People who dedicate their lives to serving others now have the opportunity to receive something extraordinary in return: A fully funded, deeply personalized travel experience.
The Hero Travel Fund (HTF) was created by Explorer X to honor teachers, caregivers, social workers, community leaders, and other everyday heroes whose consistent acts of courage and compassion quietly transform their communities. While their impact is profound, their own needs are often put last. The Hero Travel Fund exists to change that.
Each year, Explorer X selects individuals making a meaningful difference and gifts them with an immersive journey rooted in slow, mindful travel. Every detail — from handpicked destinations and character-rich accommodations to privately guided cultural experiences — is thoughtfully crafted and fully included. The result is not simply a trip, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for renewal, reflection, and reconnection.
At its heart, the Hero Travel Fund is a celebration of humanity and a reminder that the heroes who give so much to deserve to be cared for as thoughtfully as they care for others.
“The Hero Travel Fund is a core expression of our mission. It reflects our belief that travel, at its best, creates space for connection, reflection, and transformation. This program allows us to extend that experience to individuals who have spent their lives showing up for others, offering them a journey that is well-deserved and deeply meaningful,” said Michael Bennett, Ed.D., co-founder of Explorer X.
Keishanna Rasin, a 2025 recipient and career social worker, reflected: “Tanzania did more than expand my horizons; it reminded me why I serve my community and mentor youth. It’s a gift I’ll carry for the rest of my life.”
Applications for the 2026 Hero Travel Fund will be accepted from March 26 through August 31, 2026, with the recipient(s) announced in December. Selection is based on demonstrated impact, financial need, and the potential transformational value of the experience.
To sponsor the fund, apply, or learn more, visit explorer-x.com/hero.
