You’re going to Antarctica… can you believe it!?! This is about to be the trip of a lifetime and we can’t wait to go together. From packing tips to logistics, we’ve got you covered so you can focus on enjoying the experience once you’re there.

Please read the Arrival Info if nothing else!

Quick Info

• 12 Days: January 29 – February 9, 2027
  • 1 Night in hotel in Buenos Aires
  • 10 Nights onboard MS Roald Amundsen by HX Expeditions
• In Buenos Aires, we spend 1 night in a hotel, then wake up early the next morning to hop on a charter flight for Ushuaia where we will board the ship.
• The ship is all-inclusive. This means food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and drinks (all-inclusive excluding premium drinks) are included. Breakfast and lunch are included the day we travel from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.
  • You are welcome to eat with us/the group at any time, or feel free to do your own thing. This is your trip and there is no pressure to spend/not to spend time with the group.
• The optional additional add-on activities (like camping, kayaking etc) are lottery based systems that you will signup for during the Drakes Passage.
• Any optional additional costs you incur on the ship (like lottery activities, spa, premium beverages, gift shop etc) you can settle and pay by card at the end of the trip on the ship at the guest services counter. Cash is not accepted on board.
• Tips are built in and included in the trip cost, if you would like to leave additional tips you can do so on the ship.
• We recommend downloading the HX App prior to leaving for the trip so you don’t have to worry about slow WiFi. You won’t be able to login to the app until we are onboard, but once onboard it will have all of our daily schedules.

Arrival Info

Our trip starts and ends in Buenos Aires, Argentina. There are two main airports in Buenos Aires: EZE and AEP. Most travelers fly in and out of EZE.

• For Arrival Flights: try to land before 4pm on January 29th so you have time to arrive to the hotel, check in, meet with the group etc. This timing is flexible. 
• For Return Flights, try not to book the departing flight before 7pm on February 9th as the exact charter flight times back to Buenos Aires won’t be available until we’re on the ship. The flights back to BA on February 9th typically arrive before 4pm.

All you have to do is get yourself to the hotel in Buenos Aires and all other logistical pieces are managed. If you need help arranging a transfer from the airport to the hotel on arrival please let us know. The Amandas typically Uber from the airport to the hotel, cost tends to be around $25 – $35 USD. Uber’s are easy and reliable in Buenos Aires as long as you have access to international data and/or WiFi at the airport.

Here’s what to expect when you arrive at the hotel in Buenos Aires:

• Buenos Aires hotel the Emperador Hotel
• When you arrive at the group hotel you will check in at the reception desk for your room
• Then head to the HX check in desks. This is where you will get your luggage tags for our charter flight the next day, and our assigned charter flight time. These charter flights can be incredibly early.
  • Both Amandas will be on site if you need any help and we will send out detailed info on how to do this on arrival day too.
• That night, we leave our checked bags outside hotel room doors before going to sleep. HX staff will come to collect it and porter it to the airport, check the bags in for the flight, and we will pick our bags back up at baggage claim in Ushuaia.
  • IMPORTANT: because you leave your bag out the night before, you will need to have a small bag of things for that night/the next morning/anything you need for the flight and day in Ushuaia. If time and weather permits we will explore Ushuaia a bit, so you’ll need clothes etc for that.
  • Make sure you do not pack your passport in your checked luggage.
• Right after we collect our bags from baggage claim, we will drop the suitcases with HX again at the airport where they will take it to the ship and leave it outside our rooms on board the ship!

We will go over all this again in person, but just make sure you have a small bag you can use as an overnight bag!

Departure Info

During our return across Drake’s Passage to get from Antarctica back to Argentina, charter flight information will be released for our flights from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires.

• The night before disembarkation day, we will leave our checked luggage on our ship floors and HX will porter them from the ship, to our flight, back to Buenos Aires for us where we will pick them up at baggage claim.
  • Similar to embarkation day, make sure you have a small bag you can use for any toiletries and clothes you need for the last night/next morning!
  • Make sure you do not pack your passport in your checked luggage.
  • We will remind you of all of this and go over in person as well.
• On disembarkation day, we will have breakfast on the ship, then head to the airport in Ushuaia.
• These return charter flights tend to arrive back in Buenos Aires by 4pm, so we recommend not booking flights out before 7pm on February 9th.
• Charter flights back to Buenos Aires usually arrive at EZE, but HX reserves the right to use AEP if necessary. If we arrive at AEP and you are flying out of EZE, it’s a pretty easy Uber between the 2 airports, usually around a 45-60 minute drive.

