While some people like to avoid the cooler months at all costs (like me!), others embrace wintertime as a welcome relief from the summer heat. There are certainly plenty of picturesque locales around the globe to choose from, each with their own sparkling version of a holiday wonderland. However, for families looking for something a little different this year, considering checking off your seventh continent!
Antarctica is a totally unique experience in every way. Uninhabited save for a few thousand semi-permanent researchers and scientists, the white desert plays host to a variety of wildlife including penguins, whales, seals, and more. It is the coldest and driest continent on Earth, accessible by a typically rough sea crossing aboard ice-strengthened vessels and, recently, via air. During Antarctica’s summer months there are 24 hours of sunshine, and, conversely, 24 hours of darkness during winter. It is a land of extremes, but is also breathtakingly gorgeous, and invaluable to understanding the Earth’s ecological balance and history.
Don’t be dissuaded by our frosty continent’s challenging environment, however – there are several options for a comfortable, luxurious experience while still embracing all the adventure Antarctica has to offer:
- For a more relaxed pace, Abercrombie & Kent offers five-star cruising out of Buenos Aires aboard the Le Boreal. Activities aboard the continent are always tailor-made to the unique opportunities of the day, as well as guests’ needs and desires. Spend your cruising days getting pampered in the on-board spa, or take a swim in the heated outdoor pool. Upon arrival at Antarctica, embark on zodiac trips around giant blue icebergs, visit research stations, and snap photographs with fuzzy seal pups. At the end of each day, return to your warm cabin and an al fresco meal.
- Feeling a bit more adventurous? By far one of the most established organizations to explore the Antarctic with is Lindblad Expeditions. Aboard the National Geographic Explorer, a state-of-the-art marine expedition vessel, enjoy more modest accommodations in exchange for staff scientists and experts, National Geographic photographers and videographers, and on-board exploration technology. From the moment of embarkation, you become a part of the exciting investigation of Antarctica and its waters. Upon arrival, you will have the opportunity to kayak through berg fields, identify penguins, and trek with famous explorers and researchers such as Peter Hillary, John Evans, James Balog, Roz Zavage, or Rick Hauck.
For an economical yet equally unique experience, consider the opposite end of the Earth: the North Pole. While Antarctica is far-removed and rare, the Canadian Arctic is a vastly underappreciated land of equal awe and beauty... and far less tourism.
- Arrive at your arctic safari camp via plane—luxury heated tents on the ice—and greet your Inuit guide. Arctic Kingdom Polar Expeditions offers small groups (up to 12 people) the opportunity to explore any and every possible activity in land-based excursions. Learn to build an authentic Igloo, observe curious polar bears and pods of narwhal and beluga whales, or dine in view of the northern lights. Have you ever wondered what the Arctic looks like from above? Find out during a hot air balloon tour over the glaciers. If you can imagine it, Arctic Kingdom Polar Expeditions can make it happen!
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