Antarctica Travel Facts
The Basics
Country: Antarctica
Where is it?: Continent mostly south of the Antarctic Circle
Why do people go here?: There is something to be said for a whole continent that no one owns, a location that even the most adventurous travellers will probably not get an opportunity to visit, and a landmass home to perhaps the cutest of animals, the penguin. You’ll have to scrimp and save to go there, but Antarctica is a true, relatively untouched destination. Fortunately for those who have yet to save up the big bucks, it looks as if it will remain that way for some time.
What are the main entry points?: There are various research destinations around the continent, each run by different ‘home’ countries. Cruise ships and research vessels are the most affordable choices, but those will still cost you a pretty penny. Flyovers of the continent from Australia are also offered, but it is very, very difficult to find a flight that lands on the continent.
Currency used: Norwegian Krone, Local currency, US Dollars
Country Code: 672
Population: Varies from 4,000 in summer to 1,000 in winter
Ethnic Breakdown: No indigenous inhabitants, but there are both permanent and summer-only staffed research stations
Government: 45 treaty member nations: 27 consultative and 18 non-consultative
Languages: Varies by research station
Travel Information
Major Cities: No capital
Attractions: Snow, Ice, ‘Last continent’
Accommodation: Must stay on a boat or research station
Tips for Visiting
When to go: During the winter, visits are impossible, however, the warmer months of January-March are great for whale watching, warmer, longer days and penguin viewing.
Specific Events/Holiday: Midwinter Day, June 22
Getting Around: You can’t exactly jump on a bus or train in Antarctica. Zodiacs (inflatable boats) will probably be your means of transport while you’re jetting from one place to another.
Good to know: It’s not going to be sort of cold, it’s going to be fringing major cold.
Cheapest airport to fly into: Christchurch Airport has been the base for all flights to Antarctica
Need more information?: Check out the Antarctica travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
Did you like this article?
Share it
Place a comment| Now you can also comment with your Facebook Account |
Rate this story
Follow Us
Subscribe to the BootsnAll articles RSS feed
Related articles found in:
Antarctica, Antarctica Nutz and BoltsRead similar items found across the BootsnAll Travel Network:
Travel Stories from around the Globe
What are the stupidest things travelers argue about? BootsnAll staff writer Jessica Spiegel talks about the ones she hates most, and includes a plea that we never argue about them again.
[Read more]
If you are wondering whether it would be worth it to bring your young children on a trip with you, reading Rachel Denning’s experiences and advice will likely convince you.
[Read more]
Somali pirates and Halloween pirates seem to get all the press these days, but there is a rich history out there of the real thing. Steve Bramucci takes us to five places where pirate tourism is easy to find.
[Read more]
Would you like to pretend you are Michael Palin, or perhaps someone else who gets to stay in historic colonial hotels in the East? Here’s a cheaper way, as Inga Kastrone takes us on a tour if 8 of the finest of these landmark properties.
[Read more]
You are probably aware of the big wine industries in Argentina and Chile, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Eileen Smith lives in Chile and here she explains where to look and what to taste throughout the continent.
[Read more]
