The Adventure of a Lifetime
by Norma Spadola

If  you asked people what their “dream” destination would be, their responses might be predictable, ranging from the romance of cities (London, Paris, Rome) to idyllic or remote islands (Tahiti, Capri, St Bart’s ), or exotic cultural destinations (India, Africa, South America and Southeast Asia).  So, it may surprise you to know that one of travel’s hottest “dream” destinations in recent years is in fact… cold!  Would you have guessed Antarctica?

Considered a desert, it is the coldest, driest and windiest continent on earth! When the 2007 movie, “The Bucket List” featured Antarctica, the interest and demand by travelers of all ages to visit the “White Continent” seemed to skyrocket. Perhaps for some, it represents the challenge of conquering a land of unimaginable extremes, or maybe being part of the growing sustainable tourism effort, while for others, it was merely a way to mark a significant birthday milestone in a unique and memorable way.

One frequently asked question is “when is the best time to go to Antarctica?” The answer depends upon your expectations of the experience. The beginning of the season is considered late October until early November, when ice pack is thick and pristine, affording photographers extraordinary opportunities for breathtaking landscape shots.  The penguins are courting and mating. Peak season runs from late December until the end of January, when daylight lasts for 20-24 hours and the weather is warmest. During late summer (February-March) whale watching is at its’ best and the penguin chicks begin to sport their feather coats to face the pending winter on their own while the adult penguins shed their coats.

A friend once described this experience as a cold weather safari!  Wildlife on land, in the air and in the sea surrounds you. Most prolific are the penguins, with each region of the Antarctic Peninsula boasting a different species.    The South Shetland Islands are home to the Chinstrap penguins, so named for the distinctive black stripe under their chin.  The largest colony of Gentoo penguins can be found nesting in the islands of and around the Antarctic peninsula.  Adelie penguin rookeries are found on Paulet Island, also home to the predator leopard seal.  The Falkland Islands, most memorable to the American market for the war in 1982, is home to the Magellanic and Rockhopper penguins.

South Georgia boasts the King penguin, along with the unique South Georgia pipit, the only songbird found in Antarctica!  Here, too, one finds the southern Elephant seals (half of the world’s population) as well as 95% of the world’s southern fur seals.  Minke, Humpback and the incredibly huge Blue whale abound in these waters.

While ‘inexpensive’ is not a word to be used in the same sentence when considering a journey to Antarctica, the investment in this adventure of a lifetime is warranted. Since the season to visit is a mere 5 months long, advance reservations are mandatory. Travel by ship is the most popular way to visit Antarctica, but understand that ships carrying more than 500 guests are not allowed to land passengers in these waters.  As a result, a true Antarctic experience can only be had traveling on smaller expedition ships where you will enjoy a real “up close and personal” experience with the wildlife . By law, only 100 passengers are allowed to step foot on Antarctica at any one time.  Safe and stable transfer from the ships is made by sturdy Zodiac boats. Accommodations aboard small ships range from “bare bones” ice breaker research vessels to luxury small cruise ships, featuring gourmet cuisine and the services of your own personal butler!

For the extreme adventurer, tour companies like Abercrombie and Kent offer unique opportunities to begin a trek from Elephant Island to the “final degree”- the last 70 miles of the Antarctic desert before the South Pole!  A true test of body and mind, you can cross country ski and sled over the blue-white snow and ice in a land of 24 hour sunlight- before making camp on the ice each day.

Investing in proper attire is essential when planning a trip to this region and will ensure your comfort on the journey. Most upscale tour operators and cruise lines will provide the necessary parka, complimentary, as part of their package.

While this might be one of life’s most spiritual and challenging travel experiences, providing the ultimate in bragging rights, don’t forget to mail a few postcards home to friends and family that boast the rare Antarctic stamps or, as a dear friend once did, make a “snow angel” to celebrate your travel achievement!