seattle-magazine.jpg In the Media - Why Do We Travel? Michael Bennett of Explorer X Tackles a Fundamental Human Question. May 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594915664430-ZY9ESCDF9F6PUDB0MG5S/Forbes-logo-BLACK.jpg In the Media - Personal Travel Coaches Are the Hot New Trend. Here’s What They Are and Why You Need One. February 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594826380469-M8LBUM51J1G77FRFCAEC/NYT%2BBlack%2BLogo.jpg In the Media - Can a ‘Transformational Journey’ Change Your Life? Our Writer Had Her Doubts. October 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1595013155060-Q5CRZY9VH13TV95GUV0J/Washington-Post-logo-1.jpg In the Media - ‘Transformative Travel’ is the Industry’s Latest Twist on Making Vacations More Meaningful August 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594705067079-A0FY61ZGZT7YMN71EV17/smet.jpg In the Media - Magical Mystery Tour: Would You Let Strangers Send You Anywhere in the World? August 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1595013351257-R97SCWSGSBX80AZ398WY/Air-Canada-Logo.jpg In the Media - Can Travel Transform Who You Are? We Head to Tasmania to Find Out. March 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1595013297224-DC1483EPUO08ZB5I95U2/natgeotraveler-1.jpg In the Media - Tours of the Future: Wellness Travel Offers More Than Massages January 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594826337610-38QWNHWPOH4TW5Y27HA3/Forbes-logo-BLACK.jpg In the Media - 10 Best New Adventures for 2019 December 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594657054119-XEGM6TGFY6KPEU8YN7M8/Vox_%2528website%2529_logo.jpg In the Media - How Travel Agencies Avoided Extinction and Became a Luxury Service September 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594703118894-F12PVMCG9ZHF5P6PRQRW/C838355D-D441-45DE-92F6-B65CAE81BEE2_1_201_a.jpg In the Media - Sustainability Leaders Project: Jake Haupert on Transformational Travel and Purpose-Driven Vacations April 2020 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594524623269-KNRTQY2SD7WIMV3E7LSG/Forbes-logo-BLACK.jpg In the Media - Transformed by Travel: Transformational Travel Takes Off August 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594660445186-IF5WFI37QL9X242DHJ7R/USA_Today_Logo.jpg In the Media - What "Transformative Travel" Means and Why You Need to Know May 2017 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/e4dc6468-1d2a-4c61-b6c4-17e327a5ec2c/18575C2B-BBE2-40EC-8447-FAA545BB80AF.jpeg In the Media - Your Next Trip Will Be in Your Mind July 2022 Explorer X Co-founder Michael Bennett talk about what it means to ‘Travel Better, Live Better’ and explore Destinations: Unknown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594525224698-GAZLHCJHYGDLTGAU6A8X/k555.jpg In the Media - Traveling With Purpose February 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594523964405-PDCJEBFY3CVMPWX4VNA1/kuow3.jpg In the Media - Take an Adventure With No Clear Destination August 2019 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594704578155-76T2QV0S4IOAQQNQI1BJ/Screen%2BShot%2B2020-07-13%2Bat%2B10.29.07%2BPM.jpg In the Media - WLKH #6: Adventure Travel to Feed Your Beast, Beingness, and Brotherhood – With Jake Haupert November 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1594523873754-AKFOOLU3BI6JQQNFAKWS/pl.jpg In the Media - The Gift of Transformational Travel with Jake Haupert, co-founder, Explorer X and The Transformational Travel Council October 2019 https://www.explorer-x.com/the-two-journeys daily 0.75 2020-08-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1598044885580-EBDZSDDXX2DCO4ZRST3P/image-asset.jpeg The Two Journeys https://www.explorer-x.com/wisdom-wanderlust daily 0.75 2024-12-10 https://www.explorer-x.com/your-heros-journey daily 0.75 2025-05-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1607450258418-YZUVF42PAH0GTZE1ADO9/geran-de-klerk-136350-unsplash.jpg Your Hero's Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1607457158261-R5AVNBVVTRPTFW9AYXJL/map-editing.png Your Hero's Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1607457138662-YWJ9K2DW6RBGO4ZVY6AU/mind-map.png Your Hero's Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1607458250237-HW3GB2GA5PS1JVLXRTZD/image-asset.jpeg Your Hero's Journey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1607458357032-NMKYP5HWWP6TR2SEHR46/image.jpg