Arctic and Antarctic

The Arctic and Antarctic are great destinations if you want to do something really different and off the beaten track. And if you like the cold!

Where?
Why?
How?
Facts for the career breaker
Top Arctic/Antarctic tip

Where?

The Arctic circle goes through the following countries:

Russia
Norway
Sweden
Finland
Iceland
Greenland
Canada
USA (Alaska)

Antarctica is a continent bigger than Europe. 98% of it is covered in ice. It has no permanent residents, but there are between 1000 and 4000 people working there in research stations.

Why?

Visiting such remote places as the Arctic and Antarctic is a rare privilege - so if you get the chance to go, you should grab it with both hands!
A number of companies offer adventure tours into these regions, which means you can travel there in safety, with expert guides to help you get the most out of the experience
Both Arctic and Antartic can be more varied that you might imagine, each with their own unique plants, animals and landscapes
In the Arctic, you can experience cultures of different countries - often places that no-one you know has ever been before (like Greenland)
Penguins!

How?

Adventure tours to the Arctic and Antarctica are by far the best way to go if you're not an experienced expeditioner. As well as organising the trip itself, the company can advise you on issues like visas, gear, clothing, etc. Travelling with a responsible tour operator will ensure you are contributing to, rather than harming, these very fragile regions.

Also, it's a great way to travel if you're going it alone, as you'll make friends very quickly.

Facts for the career breaker

Both Arctic and Antarctic regions can be very fragile. Pay attention to what locals, guidebooks and tour guides tell you.
Activities in the Arctic include things like sea kayaking, husky sledding and trekking - great if you're the adventurous type.
Activities in the Antarctic include photography, diving (yes, diving), and whale-watching.
Trips to Antarctica involve a great deal of time on a boat because you can't fly there (you can fly to Antarctic islands, although not directly from the UK).
It's not all ice and exciting wildlife - both regions are rich in history as well.
Trips to both regions can be expensive, particularly to Antarctica because it's so far away. So if you want to go, start saving!

Top Arctic/Antarctic tip

Plan your trip very carefully, paying attention to seasons, kit lists etc. It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and you don't want it spoilt by getting frostbite!

Now where?

Show me a list of companies which go to the Arctic and Antarctic
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