Gain a new perspective, experience the profound silence and feel at one with your environment while paddling through the crystal clear waters. Get close to the shores and cliffs; observe wildlife, from penguins and seals, to whales, up close and personal. Travel Blogger Sherry Ott recounts her experience of kayaking in Antarctica and explains why it’s one of her favorite things about her Antarctic cruise. Sherry explains why travelers to Antarctica will enjoy this amazing experience.

What's your dream romantic getaway? From snorkeling with sea lions in the Galapagos to sailing the Aegean Sea, our expert staff has 12 amazing ideas for your next trip for two.

This summer, we launched a new website, introducing a stylish new look and exciting innovative features for our travelers! After twelve years aboard the same ship, so to speak, we decided it was time for some renovations and upgrades--and we've been incredibly thrilled with the response and enthusiasm so far!

Occasionally, we have been asked if there is a way to visit Antarctica without cruising through the Drake Passage. Over the past three years, we have observed a new company that pairs air and expedition travel to Antarctica. While flying to Antarctica can present its own challenges, this newer option of flying and cruising is the right match for some.

ExpeditionTrips welcomed the Bergalia Boys to Seattle this July, on motorbike journey en route to Antarctica. Their epic Circle to Circle trip, which will raise funds for the Make-a-Wish Foundation, will conclude in Ushuaia, Argentina where they’ll embark the Expedition in February 2012.

Congratulations to the Bergalia Boys who successfully completed their epic Circle to Circle trip! Their journey grew from an anticipated 28,000 miles to a final tally of 42,000 miles. Before their grand finale of an Antarctic Circle Crossing, we caught up with them to hear about their eight months of life on the road.

From currency converters and language phrasebooks to local trivia, smartphone and tablet computer technology are changing day-to-day life and travels around the globe! World traveler and Program Manager Lori Gifford gives her picks for applications to enhance travels--whether that’s an epic trip around the world or a getaway in your home country.

Palmer Station's lead scientist, Bill Fraser, talks about his summers on the Antarctic Peninsula and his research on global climate change.

ExpeditionTrips is proud to co-sponsor career break guru Sherry Ott on her next adventure Antarctica (her 7th continent) alongside her 76 year-old father. As co-founder of career break movement Meet, Plan, Go and creator of popular travel blog Ottsworld, Sherry’s mission is to see the words “career break” listed on every resume...

A journey of 42,000 miles successfully concluded with a Crossing of the Antarctica Circle! We caught up with the Bergalia Boys after their Circle to Circle finale to hear all about the end of the road onboard an Antarctica expedition.

From discovering thousands of king penguins to meeting the love of his life, ExpeditionTrips' traveler, Giovanni Savaglio, learned on his Antarctic trip in 2002 that the “unexpected is part of polar travel.” Now, Giovanni’s passion for polar adventure is about to take him on an expedition to the top of the world!

Packing the proper items for your trip to Antarctica is an essential and a potentially fun part of preparing for your trip! There are some Antarctic must-haves on the list which also allow you the opportunity to bring your own personality to your Antarctic apparel.

Geologist and IAATO representative since 1991, John Splettstoesser claims: "Travelers who cruise to Antarctica become Ambassadors as a result of the transformation that occurs when they experience the magic of the place."

We’re pleased to announce a new partnership with the "great adventure people" at G Adventures, offering a fantastic line-up of polar adventures! Travelers aboard the sleek 126-passenger Expedition will have opportunities to overnight at an unrivaled campsite on the Antarctic Peninsula and experience the Arctic from the unique vantage point of a kayak.

Lindblad Expeditions has partnered with the National Geographic Society to offer an enhanced travel experience, providing National Geographic Photography teams on every voyage, state of the art exploration tools and a focus on conservation efforts.

Passionate travelers and valued ExpeditionTrips clients, Richard and Ilene Jacobs have traveled to Timbuktu and back. Literally. And, many places in between including three trips to Antarctica! We recently checked in with them to chat about their travel philosophy and inspiration!

G Adventures Expedition Leader, Susan Adie, takes a moment to share with us a very special moment in Paradise Bay aboard her Antarctic Cruise.

