About Explorer X

At Explorer X, we design personalized journeys rooted in the transformational power of travel. We bring travel to life with unforgettable experiences, extensive destination knowledge, and accumulated wisdom in the art of exploring!

The X represents the unknown – the mysterious power of travel, the new places that light up the senses, and the unexpected insights that inspire some unquantifiable alteration to our lives. For us, it all begins with the question: is travel an end unto itself or is it the means to something greater?

What Is Transformational Travel?

The Transformational Travel Council defines Transformational Travel (or TT) as “any travel experience that empowers people to make meaningful, lasting changes in their life.” Transformational Travel is not limited to any specific destination or experience but is rather an approach, ethos, and mindset. It’s a commitment to embarking with intention, embracing the call to adventure, and returning with the promise to put your insights into action.

At Explorer X, we see ourselves as a partner and a guide to help you find meaning in your journey and inspire personal growth. That collaboration begins well before we dream up an itinerary and lasts long after your jet lag fades. We’re in it for the long haul, and the more we get to know you, the better we can surprise, delight, and challenge you in your adventures.

How We Spark Transformation

Not everyone is seeking a major shift in their life, and that’s fine with us! Transformation can mean opening yourself up to new ideas or hobbies, connecting with other cultures, or becoming more socially or environmentally conscious in your everyday life. It’s up to you how far you want to go, and we’ll be there to encourage you along the path.

From Joseph Campbell to Pico Ayer, we’ve studied the sages and seers that formed the groundwork of the transformational travel movement and have channeled their insights to design our own canon of tools, resources, and approaches to spur transformation.

Personalized Journeys

Finding meaning and achieving change are inherently personal actions. We all see the world in different ways and process our experiences through a distinct lens. Our trips are as unique as you – crafted to invoke your sense of wonder and designed to push you just enough to send you home with a story.

Every expedition begins with the question – why? Why do you want to travel? What do you hope to get out of your adventure? And how can we plan an odyssey that will help you attain your goals? We’ll reexamine these intentions and measure your progress throughout the travel process and after your return home.

Hero’s Journal

We send every guest equipped with the HERO - Seeker's Guide to Travel to capture their memories, insights, and epiphanies along the road. The guided journal features prompts and questions to put you into "HERO" mode, traveling with Heart, fully Engaged, practicing Resolve, and wide Open to the unknown with every journey.

Calls To Adventure

Incorporated into your itinerary, our “calls to adventure” uncover the natural, cultural, and historical context of your destination and challenge you to think, act, and explore your surroundings. It’s our way of giving you that extra boost out of your comfort zone, that little voice calling you to travel deeper.

Our Process

From Joseph Campbell to Pico Ayer, we’ve studied the sages and seers that formed the groundwork of the TT movement and have channeled their insights to design our own canon of tools, resources, and approaches to spur transformation.

1. The Call To Adventure

Your adventure begins with a 30-minute call with one of our Travel Mentors. On this Call to Adventure, we’ll get to know one another better, discuss the specifics of where you want to go and what you want to do, and equally importantly, get into WHY you are going and what you want to get out of your Journey. All of this helps us craft the perfect adventure for you!

Every expedition begins with the question – why? Why do you want to travel? What do you hope to get out of your adventure? And how can we plan an odyssey that will help you attain your goals? We’ll reexamine these intentions and measure your progress throughout the travel process and after your return home.

2. HERO Pledge (Answering The Call)

Once we’ve agreed on a high-level outline of your Journey with things like tentative dates, specific destinations, desired experiences, and type of accommodations, we ask that you submit a $500 HERO Pledge as a commitment to working with Explorer X. This pledge will allow your Travel Mentor to begin creatively handcrafting every element of your Journey.

3. Collaborative Trip Design

Throughout the trip design process, you’ll actively collaborate with your Travel Mentor in architecting the perfect trip for you. Through face-to-face meetings, calls, emails, and video conferences, you and your Mentor will craft an adventure that will change your life forever!

4. The (Pre-) Departure

Once you and your Mentor have finalized the itinerary for your Journey and you’ve submitted your deposit, the REAL adventure begins. Your Mentor and the team at Explorer X will engage with you in a comprehensive and holistic pre-departure preparation process that includes:

A call w/ your Mentor to continue your prep for your Journey and get you into HERO mode!

Suggested pre-departure reading, videos, etc.

Invitations to embrace ritual, ceremony

A final pre-departure call to review trip logistics and details

5. The Journey

Your adventure itself is a collaboratively-crafted combination of exciting physical activities, powerful cultural encounters, meaningful conversations, time for personal reflection, time spent in nature, health and wellness experiences, and alone time to explore the destinations you visit. Explorer X will provide additional tools and access to your Travel Mentor to make sure you are supported on Your HEROs Journey!

6. The Return Of The HERO

Just because your trip is over doesn’t mean the Journey is finished! You’ll have the opportunity to work with your Travel Mentor after you get back to make sense of what you experienced and develop an action plan for changing your life and transforming the world around you!

Inspired to learn more? Explore our website to browse consciously designed itineraries, see our destinations & travel styles, and read recent news and trip ideas!