khassandraWant to Travel to All 7 Continents? How to Make it to Antarctica
October 15th 2007 13:49
If you're an extreme jet setter with the goal of wearing your lucky socks (okay, or just setting foot) on all 7 continents, you're probably working very hard to find out how you're going to make it to Antarctica. But there are plenty of other reasons (besides continent-bagging) to go to Antarctica-- it's a wonderland of geographical, geological, and ecological study, not to mention a beautiful place to travel, and the ultimate exotic destination. You can see a host of wildlife, from hordes of the always adorable and popular penguins, to seals, walruses, orcas, and multiple types of whales and migratory birds. Antarctica actually has no native land animals, and another fun fact to know is that Antarctica is the coldest and driest place on earth.
Antarctica is officially declared an international peaceful research site, where about 2 dozen research stations from various countries are located. As such, official language and currency vary depending on the station, and there is little officially sanctioned tourist activity because the main event of Antarctica is research. You can have your passport stamped and mail letters with a postmark from Antarctica, which is a great memento, and there are many tourist sites, including the South Pole, several islands, and one or two spots partically renowned for the opportunity to swim in the warm water-- yes, swimming!
But how are you going to make it to Antarctica?
The two most common points of departure are the southern tip of South America (Chile or Argentina) and the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island. A host of different nationally-affiliated companies offer Antarctic tours, however, and your departure point as well as regulations and permit requirements will differ depending on the affiliate country. For example, Canadian expeditions require a permit for everyone who goes on their tours, regardless of nationality.
The three main ways to see Antarctica are cruise packages that spend the majority of time on the boat and may or may not make shore visits, specially arranged land expeditions which are rarer, or sightseeing by air. Cruise packages are the most common and will frequently include some sight seeing at the point of departure. Be aware, however, that unlike most commercial cruise packages, you can't take a cruise to Antarctica for less than 9 days, and you might take a cruise for as long as a month. Because these cruises are so long and specially outfitted for the antarctic, cruises can be extremely pricey.
If you're a college student, one wonderful opportunity for you is to go on one of the increasingly popular Antartica study abroad programs offered around the world. Two of the most popular and easy to apply for are those offered by American Universities International Programs and the Studies Abroad in the South Pacific program at the University of Georgia. Some coursework may be required before travelling to Antarctica, but most study abroad offices will be extremely helpful in arranging transient student status and transfer credit to your home institution. Study abroad also has the distinct advantage of arranging your travel for you and offering discounted group rates on airfare and other expenses. Programs will usually involve coursework in the fall and travel either in the late fall or middle of winter (Antarctica's summer-- the tourism season).
Do you have an Antarctic experience you want to share? Post it here!
Penguins enjoying an Antarctic summer day
Antarctica is officially declared an international peaceful research site, where about 2 dozen research stations from various countries are located. As such, official language and currency vary depending on the station, and there is little officially sanctioned tourist activity because the main event of Antarctica is research. You can have your passport stamped and mail letters with a postmark from Antarctica, which is a great memento, and there are many tourist sites, including the South Pole, several islands, and one or two spots partically renowned for the opportunity to swim in the warm water-- yes, swimming!
But how are you going to make it to Antarctica?
The two most common points of departure are the southern tip of South America (Chile or Argentina) and the southern tip of New Zealand's South Island. A host of different nationally-affiliated companies offer Antarctic tours, however, and your departure point as well as regulations and permit requirements will differ depending on the affiliate country. For example, Canadian expeditions require a permit for everyone who goes on their tours, regardless of nationality.
A beautiful Antarctic sunset-- but don't be fooled! Expeditions to Antarctica travel only in the "daylight season
The three main ways to see Antarctica are cruise packages that spend the majority of time on the boat and may or may not make shore visits, specially arranged land expeditions which are rarer, or sightseeing by air. Cruise packages are the most common and will frequently include some sight seeing at the point of departure. Be aware, however, that unlike most commercial cruise packages, you can't take a cruise to Antarctica for less than 9 days, and you might take a cruise for as long as a month. Because these cruises are so long and specially outfitted for the antarctic, cruises can be extremely pricey.
If you're a college student, one wonderful opportunity for you is to go on one of the increasingly popular Antartica study abroad programs offered around the world. Two of the most popular and easy to apply for are those offered by American Universities International Programs and the Studies Abroad in the South Pacific program at the University of Georgia. Some coursework may be required before travelling to Antarctica, but most study abroad offices will be extremely helpful in arranging transient student status and transfer credit to your home institution. Study abroad also has the distinct advantage of arranging your travel for you and offering discounted group rates on airfare and other expenses. Programs will usually involve coursework in the fall and travel either in the late fall or middle of winter (Antarctica's summer-- the tourism season).
Do you have an Antarctic experience you want to share? Post it here!
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