5 Life Lessons Youll Learn In Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
5 Life Lessons You'll Learn in Antarctica

5 Life Lessons You'll Learn in Antarctica

Embarking on a journey to the Antarctic might seem daunting. However, cruise lines strive to simplify the process as much as possible. They typically assist with travel insurance, guide you to the embarkation point, and advise on the appropriate clothing to bring.

For these reasons, booking an Antarctic adventure is well within your reach – even if you’ve never experienced an expedition-style trip before.

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Everyone has a “far away”

Antarctic cruises attract people from all over the globe. While some may live closer to Antarctica, arriving by cruise ship levels the playing field. No one will be more of an Antarctic native than you, even those who have been exploring the polar regions for years.

Additionally, there may be moments when you need assistance during an Antarctic cruise, but there will also be times when your unique life experiences can benefit others. Helping fellow passengers can remind you of your own strengths.

You learn what’s important to you

Being away from your usual surroundings and people helps you realize what you truly miss.

Typically, loved ones top the list of things you miss. If you’re fortunate, your job or a beloved hobby might come next. As you continue down the list, you may start to identify things that are merely sources of stress in your life.

You don’t need stuff

While possessions can be enjoyable, packing for an Antarctic trip highlights the difference between what is necessary and what is excessive. You may discover that the essentials are more than enough to keep you content when life itself is thrilling.

You can slow time – sort of

As we age, time seems to accelerate. Ask someone in their 50s about the past decade, and they’ll likely say it flew by. Ask a child about the past school day, and they’ll say it dragged on.

There’s scientific reasoning behind these perceptions: New experiences stand out in our memories, while routine ones tend to blur together. These new experiences often give us the feeling of having spent more time on them. Since an Antarctic cruise is an extraordinary experience for almost everyone, why not embark on one and live a longer, fuller life?

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All things ice in the Antarctic - Nexta Expeditions
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All things ice in the Antarctic

The first documented sighting of an iceberg in Antarctica occurred on February 1, 1700, when Edmond Halley was on an expedition to measure the Earth's magnetic field. He noted in his diary that he encountered "great Islands of Ice, of Soe Incredible a hight and Magnitude that I scare dare to write my thoughts on it."
Get to Know Your Ice - Nexta Expeditions
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Get to Know Your Ice

Ice plays a crucial role in everything from cooling your drink to regulating the planet's temperature. Let's explore the various forms of ice you might encounter during an Arctic or Antarctic adventure.
Coming Back from the Brink: The Fur Seals of Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
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Coming Back from the Brink: The Fur Seals of Antarctica

Once hunted to the brink of extinction, the Antarctic fur seal is now one of the most populous and charismatic species of seal you’re likely to encounter during your Antarctica trips. Unlike other members of its large family, the fur seal has external ears, or pinnae, a short snout, and a thick coat of dark brown fur. Male seals tend to be larger than females, with weights ranging from 91 kg (200 lbs.) to 215 kg (474 lbs.).
The World Is Changing for Greenland's Native Inuit People - Nexta Expeditions
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The World Is Changing for Greenland's Native Inuit People

You may know them as Eskimos, but the people of the Arctic are officially called the Inuit. Historically, they were hunters in the truest sense. For hundreds of years, they survived the world’s harshest conditions, living off their prey of whales, seals, polar bears, musk oxen, birds, fish, and reindeer. This has always been their way of life.
South Georgia Whaling Stations - Nexta Expeditions
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South Georgia Whaling Stations

South Georgia is a paradise for animal enthusiasts. It stands out as one of the most wildlife-abundant destinations in our polar expeditions, whether in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
All About Ice: Glaciers and Icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctica - Nexta Expeditions
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All About Ice: Glaciers and Icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctica

South Georgia is a paradise for animal enthusiasts. It stands out as one of the most wildlife-abundant destinations in our polar expeditions, whether in the Northern or Southern Hemisphere.
Seven Facts About Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Penguins - Nexta Expeditions
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Seven Facts About Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic Penguins

Approximately 50 million years ago, Antarctica was detaching from the vast supercontinent of Gondwana, and penguins were emerging as a distinct species. Initially native to warmer regions, they gradually adapted to the cooling climate of Antarctica as they ventured further south.
What to pack for your Atlantic Odyssey voyage? - Nexta Expeditions
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What to pack for your Atlantic Odyssey voyage?

