Antarctica: Preparing for a Trip
Clothes, Reading, and General Organisation for Far South Cruise
May 30, 2008
Some advance preparations are necessary for any holiday – the traveller always needs to check that his or her paperwork is in order, that he has the appropriate clothes, and do some advance reading and research. But Antarctica is unique, and most people will only visit it once. So what should one do in advance to get the most out of the experience?
Paperwork, Money and Visas
In this case, what the traveller has to do is…nothing! Antarctica is not owned by any country, so no specific paperwork or visas are needed. Very little is required in the way of cash, since there are no shopping opportunities on the White Continent. Cruise ships will almost invariably accept any hard currency, or credit cards, for small purchases such as drinks, though it is best to check this in advance. Some ships visit Antarctic Research Stations, and these may sell souvenirs such as teeshirts. American dollars are the best currency to carry to things like this.
Clothing: Hot on Board Ship, Cold Ashore
Virtually all cruise ships visit Antarctica in summer, and while the weather will not be warm, it will not be as cold as one might expect. The ships themselves are heated, and teeshirts or sweatshirts will be all that is required most of the time...except for trips out on deck. Dress code on most ships is 100% casual, though if one travels on a luxury vessel, it might be good to check if there are any formal ‘dressed-up’ activities.
For visits ashore, warm clothing will be required, and also rubber boots and waterproofs for Zodiac (small boat) trips. However, it is possible to hire waterproof clothing on most ships. So it is not necessary to buy anything special for an Antarctic voyage; the traveller needs to simply make sure he has plenty of warm layers, in wool or fleece, to keep out the cold when making visits ashore.
Reading Matter and Board Games
Most cruise ships leave from Ushuaia in southern Argentina, and it is a long trip across the Southern Ocean. So even for a traveller who does not usually read a lot on holiday, it is worth taking some books, or board games, or something similar to while away the hours – there will be on-board lectures, but not for the whole trip! Reading about Antarctica and its wildlife is very likely to also add to one’s enjoyment of the trip.
Other Items - Camera, Medical Kit, Sunscreen, Diary etc
A camera is essential! Even if the traveller is not a photographer most of the time, Antarctica has some incredible scenery and wildlife…but nowhere to buy postcards. One should take far more film or memory cards than seem necessary, as everyone snaps many more photos than they would believe possible.
A small medical kit is a good idea, although all ships carry medical items and usually have a doctor on board. Seasickness on the long trip across the Southern Ocean - the Drake Passage - is extremely common, even among those travellers who rarely suffer from it, so it is worth taking your favoured remedy for this.
The Antarctic sun is strong, despite the cold, so sunscreen is a must. The traveller will also need good quality sunglasses to protect both from the sun and from the glare of the snow. Most of the time one will be well wrapped up, with only face and hands exposed to the elements, but even so, the strength of the sun should not be under-estimated.
Many people, even those who rarely put pen to paper, keep a diary while in Antarctica. After all, it is a one-off experience! So writing materials might be worth adding to the list.
And now…prepare for the most amazing trip of your life…
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