Your Hero's Journey https://www.explorer-x.com/why daily 0.75 2024-12-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1615934659097-SAF57CP1691UED038NS5/ryan-holloway-273158.jpg Why Travel with X https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1635223239666-Q2WRNEBPG9QGQXCF4IES/unsplash-image-0XUnd0bXqTE.jpg Why Travel with X - Because we've been there ... From Australia to Zimbabwe and just about everywhere in between. Our team of experienced and passionate travelers has spent decades building friendships, relationships, and connections around the world that allow us to share special access to people, places, and experiences that you simply cannot get with other travel companies. Our custom travel experiences will take you to some of the most breathtaking destinations in the world and peel back the curtain on some of its most unique cultures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/fd9baaf9-e441-4bc5-9856-80a6c3185e3a/unsplash-image-2Ts5HnA67k8.jpg Why Travel with X - … And, yeah, we’ve also been there. Truly, deeply craving an epic travel experience that gives you a feeling of really being alive yet … Having zero time to plan the adventures you have been dreaming of … All while wrestling with existential questions about life and career and love and parenthood and transitions and, yes, even death and our own mortality … And at the same time trying to figure out what the hell the next chapter in our Journey would be. (Whew ... That’s exhausting just typing that.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a083b190-329d-4721-89e7-bedbeda92940/unsplash-image-Lh2qwkppkf8.jpg Why Travel with X - So we set out on Journeys of exploration and discovery ... We traveled the world looking for answers to many of life's most confusing yet critical questions. We engaged with new people and ideas and perspectives. We pushed our comfort zones, took risks, and challenged ourselves to move beyond our limiting beliefs to see what was really possible for us. We laughed. We cried. We bled. We loved. We took time to go within, to sit in stillness and silence, and to listen to the wisdom that our own hearts had to share with us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/5602f363-8841-46d3-94fb-148cefe9583e/unsplash-image-srRwNgg0bZk.jpg Why Travel with X - … And realized that we were the Heroes of our own stories! Through our journeys, we discovered that the answers we sought ‘out there’ were actually inside us the whole time. We reconnected with ourselves and found clarity, confidence, and new perspectives — of ourselves and of others. And then we took a deep breath. We stood tall: Head up, shoulders back, chest out, feet shoulder-width apart. We smiled. Courage and creativity emanated from us. And we took simple, powerful actions that made a difference in our lives and in the world around us. We became the heroes we had been waiting for all along. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/3cde38a7-33d6-4fdf-97c2-ad2a708dc059/unsplash-image-9VpI3gQ1iUo.jpg Why Travel with X - When the time is right, we would be honored to support you on your Journey. We’ll work collaboratively with you (and our teams around the world) in planning an extraordinary travel experience filled with exploration and discovery. Just as importantly, we’ll be right there beside you before, during, and even after you adventure off into the unknown sharing wisdom and knowledge and supporting you as you embark on your own Hero’s Journey. https://www.explorer-x.com/terms-conditions daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://www.explorer-x.com/partners-old daily 0.75 2025-03-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/d30179b5-9d54-42d5-a7bb-df7ed2928f98/HEROIC+Logo+X-2.jpg Partners & Collaborators - HEROIC HEROIC is, quite simply, the best self-development platform in the world. If you are ready to become the hero of your own story and move from theory to practice to mastery and activate your Heroic potential today, then we strongly encourage you to check out HEROIC. On the HEROIC platform, you will: – Learn ‘Big Ideas’ from the best self-development books with Philosopher's Notes – Explore ancient wisdom, modern science, and practical tools on productivity, energy, habits, sleep, mental toughness, peak performance, and more! – Find encouragement, support, and