Do you need sponsorship to be an explorer?

Do you need sponsorship to be 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...

I don't think you do need sponsorship to be an explorer. I think you can just set off and pull off your aim but you can't expect to be doing a big polar feat. You can't expect to be doing something in the middle of nowhere and expect to be able to do it for free. You've got to have at least the ability to get to the place that you are trying to explore. And for me, it was generally the tropical places, and the dessert, the jungles. As soon as I went to the arctic, I found there was real money involved. But essentially you don't need a stash of money, you've got to build up your skills and I would say if you haven't got any money you should do my approach, which is not to take a huge expedition but simply go off alone, take your courage in your hands and live with people who know what they are doing. They don't see things like the Amazon, Borneo or New Guinea as a threat. They see it simply as their home. And that's the way you've got to start thinking if you are going do anything in these places and understand them.