There are few experiences in a person’s travel life which can be more unique and magical than witnessing the majesty of Antarctica. Antarctica has the reputation of being the coldest and even the driest continent on the planet, making it the most hostile place for human life at least. Several people are irrecoverably injured and killed every year to just to see this desolate land mass. But if you can’t resist the thought of seeing the penguins swim there for yourself and live what it is like to be in Antarctica, then this should be your line of action.
You need a starting point to embark on your polar adventure and it largely depends on what part of Antarctica you would like to explore. You could make a start from Sydney, Hobart and Melbourne in Australia and Bluff in New Zealand in the eastern hemisphere and Cape Town in South Africa, Punta Arenas or Santiago in Chile and Ushuaia in Argentina in the western hemisphere.
Choose Your Mode of Transport
Probably the most comfortable way to reach Antarctica is through a cruise ship and there is no surprise that it is the most commonly chosen one. You can find a number of cruises setting off from a number of locations from Australia, Chile, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand. Cruise ships mostly use zodiac boats for tours.
If you are more into adventure, then you could also join a sailboat expedition to the frozen continent, while actively participating in the tasks aboard. A number of Australian expedition yachts frequently sail to Antarctica. But whatever be your sailing preference, you can hit one of the Antarctic coasts of McMurdo, Palmer, Port Lockroy, St. Kliment Ohridski, Baia Terranova, Arctowski, Aboa, Mawson, Davis, and Casey, the last three of which are under Australia’s control.
Choose Your Launching Pad
You can even catch a flight to one of the airfields of Antarctica from Sydney, Melbourne or Punta Arenas. Most of the flights would only offer you an aerial view of the place and if you plan to stay, then arranging your trip on a military aircraft cargo would be the only option, and that too, during the daylight or summer season.
Choose Your Gear Wisely
A trip to Antarctica is like a survival adventure, so you need to pay a lot of attention to the packing. Bring your own tents and sleeping bags, your own food, your own warm clothing and adventure gear and your own survival kit to this place, because shopping is not really an attraction you would want to look forward to in that place. You should also preferably have your own boat. Don’t expect the research facilities to entertain your requests for lodging.
A trip to Antarctica is a real adventure if you are up for it. But make sure you understand the challenge and consider yourself strong enough for it before you take it. It’s not for everyone for sure.
