Bucket List Travel - 1

Antarctica

Know anyone who dreams of going to Antarctica?  I do.  My husband.  He has a shelf of books at home dedicated to the Antarctic and Sir Ernest Shackleton and his trips to the area.  He is fascinated by the determination of this man to reach the South Pole.  He is intrigued by the stories of the ship locked in ice and the trek Shackleton and two of his mates, Worsley and Crean, made across part of the "frozen continent" to look for help to save their shipmates.  He dreams of retracing those steps.  He dreams of taking a trip that truly follows the ship's course, and visits the islands and places on South Georgia island that Shackleton touched.

There are several companies that offer trips and tours and cruises to Antarctica.  You can go as rough as you like or as pampered as you like.   Dog sled?  It can be arranged.  Happy to see the ice from the sliding doors of the suite on your cruise ship?  It can be arranged.  Want something sort of in the middle?  It can be arranged.

The best time to travel to Antarctica is during our winter, when it is their summer (such as it is!).  There is only a small window of travel time, and the number of travellers to the continent is limited.  Every year, we hear word that there will be less and less options for going, as there is a lot of pressure to keep the area as pristine as possible.  Perhaps an eduational-type visit would be the best option.

Some companies to consider:

Gap Adventures
Expedition Trips
Hurtigruten Cruises
Fathom Expeditions (picture above is from Fathom Expedition website)

Whatever you're thoughts are, talk to me.  We can work something out!

Wendy
Wendy VanderMeulen
Travel Professionals International
Direct tel:  613-987-1164
wendyv@tpi.ca
http://www.tpiwendy.ca/