Antarctica is absolutely worth it

A journey to Antarctica is life-changing [View in browser](   [facebook]( [instagram]( [TikTok](   PICTURE YOURSELF IN… Lonely Planet's weekly guidance to inspire your travels Antarctica [Antarctica] A trip to Antarctica will be life-changing While leaning over the edge of a small Zodiac in [Antarctica]( a southern right whale rose slowly to the surface of the inky-blue Southern Ocean and exhaled a puff of air directly into my face. Up until that moment, sharing a breath with a whale was my greatest wish. But I quickly realized that sometimes our wishes aren’t ambitious enough. For this real-life experience was more incredible than anything I could have dreamed of. Once the whale had let out its breath, it slowly and gently started to roll. Its enormous, graceful body rotated as water streamed across its blue-black skin until its eye was just above the surface. And there we sat in silence. It stared up at me as I leaned over the edge of the boat and gazed into its deep, brown, pupil-less eye. It was close enough that I could have reached out and placed my hand on it – but I wouldn’t, and didn’t need to. After a few heartbeats, it sank back under the water and disappeared. I wanted to revisit this experience and share it more fully with you, so I contacted Trey Byus, the chief expedition officer at [Lindblad Expeditions](. Trey’s passion for expedition travel reminded me why these voyages are so life-altering. Read on to learn how to make the most of a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica. [Sarah Stocking]     Sarah Stocking   Destination Editor               [Hiking in Antarctica]     Featured Story How to plan an epic trip to Antarctica, from booking the ship to choosing the best itinerary Planning a trip to Antarctica is a big decision. Learn how to think about your personal priorities when booking your journey. [Read more](   Immerse yourself Get started planning your trip to Antarctica with articles that cover all the best activities, how to pack for your trip and (most importantly) how to travel sustainably. Best things to do From scuba diving under the ice to kayaking with whales, there are some truly incredible experiences to be had in Antarctica. [Read more]( Local tip: Choose which activity you want to do most. They aren’t available on every ship or every expedition.   Things to know This guide demystifies packing for Antarctica and ensures you fit everything you need. [Read more]( Local tip: You will need lightweight but warm layers – think Merino wool and performance fleece.   Ways to get around Antarctica is a fragile place, and it’s important to travel there as sustainably as possible. [Read more]( Local tip: Always choose tour companies that are members of [IAATO.](       WHERE TO GO WHEN Wondering where else to go in January? Lonely Planet breaks down the best places you should go for wildlife, food, adventure and relaxation. What's your favorite start-of-year trip? [Read more]( [Utah] [I'm an image]     Ask an Insider Here are some excerpts from my chat with Trey Byus, who has been leading and coordinating expedition travel for the last thirty years. Tell me about Lindblad’s history in Antarctica. Lars Eric Lindblad was the first person to take non-scientists to Antarctica in 1966. We’re still exploring the region and we absolutely love it down there. Taking people to remote and wild destinations is really what we do. How has travel to Antarctica changed since those early days? It’s grown so much. There are now 76 vessels that can go to Antarctica. So we’ve innovated more meaningful experiences, like polar kayaking, cross-country skiing and our undersea program. The undersea is almost tropical: it is so colorful, and the creatures we are seeing are really remarkable. We’re showing people creatures that have literally never been seen before. How does Lindblad think about the impact travelers have on Antarctica and how do you consider sustainability when creating your trips? Lindblad is a founding member of IAATO [International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators]. One of our expedition leaders who has been leading trips for almost 45 years wrote guidelines that formed the basis for how tour operators work in Antarctica and they continue to evolve. Members of IAATO are extremely collaborative. When it comes to safety and the environment there are best practices for everyone – all user-friendly but very stringent. [Trey Byus] “Antarctica makes you feel a little small and it makes you want to preserve it.” What’s your favorite part of the season in Antarctica? There isn’t a bad time to go to Antarctica! But it does change throughout the season. The early part is really intriguing to me, when there is still so much ice and snow and it’s really pristine –you can cross-country ski on the ocean! Mid- to late-January is the heart of the season, when the penguin chicks are hatching and the whales have arrived. The later you go, the more active the whales are. There is no bad time. What should everyone remember to bring on their trip to Antarctica? Your sense of adventure. You should be prepared to throw your specific expectations out the door and let Mother Nature dictate the best possible experience. And it can be absolutely magical.   Love travel inspiration in your inbox? Share with a fellow travel lover by forwarding to a friend. Did someone share this email with you? Subscribe by clicking [here.](   This email was sent to you by: Lonely Planet Publications Ltd. | 1101 Red Ventures Drive, Fort Mill, SC 29707 © 2022 Lonely Planet [Unsubscribe]( | [Privacy Policy](