Antarctica: A Journey to the End of the Earth
(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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In Awe of Ice: Together at the Edge of the World
Antarctica Awaits: Here’s Why You Should Go
Antarctica might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of a dream getaway — but here’s why it should be.
Antarctica is the last truly untouched wilderness on this planet. It’s vast, remote, humbling, and jaw-droppingly beautiful. No cities. No crowds. No cell towers. Just pure, raw nature — the kind that makes you feel small in the best possible way.
So, why is Antarctica called “the end of the Earth”?
Because it’s the southernmost continent—remote and largely untouched by human development. Its extreme climate, vast ice sheets, and isolation create a true edge-of-the-world feeling, making it one of the last great frontiers on our planet. This sense of untouched wilderness is part of what makes Antarctica such a uniquely powerful destination.
The Ultimate in Social Distancing
Looking for true peace and quiet? Antarctica takes "getting away from it all" to the next level. With strict environmental regulations and limited visitor numbers, the experience feels private and pristine. Even on a small expedition ship, landings are carefully coordinated so you’re never sharing your excursion with crowds.
You’ll often feel like you have entire stretches of the continent to yourself — just you, the ice, the sky, and the wildlife. In a world that feels increasingly noisy, that kind of stillness is priceless.
Wildlife: More Than Just Penguins (But Yes, Also Penguins)
One of the biggest surprises for many visitors? Just how alive Antarctica is. Sure, it’s icy — but it’s far from lifeless. You’ll see massive colonies of penguins, whales breaching just feet from your boat, and seals lounging on floes like it’s a five-star spa day.
Unlike anywhere else on Earth, wildlife in Antarctica hasn’t learned to fear humans — they’re just curious. That means you can have respectful, close encounters that feel truly magical. With the right guides and cruise partners, you’ll be placed right in the middle of the action — in a safe, responsible, and unforgettable way.
Knowledge: Travel That Transforms You
Antarctica isn’t just visually stunning — it’s intellectually fascinating. Many expeditions include expert naturalists, glaciologists, photographers, and historians who travel with you and bring the entire journey to life.
You won’t just see Antarctica — you’ll learn about it, understand the science behind what you’re witnessing, and walk away with a deeper appreciation for this fragile corner of our planet. I work with cruise lines and operators that truly value education and immersive experiences, not just sightseeing.
The Climate: Yes, It’s Cold — But Not How You Think
You’re going to Antarctica — of course it’s cold. But it’s not as brutal as people imagine. In the austral summer (November to March), temperatures along the Antarctic Peninsula often hover around 20–30°F. With the right gear — which I help my clients plan for — it’s very manageable and surprisingly comfortable during outings.
Plus, most expedition ships are cozy and well-equipped. Think hot drinks, warm showers, and a view of passing icebergs from the comfort of a lounge chair.
Glaciers: Nature’s Cathedrals
Words can’t really do Antarctica’s glaciers justice — they’re that awe-inspiring. Towering blue walls of ice. Thunderous cracks as chunks calve into the sea. Mirror-like waters reflecting a surreal, frozen skyline.
This is the kind of scenery that stays with you forever. Whether you’re kayaking near a glacier’s edge or watching one from your ship’s observation deck, it’s a daily reminder that you’re experiencing something most people never will.
So, Why Use a Travel Advisor for Antarctica?
This isn’t the kind of trip you want to figure out on your own.
Between understanding the different cruise routes, navigating expedition options, securing the best cabins, knowing what gear to pack, and choosing reputable, eco-conscious partners — there’s a lot that goes into it. I’ve spent years working with the right suppliers and staying up to date on the logistics, science, and safety of polar travel.
When you book with me, you’re not just getting help with logistics — you’re getting someone who’s genuinely focused on making your trip the best it can be. I handle the research, timing, bookings, and all the details so you can focus on enjoying the experience, not stressing over the planning.
Ready to go where few have gone before?
Let’s talk about making your Antarctica adventure a reality — before this pristine, white, untouched continent begins to change forever.