Pre-Trip: Dreams, Goals, and Preparation

Q1. You’ve travelled the world Sabrina , why is Antarctica so high up on your list of places to travel to next? Why did you want to take on the challenge?

Antarctica is my last continent to visit, and as someone who loves to travel and embrace adventure, it really does feel like the ultimate achievement. It's always been a massive goal of mine to tick off all seven continents – this is truly a dream come true.

Q2. Did you have any misconceptions about what travelling to this remote continent would be like?

Honestly I’m not entirely sure what to expect, apart from knowing it’s going to be cold! It’s such a unique and remote destination that I think the real experience will go beyond anything I can imagine.

Q3. Do you think all the places you’ve visited so far have prepared you for this adventure, or is this an entirely new level?

This is an entirely new level for me. I’m so grateful to have had incredible adventures around the world, but I’ve never travelled to a cold climate like this before. It’s going to be a completely new and exciting experience.

Q4. What’s on your must-see or must-experience list during this expedition?

Where do I even begin? I think the moment I take my first step into Antarctica will be emotional as it’s such a personal milestone. I’m excited about the wildlife, especially seeing penguin and humpback whales if we're lucky, kayaking through glaciers, and experiencing the midnight sun will also be truly unique. I can’t wait to see what constant daylight feels like. Lastly, I’m so excited to experience this expedition in luxury. Travelling with Destinology and Swan Hellenic means we’ll have expert guides and lectures to enrich the journey.

Q5. Have you been on a luxury cruise before? What are you expecting?

I have been on a cruise before, but not to this level of luxury and never an expedition cruise, so this feels like a completely new experience. One of the things I’m most excited about is the onboard lectures. Learning about Antarctica’s unique wildlife and climate from experts will make the journey so much more meaningful. It’s the perfect mix of adventure and comfort.

Q7. Why have you picked Swan Hellenic to take you on this adventure?

I chose Swan Hellenic because they offer such an elevated way to experience an extraordinary destination like Antarctica. Their focus on luxury combined with adventure really stood out to me, and knowing I’ll be travelling with expert guides who bring a wealth of knowledge about the region and its wildlife makes the journey even more special. Swan Hellenic’s reputation for excellence made it the perfect choice for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Q8. What is your idea of ultimate luxury while travelling?

To me, the ultimate luxury is the perfect balance of adventure and comfort. It’s being able to explore some of the most remote and challenging environments, like Antarctica, while enjoying the comforts of a comfortable bed, good food, and impeccable service. Luxury is in the thoughtful details: personalised excursions, moments of relaxation after a day of adventure, and the ability to fully immerse myself in the pristine beauty of a destination.

Q8. What’s on your packing list for this trip?

Lots and lots of warm clothes! From fluffy socks to hats and everything in between. The most surprising items I packed were sunscreen and cold cream, both to protect against both sunburn and the extreme cold which can dry out your skin. I’ve also packed a swimsuit because I plan to enjoy the sauna and pool during the days at sea - it’s such a nice contrast to the freezing temperatures outside! And, of course, I’m bringing my camera to capture as much as possible.

Q9. How do you plan to capture and share the essence of such a beautifully remote destination with your followers?

I plan to capture lots of content to showcase the beauty of Antarctica, but I also want to incorporate an educational element into what I share. While planning this trip I spent so much time researching and Googling everything about travelling there, so I’d love to make that process easier for anyone else considering this journey. Whether it’s packing tips, understanding the wildlife, or what to expect during an expedition, I want to inspire and inform my followers about this once-in-a-lifetime destination.