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Vacation
hello. i just wanted to know if anyone has ever been to Antartica or the Arctic because i am planning to go to both of them and i just wanted to know how it is there.
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I spent six months in the Antarctic working for the National Science Foundation. The experience I had was very different from a vacationer's in some ways, however; I spent a much longer time there than you are likely to, and I stayed pretty much in one spot as opposed to cruising around. However, I can give you some practical advice.
(1) Warm clothes. It sounds obvious, but there is a difference in the kind of clothes you need compared to a standard temperate winter. Antarctica is very windy ALL the time, and that wind is penetrating. Fleece is imperative. Leave the bluejeans at home - they are worthless when wet, and you WILL get wet. You'll want a big waterproof, windproof parka with lots of pockets. BOOTS are most important; get the white "bunny boots" that are rated to -50F. Your travel package may include some of this gear, so check before you spend a lot of money. Longjohns will become your standard underwear; bring several sets. On very cold days, you will need to cover EVERYTHING; make sure you are prepared to do so. Frostbite can happen very quickly, especially on exposed parts of the face. Bring several pairs of sunglasses, as you will need them and the wind tends to whip them off your face.
(2) Camera equipment! The landscape down there is breathtaking, the animals are fascinating, and you will shoot three times as many pictures as you think. Make sure your camera has a UV filter, and make sure to protect them from the salt and spray while on ship - nothing will ruin a camera faster than salt water. This is the time to invest in a really good camera and, if necessary, lessons on how to get the most from it.
(3) Sunscreen. Remember there's no ozone layer down there, and the sun will broil you like nobody's business. Bring it and use it.
(4) Pay attention during whatever orientation they give you. Antarctica is not Disneyland; you can die there if you're not careful. Participate in all the drills and make sure you know the emergency procedures. They will give you a survival kit - it is called that for a reason, so keep track of it.
(5) Don't mess with the wildlife. The animals there (penguins, seals, seabirds, whales) are very inquisitive and have little fear of humans. This means you can get some great photos, but you must remember that they are wild creatures, this is THEIR home, and you must not interfere with their natural lives. For that matter, make sure you don't walk where you're not supposed to go - trails and such are generally marked with flags, and you must not stray from the path, or you might die. (Not kidding about that last one - cracks in the ice are not always obvious to the eye.) Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Antarctica is unspoiled wilderness and we should keep it that way.
(6) If you get the chance to go to McMurdo Station, see if you'll have enough time to climb Observation Hill. The view from the top is spectacular. Oh, and the official policy of the NSF is to avoid contact with the tourists, so if people seem rude, it's just because they've been told to be.
Your travel agent can answer questions specific to your tour, but hopefully I've given you a few good tips. Enjoy!
(P.S. On my column is a picture of a penguin - I took that picture myself.)
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I read an article awhile ago about some people heading down to the south of Chile (South America). From the coast, they would go on a relatively small ship and visit the ice waters of Antarctica. They say it is worth it and spectacular, so I would definitely opt for that. Make sure you go during the time of year there there is light all day - although I'm not sure when that is, I do know it lasts a few months. Hope that helped and have fun.
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I heard it was cold. Cold as hell. But that's just a guestimation. If I would have to advise you on what to wear, I would very greatly suggest bringing a jacket or perhaps a sweater (it's to make sure you can keep warmth in and cold out.)
P.S. Avoid the Polar Bears, they hungry as hell.
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cold
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