accountability from a community of other people committed to doing the same https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/5a2f7c54-f3c7-446d-843b-371fbd8b5190/AO+Bozeman+3.jpg Partners & Collaborators - Robyn DeVoe Wellness Whether you want to feel your absolute best for an upcoming trip or you're inspired to make changes upon your return, Robyn will guide you on a journey toward recovery and freedom from chronic health conditions. Regain your well-being and heal your body so you can powerfully step into your heart's work and remain vibrant for a future full of exploration and adventure around the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/8e08ae32-38b3-471a-b87e-734dc97628c6/26170175_10103054620897141_5298991628507865201_o.jpg Partners & Collaborators - Leger Experiences Leger Experiences handcrafts unique experiences (ranging from a day to a week) for those in pursuit of meaningful moments, inspiration, and community. In addition to our scheduled retreats and events, we partner with brands and private groups to curate gatherings, celebrations, getaways etc., in your own backyard and around the globe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1652895406482-MP5J17UG3ALITDPRFZTR/unsplash-image-yw1y-alKGrg.jpg Partners & Collaborators - Recal Travel Recal (short for ‘recalibration’) combines adventure travel with breathwork and other mindfulness practices to create retreat-style, 3—4 day trips to help you combat the effects of burnout. Each trip is co-hosted by a group of independently-owned, racially inclusive, and sustainability-minded outfitters in tandem with a Recal Mindfulness Coach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/3d683cbf-fb64-4e6a-9773-e7a7a3f6450c/Guatemala_Wakami_Dream+Circle.jpg Partners & Collaborators - Lotus Sojourns Lotus Sojourns offers women mindful adventures with a focus on both inner and global exploration. Our experiences are designed using sustainable travel principles and supports local communities and social impact projects. We believe that travel has the power to heal people, communities, and the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/080ae96e-d4ce-4364-9fda-ae9ee4735a28/Ben+Katt.jpg Partners & Collaborators - Ben Katt Ben Katt is a coach, meditation guide, and author who has been helping people experience deep transformation and access lives of greater joy, compassion, and purpose for the past twenty years. His first book, The Way Home: Discovering the Hero’s Journey to Wholeness at Midlife, is a guidebook and memoir about the inner journey we all must embark on to live our fullest lives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c05b4e0a-f964-428b-a52c-43e595435a08/ROAM.jpg Partners & Collaborators - ROAM Beyond ROAM Beyond strives to meet the demands of glamping by providing sustainable and socially conscious travel experiences with refined off-the-grid lodging. ROAM Beyond is passionate about helping people connect to nature. We strive to deliver on-the-road adventures to travelers in a responsible, comfortable, and tasteful way. https://www.explorer-x.com/the-inner-journey daily 0.75 2022-05-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1625252664893-97GFGSFZXZ0QGH4TFELL/unsplash-image-YiXsjwJKXmo.jpg The Inner Journey - Travel Mentorship Included in every travel experience we plan for you is the opportunity to chat with one of our Travel Mentors before and after your adventure to help you make the most of your Journey. These ‘Travel Mentorship’ calls are truly at the heart of the Heroic Journey. Before you go, you and your Mentor will discuss best practices on how to ‘Travel Better’; together, you’ll also walk through our Inner Journey Toolkit & Guide and our other amazing resources and tools (see below for more info!). When you get home, you’ll share all that you experienced and learned on your trip and create a plan for making simple but meaningful changes in your life — for ‘Living Better’! