Posted: 1/18/2020 | January 18th, 2020

Tucked away in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle is the birthplace of Starbucks and grunge music and home to some of the biggest tech companies in the world. But it’s also surrounded by stunning landscapes, with both the ocean and the mountains within easy reach. It’s known for being a laid-back, eclectic city — and an expensive one too.

Since Seattle can be a little pricey, budget travelers will likely want to stay in a hostel. Even with the prevalence of Airbnb, hostels in Seattle are still the cheapest form of accommodation — and they’re usually perfect for meeting other travelers too.

Seattle only has four hostels, and to help you plan your visit and save money, here are my reviews of each of them:
 

1. Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel

This is my favorite hostel in Seattle. The dorm beds have privacy curtains, and there are enough outlets to charge everything you might bring. The rooms aren’t very large though, and the luggage storage is under the bottom bunk, so if you’re sleeping there and your bunkmate needs something, you’ll definitely hear it. You’ll also hear music and people late at night, given its central location, so bring earplugs.

That said, the bathrooms here really set this hostel apart from others: they have rainfall showerheads and heated tile floors. The hostel also provides free breakfast, complete with eggs, cereal, fruit, and bread. There is a communal kitchen and common room with foosball and other games. They also run free walking tours and pub crawls and even host weekly ice cream socials!

Green Tortoise is located across the street from the iconic Pike Place Market (as well as the first-ever Starbucks). It’s also not far from other well-known sites, like the Great Wheel and the Crocodile (a bar famous for its live music — Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and other famous bands have played here). If you want the best hostel experience in the city, stay here.

Beds from $35 USD, rooms from $98 USD a night

—> Book your stay at Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel!
 

2. HI Seattle at the American Hotel

The HI Seattle at the American Hotel offers same-sex dorm rooms (there are no co-ed dorms here) with shared bathrooms, as well as private rooms, some with en suite bathrooms. Rooms here are basic, but the beds are comfortable.

The kitchen is the best thing about the hostel, as it’s large and perfect for cooking your own meals (there’s also an international grocery store a quick walk away). Free continental breakfast is included, though it’s nothing fancy.

The hostel is only minutes away from both the BoltBus and Amtrak stations, and its location in Chinatown/International District means there are lots of affordable restaurants nearby. It’s also close to historic Pioneer Square (which is home to tons of hip coffee shops, art galleries, and restaurants), as well as the Pinball Museum, Smith Tower (the oldest skyscraper in the city), the ferry terminal, and the Underground City. It’s just over a mile from Pike Place Market too.

Beds from $31 USD, rooms from $75 USD a night

—> Book your stay at HI Seattle at the American Hotel!
 

3. HotelHotel Hostel

HotelHotel Hostel offers a laid-back atmosphere and clean, comfortable dorms, which come with either en suite or shared bathrooms. It has a small kitchen and a basic free continental breakfast, both of which can help lower your budget if you plan on cooking your own meals. There is no common room though, so it’s not super easy to meet people. Also, there is a limited number of bathrooms and showers, so sometimes you may have to wait to get in.

It’s located in the quirky neighborhood of Fremont, where you’ll find the Fremont Troll, a massive statue underneath the Aurora Bridge, as well as a year-round Sunday market offering antiques, art, and food trucks.

Beds from $30 USD, rooms from $89 USD a night

—> Book your stay at HotelHotel Hostel!
 

4. City Hostel

If you like art, you’ll love City Hostel, as its 40+ rooms were recently redesigned, renovated, and repainted by local artists. Most rooms have squeaky bunk beds, and some rooms can get loud because of the bars and clubs nearby, but everything is quite clean.

Free breakfast is included, and there’s an outdoor patio and BBQ, a communal kitchen, a fireplace, and a 20-seat theater too. It’s a great place for being social and meeting people.

City Hostel is a 10-minute walk to Pike Place Market and nearby attractions like the Space Needle, .

Beds from $30 USD, rooms from $89 USD a night

—> Book your stay at City Hostel!

***

Whether you’re looking for a quiet hostel or somewhere social and lively, Seattle has it. The prices are reasonable (relative to other US hostels), and there are tons of awesome activities and amenities to keep you entertained and help you meet other travelers.

And with Vancouver to the north and Portland to the south (each only a few hours away), Seattle is the perfect base to explore the Pacific Northwest.

Just be sure to book your stay in advance. With only four hostels in the city, rooms disappear fast. Book early, save money, and have an awesome trip!

