Antarctica

Itineraries While we intend to adhere to the route described in your contract, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion, it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations.
The contract is a general guide to the tour, region and proposed itinerary any mention of specific wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be encountered, as we can never guarantee what mother nature has to offer us.
Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Accommodation If a room category is unexpectedly fully booked, we will always contact you before booking an alternative. We will always offer alternatives of the same level and value for money. Kindly note that water is scarce in many parts of the world, so we always recommend taking short showers and reuse towels if possible.

Emergency Contact Should you need to contact Your Travel Nation during a situation of dire need. If you do not receive an immediate answer for any reason, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. We have an emergency line, which will connect you directly with our office.
+1 757 656 3391 

Packing list
Documents:
• Flight info (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the immigration)
• Insurance info (With photocopies)
• Passport  (With photocopies)
• Required visas or vaccination certificates  (With photocopies)
• Copy of your contract

Essentials:
• Any medication you might need: This should include medication for possible common situations like headaches or diarrhoea;
• Sunblock, sunglasses, hat, and lip balm.
• Your electronic devices and chargers.
For camera and lenses; we recommend bringing a wide lens (about 17-55mm) for those scenery pictures, and a go pro; Renting a camera is not possible. As it can get very humid in the jungle; please ensure your camera equipment is appropriate for such conditions and that you bring dry bags to protect it.
•  Clothes: Comfortable, sturdy footwear with long, thick socks are essential for icy terrains - muck boots are ideal. Very warm clothing with thermal layers is similarly essential, including good quality, well-insulated parka with space for layers beneath. A lightweight hoody works well beneath a more robust parka, or use as an upper layer on warmer summer days. Waterproof trousers will protect you from inevitable icy splashes when on Zodiacs to landing areas and you'll need waterproof gloves.
• Refill water bottle;
• Adaptor

Laundry Hand washing of clothes can be done at most of the hotels where you will stay. We recommend you bring a non-polluting/biodegradable soap, as well as a roll of simple string to act as a drying line for your clothes. If you arrive in the late afternoon, or if there is poor weather, it may not be possible for your clothes to completely dry. Your hotels may also have a laundry service available at an additional fee.

Visa & Entry requirements Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required. However, the countries that signed the Antarctic Treaty's Protocol on Environment Protection require that visitors from those countries (including the USA, Canada, EU and Australia) need permission. This is nearly always through tour operators. Your passport should be valid for the duration of your trip and 6 months following your entry, depending on your country of residency.

Insurance A travel insurance is highly recommended when travelling. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that we highly recommend good medical coverage and repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects.
We don’t issue any insurances; however, we recommend using www.worldnomads.com

Health We recommend you contact your family physician, or your local travel clinic for the most up-to-date health information at least three months before departure or in case of a last-minute tour, as soon as you confirm your travels. Travellers are also advised to carry a basic first-aid kit and hand sanitisers/antibacterial wipes on their travels. Medical facilities are basic throughout these countries. For your own safety, we strongly recommend that you advise your local guide of any medical condition that may affect you while travelling. Your local guide will be able to inform you of local health advisories (e.g. drinking water quality). Please ensure you have all the inoculations recommended by your doctor. 

Allergies and dietary restrictions This is something we take very seriously. Upon booking with us, we will send you a form in which you will be able to indicate any dietary preference or restriction or any specific request you might have. We will then provide that information in advance to all the hotels and the ship.

Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. 
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, bank cards, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of your group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our local guides have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.

Photography and drone laws There are no drones or UAVs allowed in South Georgia, Greenland or Svalbard. In a nutshell, all recreational use of drones in Antarctica and the Arctic is banned.

Electricity While touring Antarctica there are typically two different types of outlets in your cabin. A 110v US outlet and a 220v EU outlet. 

Climate Antarctica is the coldest continent on earth and harbours a climate of extremes that shapes its beautiful frozen land and seascapes. Temperatures are below frozen year-round. Antarctic expedition cruises take place between November and March coinciding with the calmest sea conditions on the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica (a two-day voyage).

The best time to visit Christmas and New Year sailings are the busiest, not least because of December and January experience long days with the least cold temperatures of the year. Travel in February or March for whale spotting; penguin chicks also hatch at this time. In November, courtship rituals can be observed as the temperature warms. 

Plastic bags Plastic bags are banned from entering Antarctica. However, plastics carrier items known as “Ziplock bags” that are specifically used to carry toiletries will be permitted as they are expected to remain in the permanent possession of visitors and are not expected to be disposed of in the country.  

Money and currency Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. We always recommend carrying enough cash if you would like to pay for something in a remote place and the credit card machine cannot connect to any network.

Tipping The customary gratuity at the end of the voyages for stewards and other service personnel aboard, we will provide you with guidelines.

Dress code Comfortable, sturdy footwear with long, thick socks are essential for icy terrains - muck boots are ideal. Very warm clothing with thermal layers is similarly essential, including good quality, well-insulated parka with space for layers beneath. A lightweight hoody works well beneath a more robust parka, or use as an upper layer on warmer summer days. Waterproof trousers will protect you from inevitable icy splashes when on Zodiacs to landing areas and you'll need waterproof gloves. Take binoculars for spotting wildlife on land and sea and a camera with spare battery and memory cards. In summer the sun can be bright and reflects off the snow, so take a high UV protective sun cream and lip balm. Onboard, you will likely have a mixture of formal, informal and casual evening dinners. As such, you should pack appropriately to ensure you can attend any special evening functions held on board. Gentlemen usually require a fitted jacket.