If you are tired of the usual vacation destinations like Canada and Mexico, come see Antarctica. Many people have been visiting Antarctica recently. It’s sometimes referred to as the cold, dark continent down under. School children may read about Antarctica in their books, but the rest of us seem to have forgotten this continent.

Getting there is a long journey, with many visitors departing from major hubs like New York. From there, they make their ways down to either Buenos Aires or the most southern of all cities — Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. Once reaching this destination and following a couple days of local sight seeing and orientation, travelers will board an Argentine Navy transport following a tugboat and an ice breaker to sail across the Drake Passage for exciting travel and amazing adventure. The 600 miles between South America and Antarctica is known as the Drake Passage. It is a remarkably rough area. If you want more comprehensive info on Antarctica travel information that site will help you.

A successful passage through these waters earned early seamen the right to put one foot on the table after dinner was over. After the dinner port was passed, he could put one foot on the table. And if he had actually crossed the Antarctic Circle, he was allowed to put both his feet on the table. Even to this day, you will sometimes see sailors propping a foot or two on the table in honor of this tradition.

If you are brave enough to sail to Antarctica can now do more than carve their initials into an iceberg or feed penguins.Those on the tour will be able to visit several U.S. and Argentine science stations. You’ll see actual scientists who are looking at glacial biology, marine life, meteorology and planet movement, among other items. You’ll find the people living at these stations to be knowledgeable and very friendly.

You’ll have the chance to help with a scientific exploration of your choosing. Tourist may see that, according to one study, Antarctic water holds more living matter than the same amount of water anywhere else on the planet. Even though tour members are required to stay on board the ship at night, many enjoy excursions into the accessible areas each day, either by foot or boat. During the winter in the United Statesis at the same time as summer in Antarctica. Even with relatively balmy summer temperatures of thirty degrees, the Antarctic summer is brisk due to the frigid winds. Despite the cold temperatures, tourists will find that they stay warm in the gear that is provided for them; including long pants, mittens and parkas. Go to this site for further information on trips to Antarctica.

Meeting elephant seals, weighing up to two and a half tons each, and sea leopards is part of the tour. A whale graveyard can be visited, too. Although huge bones of whale vertebrae scatter the beaches, your guides will probably recommend not trying to stow any away in your luggage. If you do, you can pay an arm and a leg in overweight charges on your flight back from Buenos Aires.

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