Dreaming of adventure and travelling the world? But don’t know where to begin. Our environmental journalist, Bethan John, reveals why Explore is the event for you.
Four years ago, I landed in Mexico City. I felt like I was shrinking under the weight of my backpack, as the whole continent of Central and South America stretched out below my feet.
Somehow, I was supposed to get from the the top to the bottom of this great landmass – alone, with a smattering of badly pronounced Spanish.
I was terrified.
Why had a left a job that I was passionate about, the love and happiness of friends and family, the comfort and familiarity of home?
Oh yes, now I remember. As much as I love to snuggle deep down into comfort and familiarity, after a while it begins to suffocate.
As a journalist, I’d been writing about international environmental issues from behind the safety of my computer screen for far too long. For a real understanding that I could truly communicate to my audience, I had to visit the places and meet the people on the front lines.
During my Latin America adventure, I visited some of the most awe-inspiring wildlands on this planet and experienced up-close wildlife encounters, while interviewing people whose lives were being irreversibly affected by environmental destruction.
There were tough times on the road, but it was without doubt the best decision I’d ever made.
When I returned home, over a year later, I faced a big question: how can I integrate travel and exploration into my work and life so that I continue to expand my experience and understanding?
As time went on and the ‘real life’ ties of money making and social norms began to smother my passion and creativity, I became deflated. I decided my dream was unrealistic.
Thankfully, it was around this time that I discovered Explore. The event, organised by the Royal Geographical Society, brings together adventurers and explorers, scientists and creatives. The weekend is packed with inspiring talks, workshops and advice for anyone interested in travel, expeditions, volunteering or simply meeting a group of passionate people that want to do things a little differently.
At my first Explore event, I found out about the Crees Foundation after watching a fascinating talk by Dr Andrew Whitworth about Tree Top Manu, a canopy camera-trap project that’s giving an insight into the secret life of rare and mysterious rainforest wildlife.
Two years on, I got a job with Crees and have just returned from six months at their field research station in the remote Peruvian Amazon, working as a multimedia journalist alongside Crees scientists and volunteers.
I was living in one of the most biodiverse places on Earth, with a community of local and international people all working together to find solutions to one of the greatest global challenges we face: how to protect healthy rainforest ecosystems and the natural resources they provide, while meeting the needs and aspirations of impoverished local peoples. I couldn’t ask for a more rewarding job.
Explore proved to me that a life of adventure and exploration is possible. That there are jobs and funding out there. That you can meet like-minded and inspiring people who are making their dreams a reality.
I can’t wait to attend my third year of Explore this weekend, between 18 and 20 November. I’ll be a member of the panel at the Tropical Forest Expeditions workshop and at the Crees stand giving advice to anyone who wants it, so please do come and say hello. I’ve gained so much from Explore over the years, with people giving me their time and sharing their experiences, that I’m really delighted for the opportunity to give back.