I highly recommend you take the scenic route to/from Antarctica [link to overall Christmas Post here]. It is going to severely complicate your packing but will be totally worth it in the end!

I traveled to Antarctica at the beginning of the summer (early December) so I had the best of both worlds – the sun never went down, snow everywhere, but it wasn’t so cold that I regretted being outside 🙂

Since you are almost certainly traveling through a company, READ THEIR PREP DOCUMENTATION. I guarantee they have a section on packing and regulations. Start there, then see what I did.

My packing list starts with the staples: My ESSENTIAL TRAVEL GEAR: I never travel without everything on this list!

Snow Suit/Jacket: Since I’m someone that’s always cold, I chose to go with a onesie for my snow suit. And since I’m a little ‘extra’ and was traveling with My Life’s a Travel Tribe I went with a bright pink metallic onesie— OBVIOUSLY. Make sure to check any regulations given to you by your tour company. Mine required any fur (real or fake) be removable from clothing. Some companies will also provide you with jackets as well which means you don’t need to bring your own (saves on space!)

Boots: I guarantee your tour company provides these to you. You will use them every time you get off the ship, which also saves you a ton of space in your suitcase! Unless you plan on doing any treking through the snow elsewhere in your trip, don’t even pack any, you won’t use them!

Layers: Layers will be your friend. Since everything about Antarctica will be ‘weather dependent’ you will want to have options. Marino wool is always an easy, obvious, good for you layer! I also had a fitness-type material layer, cotton layer, and fleece layer. That’s what works best for me to mix and match depending on weather. Also note – you will leave the ship multiple times usually for an hour or so each. There is ZERO need for you to bring a ton of layers, just keep re-wearing layers day after day. I rotated two sets over the 10 off-ship excursions I had.

Warm Accessories: Hats, ear warmers, finger gloves to go inside snow proof mittens, hand warmers, neck warmers

Other Useful Accessories: I put my phone on a lanyard so I could wear it around my neck. This was AMAZING to keep it nearby without going in and out of pockets, or worrying about dropping it! While there was water everywhere, I took a yeti with me as well so I could make sure I was staying hydrated on the trip.

Ship-Wear: This all depends on personal preference, but I dressed like apres-ski clothing. Leggings with oversized sweaters or sweatshirts. I also basically wore the same 2-3 outfits the entire time. So does everyone else, no need to be fancy. Be comfortable. I bought these adorable boots to wear on the ship. They were comfy and had good grip for the rough drakes passage days.

Your ship likely has a jacuzzi – so you’ll want a swimsuit and shoes you don’t mind getting wit for going in and out. Your room likely comes with a robe so that’s the only coverup you’ll need going back and forth!

If your ship does a Captains Dinner (or something similar) it will be a ‘formal’ evening. For women, honestly, we have it easy. I bought a $50 dress and wore my boat shoes with it. I left it behind, I only bought it because WHY NOT have a sparkle dress when going to Antarctica…. live a little 😉

Pack light – you will be re-wearing pretty much everything you brought. This is an expedition, not a fancy resort. You are traveling with other adventurous, laid back, cool individuals like yourself. No need to get too fancy. Except for the Captains dinner – in which case – buy that cheap gown 😉

Read the full trip: South America & Antarctica in Six Weeks →