Drake Passage

People tend to be the most concerned about Drake Passage, so everyone cross their fingers and toes we get the Drake Lake! But maybe just like a little Drake Shake because a little is kinda fun…no?? Some things to keep in mind during these days:

• Motion sickness – how you deal with this is totally dependent on what you’re comfortable with BUT once you get motion sick on the Drake Passage there really is no coming back from it until we get to the other side, where the waters are virtually flat. The key is to stay ahead of the motion sickness. Amanda Brown uses dramamine and a prescription scopolamine patch. Amanda Meeks is a madwoman and does nothing and is fine.
• There are extra meds on board and a doctor if you need it
• You are almost free to spend the full time on the Drake Passage in your bed watching movies if you so choose! The science lectures are even available to watch in the rooms.
  • There are a few mandatory things you will need to do during Drake’s Passage like picking up your jacket you get to keep, loaner boots, and attending safety briefings.
• If you want activities, there are lectures, a gym, sauna, spa, board games, etc
• There’s also a pool and hot tubs but these tend to be closed on the Drake Passage unless it’s very calm.
• Our boat has large stabilizers (like plane wings) that take out a LOT of the motion, so it probably won’t feel as bad as you think!

Vaccines

You likely don’t need any vaccines for the trip as none are required but HX advises travelers to be up to date with their yearly flu, COVID-19, and routine vaccinations. Feel free to talk to your doctor about their recommendations. The CDC guidelines on vaccines are linked here: Antarctica CDC Guidelines.

Medical Screening

On this expedition we explore some of the world’s most remote areas – so sophisticated medical services are few and far between. Medical care at sea is limited, and often emergency sea and air services may also be inaccessible, particularly in the polar regions. It is therefore vital that you make us aware of any current or past health issues, which is also a part of the Medical Screening Form you are completing through HX. Read more here.

IMPORTANT: Medical Screening Forms need to be completed by December 10th.

A full step-by-step walk through of what to expect and how to complete your Medical Screening Forms has been emailed to you, so here’s a quick recap:

• Go to https://vikandmedical.com/hx-en/
• Select if you want to use Vikand doctor (165 euros) or your own doctor
• Fill out travel insurance, basic information, and medical history
• If using your doctor, upload completed PDF at https://vikandmedical.com/hx-en/
• Please let us know when your Medical Screening Form has been approved

Visas

• No visas are needed for Argentina or Antarctica (unless you are staying >90 days in Argentina)
• Passport must have at least 1 blank page
• Passport must be valid for 6 months after arrival for Antarctica (which you have already confirmed!).

Weather

Antarctica might be the coldest place on Earth, but it’s probably not as cold as you’re imagining, especially when we’re going – aka Antarctica Summer!

Temperatures will likely stay between 28° – 40°F (-2° to 5°C). The air is crisp and dry, but the weather can also change quickly and a calm day can turn into snow and cold winds. The key is layering: think thermal base layers, waterproof outerwear, (a light but effective windbreaker jacket that holds heat in will be provided by HX for you to keep), and cozy accessories so you can easily add or remove layers as needed as the weather changes.