Photo credit: 1, 2, 3, 4

The post My 4 Favorite Hostels in Seattle appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Posted: 1/18/2020 | January 18th, 2020

Montreal is one of the world’s best cities (at least in my opinion). From its lovely parks and historic downtown to its incredible music, art, and foodie scenes, Montreal is amazing.

It also has robust hostel offerings, with dozens to choose from. In my visits to the city, I’ve stayed at numerous hostels but always come back to my favorites listed below. To me, these are the best!

1. M Montreal

M Montreal is huge, with nearly 500 beds. The facilities are pretty great: there’s a rooftop terrace, two jacuzzis, nightly activities in a basement bar open from 3 p.m. to 3 a.m., a café, and free breakfast (though it’s not anything special). The hostel is a quick 10-minute walk from Old Montreal and also close to both the popular Latin Quarter and Festival District.

M Montreal’s super clean rooms run the gamut from female dorms to private apartments, and all have en suite bathrooms. I liked the pod feeling to the beds: they include a curtain so you can get some privacy, as well as outlets and a light. The mattresses are pretty uncomfortable (basically a gym mat), but the social vibe, plethora of activities, and friendly staff more than make up for that.

Beds from $22 USD, rooms from $83 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at M Montreal!

2. HI Montreal

HI Montreal is a pretty standard hostel but perhaps one of the best situated in town: it’s a two-minute walk from the metro, which delivers you straight to breathtaking Old Montreal. The hostel offers both spotless dorms and private rooms that are clean and comfortable.

The common room comes with a pool table, plus the hostel has a large kitchen stocked with basics so you don’t have to lug them around with you, a café, a bar, and free breakfast daily. It also offers daily activities, including bike tours, walks, a pub crawl, and even poutine tastings.

Beds from $19 USD, rooms from $61 USD a night

—> Book your stay at HI Montreal!

3. Samesun Montreal Central

Samesun Montreal Central is what some would consider a party hostel, thanks to its happy hour and bar getting a lot of action. Rooms here are clean and comfortable, and each features a microfridge, plus reading lights and outlets for each bed. The recently renovated private rooms are some of the best for the price and include cable, a fridge, and a desk.

There’s complimentary breakfast that includes freshly made muffins, waffles, and eggs. Located in the same area as M Montreal, this hostel is smaller and has a more community, homey feel to it. If you’re looking for something more old school and traditional, stay here.

Beds from $22 USD, rooms from $38 USD a night

—> Book your stay at Samesun Montreal Central!

4. Le Gîte du Plateau Mont-Royal

Le Gîte du Plateau Mont-Royal is a five-minute walk to Rue Saint-Denis, only 10 minutes to Old Montreal, and 20 to the famous Parc du Mont-Royal.

The hostel itself is bright and colorful, and offers clean and cozy rooms and shared bathrooms. Rooms range from dorms to studios and have sinks; if you opt for a dorm, take note that there are only two bathrooms per floor, so sometimes there’s a wait. There’s a common area to chill out in, plus a rooftop terrace to enjoy when the weather warms up. Breakfast with pancakes and maple syrup is free.

Beds from $18 USD, privates from $51 USD a night

—> Book your stay at Le Gîte du Plateau Mont-Royal!

5. Auberge Saint-Paul

Exposed brick and stone in the rooms give Auberge Saint-Paul a historic feel, which adds to its charm. Located near Montreal’s Old Port, this hostel is clean and bright and includes a state-of-the-art (and magnificent) kitchen, free Wi-Fi, a basic complimentary breakfast, air conditioning, and a common area for mingling with others.

There’s a bar below the hostel playing loud music until late, so bring earplugs. If you don’t want to drop $5 on a lock to secure your belongings, be sure to bring your own. While the bathrooms could use a little refresh, Auberge Saint-Paul has everything you need in a hostel: cleanliness, space, a large kitchen, and a great location.

Beds from $16 USD, rooms from $58 USD a night

—> Book your stay at Auberge Saint-Paul!

6. The Alternative Hostel of Old Montreal

If you’re looking for a place with a boho feel, this is it. Located in the historic area of the city and a short jaunt to the city center, this vibrant hostel is in a restored warehouse that was built more than a century ago (1857) and has retained the quirks that make it special, like high ceilings, arched windows, exposed stone, and hardwood floors.

