As enthusiasts of wildlife travel, we believe every creature has something valuable to impart - from the grand blue whale to the tiny cephalopod, the formidable polar bear to the elusive Arctic fox.
But if you're seeking the most profound wisdom, look no further than our favorite flightless philosopher: the penguin.
Here are 22 priceless lessons we've gleaned from this wise species, each one proving that what the penguin lacks in flight, it more than makes up for in sagacity.
1. Show up on time, especially to ship launches
2. Let sleeping seals lie - unless they look too darn smug
3. Take time to contemplate life's deeper questions
4. But never miss a chance to play in the shallows
5. Sometimes you have to go along to get along
6. At other times, you have to walk your own path
7. Sometimes you have to stand your ground
8. And other times, it's best to find a peaceful agreement
9. Don't lose yourself in the crowd
10. Let your loved ones know you love them
11. Learn from others whenever possible
12. But don't listen to the naysayers
13. Remember to get your rest
14. Seriously, rest is very important
15. Without rest, you're nothing but a lump
16. Find friends you can be yourself around
17. But be open to others who are not like you
18. Waste not, want not
19. Learn and become who you are
20. Take pride in your true self
21. Live each day like you mean it
22. Then rest up for tomorrow
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10 Tips for Photographing the Northern Lights
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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.
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Six Seal Species You Might See On Your Greenland Cruise
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Going Green: Ascension Island Sea Turtles
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Greenland: Where the Kayak Was Invented
If you've ever enjoyed kayaking, you owe a debt of gratitude to the ancient Greenlandic Inuit who originally designed them for hunting. The thrilling adventures people now have navigating some of the world's most challenging rapids wouldn't be possible without the Inuit's need for a nimble form of water transportation. While travelers still use kayaks in this region, they are typically not fishing, whaling, or sealing. Consequently, recreational kayaks have been adapted to fit their new role.
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16 Conversation-Starting Svalbard Facts
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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!
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What the ice reveals about Antarctica
The continent you'll explore during your Antarctica cruise is far more than just an ice-covered land with penguins, whales, and seals. Beneath the thick ice lie hidden freshwater lakes teeming with thousands of microbes, hinting at a diverse array of life. In 2013, a team of researchers obtained the first uncontaminated water sample ever retrieved directly from an Antarctic lake.
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The First Buildings in Antarctica: Borchgrevink’s Historic Huts
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Port Lockroy: History, Post Office, and Resident Penguins
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The Ways and Wildlife of the Weddell Sea
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Book Recommendations for Your Polar Cruise
Though books can't replace the experience of visiting the polar regions, they make excellent companions for your journey. We reached out to our social media followers, many of whom are past or future travelers, to gather their recommendations for polar-related books. The results were impressive, and we've compiled them below in no particular order.
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Narwhals: the Aquatic Unicorns of the Arctic
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What’s so Special about East Spitsbergen?
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