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0040a0ac-8fe5-4701-8bfc-a95aad8174db/unsplash-image-tcyW6Im5Uug.jpg The Inner Journey - The Inner Journey Toolkit & Guide This toolkit is a carefully curated collection of materials designed to guide you in making the most of your adventures. + Our best practices for Mindful Travel + How to ‘Travel like a Hero’ + Tools for helping you to prepare for both the Inner and Outer Journeys + A detailed list of reflection questions and exciting challenges for you to do every day + A daily travelogue to help you capture what you did, who you met, and what you learned + Resources for taking inspired actions when you get home https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1625253177676-U93AV7RZT2CSK637XKRM/unsplash-image-09SxeOdtlPE.jpg The Inner Journey - Coaches, Experts, & Consultants We’ve partnered with a diverse team of life, career, and relationship coaches and experts to give you the opportunity to work 1:1 with them before, during, and/or after your Journey. From helping you get into shape for your adventure ahead to working with you to implement small but powerful changes in your life once you get home, these coaches can help you turn a great trip into a truly life-changing travel experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/79f5e6fd-a55f-46d4-a8cb-462067bd94cf/unsplash-image-x9I-6yoXrXE.jpg The Inner Journey - Mastermind Groups Launching in early 2022, every traveler will be invited to join our monthly Mastermind Group hosted by Explorer X co-founders Michael Bennett, Ed.D., and Jake Haupert. Discussions will revolve around best practices for both the Inner and Outer Journey, sharing stories, successes, and challenges, and offering support to one another in our individual and collective journeys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/4bd3bcd1-a8e4-4649-b067-2903305576d1/unsplash-image-50cGSHm1Jro.jpg The Inner Journey - Recommended ‘Live Better’ Resources We’ll share with you some of our favorite tools and resources — ones that we use on a daily basis to help us stay inspired, mindful, and purposeful in our lives. These tools/resources range from courses on healthy relationships to online classes about how to eat, sleep, move, and meditate. https://www.explorer-x.com/happy daily 0.75 2025-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/f37365fb-d348-4489-ab48-a83048b0924a/IMG_2380.jpg Traveler Feedback - Jen & Cody (Florida) Jen & Cody | Custom Journey @ Italy Picture cooking fresh pasta with a local in a charming Tuscan villa, enjoying a farm-to-table tasting experience of the finest wines & cheeses of the region, your first via ferrata in the Italian Dolomites, and waking up to fresh pastries & cappuccinos every morning. Three years of anticipation ended with a trip of a lifetime to Northern Italy: No detail was overlooked and our trip was everything we hoped for and more. We felt completely immersed in the culture, embraced the language, and loved every minute spent with the local guides. Each experience was unique and carefully crafted to our desires. Explorer X delivers a truly holistic experience and we look forward to booking future trips, knowing we are in the best hands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/7a9afa87-23ff-41fa-85d9-3f7aaa430279/IMG_5242.jpg Traveler Feedback - Tyler & Christina (New York) Custom Journey @ Italy Our honeymoon in Italy was a dream come true! The hotels, transportation, and experiences were all perfect, but what stands out most are the small details that we never would have been able to manage on our own. Michael and the local team made sure all of our days flowed seamlessly while we were traveling and were amazingly responsive when we had questions or needed anything. Explorer X helped us experience Italy authentically and pushed the boundary of what we thought we could learn on a vacation, both about a place and about ourselves. If you're considering working with Explorer X on your next trip, just do it. You won't regret it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b907699a-3227-4fbf-a5cd-ea112311d337/Screen+Shot+2023-02-10+at+13.56.40.jpg Traveler Feedback - Zach & Greta (Seattle) Destination: Unknown @ Chile When meeting Michael for the first time we laid it out; all we are looking for is the adventure of a lifetime — to unplug, reconnect to each other, and celebrate our 10th anniversary with an emphasis on active adventures, food, and love. Oh, and we don’t want to be involved with where we are going or what we are doing. Easy task, right? D:U Chile provided all of that and more. With exquisite attention to detail, Explorer X delivered: from hiking alongside 1300-year-old cacti to kayaking through fjords to puma tracking on a working estancia with superb culinary experiences