Besides its eclectic and artsy vibe, the hostel includes a common room, a kitchen, complimentary continental breakfast, and Wi-Fi that reaches up to its top floor. What it doesn’t have is an elevator — and rooms start on the third floor, so it’s a walk up with your gear.

Beds from $16 USD, rooms from $43 USD a night

—> Book your stay at The Alternative Hostel of Old Montreal!

7. Alexandrie-Montreal

Alexandrie-Montreal offers basic dorms on the cheap (you’ll have to go to the basement to use the bathroom, which can mean four flights of stairs), renovated dorms with en suite bathrooms, and private double rooms with shared bathrooms. It features a huge kitchen with plenty of storage (a whopping five refrigerators), a lounge in its basement that’s open all the time, and a rooftop terrace. It’s also close to many Montreal attractions, including Chinatown and the Latin Quarter, and there are tons of markets and restaurants nearby.

This is a budget hostel and it doesn’t camouflage it. Not all of the rooms have air conditioning, and the Wi-Fi is spotty at best throughout the hostel. But Alexandrie-Montreal does have some perks, like a basic free breakfast and free use of its washer and dryer.

Beds from $18 USD, rooms from $49 USD a night

—> Book your stay at Alexandrie-Montreal!

***

If you’re looking for the best hostels in Montreal, stay at one of those listed above. If there’s one you stayed in and liked that’s not listed, let me know in the comments. Tell us why you like it!

The post The 7 Best Hostels in Montreal appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Posted: 1/18/2020 | January 18th, 2020

With its historic colonial buildings, die-hard sports fans, and lively nightlife, Boston is one of my favorite cities in the US (and I’m not just saying that because it’s where I grew up!).

Boston has been a commercial hub since the 17th century and holds an important place in American history. After the Boston Tea Party in 1773, it became a pivotal bastion of support for the US War of Independence. Even today, the city is brimming with history and has lots to offer. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to understand the roots of modern America.

Since it isn’t the most affordable destination, budget-conscious travelers and backpackers are probably going to want to save money however they can. That means finding budget-friendly accommodation.

Like most US cities, Boston doesn’t have many hostels. But the ones it does have are modern, clean, safe, and social for the most part.

To help you save money during your visit, here are the best hostels in Boston:
 

1. HI Boston

HI Boston is the best hostel in town. It offers both same-sex and mixed dorms, and each bed comes equipped with a shelf, outlets, and a locker. The private rooms are modern and have more of a hotel feel to them; they also come with TVs and a bathtub (which is largely unheard of in a hostel).

The hostel also has a free continental breakfast, a kitchen to cook your own meals in, and a common room complete with TV, pool table, and a piano. They also organize free city tours and host dinners, among other activities. It’s a very social hostel.

HI Boston is located close to the Freedom Trail, the Boston Common, and Chinatown. More attractions, like the campuses of Harvard and MIT, are a only few T (subway) stops away.

Beds from $25 USD, private rooms from $101 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at HI Boston!
 

2. Boston Fenway Inn

The Boston Fenway Inn is the cheapest hostel in town. But you get what you pay for, so expect basic accommodations. The rooms here can get cold in the winter, and the windows let in a lot of sound from nearby restaurants and bars. Bathrooms aren’t plentiful, and sometimes there are lines. And if you’re not one of the first to shower, you may miss out on hot water.

Breakfast is included but is quite basic (toast and coffee) unless you wake up early and grab pastries before they’re gone. It also doesn’t have a full kitchen, and the common room is set up with tables and chairs, so it’s not super comfy.

However, the hostel is located in a prime spot near the affluent Back Bay neighborhood, a picturesque and historic neighborhood with designer boutiques, indie shops, and some of the best spots in town to eat and drink. The hostel is close to Fenway Park, the stunning Boston Public Library, the Museum of Fine arts, and the Mapparium.

Beds from $19 USD, private rooms from $54 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at Boston Fenway Inn!
 

3. FOUND Hotel Boston Common

FOUND Hotel Boston Common is one of the oldest hotels in the city. Renovated in 2018, it has much more of a hotel feel to it. There isn’t a common room or kitchen, so it’s not easy to meet other travelers here, and the rooms here are small (some of the private rooms have hardly enough space for the bed).

But it’s a short walk to Boston Common and the Public Garden and has plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs nearby. It’s also just over one block from the subway, so it’s easy to get to other attractions in town.

If you want a place that’s quiet, tidy, comfortable, and not particularly social, then book your stay here.

