I AM home again after my Antarctic adventure, and I find myself questioning the memory – were the views truly that breathtaking, the ice so impossibly pure, the wildlife so abundant?
Yet a full camera roll and a boatload of memories reassure me that it all did, in fact, happen.
As I readjust to the scorching Australian summer, my thoughts keep drifting wistfully back to those colder, wilder shores.
Travel is at its core a force of change.
The opportunity to divest oneself of the familiar, to experience new environments, cultures and ways of life, and be altered in the process is what drives most of us to seek out new horizons.
I don’t think I have ever been so profoundly changed by a travel experience as my Aurora Expedition to Antarctica.
In part because of the wonder of the experience – humpback whales breaching and bubble feeding, penguins abounding, seals napping – in part because it has reordered my sense of place in the world and the need to protect these last wildernesses – and in part because I suspect my organs have yet to full thaw from the polar plunge ( the water was minus one degree Celsius).
I cannot recommend the experience enough – Aurora Expeditions were absolutely outstanding.
In a remote environment the knowledge, skills and expertise of their expedition crew make a world of difference, their small ships translate to significantly more opportunities for landings and intimate encounters, and they are the ultimate ambassadors for sustainable travel.
I have put together my tops tips below for anyone wanting to make the most of a future polar expedition.
Immerse Yourself in Knowledge
Take full advantage of onboard lectures and briefings led by naturalists, historians, and scientists.
Aurora have a passionate team of experts onboard, and they enhance the experience beyond measure.
These sessions add incredible depth to everything you’ll see and experience. Ask questions whenever you can – these experts genuinely love sharing their knowledge and are just as delighted by the experience as you are.
Join group activities such as specialist workshops, zodiac trips, photo contests, and informal talks; you’ll be amazed by the stories fellow travellers bring and how much you can learn from one another.
Be Proactive with Optional Activities
Sign up early for activities like kayaking, camping, photography workshops, and citizen science projects – they often fill up quickly.
Some may even need to be booked before your voyage, so check with your advisor in advance.
Be open to trying something new, whether it’s a polar plunge, zodiac cruise, camping ashore, or snowshoeing.
Safety is always the expedition crew’s top priority, and every activity offered is carefully planned and thoughtfully managed.
Make the Most of Every Moment
No two days are ever the same – weather can change rapidly, wildlife is unpredictable, and extraordinary surprises can happen at any time.
Embrace the flexibility of expedition cruising and be ready to adapt. Itinerary changes are part of the adventure – hope for the best and prepare for the worst.
Excursions may be shortened, skipped, or replaced with unexpected bonus stops.
Visiting a place like Antarctica is a privilege regardless, and you will love the experience no matter what unfolds.
Capture the Memories
With so many unforgettable moments, experiences can start to blur together.
Make an effort to document them—through photos, videos, or a daily journal.
You’ll be grateful to revisit those memories later, in as much detail as possible.
Respect and Advocate for Nature and the Environment
Antarctica is regarded by many to be the last great wilderness on our planet.
There is a responsibility that comes with visiting such a pristine environment and the firsthand experience only reinforces the need to preserve it as much as possible.
Visitors return home as ambassadors of goodwill, guardianship and peace.
It’s incredibly important to follow IAATO guidelines at all times: keep a respectful distance from wildlife, clean your boots between landings, and leave no trace.
Your expedition team will guide you carefully, and regulations are strict for good reason.
Support citizen science projects whenever possible, from phytoplankton sampling and cloud studies to seabird counts.
I never imagined I would feel giddy about diatoms or black-browed albatrosses, but I stand corrected.
PS: Check out Travelling Places social media for lots more photos, videos and insights into the expedition!