and mind-numbing, melt your face off views the entire way. The only thing we wished we had more of was time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/0d78bac0-53ca-4366-9d9d-69f31d2de2e3/D691F50D-A447-49FD-9F68-FB3AB7910EF5.jpg Traveler Feedback - Maggy & Gagan (Seattle) Destination: Unknown @ Vietnam & Cambodia We started working with Robyn and the Explorer X team before COVID and they did an incredible job handling all of the changes amidst the pandemic. Even after having to reschedule three times, they planned an absolute dream honeymoon ... and still managed to keep it a secret until the last minute! From eating our way through Hanoi and hiking through rice terraces in Sapa to attending the Cambodian circus and seeing Angkor Wat for the first time, the experiences, guides, and places we stayed all far exceeded our expectations. We highly recommend them to anyone who's considering a Custom Journey or Destination: Unknown experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/60c367bb-c214-4df3-9b93-0fc8487ed9bd/Hike.jpg Traveler Feedback - Ben & Lindsey (Boston) Custom Journey @ Portugal We loved our time in Portugal! The private tours with passionate locals really allowed us to dive into the culture and get a sense of day-to-day life, which was our goal. The boutique hotels at each location were all so uniquely designed with high-class service and amenities. Michael and his team did a great job of balancing packed mornings with open afternoons that afforded us the chance to do some exploring on our own. He also helped us hone in on what we wanted from the experience, encouraging thought exercises before the trip and daily journaling throughout the trip, which allowed for a more fulfilling experience, one we highly recommend! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/5310bdff-f88f-4955-ba49-e61888c09080/image_6483441+%282%29.jpg Traveler Feedback - Mary & Barnes (Chicago) Custom Journey @ Greece It was the trip of a lifetime and we can't say one bad thing about it! Our time in Santorini overall was a highlight, and the dinner and massages that Robyn helped coordinate were a favorite! The private tours were so nice as we were able to ask questions and we learned so much about each destination, but the tour of Dellos was our favorite. I honestly think the hotels were a memorable part of each location; at each one, we'd say "This is the nicest hotel I've ever stayed in!" and they only got better. The only thing we disliked was leaving! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/a42943ab-73a9-47b6-ae8a-fd472c66cee1/Groppe+Paraglide.jpg Traveler Feedback - Paul & Christine (New York) Destination: Unknown @ Slovenia Imagine going on an adventure but you have no idea where you are going! Imagine that each and every day is going to be a surprise full of new activities. Imagine meeting a local artisan and learning his craft, finding your way to a fairytale island, hunting for a castle, hiking to 5000 ft and staying overnight in a hut, soaring high over a lake and mountains, sleeping in a chalet on top of the world, biking down a mountain to your next location, learning to forage for food in the forest, sleeping in a castle, picnicking in a vineyard, and seeing views beyond what you would ever expect. This was our Destination: Unknown in Slovenia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b6d4ee61-b64a-4c50-8cb8-e9b7428250bb/IMG-4376.jpg Traveler Feedback - Denice & Karen (Seattle) Denice & Karen | Custom Journey to Tanzania Macho na moyo wazi – “Eyes & Hearts Wide Open” — After 70 years of dreaming about going to Africa to see elephants and Karen’s desire for an adventure, we called Explorer X and pressed GO. We teamed up with Robyn to plan our dream trip. She guided us through a year of planning and preparation. Seeing elephants on the African Steppe took our breath away. Close enough to make eye contact with elephants, lions, giraffes, baboons and more left us with a feeling of awe and humbleness. The animals are what drew us on this trip but there was so much more. A guided tour of the Uru Coffee Farm in the foothills of Kilimanjaro, an immersive experience into Masai life, a hot air balloon ride over the Serengeti, and the hospitality of the people who love their country etched memories in our hearts that will bubble to the surface with very little encouragement. The Inner