Beds from $36 USD, private rooms from $82 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at FOUND Hotel Boston Common!
 

4. Boston Homestel

Located in an old house a few miles outside of the city center (but close to the JFK Library), Boston Homestel offers simple rooms and dorms. The rooms here are clean and bright but don’t have much to them. The beds aren’t the most comfortable, but the quiet location makes it easier to fall asleep than in other hostels in the heart of the city.

The hostel has a common room and a small kitchen, but not much more. It’s a quiet hostel, so don’t come to Boston Homestel expecting a party.

Beds from $37 USD, private rooms from $87 USD a night.

—> Book your stay at Boston Homestel!
 

5. Backpackers Hostel & Pub

Backpackers Hostel & Pub is a social hostel located in Everett, just outside the city. It’s not fancy by any means, but it has a lively atmosphere and free breakfast (which is a big plus for budget-savvy travelers). The dorms are large and not particularly fancy or comfortable (most are 8-10 beds), but the drinks are cheap, and it’s just a 10-minute drive from downtown by car (25 minutes by public transportation).

The staff are super friendly and helpful, and they also offer a free shuttle pickup service from the nearest T (subway) station (which is a 30-min walk away). They have a kitchen too, so you can easily cook your own meals here to save even more money. It’s a busy, social hostel.

Beds from $40 USD a night (private rooms not available).

—> Book your stay at Backpackers Hostel and Pub!
 

6. Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships

Available from June through September, this is easily the coolest place to stay in town: a functional sailing vessel, the Liberty Clipper. It’s a wooden three-mast ship with cozy cabins for rent. While the rooms are small, the experience is unlike anything else Boston has to offer.

Towels and linens are included, and the hot water is plentiful. There is no Wi-Fi, however, and you need to leave the ship during the day. But if you’re looking for a unique experience, this is hard to beat. It’s also a great choice for couples.

Cabins from $60 USD a night.

Book your stay at Liberty Fleet of Tall Ships!

***

Whether you’re looking to stay in the heart of town or in more quiet accommodations further afield, Boston will have something for you. While the rock-bottom budget options are limited, the facilities at the better hostels will not leave you wanting.

Even with the prevalence of Airbnb here, hostels are still the cheapest accommodation option. Just be sure to book early and you’ll be able to find a bed, meet new travelers, and save some money in the process!

Photo credit: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

The post My 6 Favorite Hostels in Boston appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Happy Saturday and welcome to another Home Style Saturday. From home decor and organizing for winter, to mom’s delicious vegetable beef soup, you’ll be warm and cozy with today’s post. Enjoy! 

The post Home Style Saturday 174 appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

I’m back today with an exciting tour of the HGTV Dream Home 2020 in Hilton Head, SC. What a treat it was to get invited to tour behind the scenes of this stunning coastal low-country home on the marshy waters of the SC coast. I love Hilton Head anyway and it was fun to go back. I hadn’t been there in 20 years and it’s really grown, but still retains the charm I remember when I went there so many times in the 80’s and 90’s.

This coastal style home sits on an absolutely beautiful piece of property and the backyard views are enviable. I can’t wait to show you more. There are a lot of beautiful pro pictures online too, if you are dying to see more. I tried to capture it from a birds eye perspective, so I hope you enjoy. There’s a page for shopping the home here if you see anything that catches your eye. I don’t have all the sources or colors though.

The post HGTV Dream Home 2020: Hilton Head, SC appeared first on Southern Hospitality.

The southern region of Spain is a lovely fusion of culture, architecture, and natural beauty. Colorful fiestas with loud locals in flamenco dresses dancing and drinking along the streets, pilgrimages where large statues of praised saints are carried for miles followed by decorated horses, tractors, and devoted people. A varied landscape of rolling hills, steep …

Read more15 Memorable Places to Visit in Andalusia

The post 15 Memorable Places to Visit in Andalusia appeared first on Everything Everywhere Travel Blog.

Updated: 1/16/2020 | January 16th, 2020

Let’s face it: not everyone is going to able to travel. Whether it’s money, family obligations, or circumstance, travel is out of reach for a large percentage of the world’s population.

In the “quit your job to travel the world” cheerleading that happens so often on travel websites (including this one), we often forget that it’s not so easy for everyone.

Years on the road have shown me that, for many of us, our inability to travel is part a mindset issue (since we believe travel is expensive, we don’t look for ways to make it cheaper) and part a spending issue (we spend money on things we don’t need).

