My husband and I have traveled all over and wanted to visit all 7 continents. We finally went to Antarctica, and it was amazing.

05.01.2025 - 13:41 / insider.com / Drake Passage

My husband and I just marked a significant milestone by visiting our seventh continent together: Antarctica . During the past 20 years, our mutual love for exploration has taken us to every corner of the globe, but our recent journey to this vast, icy desert feels distinctly different.

Once a destination reserved for scientists and the most intrepid travelers, Antarctica has become more accessible in recent years thanks to expedition voyages offered by various companies. We embarked on an extraordinary 11-day adventure to Antarctica with National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions.

Here's what it's like to visit Antarctica and why we're glad we saved the "frozen" continent for last.

The flight itinerary included a 24-hour, two-connection route from the US to Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world. We spent one night at Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa, which has fantastic views of the town and the Beagle Channel.

The following morning, we ventured briefly to Tierra del Fuego National Park. In the early evening, we boarded our vessel, ready to set sail on an exciting seven-night voyage.

Though Antarctica's harsh conditions left my fingertips frozen daily, setting foot on its pristine, glacial landscapes filled me with an unexpected sense of warmth and wonder. The awe of being immersed in such a stunning setting made every challenge worthwhile.

Each day was a thrilling adventure. We boarded zodiac boats to reach remote bays for morning and afternoon excursions, engaging in various activities from serene kayaking to invigorating hikes. Between these outings, we gained a deeper understanding of the continent's unique ecosystem and marine life through expert-led presentations on various topics, including (of course) penguins. We learned that penguins can take up to 10,000 naps per day, each lasting about 4 seconds.

Throughout the trip, we had close encounters with these adorable creatures. We watched them porpoise through the cerulean waters, gracefully leaping in and out with remarkable agility. On land, we watched them waddle and slide on their bellies up and down the "penguin highways" — well-worn paths carved by penguins walking the same routes between the ocean and their colonies.

When not on an excursion, we made the most of our time aboard the ship. The main lounge was a delightful place to unwind, socialize with fellow travelers , and enjoy incredible views. Although I experienced some queasiness while crossing the infamous Drake Passage, we were fortunate to have traversed the "Drake Lake." Our expedition leader said we were blessed with some of the calmest seas he had ever seen.

We also enjoyed meal options like butter confit lobster tail and a special Thanksgiving