Veteran ExpeditionTrips traveler, John Osborne, reflects on his recent travels around the world. At the age of 80, not having traveled since the 1940s, he set off to discover "the rest of the world." And, neither age nor increasingly limited eyesight show any signs of slowing him down!

ExpeditionTrips' Betsy Forbes has had the opportunity to kayak around the globe; the bays and inlets of Puget Sound, aboard small ship cruises to Alaska and Baja, and, most recently, in Antarctica. She reflects on her adventures and shares the special expereiences she gained while kayaking in various destinations.

The founders of 'Antarctic Connection' have devoted a combined 73 months to living and working at research stations in Antarctica. Find out why the couple is so passionate about the southern-most continent.

Travel can be entertaining, relaxing and awe-inspiring. Whether traveling to the sandy beaches of the Galapagos Islands, the beautiful frozen icebergs of Antarctica, or anywhere in between, the potential for stress is present. Travel Expert, Beth Mercier, has compiled a list of helpful tips to help reduce stress and have the best trip possible while traveling in 2013.

Our expedition specialists are passionate about helping travelers plan the ultimate adventure to the 'White Continent.' Recently, we were named “The Antarctica Experts” by Travel + Leisure Magazine!

Maximize your time in the Antarctic region with a trip that includes visits to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands during one of the best times of the year for wildlife viewing and sea ice levels.

Not all ice is the same! Learn from a true expert the differences between Glacier and Sea Ice and why Antarctica is the best place to appreciate the beauty and significance they both hold for our planet.

Learn from the experts on this unique, mind-blowing cruise in the company of Tim and Pauline Carr, who have spent 14 years living in the Antarctic on the remote but beautiful islands of South Georgia.

The anticipation of a polar bear sighting lures people from all over the world to the Arctic for a chance at their own bear encounter. G Adventures is so confident in their Expedition Team's ability to locate polar bears that they're now offering a guaranteed sighting on select departures.

The main draw to Svalbard is the elusive polar bear. While the worldwide population of polar bears is alarmingly vulnerable, this remote archipelago remains a good place for sightings, since nearly 65% of the land in Svalbard is protected. Arctic Specialist, Shelley Fry, answers some commonly asked questions about trips to Arctic Norway.

An expedition to the Arctic reveals a land of incredible scenery, impressive displays of nature, and wildlife in great abundance. ET's Lori Gifford discusses new and exciting expeditions to discover this dramatic land of extremes. Plus, the 2012 season features activity options, such as snowshoeing, hiking, and even a hot air balloon flight.

Learn what life was like during the age of the Vikings on an Arctic cruise. Karen Gruber provides some insight on this subject for Arctic travelers.

The Arctic is a land of extremes, seemingly uninhabitable. Yet this vast frozen landscape and frigid waters are home to a remarkable assortment of amazing creatures, from polar bears to narwhals.

Explorer and photographer, John Dunn, describes the lure of Arctic cruises… from the polar bears to the 5,000-foot cliffs.

A visit to Newfoundland boasts fantastic vistas, profuse wildlife, a journey into history, and encounters with a vibrant contemporary culture. Expedition Leader, Tim Soper, shares his adventures on the inaugural Circumnavigation of Newfoundland expedition.

ExpeditionTrips’ traveler Giovanni Savaglio has traveled the world from top to bottom: first as a passenger on an Antarctic cruise in 2002 and most recently as the official blogger on a North Pole expedition. We recently caught back up with Giovanni to hear his perspectives after experiencing polar travels on both ends of the earth.

ET’s President Ashton Palmer recently returned from two and a half weeks exploring the Galapagos Islands and mainland Ecuador with his wife and four small children. Read Ashton's travel highlights and Top 10 tips for traveling with kids in the Galapagos Islands.

There are many exciting updates to report from our team here at ExpeditionTrips! We’re pleased to share our 2012 adventures with you from our home city of Seattle to the Galapagos Islands, and many places in between.

Due to increased Galapagos conservation efforts, starting in 2012 marks the start of additional itinerary options and trip lengths to choose from. Galapagos expert, Joy Martinello, takes the guesswork out of selecting an itinerary and ship for your trip of a lifetime to these fascinating islands.