Those that go shopping often, have decent jobs, spend a lot on avocado toast, or whatever it is they spend money on are more often than not prioritizing travel.

Additionally, our culture says travel is expensive and, without a frame of reference to know that is wrong, people just assume it’s right.

But there are those for whom no mindset change, spending cuts, or budget tips will help them travel — those who are too sick, have parents or children to care for, face great debt, or work three jobs just to pay their rent.

After all, 2.8 billion people — nearly 40% of the world’s population — survive on less than $2 USD a day!

In my home country of the United States, 14% of the population is below the poverty line, 46 million people are on food stamps, many have to work two jobs to get by, and we have a trillion dollars in student debt dragging people down.

No tips found any website will magically make travel a reality for those people.

Those of us who do travel are a privileged few.

Whether we quit our jobs to travel the world, spend two months in Europe, or take our kids on a short vacation to Disney World, we get to experience something most people of the world will never get a chance to do.

We overlook that fact too often. We overlook how lucky we are. As I’ve started building FLYTE — a foundation to help high schools take economically disadvantaged students on educational trips overseas, I’ve thought a lot about privilege.

I grew up in a predominately white, middle-class town with parents who paid my college tuition. I had a job after college that allowed me to live on my own, take vacations, and still save for my first trip around the world. And, because I speak English, I easily found work teaching English in Thailand, where I could save to extend my travels.

That’s not to say that hard work doesn’t count. But hard work doesn’t exist in a bubble and the circumstances that create the opportunities for hard work to bear fruit are often more important.

I’ve met people of all ages, incomes, abilities, and nationalities on the road. Folks like Don and Alison, who are backpacking the world at 70; Michael, who worked 60-hour weeks at a minimum-wage job; Cory, who travels the world in a wheelchair; Ishwinder, who didn’t let visa restrictions stop him; and countless others.

But even they had circumstances that allowed them to travel — support from family and friends, jobs that allowed for overtime, or other skills. They weren’t barely getting by or on social assistance. They didn’t wonder if they could afford their next meal.

I worked hard to where I am. I’m sure you’ve worked hard too. One’s work isn’t less because of opportunity. But I think it’s important to remember that the circumstances around you make your work easier to bear fruit than others. It’s easier to succeed when you don’t have to worry about housing or your next meal. It’s easier to succeed if you’re educated or can get a full night’s sleep in a safe community.

We are some of the lucky ones.

We get to do something that others will never be able to do.

We are privileged.

Even if you’ve hitchhiked around the world with no money, worked overseas, cut costs to travel around the world on $10 USD a day, or travel-hacked your way to a first-class ticket, you have the opportunity to do something most people go to sleep only dreaming about. You have the freedom and choice to move about the world in a way most people don’t.

That’s a form of privilege.

As we go into this new year, I think it’s important that we never forget or be ungrateful for the opportunity. Let’s not take it for granted. Let’s be humble. Let’s give back. Let’s be more respectful.

And let’s not squander the opportunity.

The post Travel is a Privilege appeared first on Nomadic Matt's Travel Site.

Antarctica Photo Essay

Visiting Antarctica has been a dream of mine ever since I started traveling, and it finally became a reality. Here are some of my favorite Antarctica pictures from our trip!

I recently returned from a 20-day Antarctic cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic Peninsula with Quark Expeditions.

From beautiful white-sand beaches on the Falkland Islands, to the incredible wildlife colonies of South Georgia, and of course the icebergs and mountains of Antarctica itself — I shot well over 6000 photos during the entire journey.

Below you’ll find a collection of my best pictures of Antarctica mixed in with images from the other spectacular & remote islands we visited along the way.

While photography can never truly capture the unreal experience of seeing Antarctica in person, I hope these photos will inspire you to visit the world’s 7th continent someday!

Map Of Our Antarctic Voyage

1. Proud King Penguins

Did you know there are 17 different species of penguins around the world? You can find 8 types of penguins in Antarctica and the surrounding islands. These are King penguins, known for the vivid orange color on their heads and chests. They are very large penguins, about 3 feet tall.

We found this group of kings strolling across a section of sand dunes on Saunder’s Island in the Falklands, the first stop on our voyage. I have hundreds of penguin photos, but this one is my favorite. They looked like they’re dressed in suits commuting to work. On the beach! Walking in formation with a purpose.

