The Heart of True Expedition: Antarctica

It is so hard to believe I had the opportunity to visit Antarctica with Lindblad Expeditions in 2016; it was a destination I had always dreamed of visiting. I have been a Travel Advisor for 30 years, with a focus specializing in Adventure travel as well as Europe. I have had the pleasure to visit some of the world’s most incredible places. Nothing could have prepared me for the overwhelming beauty, peace and quiet that hides at the end of the earth. Antarctica feels like a dream within a dream and its memory shapes and inspires my life daily.

What made this trip even more special was my good fortune to travel with Lindblad Expeditions.?I had tried for years to sell Lindblad Expeditions, but always fell short. I knew I had the clientele, but lacked depth of knowledge and ability to paint a picture of life on expedition, or so I thought. When my opportunity came, I did not hesitate a moment.

This is the heart of true expedition. One must first answer the call.?

This is what I now try to instill in my travelers: to trust in the integrity of reliable companies who have paved the trail and who will help you reach the unknown.

With over 50 years of experience, there is a reason Lindblad is the leader in Expedition travel. With purpose-built ships designed to traverse any water in comfort and safety and their collaboration with National Geographic (known for leaders in exploration, research, technology and conservation), Lindblad leads and excels in every avenue. Their team of naturalists, historians, marine biologists, ornithologists, photographers and guest lecturers (and many more) are a glimpse of the very best in their prospective fields. Our guest lecturers on the National Geographic Orion were renowned husband and wife team Don & Margie McIntyre, who filmed documentary Together Alone, based on the year they spent alone in Antarctica. ?Their engaging tales of solitude and togetherness were so open and honest, moving me and other guests to our very core.

The other difference with Lindblad was you are not there to only listen to lectures and learn about your environment, but step outside and experience as much as each voyage allows.?I could not believe the activities I was able to experience. I was most excited to kayak in Antarctic Ocean, but had no idea I would be able to snowshoe and cross-country ski. This was in thanks to fantastic snowy weather we had traveling in November. I had never done either in my life, but thought if there was going to be a first; it might as well be here.

I was also very impressed with their photography courses available to guests. I am no great photographer, but after taking several courses onboard with the photo expert, my pictures were amazing!

Nearing the end of our expedition, the captain announced he had spotted an emperor penguin ahead floating on an iceberg, so anyone wishing to view should come top deck as soon as possible. The emperor penguin had eluded us for the entire voyage, as this was not the time of year to see them. I have never seen 100 people move so fast in all my life! Everyone stopped what they were doing and ran to the top deck for a glimpse. We saw people who had been eating lunch, some working out in the gym, and even a couple who was getting a massage and still in their robes.?I knew in an instant that these were my people! Where else would you find so many like-minded people putting everything aside to glimpse the majesty of nature? I will never forget my experience that November, sharing a Thanksgiving meal with strangers who quickly became friends.?I am so thankful to have experienced this once in a lifetime dream. Seeing is truly believing and I have now been able to encourage others to follow their own adventure.

-Michelle Boyles, Senior Travel Advisor at Provident Travel