From Antarctica to unforgettable memories

It’s been over half a year since I returned from Antarctica, and I still haven’t finished sharing all my photos from this life-changing trip. Last November, I embarked on a journey to the southernmost continent, and the post-trip withdrawal symptoms have been intense❗️ Every time I open my photo album, I’m transported back to that surreal dream: 🐧 When 600,000 adorable king penguins waddle towards you, armed with their "biological weapons"; 🗻 When you paddle a kayak 🚣‍♀️ near glaciers, listening to ice calving and marveling at the massive, ethereal blue formations beneath the sea; 🚶🏻‍♂️ When you land on the shore, trudging through uneven terrain, breathless yet exhilarated; 🌍 When you attentively listen to wildlife experts describe the beauty and fragility of our world; 🇨🇳 When you proudly raise the bright red Chinese flag at the Great Wall Station; 🌊 Even the turbulent waves of the Drake Passage, notorious for causing headaches, become a cherished memory of a lifetime… It’s hard to imagine another journey that could bring me so close to nature and myself, leaving me teary-eyed and deeply moved❗️ 💡 A few tips: 1️⃣ I highly recommend a ship with around 200 passengers 🚢—it strikes the perfect balance between comfort and adventure. Larger ships limit landing opportunities due to passenger restrictions, while smaller ones may lack space and stability. 2️⃣ Avoid booking interior cabins without windows. Although they’re cheaper 💰, having natural light and a sense of openness greatly enhances comfort (even if you’re too seasick to leave your bed, the view outside is stunning). If you’re prone to seasickness, avoid cabins on the top deck or at the bow/stern; mid-level, mid-ship cabins are the most stable. 3️⃣ A 20-day itinerary is ideal for a deeper exploration without retracing your steps, and you only have to endure the Drake Passage once. 4️⃣ November is the best time to see penguin chicks and massive icebergs. South Georgia Island is a must-visit—its dense population of fluffy king penguin chicks 🐧 will leave you in awe❗️ 5️⃣ Packing guide: windproof outerwear, down inner layers (preferably goose down), fleece, hats, gloves, T-shirts, sportswear (there’s a gym onboard—exercise daily to avoid gaining weight), and a beautiful dress for the captain’s welcome dinner 👗. 6️⃣ Other essentials: a camera with a telephoto lens (ships often have professional photographers onboard, but modern smartphones with telephoto capabilities work well too), binoculars, sunscreen (strong reflections from the sea and snow), books or an iPad loaded with shows (for entertainment when there’s no signal), power strips and adapters, and common medications (seasickness pills are provided onboard) 💊.