What to Expect on the Trip

• This is an activity-oriented expedition, so we’ll have plenty going on between landings, Zodiac cruises, wildlife spotting, and onboard activities. You do not have to join everything! If you need some downtime, you can absolutely skip an activity and enjoy the ship.
• The weather is unpredictable. Antarctica can be sunny, snowy, windy, or all of the above in the same hour. We’ll be prepared for the conditions, but flexibility is key because the Captain and Expedition Team may adjust the itinerary based on weather and ice.
• You’ll spend a lot of time outside. Between Zodiac cruises, shore landings, and wildlife viewing from the ship deck you’ll have plenty of opportunities to see penguins, seals, whales, icebergs, and incredible scenery up close. Bring layers and waterproof gear so you can comfortably enjoy it all.
• Expect the unexpected. Antarctica is wild and remote, which means wildlife sightings, landing locations, and daily activities can change. The goal isn’t to follow a rigid schedule, but to make the most of whatever Antarctica gives us each day.
• You may get very close to wildlife! Penguins and seals live here completely in the wild, so while we follow strict guidelines and maintain appropriate distances, curious animals sometimes wander closer to us. 🐧
• The Drake Passage is part of the adventure. We’ll spend time crossing it on the way to and from Antarctica. Conditions can vary significantly, and the Expedition Team will help everyone prepare for the crossing.
• Befriend the Expedition Team! They’re incredibly knowledgeable about Antarctica, wildlife, history, and the environment, and their expertise makes the experience so much more interesting.
• The ship has plenty to do when you’re not exploring. There are educational lectures, wildlife presentations, wildlife viewing times with the Expedition Teams on the front deck, a sauna, hot tubs, pool, gym, lounges, board games, puzzles, movies, and plenty of cozy spots to relax and watch the scenery go by.

Expedition Activities on the Ship

• Weather permitting, we will have two included activities everyday: a zodiac cruise and a landing.
  • Both tend to last around 1-1.5 hours. Things can change daily based on conditions. For example, in 2024 winds picked up at our planned location so instead of 1 zodiac ride and 1 landing we had 2 zodiac rides in 2 different areas.
• The optional activities are as follows:
  • Polar Plunge: typically offered once per trip, open to anyone who would like to participate. Conditions permitting, it will be jumping from the ship or a zodiac. Otherwise, it will be a walk (run) in from shore on Deception Island. Cost: free.
  • Sea Explorer Kayak: a sturdy, classic kayak for two people, supervised by our activity guides. You’ll paddle a longer route, farther from the ship, for approximately 1h30. Typically offered multiple times per day across multiple days. Costs determined on board.
  • Discovery Kayak: an inflatable kayak for one person (solo), paddled on your own within a safe perimeter close to the ship, for approximately 1 hour. Ideal for beginners. Typically offered multiple times per day across multiple days. Costs determined on board.
  • Camping: sleep on Antarctica in either a tent or bivvy bag (like an individual sleeping bag tent). Typically offered one night. Costs depend on the option you choose: currently €439 for tent camping or €350 for a bivvy bag, per person, subject to change.
    • Bivvy bag is solo by nature, tent camping is in 2-person tents. If you choose a tent and are travelling solo, you’ll be paired with another solo guest so all tent capacity is used. Guests in the same room are selected together and assigned a shared tent. The cost is per person, with no reduced rate for sharing.
  • Snowshoeing: climb hills, cross glittering white plains, and untouched landscape. Here few humans have set foot. Our experienced Expedition Team will guide you to places with awe-inspiring views. Cost determined on board.
• All optional activities (except Polar Plunge) are subject to a lottery based system. Everyone on the ship will signup for the lottery via the HX app during our time in Drake’s Passage, after attending an optional activity briefing.
  • HX does their best to try to ensure everyone who signs up for optional activities gets at least one of their choices.
  • Camping is the most limited activity, so if that is your ultimate top priority our recommendation is to signup for only camping. Then you can always join the waitlist for additional activities (some people tend to drop out of things day of and plenty of travelers have been able to join things like kayaking and snowshoeing this way!)

Packing List & Tips

Suitcases

HX primarily handles all the bags from the time you get to the hotel in Buenos Aires so you don’t have to worry about lugging them around!

Amanda Brown usually packs in a carry-on but for Antarctica checks a large hard-sided suitcase and a book bag. Amanda Meeks is a wizard and packs in a carryon even for the coldest of destinations. But either way, a little sink laundry never hurt anyone!

For our charter flights, you are allowed one 23kg checked bag and one 8kg carry-on bag, along with a personal item.

