Do you need qualifications to become an explorer?

Do you need qualifications to become an explorer?

Benedict Allen (Explorer) gives expert video advice on: What is the difference between an explorer and adventurer?; Do you need qualifications to become an explorer?; How do you raise money to pay for your expedition? and more...

You don't really need qualifications as such. Of the two sort of sorts of explorer - the scientific sort of explorer, that sort, yes, of course, you need to know what you're studying and that sort of exploration is incredibly increasing detail. You know, we're not looking at great continents that we're trying to discover. We're looking at species and how they behave and interact and so on. So, yes, of course you need qualifications for that sort of explorer. But I think that most people also think of an adventurer really as an explorer, so not really a true explorer. I suppose I have an adventurous side to me, but I've got no qualifications at all, really. Except that I still call myself an explorer because I do report back. So, I've got the skill of writing. I suppose I take photographs. You need to find a way of communicating back. Some explorers or adventurers simply stand up and give speeches so, again, they've learned to communicate and I think that communication skill is absolutely key. But beyond that I think you just need the character of an explorer. You need to have that steely resolve. You need to have that ability to have a clear vision of where you're going. You've got to be able to adapt to changing circumstances. You've got to be able to use the resources around you. You've got to be able to use the resources inside you. All these characteristics of a pioneer, of someone who's pushing themselves to the limit.