The Hero Travel Fund (HTF) offers a $10,000 award annually to one individual, supporting a memorable travel experience. This award covers the cost of hotels, transfers, and experiences during your journey. Travel should be completed within one year of receiving the award.

Applicants must demonstrate a commitment to doing good in the world, have a specific intention for their travel, and exhibit financial need. The fund is intended for individuals who would not be able to afford such a trip otherwise.

Request an application here or by clicking the button/link below. We will then send you detailed instructions about how to complete your application via email.

— January 1, 2025: Application process opens
— February 28, 2025: Application deadline
— March 14, 2025: Finalists announced
— March 17–28, 2025: Finalist interviews
— April 4, 2025: Winner announced!!

The HTF is intended for people who would not otherwise be able to afford a travel experience with Explorer X. While there is no way for us to verify your financial need, we do ask those who have alternative financial resources and means – family wealth, a significant other, etc. – that could be used to travel with us to refrain from applying.

After an initial review of all applications, finalists will be selected and invited for interviews. The Explorer X Team will then discuss and vote on the finalists to determine the award recipient. Key criteria include:

• The impact you are making in the world (and how long you have been doing it)

• Your intention/purpose for traveling – Your Call to Adventure!

• How you hope to use your experience to learn and grow

• And, of course, your financial need

The HTF Award is for $10,000 and covers the cost of hotels, transfers, transportation, some meals, and most experiences and activities.

International airfare and travel insurance are generally not included; however, if land costs are less than $10,000, any remaining funds may be used towards them.

Recipients are welcome to use additional personal funds to enhance their journey. For example, to cover the cost of international flights.

Yes, you can bring a friend or significant other along. If the subsequent cost of the trip exceeds $10,000 you and/or your travel companion will be responsible for any additional costs.

Yes! You will work with your Travel Designer to craft a Custom Journey to the destination of your dreams. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, we invite you to consider going on a Destination: Unknown Adventure.

Ideally, travel would take place within a calendar year of receiving the award, but we can be somewhat flexible here depending on location and life circumstances.

There are several expectations of the recipient:

• Complete a pre-trip video interview with Explorer X

• Write a pre-trip blog post about your upcoming Journey

• Travel like a HERO: Humble, Engaged, Resilient, and Open-Minded

• Tag Explorer X on related social media posts made before, during, and after your trip

• Write a post-trip blog describing your adventures and what you learned along the way

• Participate in a post-trip video interview with Explorer X

You will also invited to be involved with the HTF in the future as a committee member or volunteer.

Yes! Please note that this award is considered to be an 'economic benefit' by the IRS and, as such, is considered taxable income. Thus, we are required to send you a Form 1099 for the year in which your travels take place.

For any additional questions, please email us at hero@explorer-x.com.