2. Melting Antarctic Glaciers

One of the most striking parts of visiting Antarctica for me was the number of glaciers. Imposing walls of ice & snow hanging precariously off the edge of the continent. Occasionally we’d hear the CRACK! from a large piece splitting off and calving into the sea.

One of my Antarctica photography goals was to capture a calving glacier on film, and after spending wayyyyy too much time trying, I luckily managed to do it (which I’ll be sharing soon)! Unfortunately Antarctica’s glaciers are melting at an unprecedented pace due to climate change.

3. Nesting Gentoo Penguins

4. Antarctica’s Iceberg Islands

5. Dirty Chinstrap Penguins

Chinstrap Penguins are named after the black neckband that makes it look like they’re always grinning. These little penguins can be found most often near the Antarctic coastline, but will also hitch a ride out on icebergs floating into the middle of the sea.

You can always tell which penguins are taking care of the nest, and which have just returned from hunting in the ocean by how dirty they are. This group has been on nest duty for a while!

6. Stunning Antarctic Sunsets

The Antarctic tourist season lasts from November to March, which is summertime in the Southern Hemisphere. Because you are so far South, the sun sets much later than normal. Around 11pm in November when we were visiting.

While you might be super tired from all the fun daytime activities during a trip to Antarctica, I highly recommend heading out on the ship’s deck to catch the amazingly colorful (and long) sunsets for some great photos!

7. Funny Rockhopper Penguins

8. Humpback Whales Feeding

9. Rare Macaroni Penguins

Very similar looking to Rockhoppers, locating Macaroni penguins during our Antarctica trip was a special treat, because they can often be difficult to find. Macaronis prefer to nest on very remote and exposed rock outcroppings that are challenging for humans to reach.

Luckily our ship’s bird expert happened to discover a colony, and we used our zodiac boats to maneuver in close. They were named “Macaroni” after the 18th-century English fashion of wearing outlandish clothing & wigs!

10. Falkland’s Albatross Colony

11. Sea Kayaking In Antarctica

Yes, you can go kayaking in Antarctica! Our ship offered 2 options, traditional sea kayaking in a hard-shell kayak, or an inflatable sit-on-top kayak. Both options require you to wear what’s called a “dry-suit” that’s basically a waterproof suit covering warm layers underneath.

Kayaking in Antarctica allows you to get away from the ship and the zodiac boats, so you can really experience the profound silence in this remote part of the world. Gliding quietly over the surface of the ocean past icebergs, watching seals and penguins swim beside you.

12. Playful Orcas (Killer Whales)

13. Blood Thirsty Ducks?

14. Fighting Elephant Seals

15. Rugged Mountain Ranges

16. Small Adélie Penguins

17. Epic South Georgia Landscapes

18. Earnest Shackleton’s Grave

19. Antarctica Research Station

This is Brown Station, an Argentine scientific research station on Coughtrey Peninsula in Antarctica. Established in 1951, it was burned down in the 80’s by the station’s doctor to protest an order to spend the winter there. One of a handful of crimes committed in Antarctica.

These days the rebuilt station is only open during the summer, and is also used as a popular landing spot for Antarctic cruises like ours. It’s home to a colony of Gentoo penguins, and has scenic lookouts you can hike up to with great views of Antarctica’s stunning Paradise Harbour.

20. Abandoned Whaling Boat

Whaling was a very profitable operation in the waters around Antarctica during the early 20th century. Whales were numerous down here, and “easy” to catch. The resulting whale oil was sold for use in lighting, lubrication, and leather tanning. It could also be hardened and turned into margarine and soap.

This old rusting “whale catcher” at Grytviken Station in South Georgia is a relic of that industry — look closely and you’ll see the harpoon at the bow and the “crows nest” on the mast, where sailors sat to spot whales. Thankfully whaling is now illegal here, and populations have been slowly making a comeback.

21. Half A Million Penguins!

St Andrews Bay in South Georgia is home to a massive colony of King Penguins, over 250,000 breeding pairs. Penguin colonies are measured in “breeding pairs” because at any one time, half the penguins might be at sea fishing, and many baby penguins might not make it through the winter.

So in reality there are over 500,000 penguins living here. One of the first things that struck me after landing at St. Andrews was the sheer volume of sound from all these birds chatting away together! I’ve never experienced anything like it.

22. Fluffy Baby Penguin Chicks

This is a baby King Penguin. It looks completely different than its parents, brown and fluffy with soft down feathers to keep it warm in the wind. King Penguins have one of the longest breeding cycles of any bird at 16 months.