Director of the Charles Darwin Research Station offers insight to the background and mission of the Station, a popular component of Galapagos cruises.

Not just a ship, the Endeavour offers a travel experience like no other. Welcome aboard, explorers! You're in for a life-changing adventure...

Whether it’s a milestone celebration, an annual spring or summer break or a just-because trip, travel can bring the entire family together. Your vacation can be transformed into a world classroom with first-hand lessons on wildlife, history and culture and the multitude of activities available allow family members of all ages to come together.

Experience one of the planet’s greatest natural treasures aboard one of the best small ships in the Galapagos Islands. The 48-passenger Eclipse offers a wonderful combination of space, elegance, quality, and attention to detail. Find out why Conde Nast Traveler awarded the Eclipse the “Top Small Cruise Ship of 2010.”

Why dive in the Galapagos Islands and what should you expect from a Galapagos dive? Expedition leader Fernando Zambrano shares some of his favorite moments diving in the Galapagos and explains what are the important issues to consider about a dive trip there.

ET’s Amanda Gerardo brings the delicious cuisine of Ecuador home through her re-creation of a local favorite. “It was love at first bite when I tasted my first spoonful of Locro de Papas, a traditional potato stew anchored by a generous hunk of cheese and littered with avocado…” writes Amanda.

The enchanted Galapagos Islands continue to be one of the best family adventures out there. While all of the ships we promote are great options, there remain a few I consider more suitable for families. Or, if you want to leave your sea legs at home, you might consider a lodge-based adventure.

Celebrating 2013, ExpeditionTrips is pleased to debut the G8 catamaran. Immerse yourself in the extraordinary and come face-to-face with some of the world's most fascinating islands and awe-inspiring wildlife while exploring in the luxury and modern comfort of the G8 catamaran. Families will delight in the unforgettable adventures they will share with their children. Getting up close and personal with sea lions, giant tortoises and marine iguanas will surely remain a memory forever.

The Galapagos Islands offer extraordinary wildlife encounters. A new set of regulations went into effect in 2012 to preserve the islands and its inhabitants. These changes have translated into a greater variety of itinerary options and trip lengths. The ExpeditionTrips’ team is available to help you choose the ship and trip that’s best for you!

Many Galapagos ships offer more than one itinerary and each one travels to a different set of islands. Find out how to select the very best itinerary to make sure you’ll see the animals you’ve read and heard about.

Recently back from the Galapagos Islands, Program Manager and mother of two, Abby Suplizio, reveals a mom's perspective on family travel in the Islands.

Author and wildlife expert, Oxford discusses the magic of Galapagos travel and the innocence and extreme approachability of the wildlife.

High in the Peruvian Andes, nearly 8,000 feet above sea level, sits the fascinating, ancient city of Machu Picchu. The “Lost City of the Incas” was rediscovered by American explorer and Yale University Professor Hiram Bingham 100 years ago in 1911. This year, 2011, commemorates the 100th anniversary of Hiram Bingham's first trip to Machu Picchu.

Indigenous groups throughout the Amazon are using community-based tourism to promote sustainable travel to their villages, offering a unique and personal glimpse into the native culture of the region.

Take a peek into a typical day of adventure aboard the Sea Lion. Snorkel, kayak, and hike the wild coasts and landscapes of Costa Rica and Panama. With Lindblad, you're an active explorer!

Each year, we help travelers explore captivating destinations throughout Central and South America. Our passion for Latin America, therefore, is naturally one of the inspirations behind our annual company volunteer event: Global Partnerships’ Eighth Annual Business of Hope Luncheon.

Lia Oprea introduces a series of new digital photography and video workshops led by by photographer and marine biologist Professor Joe Valencic.

Sally Cannata, expedition guide and naturalist, traveled to Costa Rica and Panama in March 2006. Read her reflections on the wildlife and landscapes she encountered in these beautiful countries.

The 'ultimate' adventure cruise: In three years Ladd rowed and sailed 6,500 miles and traveled another 8,500 miles by car, truck, and ship.