Ship Attire

The attire on the ship is very relaxed. We mostly wear sweatshirts/sweaters, and sweatpants/fleece lined pants. The key to dressing on board is to be wearing enough and/or have a warm jacket and gloves with you at all times so you can run outside when animals are sighted. The worst is when you hear an announcement on the ship like “orcas spotted starboard!” and you don’t have warm enough layers to comfortably hang out outside.

You’ll need a few good base layers, cozy middle layer jacket, outer warm jacket, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, and waterproof pants. Our ship provides a light (but very warm) outer shell that keeps your body heat in and the wind out (that you get to keep and take home), and you will be given loaner boots that are warm, waterproof, and have good traction for landing and zodiac activities.

For accessories like gloves, hats, scarves, etc it’s ideal to pack 2 of each in case one gets really wet during an activity and isn’t dry by the next activity.

Clothing for Argentina

If you plan to explore Buenos Aires, or even walk around, be prepared to have a set of clothing for warmer weather. January/February is summertime in Argentina and highs are regularly 80° – 90°F. I usually bring one pair of shorts and a lighter shirt.

The time we have in Ushuaia, weather can vary a lot. In 2024 it was windy, cloudy, and we didn’t have enough layers and were cold. 2026 it was sunny and surprisingly warm and we were hot. So, the day we fly to Ushuaia we recommend wearing long pants, having a jacket and a warm hat with you in case it’s chilly, with a light shirt in case it’s warmer.

Long Haul Flight Tips

• Wear comfy loose fitting clothes
• Drink lotsss of water, a lot of jet-lag symptoms are actually dehydration and effects from being in pressurized air for extended periods of time
• Avoid the free alcohol – it’s fine, it can just contribute to dehydration/jet-lag, but you do you!
• Get up to walk around as often as possible if you aren’t sleeping
• I like to board the flight, chew up a no-jet-lag pill, start a movie, eat dinner that’s usually served around 1-1.5 hrs after take off, finish my movie, chew up another no-jet-lag pill and sleep as long as I can
• PS: if you’re vegetarian or prefer veggie plane meals (I always have even before being veg) make sure to pre-request them 24+ hrs before your flight!
• Bring an AirFly so you can use your own earbuds with the plane TVs

The items linked below are by no means an exhaustive list of options, theres a good chance you have things you can layer already! But if you need a few additional pieces or some inspo we’re linking what we pack below: (here’s a quick version as a single list on Amazon)

