Antarctica 101: How to Reach the White Continent
(425 Reviews)
99% Recommended
Pam MacIntyre
Maple Grove, MN
Australia & New Zealand Specialist
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic ...
New Zealand
In all my years as a Travel Professional, I’ve asked countless people, “What’s on your must-see list?” And without fail, New Zealand is always at the top! Honestly, who wouldn’t want to experience this majestic part of the world?
I was fortunate enough to visit both the North and South Islands, and what I love about New Zealand is that it offers the perfect blend of laid-back charm and action-packed adventure, all while being nothing short of epic.
The country is home to endless national parks, a rich Maori culture, and unforgettable experiences like sailing through the sounds while dolphins playfully follow your yacht. And let’s not forget the awe-inspiring moment of witnessing a sperm whale off the coast of Kaikoura—talk about jaw-dropping beauty!
Oh, and did I mention wine? If you’re a fan of great wine (and who isn’t?), New Zealand is a must-visit for its world-class Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and more. How do I know? Because I couldn’t resist visiting a winery or two during my travels!
Honestly, I could go on and on about the magic of New Zealand, but if you’re reading this, you already know you want to explore this incredible part of the world. Let’s work together to create your perfect New Zealand adventure!
Australia
Let me start by saying, I’ve wanted to visit Australia since I was a child. Why, you ask? Well, to pet a kangaroo, of course! And yes, I did! Not only did I pet a kangaroo, but I actually fed FOUR at the same time. Childhood dream come true, right? And I can’t wait to go back for round two.
While I was in Sydney, I had the chance to experience the spectacular Vivid Sydney Festival, celebrating its 10th year. It was honestly WOW! Never in my wildest dreams did I think Australia would be so perfect to visit during their winter season. But coming from Minnesota, their “winter” felt more like our fall—absolutely ideal! Seeing the Sydney Opera House light up during the festival was something I’ll never forget.
And then there’s the Blue Mountains region—so lovely to explore on foot. From there, we ventured to Hunter Valley (known to the locals as "The Hunter"), where wine flowed freely, and every glass was more delicious than the last.
Australia’s size is truly hard to grasp until you’ve experienced it firsthand. To put it in perspective: Sydney would be in Florida, Cairns (home of the Great Barrier Reef) would be in Maine, Uluru (Ayers Rock) would be in Kansas, Melbourne would be in New Orleans, and Perth would be in Los Angeles.
Whether you're dreaming of visiting the world’s largest Great Barrier Reef, immersing yourself in Aboriginal culture, swimming with whale sharks, or gazing upon the majestic Uluru, Australia has endless possibilities waiting for you.
Let’s make your dream trip to Australia a reality—one that you’ll remember for the rest of your life!
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Antarctica Expedition: Land of Ice and Wonder
How to Get to Antarctica — And What It’s Really Like to Experience the White Continent
Antarctica is one of the most extraordinary places on Earth — remote, pristine, and surreal. It’s not just a destination; it’s an experience that stays with you for life. But how do you actually get to Antarctica? And what can you expect once you’re there?
If you’ve been dreaming about this bucket-list journey and want to know how to travel to Antarctica, you’re in the right place. Here's a guide to help you understand how to reach the White Continent and what an Antarctica expedition cruise truly looks like.
When to Visit Antarctica
Antarctica’s season runs from late October to early March — the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.
- Nov.: Stunning ice formations, fresh snow, and penguin courtship.
- Dec.–Jan.: Warmest weather, peak wildlife in Antarctica activity, and newly hatched chicks.
- Feb.–Mar.: Ideal for whale watching, retreating ice, and dramatic light for photography.
Every part of the season has its own magic. I’ll help you pick the ideal window based on what you want to experience most while exploring Antarctica.
Getting to Antarctica: The Basics
Antarctica has no commercial flights or crowded airports — and that’s part of its charm and sense of adventure. There are two main ways to get there:
By Ship (Most Popular Route)
- Start Point: Ushuaia, Argentina — the southernmost city in the world.
- Journey: From Ushuaia, you board an Antarctica expedition cruise ship that sails across the famous Drake Passage (about 2 days at sea).
- Duration: Most cruises last 9 to 14 days, depending on the itinerary.
Yes, the Drake Passage can be rough—but many travelers say it’s absolutely worth the experience. While the Antarctic summer (Nov. to Mar.) is considered the best time to cross due to more favorable weather patterns, conditions remain unpredictable, and calm seas can never be guaranteed.
That said, even when the waters are choppy, today’s expedition ships are equipped with advanced stabilizers—originally designed for much larger vessels carrying over 2,000 passengers. Most Antarctica expedition cruise ships carry around 125 guests, so while you might feel some movement, the stabilizers make a noticeable difference. The crossing is much more comfortable now than it once was.
Of course, everyone handles motion differently. As someone who experiences motion sickness, I’ve picked up a few tips and tricks over the years that really help—and I’d be happy to share them to help make your journey as smooth as possible!
Fly-Cruise Options (Skip the Drake)
- Start Point: Punta Arenas, Chile
- Journey: You fly directly to King George Island (just off the Antarctic Peninsula) and board your ship there.
- Duration: These trips are often 6 to 10 days long.
This is a great option if you're short on time or want to avoid seasickness, though it’s more expensive and weather-dependent.
Whether you sail or fly, either option offers an unforgettable way of exploring Antarctica — giving you access to some of the most remote and stunning corners of the planet.
Choosing the Right Type of Antarctica Trip
Not all Antarctica expeditions are created equal. I work closely with trusted partners who offer:
- Small Ship Expeditions (fewer than 200 guests): More flexible, intimate, and allows for more time on land.
- Luxury Polar Voyages: Higher-end ships with added comforts like gourmet dining, spas, and suite accommodations.
- Adventure-Focused Itineraries: Opportunities for kayaking, mountaineering, photography workshops, and even polar plunges!
- Fly-In Camps & Land-Based Experiences: For those who want to go beyond the coastline and spend nights on the ice itself.
I’ll help find the best fit based on your travel style, physical comfort, interests, and budget. Some Antarctica cruises don’t include land excursions, so if setting foot on the continent is important to you, I’ll ensure your trip includes a landing.
What You’ll Actually Do in Antarctica
Each Antarctica trip is one of a kind. Depending on your itinerary and weather, you might:
- Take Zodiac rides past glowing blue icebergs
- Step foot on land with thousands of penguins waddling around you
- Cruise alongside whales and seals in quiet, icy bays
- Visit historic research stations and learn about early explorers
- Join expert-led talks on climate, wildlife, and glaciology
- Snap unforgettable photos under the endless daylight of the austral summer
Each experience offers a rare, humbling glimpse into one of the last truly wild places on Earth — remote, unspoiled, and unforgettable. A trip that changes you.
Do You Need to Be an Adventurer to Go?
Not at all. While some excursions like kayaking or trekking are more active, most Antarctica expedition cruises are suitable for travelers ages 8 and up with a broad range of fitness levels. Ships are comfortable, landings are well-organized and safe, and every experience is guided with care by polar experts.
So, if you're ready to travel to Antarctica and create stories you'll tell for the rest of your life — let’s make it happen.