Prior to founding ExpeditionTrips in 1999, ExpeditionTrips' President, Ashton Palmer, worked as an Expedition Leader in the Amazon Basin. Ashton shares his insight into cruising this extraordinary river and shares the highlights of an exciting program now available aboard the Delfin II. Explore the narrow tributaries, see the myriad of colorful birds and mammals, learn about the amazing biodiversity, and discover the fascinating treasures of the rainforest, and Ashton's favorite stretch of the river, the Upper Amazon.

Take a peek into a typical day of adventure aboard the Delfin II. Spot monkeys and a myriad of bird species, explore remote tributaries by kayak and skiff, and learn about the life of the locals. On these trips, you're an active explorer!

Whether you’re looking for an ecologically-responsible jungle lodge to explore the rainforest from or a riverboat expedition to take you into remote tributaries and isolated communities, the Amazon offers an unequaled combination of nature and culture.

Naturalist Pepper Trail describes Amazon cruises as “exhilarating, mystifying, awe-inspiring, and ultimately very, very humbling.”

Conservation Biologist, Wayne Mayer, explains why small ship cruises to the Amazon are great examples of community-based ecotourism.

ExpeditionTrips' President Ashton Palmer shares the wonder and excitement of his recent trip to Chile's Atacama Desert and Patagonia's Torres del Paine National Park. He reflects on its vast beauty, outdoor adventure options, wildlife encounters and superb accommodations.

Now you can visit the remote UNESCO World Heritage site of "Rapa Nui" (Easter Island) en route to Antarctica. Renowned for its 887 prehistoric monumental statues, Easter Island offers you the perfect dose of culture before you’re submerged in the natural history, abounding wildlife and frozen landscapes of our southern-most continent.

South Pacific travel is about voyaging to paradise. Learn why these islands have long attracted artists and writers seeking to escape.

Sister ships Wilderness Adventurer and Wilderness Discoverer offer excursions in Alaska to suit every activity level: Kayak, hike, explore by Zodiac daily, and choose from optional excursions such as float plane tours. Such a multitude of activities guarantees a personal, in-depth wildlife experience.

ExpeditionTrips' Meg Rand had the joy of traveling with family to Alaska's Inside Passage. She shares highlights from her trip aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion and reflects on what makes expedition family travel with multiple generations so special.

Nature photographer, Art Wolfe, explains why small ship cruises to Alaska play a critical role in conservation, are better for the traveler, and more conducive to photography.

Expedition Specialist, Joy Martinello, explains why she considers small-ship cruising to be the best way to experience the nature and wildlife of Alaska.

National Geographic's "Journeys of a Lifetime: 500 of the World's Greatest Trips" is the perfect inspiration for choosing the ultimate destination for your next adventure. Whether you dream of exploring the wilds of Patagonia or cruising the pristine waters of New Zealand's Milford Sound, this book has it all, and we've narrowed it down to our top six picks.

Advice, assistance and tips from the pros in the field--where it counts! National Geographic Photographer, Kim Heacox, sent this Daily Expedition Report from Alaska on May 18, 2010. Heacox was traveling aboard National Geographic Sea Lion as the resident photographer, giving photo tips and coaching his expedition companions to take their best shots.

When planning for your next adventure, have you considered a trip to Alaska? From kayaking amongst waterfalls and beautiful blue icebergs, to viewing the amazing wildlife such as whales, bears and soaring eagles, Travel Expert, Joy Martinello, discusses options to consider when planning your next getaway.

The mention of Alaska often conjures up images of calving glaciers, beaching whales and soaring bald eagles. However, Alaska’s history and rich culture equally fascinate. Visitors can learn about totem-carving techniques, celebrate Norwegian traditions, and visit the last remaining structures of Russian colonial architecture in North America.

Our Alaska Cruise Experts share an inside look into the magnificent beauty of Alaska. Check out some of the different options available aboard small ship operators!

With over 375 expeditions worldwide, the possibilities for the trip of a lifetime are numerous. The specialists at ExpeditionTrips have plenty of travel experience to help plan the perfect trip for you. We asked the travel experts where they would go for their trip of a lifetime. They share their picks, from Australia to Antarctica.

Dubed the "American Galapagos", Baja is a wonderful destination for those interested in experiencing raw nature within North America. Discover the draw of Baja travel and the captivating mammals that never cease to amaze us.

