In November, I took a trip I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to make happen, my final continent: Antarctica. When the opportunity came up, I replied with an immediate yes. But then came the hard part: preparing for it.
As you might imagine, I don’t exactly have much in the way of winter weather experience. Thankfully, I was able to lean on more experienced travelers like my sister. I’ll be writing more about the experience of traveling there soon, so stay tuned.
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Antarctica Reading, Watching, and Listening List
I did a lot of research but somehow not enough to prepare for my trip to the White Continent. There are several books about polar exploration and the library on my ship was stocked with even more. Here are a few I recommend.
Anthony Bourdain: Parts Unknown: Season 9, Episode 6
I wasn’t sure what to expect with this Parts Unknown episode as Bourdain traveled to one of the biggest stations in Antarctica. But he talked about the people that live and work there, including the chefs, of course, in a fascinating way. It’s available to stream on Max.
The Crystal Desert: Summers in Antarctica by David G. Campbell
This book was authored by a scientist who spent summers of 1980s on Antarctica doing research, including scuba diving the icy depths and learning about the wildlife. Buy on Amazon.
Detour: Antarctica Podcast
This podcast is produced by The New Zealand Herald and focuses on different aspects of the continent’s history including the first baby born in Antarctica and the treaty that governs the land, shared between several countries.
Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
Of course, the most famous explorer of Antarctica was Ernest Shackleton, whose crew avoided certain death when his ship became stuck in the ice. Lansing’s book is one of the many to cover the expedition’s history. Buy on Amazon.
In Patagonia by Bruce Chatwin
While not exactly about Antarctica, since all trips leave from Patagonia, the remote region in southern Chile and Argentina, this travel classic is well worth a read. It dives into the history of both countries, which have a strong presence on the Antarctic continent. Buy on Amazon.
The Last Continent: Discovering Antarctica by Bernard Stonehouse
I happened to find this by chance at my local thrift store and it was a great resource to have. Stonehouse spent a great deal of time in every corner of the continent so it has information on the wildlife, history, and landmarks of all the stations. It did come out in 2000, so keep that in mind when reading. Buy on Amazon.
Madhouse at the End of the Earth by Julian Sancton
I listened to a podcast episode with the author and then while on board, heard more about the Belgica disaster, so the timing was appropriate. It tells of the ill-fated Belgian expedition searching for the magnetic South Pole. Buy on Amazon.
Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica by Sara Wheeler
Sara Wheeler spent seven months in Antarctica and shares her experiences in this award-winning book. Buy on Amazon.
A Voyage to Antarctica Podcast
Produced by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, I found this to be the most informative, interviewing experts over the course of four seasons including an astro-botanist researching plant life in Antarctica and someone who crossed the continent on skis.
Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple
I read this book a few years ago and, as you can imagine, there are very few novels set in Antarctica if any others. I also watched the movie when it came out. I found a copy at the thrift store and suggested Sammi read it before our trip, telling of an unusual family and a woman’s disappearance. It’s available to stream for free on Pluto TV. Buy on Amazon.
What to Pack for Antarctica
There’s no way to tell you everything you’ll need as each company has its own recommendations. Lindblad provides several things, including a heavy parka with a removable inner layer to be worn on excursions. I also rented boots so they aren’t included in this list.
Many items can be rented from this affiliated company but also gives a helpful list of what’s recommended to pack. I also borrowed several items and bought secondhand as noted below. Where possible, I’ve linked to the exact items. If you’re worried about the cost, the brands don’t really matter and you can absolutely buy secondhand or borrow (thanks Sarah!).
I also need to mention that we checked bags this time because we were carrying trekking poles and we flew from Antarctica so there was a baggage weight limit. We didn’t have a problem with this, but it’s something to consider before your trip.
Clothing
Base layers: two tops and bottoms. I borrowed Icebreaker long underwear from my mom but Uniqlo also makes a great version.
Insulation Layer: This would be a fleece or light puffer jacket. I borrowed a Patagonia puffer jacket and an REI fleece sweatshirt from my mom and added in a thrifted CuddleDuds zippered long-sleeved layer.
Tops: In addition to what was mentioned previously, I had two tank tops to wear in Buenos Aires and under sweaters, a t-shirt, and two sweaters.
Bottoms: I had two pairs of borrowed fleece-lined pants from my mom and also a pair of cheap travel pants I wore on the ship and in Buenos Aires. I brought them to Colombia as well.
Waterproof Pants: This was a tricky item for me as the company didn’t recommend ski pants. I ended up finding a pair of Coleman rain pants on Poshmark for $15 and they did well, fitting over my boots and with snaps to prevent water from getting in (similar version).
