Top 5 Reasons Why You Should Travel to Antarctica

Why Antarctica?? Well, why indeed? Why would you want to venture to the most southern continent?

I got the same question from so many people when I told them I was going to travel to Antarctica. In my mind, I honestly thought Antarctica was a research-only destination for scientists. I hadn’t considered it a destination that I could go to as a traveler until I saw other travelers sharing their adventures.

When I booked my Antarctica Basecamp Adventure with Ocean-wide Expeditions, I honestly just wanted to cross Antarctica off my bucket list as my 7th continent, but I also wanted to learn about the environment and the wildlife (science nerd over here!). And that was wrong of me. Antarctica has so much more to offer beyond your wildest dreams!

Looking back, I gained more from this experience than I could have ever imagined! There is so much more to Antarctica than just crossing it off your bucket list!

Natural Beauty

Antarctica is the most indescribable place I have ever visited. It is one of the purest and most serene places I have had the privilege to explore. When family and friends asked me what Antarctica was like, I honestly had no words for the stunning beauty. My travel partner even cried when he saw Antarctica for the first time. You cannot describe this place with words or even photos. It must be experienced!

Size & Serenity

Antarctica is on a scale unlike any other. Antarctica is approximately the size of the United States and Mexico combined. It is the highest, driest, coldest, windiest, and brightest place in the world. And it’s covered with ice up to 3 miles thick in some areas!!

It is also one of the most isolated places on earth. No human has ever lived on the continent and no one can. Antarctica is well protected by the Antarctic Treaty and IAATO to reduce as much human impact as much as possible. Antarctica is not owned by any country or government. She is shared by the world for research and tourism purposes. And you can only access the continent by ship or plane. There are no houses, no streets, and no WiFi. Talk about remoteness.

Wildlife

The wildlife was a huge draw for me and for so many other travelers. From whales to penguins to seals, watching the animals be playful and go about their lives was my absolute favorite part!

The animals are protected under the Antarctica Treaty with the help of IAATO. Per regulations, we (humans) are not allowed to be within 5 meters of any animals or nesting sites. Should they walk up to you, and the curious penguins absolutely will, you let them do their thing, but do not touch or feed them.

The protection and preservation of the environment and all the beautify creatures that live there are extremely important.

Silence

My second favorite part about Antarctica! You will witness silence unlike you have ever heard from nature. Find a spot farther away from everyone else and sit down. Put your phone and camera away. Tune out everything and just listen.

You will hear penguin calls, whales exhaling, the wind blowing, ice cracking within the glaciers and icebergs, and snow falling. And then you will hear absolutely nothing. It is the most beautiful sound in the world and you cannot find it like that anywhere else

It will change you

This fragile and pristine environment will show you just how insignificant you are compared to the fierceness of Mother Nature. You will learn very quickly that you do not get to control anything when you are on the continent.

Antarctica teaches you to be humble and patient. There is no doubt about it and you cannot stop it doing so. The person you were when you stepped onto your expedition will no longer exist when you get back. Take that new person and share them with the world. Share what you learned. Antarctica is a gift. Savor her.

There is so much more to Antarctica than just a destination on a bucket list. I encourage you to experience this breathtaking and stunning place in all her entirety. Nothing compares to Antarctica.

by Alexis Cannella

Hey! I'm Alexis (or Lexi for short!) I am the creator of The Soul Traveler Diaries. I am originally from Canada, but was raised in the US. I have traveled to over 50 countries across 7 continents and I have circumnavigated the globe in a span of four months by ship. I am currently living as an expat in Jakarta, Indonesia teaching English!

Let's Connect! You can find all of my adventures, travel advice, travel guides, and ways to work and live abroad on Instagram & Twitter.