After years of planning dream trips to Antarctica for my clients, I finally took the plunge and went myself. And yes—I’m that person who gets seasick on a ferry, so the Drake Passage had always been my biggest fear (!). But I was determined to experience this bucket list destination, and I’m thrilled to say I found a way to completely avoid seasickness. If you’re prone like me and want to know my secret, please get in touch —I’d love to share it with you.
When my husband asked why I picked a late-season voyage, I paused for a moment… and honestly, as departure day neared and the fear of rough seas kicked in, I started second-guessing myself too! But I had chosen Aurora Expeditions’ final trip of the season aboard the stunning Sylvia Earle, and now I wouldn’t have it any other way. While December through February is popular for 24-hour daylight and prime time for penguin activity, March offered something even more magical: jaw-dropping sunrises and sunsets that lit the ice in shades of pink, gold, and orange, along with playful penguin teens testing their independence—and most of all, WHALES. In Recess Cove (off Charlotte Bay), one of our guides said we’d be paddling in “whale soup”—and he wasn’t kidding. Humpbacks were everywhere, feeding in preparation for their long journey north. I had the pleasure of feeling whale breath with a touch of Antarctic water during the outing.
Video Credit: Mark Go
And with fewer visitors late in the season, we enjoyed moments of real solitude in one of the wildest places on Earth. In fact, I did not see another ship for the entire duration of the voyage.
Before heading south, I gave myself a few days in Buenos Aires to shake off the jet lag and dive into the city’s irresistible energy. I stayed at Mine Hotel in Palermo Soho—an area bursting with leafy streets, bold street art, and cafés that rival our best coffee spots back home. The nine-course tasting menu at Fogón Asado was a smoky, sensory dream, cooked over open flame and paired with local wines (a must-do, but please ask your travel designer to book you in early!). After Antarctica, I returned to BA for two nights at Hotel Palo Santo—and let me just say, it stole my heart in many ways. Spacious rooms, a fantastic location, an amazing in-house restaurant, gorgeous roof top pool with sunset views and lounges to chill and some of the warmest service I’ve ever encountered anywhere.
Arriving in Ushuaia felt like landing at the edge of the world. I couldn’t decide between two top hotels—Los Acebos and Las Hayas—so I stayed at both. Each offered jaw-dropping views over the Beagle Channel and a cozy, alpine vibe. Las Hayas offers fantastic spa facilities, both indoors and outdoors, and a touch of 5-star alpine luxury—a welcome indulgence after trekking in Tierra del Fuego National Park. I squeezed in a full-day adventure hiking and canoeing through Tierra del Fuego National Park. It was active, beautiful, and perfectly doable for most fitness levels. We even spotted fur seals playing in crystal-clear waters—a total pre-Antarctic dream day.
Climbing aboard the Sylvia Earle felt like stepping into an expedition built just for this moment. With its state-of-the-art X-Bow and a passionate team of experts, the ship handled the Drake like a champ. I joined the paddling group—something I’d never done before but ended up loving every moment. Aurora’s gear was top-notch, and our guides were equal parts pro and cheerleader, getting us geared up with patience and plenty of laughs. If you want details about the kayaking or paddling programs, please get in touch – I’d be thrilled to chat more.
Aurora Expeditions truly impressed me. Their ships are small and purpose-built for polar travel, with a staff-to-guest ratio that meant we got off the ship quickly and had tons of one-on-one time with experts. Two excursions a day were the norm (weather permitting), and even on a rough-weather day, the team found us a floating ice sheet teeming with Adélie & Chinstrap penguins and fur seals.
Their activity program is unmatched—think paddling, snorkelling, mountaineering, even diving! We were lucky to have Professor Graham Edward from the Tasmanian University aboard, sharing his work with the Reef Life Survey and how divers can contribute to global conservation efforts. If you’re a diver and want to get involved, let me know—I’d be happy to help connect you. And let’s not forget the creature comforts: delicious meals, post-paddle hot chocolate with a splash of Frangelico, freshly baked cookies daily, a heated deck glass infinity pool with two different temperatures, and a sauna with Antarctic views. Pure joy!
Photo credit: Pia Harboure
And I would like to applaud Aurora Expeditions for their contribution to sustainable tourism; it was amazing to see it in action. Aurora is certified 100% Climate Neutral, which means they measure and offset all emissions from their operations—including guest travel and logistics—through verified carbon offset projects that support reforestation, renewable energy, and biodiversity conservation. Aurora’s expedition ships carry a limited number of passengers (capped at 130), which not only allows for a more intimate experience but also reduces environmental impact. Fewer people means lower emissions per person and smaller groups during landings, minimizing disruption to wildlife and terrain.
Photo Credit: Mark Go
And because it was so outstanding, I must mention the food aboard Sylvia Earle—fresh, flavourful, and with an impressive variety every day. My best friend travelled with me, and she is a total “foody”; her husband used to be a chef, even she was impressed. Mornings started with a full buffet breakfast; I loved in particular the Bircher Musli. Lunches had a great selection of international cuisine, the Indian curries/vegetarian section was outstanding, but so was the steak and variety of seafoods and enormous salad bar. And dinners felt like a treat with full à la carte service across two cozy restaurants with incredible views. I saw countless whale tails and purposing penguins during mealtimes. And wine and beer were included with lunch and dinner, and we frequently were served a glass of bubbles for the cocktail hour or a shot of vodka after the polar plunge (!).
Photo Credit: Mark Go
Antarctica is one of those rare places where words truly fall short. Stepping onto the continent, surrounded by silence, ice, and the distant breath of whales, I felt something shift inside me. In the Weddell Sea, we wove through a forest of tabular icebergs as large as cities. One evening, we watched a fiery Southern Ocean sunset mirrored across endless ice—and I just stood there, quietly overwhelmed. As we sailed back to Ushuaia, my heart was full. Late March had given me a golden-hued, intimate version of Antarctica, and I can’t recommend it enough. If Antarctica is on your bucket list, don’t overlook the late season. For me, it was nothing short of magic.
Photo Credit: Mark Go
On my journey back to Australia, I had the opportunity to explore LATAM’s impressive Signature Lounge at Santiago’s Airport. As the largest airport lounge in South America, it features elegant interiors with soaring ceilings, curated Chilean art, and a sophisticated ambiance that rivals luxury hotels. The lounge is included for LATAM premium business class passengers, Black and Black Signature LATAM Pass program members, and Diamond or Platinum Delta Airlines loyalty program members. The lounge also offers beautifully designed showers, a variety of dining options, comfortable resting areas, and a beautifully designed bar, making it an ideal place to relax. Given that many LATAM flights to Australia depart late at night, having the lounge access on-route back, significantly improved my overall travel experience. If you can book early, we frequently have super business class deals with Latam to Santiago with discounted economy class flights within South America. Please ask me about this option. However, if you are flying economy class, several pay-to-use lounges within Santiago airport, such as the Salones VIP Pacific Club and the LATAM VIP Lounge, provide shower amenities for travellers seeking comfort during layovers. Additionally, the Holiday Inn Santiago – Airport Terminal, located directly across from the terminal, offers shower facilities and can be accessed without leaving the airport premises.
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