Drawing from over eleven years of diving experience in the Baja, Expedition Leader Neil Folsom tells us why diving is so popular on Baja cruises.

American Safari Cruises' Page Saurs reveals 'a day in the life' aboard an adventure cruise in Baja's Sea of Cortez.

ExpeditionTrips Program Manager and former chef, Lorraine Chachere, has sampled wine at some of the world's most renowned wineries. Now residing in the state of Washington, she looks forward to exploring the wine valleys in her own backyard. An eight-day wine and culinary tour aboard the 22-passenger Safari Quest would be the perfect way to start!

Explore a different Hawaii with manta ray shows, hiking and lesser-traveled islands from the perspective of the 36-passenger Safari Explorer.

Nadia Eckhardt, a native of South Africa, answers the most frequently asked questions about planning an African safari.

Africa Trip Expert, Nadia Eckhardt, explains what to expect on a typical safari in Southern Africa.

In Botswana's Okavango Delta you will find a spectacular and tranquil oasis of waterways and lagoons where visitors often explore by boat and dugout canoe. June through August, this region of over 11,000 square miles is inhabited by a profusion of wildlife--from the large cats (lion, leopard, cheetah) and zebra to buffalo, hippos and elephants.

Led by ET Africa Specialist, Nadia Eckhardt, these trips are planned at the ideal time of year and feature first-class adventure experiences and accommodations.

Our Africa Specialist, Nadia Eckhardt, explains the benefits of going on safari to Botswana and Namibia during Green Season. The Green Season, December through March, not only provides a unique safari experience with superb wildlife viewing and great bird watching, but also the fares are the best value!

Expedition Leader Susan Adie, shares one of her favorite memories from her travels through West Africa: a morning spent in a Senegalese market. With an open and curious mind, she made friends, was humbled, and learned that sometimes things appear different than they truly are—a valuable travel lesson!

Traveling under sail, with no vibration or engine noise, is a peaceful and alluring way to discover a new destination. Luxury vessel, Le Ponant, marries this majestic way of exploring with expedition travel and boasts an impressive repertoire of itineraries - from Libya to the Seychelles.

Read about Expedition Leader Mick Fogg's 70-day scouting trip in Borneo and Sulawesi to finalize itineraries for voyages aboard Orion II.

Let your passion take center stage with our new collection of exciting adventures! These expeditions offer in-depth, land-based travel to spectacular destinations, focusing on photography, diving, snorkeling and more!

A lecturer and expert on contemporary Asian culture, Kim has been traveling throughout Southeast Asia for nearly 20 years.

The remote islands of Pitcairn and Bering in the South Pacific are two of the most unique islands in the world. Bill Tuttle offers a glimpse into their impressive and fascinating history.

Russian Far East native, Sergey Frolov, says the Chukchi Peninsula is "one of the only places left that is untouched, unexplored, probably in the whole world." Take a peek into this isolated Eskimo culture, which only receives approximately 100 visitors each year.

Often shrouded in fog and relentlessly marauded by the forces of wind and sea, these dramatically beautiful islands are mysterious and fascinating.

Australia travel and cruise company owner, Mark Buckingham, talks about the rugged, dramatic landscape of the Kimberley and its magical Aboriginal history.

Claire Ellis explains "Tasmania, actually an archipelago of more than 300 islands, is ideal to explore by ship." Cross a few of the "best and biggest" off your list with a visit to Dismal Swamp, one of the largest sinkholes in the world and Wineglass Bay, named one of the top ten beaches in the world by Outside magazine.

Conservator, Lou Sanson, explains why it’s such a privilege to cruise to New Zealand and the Sub-Antarctic Islands. “Let’s not overdo tourism. Small ships are the only way to go.”

Meet Don and Margie McIntyre, renowned Antarctic Expedition Leaders, who were named Australia's "Adventurers of the Year" for their incredible year-long stay in remote Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay.

Archaeology, gastronomy, and culture collide on a European cruise to Sicily and Croatia, exploring the azure waters of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic.

Peter Harrison, a professional birder, artist, author, and screenwriter, is widely considered the world's foremost authority on seabirds. Here, he takes a moment to explain the lure of expedition travel to the British Isles.