Journey Collection encouraged us to reflect and consider our mantra for our trip. Now that we look back on all that we experienced “Moyo wangu umejaa” – “Our hearts are full.” We will travel again. Thank you to Robyn, Michael, Rama (our guide), and all their amazing partners. You truly delivered on your mission to provide life-changing travel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/50422253-d604-42b1-8b0b-62f356f53321/IMG_6929.jpg Traveler Feedback - Josh & Dana (Seattle) Custom Journey @ Slovenia & The Dolomites (Italy) Traveling with Explorer X was amazing. Our travel designer, Robyn, was a pleasure to work with. Inspiration and planning was fun; execution was flawless. Explorer X’s support throughout the process allowed us to fully be present and deeply engaged. Our planned experiences were awesome and many would have been impossible without Explorer X’s local connections. Explorer X is truly transformational travel. We are already planning our next travel experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/ffa3b0ca-32e8-4ad8-8f54-508a74d77a95/image.jpg Traveler Feedback - Natalie (Chicago) Destination: Unknown @ Ecuador For me, Destination: Unknown in Ecuador represented a lot of things: A celebration of recent big changes I'd made in my life (big move to a new city, new job), and an opportunity to let my mind rest and get out of planning mode. From the minute I landed in Ecuador, I felt taken care of. I was greeted at the gate, met my guide, and was thrown into a wonderful mix of Ecuadorian cuisine, culture, and history. By the time I found myself in a sweat lodge with a shaman a few days later, I was confident I was on a journey I'd not soon forget. This was not a trip that was meant to be comfortable or restful the entire time; rather it was a chance to truly step into the unknown, face new experiences every day, and plug back into myself. Thank you, Michael and Melissa, and all the guides in Ecuador for making sure I had a one-of-a-kind experience! https://www.explorer-x.com/zoom daily 0.75 2023-05-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1684446975325-RZLOW4V55IN82HS3FUWG/unsplash-image-mfB1B1s4sMc.jpg Zoom https://www.explorer-x.com/zoom2 daily 0.75 2023-05-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1684446975325-RZLOW4V55IN82HS3FUWG/unsplash-image-mfB1B1s4sMc.jpg Zoom2 https://www.explorer-x.com/values daily 0.75 2025-02-13 https://www.explorer-x.com/signature-journeys-form daily 0.75 2025-10-22 https://www.explorer-x.com/flight-request daily 0.75 2025-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/c1f6b8ee-75c3-4901-a08a-191ecdf2371c/unsplash-image-LjX-m_UXQGM.jpg Flight Request Form https://www.explorer-x.com/partner-connect-form daily 0.75 2025-05-08 https://www.explorer-x.com/soho-house-form daily 0.75 2025-09-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1758066495794-UPW6Q272BNQS6DLQ7VJK/unsplash-image-mD8_A77YN2Q.jpg Soho House Form https://www.explorer-x.com/start daily 0.75 2026-03-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1763080970061-T001TTZ0AMFPJ7C8C1SJ/unsplash-image-SO0alFysHTg.jpg Traveler Start Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/276b1619-1ddc-4304-beb3-371b484b3214/behnam-norouzi-TUXtcTMJqok-unsplash.jpg Traveler Start Page - Travel Design Fee Download our wire transfer instructions and Zelle payment information. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/b1ed1a2e-5074-45f1-9fc6-a85f919f577b/unsplash-image-U2eUlPEKIgU.jpg Traveler Start Page - Traveler Dream Sheet Your chance to share the vision you have for the adventure that awaits you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1763082104585-Z4A37HSXT7JZIDB49583/unsplash-image-Hcfwew744z4.jpg Traveler Start Page - Traveler Profile Form Important information to ensure a safe and smooth experience for everyone. https://www.explorer-x.com/donate-htf daily 0.75 2026-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1764092299250-1BLJBAIDK17IGFTCLV1J/unsplash-image-TBHOuN6URGU.jpg Hero Travel Fund Donation Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5b08f0e9266c07fe672e16ba/1771005838620-HXKGWQ54YK1GBGH3ZV24/unsplash-image-ZVprbBmT8QA.jpg Hero Travel Fund Donation Page - How to Donate Donations to the HTF can be submitted by credit card (via PayPal) at the link/button below. 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