Hats, Gloves, Scarves, and Liners: I packed two pairs of borrowed liners, one pair of borrowed mittens (similar), two hats, one ear-covering headband, and one scarf plus a Buff. Sammi used this Senlenn Balaclava and it was perfect. I wore my gloves more than the mittens because it was easier to take photos.
Socks and undies: I packed 12 pairs of underwear, 2 bras, and four pairs of socks but we still ended up doing laundry once.
Swimsuit: I had one swimsuit I actually used for Polar Plunge and in the hot tub at each hotel we stayed in.
Rain jacket: I finally bit the bullet and purchased the Patagonia Torrentshell after using a very sad Eddie Bauer jacket for years. It’s the only thing I bought new and I was so glad when it rained the entire first day of our trip.
Shoes: Since we wore boots for every landing, I didn’t need much. I packed three pair but only really needed two. I brought 1 pair of Birkenstock rubber sandals, 1 pair of (thrifted) Allbirds, and 1 pair of North Face puffer slippers from Depop.
Accessories
Patagonia Black Hole Duffel: Thankfully our friends let us borrow these water-resistant duffels with backpack straps, which seemed to be the bag of choice for most of the crew. In this case, I wouldn’t recommend a suitcase just because it’s hard for the crew to get bags on and off using the zodiacs.
Pacsafe backpack: This is probably my longest-running travel item and there are several newer versions but it fits so much! But really any lightweight backpack will do, ideally with a rain cover or room to fit a dry bag.
Dry bag: The simplest one will do, but you need it in case your bag gets splashed in the zodiac.
Eagle Creek packing cubes: Lifelong loyal packing cube fan here, especially when it came time to pack up my huge jacket to bring home. Add the compression ones if you’re worried about space.
Herschel fanny pack: This is the main bag I used in Argentina and even on the ship.
Medical and Toiletries
Toiletries: I mostly used soap as body wash and had a small tube of shampoo, but they had it in our hotels and on the ship so I could have left it behind. Of course, I also brought my toothbrush and toothpaste plus contact solution.
Sunscreen and lotion: I think because of the cold climate, people don’t think about the sun’s rays. I saw a fair few folks with sunburn around their hat and glasses line. I went with a reef-safe zinc sunscreen (similar) plus the built-in sunscreen of my foundation. The ship also had lotion in the rooms which was great for my super dry skin.
Seasickness medication: I didn’t have a problem with seasickness but got medicated patches and pills just in case. You’d definitely rather have it than not, especially if you end up having a Drake Shake experience. Your doctor can write you a prescription or you can opt for over-the-counter.
Ambien: This was mostly for the flights but I was glad to have it.
Ibuprofen and Tummy pills: Self explanatory
Travel insurance: This trip absolutely requires travel insurance because of the insane cost to be evacuated in case of an emergency (read $30K+). I went with Allianz and recommend them!
Tech and Other
Earplugs and eye mask: The sun sets pretty late and rises early, so these are a must, plus all those ship noises.
Sound machine: Another must, especially when Sammi and I travel together.
Headphones: When Sammi was napping, I’d listen to a podcast and write.
Books and Kindle Fire: I brought three paperbacks, which I left behind, but also my Kindle so I wouldn’t run out of reading material.
Laptop: This was technically a work trip and I had deadlines while I was gone.
Converters: I brought the wrong ones but thankfully everywhere we stayed, including on the ship, had standard US plugs in addition to the other ones.
Camera and monopod plus extra battery and lenses: Because you have to be ready to capture it all! I also ended up using my monopod as a sort of hiking pole.
Black Diamond folding trekking poles: I bought these for my Peru trip and was glad to have them but I only really used them once at a particularly icy landing.
Airtag: I rarely check a bag but it was necessary on this trip.
Binoculars: I got these in a PR package and was so glad to have them!
Games: We brought a card game, a deck of cards, and Bananagrams and didn’t use them, but they’re nice to have just in case.
Hot Hands: A must have!
Dry bag: You definitely need this for zodiac landings.
Sunglasses: It was brighter than you might imagine.
Brush pens and coloring book: For entertainment.
Antarctic Wildlife guide: This was obviously for Sammi more than me, but she was able to keep track of what we saw.
Sharpie: This is the one thing I didn’t bring that I wish I’d brought. Everyone has the same coats and water bottles, so they can be easily mixed up if you don’t write your name on them!
My trip to Antarctica was hosted by Lindblad Expeditions but my opinions and suggestions are my own.
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