Clothes/Shoes/Accessories for Antarctica

• Base Layer Shirts: these shirts and pants will basically be your underwear for the entire time on the ship so pack multiples!
  • Womens 32 Degree shirts (if you can’t wear wool 🥲 like Amanda Brown)
  • Womens Merino Wool shirts Amanda Meeks loves
  • Mens Base Layer Top & Bottom
• Base Layer Pants:
  • Womens: 32 Degree pants
  • Womens: Fleece Lined Leggings
  • Mens: Base Layer Top & Bottom
• Fleece-lined Waterproof Pants – on the ship Amanda Brown preferred to wear fleece lined pants, but on landings wore snow/ski pants
  • Womens: Fleece Lined Waterproof Pants
  • Womens: Fleece Lined Pants
  • Mens: Eddie Bauer Lined Pants
  • Mens: Fleece Amazon Lined Pants
• Snow Pants: best for landings/zodiac rides – waterproof pants are mandatory for getting off the ship
  • Womens: Arctix Ski Pants
  • Womens: Amazon Snow Pants
  • Mens: Insulated Ski Pants
• Mid-Layer Layering Jacket:
  • Womens: Patagonia Fleece
  • Womens: Amazon Fleece
  • Mens: Patagonia Fleece
  • Mens: Marmot Fleece
• Winter jacket – a big parka isn’t necessary since you’ll get the HX outer layer, but fine if you have one you want to pack! You may just need a larger HX jacket
  • Womens: Patagonia light puffer
  • Womens: Amazon light puffer
  • Womens: Patagonia thicker puffer
  • Womens: Columbia thicker puffer
  • Mens: Patagonia light puffer
  • Mens: Amazon light puffer
  • Mens: Amazon thicker puffer
• Gloves or mittens – ideally gloves that can work with a camera/phone!
  • Womens: thin but good for camera
  • Unisex: fleece lined gloves
• Rechargeable Hand Warmers – not necessary but love having them handy
• Hats/Beanies
  • Unisex: Fleece Lined Amazon Beanie
  • Unisex: Silk Lined Beanie for Static Hair
  • Unisex: Carhartt Foldover Beanie
  • Womens: Pom Amazon Beanie
• Scarf/Buff
  • Womens: Amazon Neck Warmer
  • Womens: Cozy Amazon Scarf
  • Mens: Neck Gaiter
  • Mens: Amazon Scarf
• Thick, warm socks – you’ll likely want to wear these under your landing boots and while on the ship
  • Unisex: Merino Wool Socks
  • Womens: Fleece Lined Non Wool Socks
  • Mens: Thermal Non Wool Socks
• Shoes for Landings: warm, insulated waterproof rubber boots will be provided by HX during our time in the Drake Passage. Boots are available in sizes 35-50 EU (2.5–14 UK / 3.5–16 US). If you need a larger size let us know ASAP and we will connect with HX.
• Shoes on Board: whatever you’re comfortable in! But you’ll want waterproof shoes/boots with good grip and coverage for the boat decks specifically as they can get wet and slippery
  • Boots/Shoes with good grip for the ship deck
    • Unisex: Blundstones
  • Tennis Shoes for Gym if desired
  • Sandals for Pool/Sauna/Spa if desired – the ship provides some too
  • Slippers with Grip – I swear these slippers the entire time on the ship
• Swimsuit for the on-deck hot tubs/spas and if you’re feeling bold – the polar plunge
• Waterproof backpack or Dry bag – not 100% necessary BUT if we’re doing a landing/boat cruise and it starts snowing you may have things you want to stay dry
• Sunglasses with UV protection – I’d recommend polarized glasses, I prefer brown lenses!
• Water bottle – both Amanda’s have this self cleaning one to refill, they will also provide refillable water bottles on the ship (they’re just a bit small)
• Sample clothing packing list:
  • 3-5 baselayer shirts
  • 3-5 “normal” shirts (long sleeves, sweaters, turtlenecks, etc)
  • 1 light jacket/sweatshirt
  • 1 mid-layer jacket
  • 1 warm outer-layer jacket
  • 1-2 pairs fleece lined pants
  • 1 pair ski pants
  • 3-5 pairs of warm socks
  • 2 hats
  • 2 scarves
  • 2 pairs of gloves
  • 1-2 bathing suits
  • 1 pair of sunglasses
  • 1 pair of boots for the boat
  • 1 pair of gym shoes (optional)
  • 1 pair of spa/pool sandals (optional)
  • 1 pair of slippers (optional)
  • pjs & undergarments, etc
  • 1 pair shorts for Buenos Aires

Tech

• Camera (just your phone is fine, but linked the camera body & lenses both Amandas use! Meeks has a 100-400 lens she brings, Brown rents a 200-600 lens from Aperturent. Best advice is to bring something you know how to use, you don’t want to spend your trip fiddling with a new camera!
  • if you’re bringing a camera, bring an extra battery too
• Drones – no drones are allowed on the boat, leave them at home
• Universal Adapter – HX boats use 2 round European plugs so you’ll want at least one adapter
• All your chargers
• External charger – all the videos & photos you’ll take will drain your battery and it’s nice to bring around on the ship
• Extra Memory Cards
• External hard drive – wifi/service on the boat is usually enough to check email and use WhatsApp, so definitely not enough to back up photos & videos. We back up on hard drives daily – would hate to lose it all!!
• Binoculars – some decent binos are worth it if you don’t have a big camera lens!

