For many travelers, a journey to Antarctica is a bucket list adventure filled with wonderment, anticipation, excitement and perhaps a nervous stomach. After all, planning for the White Continent can feel overwhelming, with many questions looming about what to pack, how to prepare and what to expect once on arrival. Antarctica is earth’s coldest, driest and windiest continent, covered by a massive ice sheet and considered a polar desert. There is no permanent population in Antarctica. Instead, there is a fluctuating number of people, around 5,000 during the summer and 1,000 during the winter, who work at various research stations.

Aurora Expeditions can assist every step of the way. An experienced expedition travel company, Aurora Expeditions has been leading travelers to Antarctica for over 30 years. Its renowned expedition team – ranging from naturalists and historians to biologists and geologists – offers travelers the best of Antarctica through guided excursions, onboard presentations and first-hand storytelling.

Howard Whelan, Expedition Leader at Aurora Expeditions, says, “Visiting Antarctica is the adventure of a lifetime. Our job is to make sure every expeditioner feels prepared, confident and ready to enjoy it safely. Once you’re on board, we take care of the details so you can focus on what really matters — the wildlife, the landscape and the experience.”

With decades of hands-on experience navigating the mercurial nature of Antarctica’s extremes, Aurora Expeditions offers the following tips for traveling to Antarctica:

Smart Packing & Exclusive Gear

Travelers often overpack bulky gear, but ski clothing works as a baseline, layered with two to four insulation pieces and waterproof outerwear. (For passengers traveling to East Antarctica, additional layers such as a fleece or down jacket are recommended due to stronger winds and colder conditions.) Polar temperatures in the summer are similar to ski fields in the winter, so waterproofing is key. Waterproof trousers or ski pants are essential for Zodiac rides, and Polypropylene or merino wool layers are ideal as they stay warm even when damp.

With Aurora Expeditions, guests receive a complimentary Eco-Expedition Parka, made from recycled PET with reflective patches, a retractable pass pocket and a zip-away hood. Thoughtfully designed in partnership with Certified B Corp brand XTM, the jacket combines functionality with sustainability and is packaged using 100% landfill-free materials. Muck boots are provided for shore landings – essential for staying dry during Zodiac rides and on icy terrain.

Life Onboard The Ship

Life aboard the ship is casual. Comfortable pants, light sweaters and lightweight walking shoes with good grip are recommended for moving between indoor lounges and outdoor decks, where temperatures generally range between 59 – 77 degrees Fahrenheit. The atmosphere onboard is relaxed, so jeans or casual trousers and long-sleeve tops are appropriate. The vessel is air-conditioned with cozy lounges, observation areas and panoramic decks designed for comfort between landings, so there’s no need for formal wear.

Guests are also encouraged to pack a swimsuit to enjoy onboard jacuzzis or the Polar Plunge, a quick and exhilarating dip in the icy Antarctic waters that’s a traveler’s favorite. Many guests also enjoy winding down with a sauna session after a day of Zodiac cruising or wildlife watching.

Health and Comfort

Seasickness is common but manageable. Leaders recommend proven medications such as Dramamine, Avomine or scop patches, along with light meals, and keeping eyes on the horizon. Staying hydrated and spending time on deck in the fresh air can also help ease symptoms. Sea sickness usually subsides after the first 24-36 hours at sea as travelers find their ‘sea legs.’ Ginger tea or plain crackers can also help if medication isn’t preferred.

Sunscreen and chapstick are essential – the polar sun and glare off the ice can be surprisingly intense, even on overcast days. Travelers should bring SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm, along with a small moisturizer to prevent “polar hands,” dryness or cracking from the low humidity. Aurora also staffs each voyage with an experienced expedition doctor, available for consultations should guests need any assistance during the trip.

Wildlife & Adventure Essentials

Binoculars, a waterproof daypack and backup camera batteries help travelers capture every moment, from penguin colonies to breaching whales. Dry bags are also recommended for Zodiac rides to protect electronics. A waterproof daypack is useful for carrying essentials like water bottles, cameras and extra layers during shore excursions.

Other smart additions include sunglasses or ski goggles with UV protection to prevent snow blindness, collapsible hiking poles for stability on even terrain and merino thermals or insulated pants for guests visiting East Antarctica. Earplugs and a sleep mask are also handy additions for maximizing comfort onboard.

Responsible Travel

Aurora provides guidance throughout the voyage for minimizing plastic use onboard and following strict environmental guides during landings, ensuring travelers leave a positive impact on fragile ecosystems. Travelers are briefed on the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines, which cover everything from wildlife approach distances to biosecurity measures like disinfecting boots before each landing. Each expedition also features onboard lectures from naturalists and scientists, helping guests understand the fragile ecosystems they’re exploring and how collective stewardship protects these regions for generations to come.



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