One of America’s favorite pastimes is the family vacation. Many, if not all of us, have childhood memories of escaping to a lake, camp, city or some other point of interest for a brief interlude during the summer. After years of taking short trips, and sometimes long trips, a family begins to exhaust their new and exciting points of interest. Family vacation is supposed to be adventurous. It is supposed to teach us something and for mom and dad, it’s supposed give them something to brag about when they go back to work. Which is why I present the idea of going to Antarctica for your next vacation. It may seem hard to fathom Antarctica as a desired vacation destination, but I do believe it is the up and coming ‘it’ spot. In the extreme land down under you get an unforgettable adventure, the prestige of walking on a continent that very few have been to, and it can be very educational.
For the Antarctic tourist, adventure is the name of the game. Several companies offer vacation packages that rival epic movie proportions. Expedition cruise ships offer all the comforts and amenities of a luxury yacht, while incorporating the necessity of a fully equipped helicopter and zodiacs for quick excursions to the icy continent. Nothing says adventure like cold water splashing at the side of your water craft as you hurdle across the untamed sea. A blast of wind will chill you to the core and make you feel alive in the last true frontier. You will be bravely going where few men and women have gone before. Antarctica is adventure.
In addition to the incredible adventure you will be having, you will also be earning bragging rights like none other back home. Water cooler talk will never be the same when you return. While your colleagues are talking up their trip to boring Paris or bland Tokyo, will be able to one up them with a place that few people have ever set foot on. Your continent count will always be one higher than the next guy. You will be the guy they talk about to all their friends when they need to sound important. “Oh, yeah? Well, I know this guy who went to Antarctica for his vacation.” Yes, that will be you. You will be the coolest guy you know.
Also, Antarctica can be very educational. It is an amazingly unique ecosystem. Many research facilities have been erected in the name of science in this frozen place. Surprisingly, there is much more to be learned about how our earth works through the study of the microbiology present in the snow and ice caps that cover this lonely continent. Other scientific endeavors include drilling for core samples and tagging the creatures that call Antarctica home. Many species of penguins live along the shores and migrate inland to breed. Whales have known feeding and breeding routes in the waters that surround the south pole. Assorted varieties of birds call the drifting ice bergs home. There are a plethora of flora and fauna that can be found no where else on the planet and you would be able to see it all in person. You would be able to enjoy it and savor it as few people have ever done. You can learn a lot from visiting Antarctica.
In conclusion, you should consider Antarctica for your next vacation destination. As you can see, the world’s portrayal of Antarctica being a cold and desolate place that is uninhabitable by anything is a gross misconception. Antarctica is the greatest adventure you will have. All your vacations will pale in comparison to this epic journey to the bottom of the earth. You will be the envy of all serious vacationers that you encounter. No one’s vacation will be talked about as often or for as long as yours. The office will be buzzing about the pictures you capture of killer whales coming up for air mere feet from your kayak. When your boss wonders aloud where he should go for his next vacation, everyone will say in unison ‘Antarctica!’. The knowledge you gain there is something that no one can ever take from you. You will be the greatest authority on Antarctica in your circle of friends. Don’t overlook the last frontier the planet has to offer. Antarctica is the best choice for your next family vacation.