Toiletries/Personal Items

• Sunscreen – when the suns out it can be very reflective off the snow/ice
• Sunscreen chapstick
• Ginger drops – a must IMO
• Dramamine (Dimenhydrinate motion sickness meds)
• Dramamine Less Drowsy (Meclizine motion sickness meds) – Brown alternates taking Dimenhydrinate and Meclizine during the day
• OPTIONAL: Scopolamine Patches – need a prescription from a doctor. NOTE: they are INTENSE but if you are really worried about getting seasick they help a ton.
  • In 2024 Brown used a full patch and it dried her out so much she felt like she had the flu, but no motion sickness
  • In 2026 Brown taped half the back of the patch and it was perfect (don’t cut them, it messes up the dosing and can dose too much at once)
• Herbal Motion Sickness Patches
• Prescription medication – always pack at least an extra week of your prescriptions
• Toiletries/shower soaps/makeup etc
  • Pack lotion as it can be very dry in Antarctica, it is a desert after all!
  • Shampoo, conditioner, hand soap, and hand moisturizer is provided in your room
• Hydration packets – it’s easy to get really dehydrated and drinking lots of water is key!
• Sink Laundry Packs – there is a paid laundry service on the ship (free for Expedition Suites) but personally the Amandas just do sink laundry when needed

Travel Days/Packing

• Color copy printed of passport recommended
• Picture of Passport on your phone (this is just always helpful to have!)
• AirTags for your bags
• Cards or games that are easy to travel with
• Books/kindle etc
• Travel neck pillow – Amanda Brown has been using this one recently and loves it
• Travel eye mask
• Headphones that plug into plane audio jack OR
• an AirFly to use bluetooth headphones
• Noise Canceling Earbuds – go-to earbuds that don’t hurt my ears
• Bag lock for your bookbag/suitcase
• Carry On Suitcase – this is my go-to carry on
• Checked Suitcase – been using for 5 years
• Book bag – this is my go-to packing book bag
• Tote or Day Bag – if you want to bring anything on land (camera, sunglasses, etc) – no food is allowed for landings
• Packing Cubes – helps save so much space!
• I like to take Aklaseltzer PM on the flights to sleep better

I’ve linked some of our favorite items and they are commissionable links that we receive a small portion at no cost to you anytime you buy through them, but by no means is it required!

Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires Day

Jan 29

Arrive in Buenos Aires, stay overnight in a hotel (included), meet the rest of the group for a happy hour.

Day 2: Ushuaia Day & Board Ship

Jan 30

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. We’ll spend the day exploring Ushuaia, one of the world’s most southernmost cities and the capital of the Tierra del Fuego region, before we board the MS Roald Amundsen. From there, we’ll meet our hybrid electric-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters.

After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.

Days 3 – 4: Cross the Drake Passage

Jan 31 & Feb 1

Spend 2 days crossing the infamous Drake Passage! These days are full of as much or as little activity as you want. There’s dozens of interesting informative lectures (which can be watched in the lecture room, or streamed from the comfort of your bed), a gym, sauna, spa (subject to additional costs), hot tubs, and plenty of lounge areas to hangout in.

These days will also include mandatory safety briefings, sessions on the sustainability measures and rules of Antarctica through The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), and scheduled time slots to pick up your loaner boots.

Day 5-9: ANTARCTICA!

Feb 2-6

After making it across the Drake Passage you’ll set foot in Antarctica. The first time you step outside in the frozen continent will be a moment you’ll remember forever.

The days in Antarctica vary by weather, location, and time but generally you have two activities a day: a landing and a cruising. Each activity lasts around an hour to an hour and a half.

Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured that each day will offer something different and thrilling. The landings give you a chance to get closer to penguin colonies (& their smells!) and observe them in their natural habitats. While everyone keeps a safe distance from the penguins, sometimes the penguins don’t follow these rules and may walk right past you! The cruisings allow you to zip around icebergs on zodiac boats looking for penguins, seals, and if you’re really lucky – whales! These small inflatable boats give you a chance to experience Antarctica from the water in a way you just can’t on the ship.

There are additional activities that are available on a lottery basis (as space is limited) with an extra cost, these include things like: kayaking, camping, snow shoeing, and a photography cruise.

Day 10-11: Return Across the Drake Passage

Feb 7 & 8

Sadly time to return back to the real world. The journey back across the Drake Passage includes relaxing days with entertaining ship events, lectures, and a recap video of everything we saw on the trip!

Day 12: Ushuaia > Buenos Aires

Feb 9

We will arrive back to Ushuaia and will board our flight back to Buenos Aires.

FAQ’s