When packing, avoid burdening yourself with excessive clothing or gear. Opt for casual, practical attire that can be layered. Consider including the following:
Path of Polar Heroes: Hiking Shackleton’s Historic Route - Nexta Expeditions
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Path of Polar Heroes: Hiking Shackleton’s Historic Route

“We had seen God in his splendors, heard the text that Nature renders.” ~Ernest Shackleton
The Research Stations of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic - Nexta Expeditions
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The Research Stations of Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic

Numerous research stations operate throughout the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic, engaged in all manner of scientific inquiry. This article will cover the stations under the management of the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), which conducts year-round terrestrial and atmospheric research in some of the most compelling polar locations on Earth.
“The polar bear will still be there” - Nexta Expeditions
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“The polar bear will still be there”

For several hours, we had been navigating the pack ice in search of polar bears. Despite numerous binoculars scanning the ice, no bears were visible, and only a few tracks were found. This suggested we might be in an area with fewer bears. Later that morning, we decided to head a few miles east, suspecting a higher bear population there.
12 photo tips to make better pictures on your Antarctica cruise - Nexta Expeditions
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12 photo tips to make better pictures on your Antarctica cruise

During your trip in the Arctic or Antarctic cruise you and your camera equipment will be exposed to a variety of challenging conditions. Be careful with your equipment and protect it from the salty spray when in Zodiacs, on a beach, or on deck. Salt water and electronics is not a good mix!
Secrets of the Snowy Owl: Habitat, Adaptations, and Other Facts - Nexta Expeditions
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Secrets of the Snowy Owl: Habitat, Adaptations, and Other Facts

The snowy owl (Bubo scandiacus), also known as the great white owl or Arctic owl, is one of the most distinctive bird species on the planet. While you won’t find them in all areas of the Arctic – they don’t exist in Svalbard due to the lack of lemmings – snowy owls are seen in the polar regions of Eurasia and North America and are a potential visitor during Greenland cruises. The binomial species name, “scandiacus,” is derived from Scandinavia, as this is where the bird was first discovered. The snowy owl is the official bird of Quebec, and they are a must-see for countless bird watchers and naturalists.
The secrets of Antarctic seals revealed - Nexta Expeditions
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The secrets of Antarctic seals revealed

There are only six species of seals that inhabit the Antarctic: Southern elephant seals, Antarctic fur seals, crabeater seals, leopard seals, Ross seals, and Weddell seals. While we are familiar with these species, much about their lives remains a mystery.
Why a Polar Diving Cruise Should be Your Next Great Decision - Nexta Expeditions
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Why a Polar Diving Cruise Should be Your Next Great Decision

Not so very long ago, all you had to do to qualify as a thrill-seeker was hop a ship to the polar regions and make it back with all your fingers – or your life, if you weren’t picky.
Explore Antarctica Without Leaving Your Couch - Nexta Expeditions
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Explore Antarctica Without Leaving Your Couch

There are numerous ways to embark on an Antarctica expedition from the comfort of your home. Explore these fantastic resources to experience the White Continent without leaving your couch.
15 Falkland Islands Bird Photos - Nexta Expeditions
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15 Falkland Islands Bird Photos

The remote sub-Antarctic archipelago of the Falkland Islands is a haven for bird enthusiasts, offering a unique and abundant selection of birds, especially seabirds.
Svalbard’s Texas Bar - Nexta Expeditions
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Svalbard’s Texas Bar

Texas Bar is one of the historic areas we visit on certain Svalbard trips, and it always proves to be a cherished landing site among both our guides and guests. This might be surprising, however, given that its name can be a bit misleading.
Earth vs. Mars: Polar Regions Compared - Nexta Expeditions
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Earth vs. Mars: Polar Regions Compared

It’s well-known that Mars, like Earth, has its own polar regions, often referred to as the Martian ice caps. These regions, similar to Earth's, are situated at the north and south poles and experience much lower temperatures compared to the areas in-between.
Spitsbergen: Alkefjellet magic - Nexta Expeditions
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Spitsbergen: Alkefjellet magic

If they knew their way home, why not follow them? Equipped with GPS and compass, we approached the cliffs by zodiac. First, we heard the noise from the colony – the distinct calls of guillemots, kittiwakes, and Glaucous gulls. Then the cliffs gradually emerged from the mist.