During the harsh winter, penguin chicks will have to stand around in the cold for weeks waiting for their parents to return from the ocean with a meal. Many don’t make it, and only the strongest survive.

23. Aggressive Fur Seals

No, there are no polar bears in Antarctica. But there IS an animal you have to be careful of — fur seals! You’ll find these guys all over the place, and navigating through them can be a challenge. While they may look cute, they have no problem charging you (or taking a bite) if you get too close.

Fur seals have very sharp teeth, and are extremely territorial. One of our guides actually got bitten in the leg during our Antarctica trip. Luckily he had many layers on, and no skin was broken. But a fur seal bite can quickly get infected badly, so it’s important to keep your distance from these guys.

24. Antarctica Expedition Ship

We traveled to Antarctica on the Ocean Endeavour, a 30-year old ship built in Poland and leased to Quark Expeditions. There were 199 passengers and 115 crew members. While you could certainly feel the motion of the ocean under your feet, overall it was a pretty mellow journey. Even the notorious Drake Passage was calm!

The ship had great food, plenty of deck space, a spa, gym, sauna, and even a heated pool! The cabins were cozy but comfortable. There was free WhatsApp messaging, or you could purchase a full WiFi package for $100 that worked pretty well for uploading photos (not video though).

25. The Polar Plunge!

You can’t visit Antarctica without attempting the infamous polar plunge! Because what sane person wouldn’t want to strip down and dive into the icy ocean surrounding Antarctica? While it sounds crazy, diving into 33F degree water with icebergs floating by wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be.

Yes, it shocks your body, but not so badly that you can’t think clearly. And with the amount of endorphins and adrenaline pumping through your veins, you barely feel the cold once you get out! In fact, I felt AMAZING afterward. It was super refreshing.

Ready To Visit Antarctica?

I hope my photos of Antarctica have helped inspire you to visit one day in the future! How does one visit Antarctica you ask? Well, it’s not cheap.

Trips to Antarctica cost between $5000 and $10,000 (or more) depending on the length of the trip, the operator, and other details.

There are ways to save money on a trip to Antarctica though, for example by booking your trip very early. We booked our voyage with Quark Expeditions a full year in advance!

The Environmental Impact

Cruise ships are not environmentally friendly — at all. So traveling to Antarctica was a tough decision for me.

While Quark has a track record of offsetting their carbon emissions, and I personally offset my own portion (air and ship travel) with a donation, we are still leaving an impact on the environment by visiting.

There are very strict regulations regarding tourism in Antarctica and the surrounding islands governed by an organization called IAATO.

We had to clean our own boots, pants, and backpacks before and after every landing to avoid contaminating the area with foreign plants, insects, or bacteria. Only 100 people are allowed to land at one time too.

While no tourism is perfectly environmentally friendly, I felt better about my trip after witnessing how seriously they take the “leave no trace” attitude. ★

BONUS ANTARCTICA VIDEO: Orcas Chasing Penguins!

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(Click to watch THE GREAT ESCAPE! | Penguin VS Orcas Antarctica on YouTube)

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This is a post from The Expert Vagabond adventure blog.

Posted: 1/15/2020 | January 15th, 2020

Hey everyone,

Some community news today:

As you know, we have a media school called Superstar Blogging, with courses on travel blogging, vlogging, writing, and photography. We started this program over four years ago to help people learn and master the skills needed to succeed in the online travel space.

After talking to the other teachers, we’ve decided to close the doors to new students for the writing, photography, and vlogging courses as of January 31, 2020.

Now, if you’re already in one of these three courses or thinking of enrolling in one of them before that date, fear not! We’re still going to honor all our commitments to current and future students, all of whom will still get lifetime access to the lessons (the courses won’t be taken down and will still live online). You’ll also still get access to any updates we issue and access to the Facebook groups (as well as any existing Q&As included in the course).

As for the blogging course, enrollment will remain open. We will continue to not only run this course but also update and expand it regularly. In short, we’re honing our focus and blogging will be our sole priority.

(In the coming months, we’re also going to offer a higher-tiered, smaller, and more focused, mastermind version of the course. It will add a much more in-depth, hands-on component and be limited to a small group of people. But more on that when the time comes!)

If you want to join our other three courses, you have until the end of the month to sign up. After that, no new students will be accepted!

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments.

Best,

Nomadic Matt

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