Where I’m going: Continents #5 and #6

  • Antarctica Landscape
  • Emperor Penguins in Antarctica
  • Lighthouse in Ushuaia

I’m headed to South America & Antarctica in January 2019. Time to start saving!

The countdown is on! A few weeks ago, we took the (somewhat terrifying) plunge and plunked down a 25% deposit on a trip to Antarctica. The trip, which leaves from Ushuaia, Argentina, will include continents five and six in my goal.

Our departure date for the cruise is January 9, 2019. It seems a long way off, but from what I’ve read, for longer itineraries booking at least 18 months in advance is the norm. And our itinerary is long. We’ll be spending 19 nights aboard the ship and visiting the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctic peninsula before heading back.

Why was it a bit terrifying? Not surprisingly, this will almost certainly be the most expensive trip we ever take. My husband and I are staying in a triple cabin with a friend, which is one of the reasons we’re able to swing the longer itinerary. Even so, the cost per person comes in around $14,500. Just typing that out makes me feel a little insane. Including flights, pre- and -post-cruise hotels, trip insurance, gratuity aboard the ship, replacing my husband’s ratty and otherwise completely inadequate coat, and everything else, of this trip will likely top out around $35,000.

Needless to say, we’ve begun saving aggressively. We’re projecting we’ll be able to pay off the remainder of the cruise itself (~$21,600) around January 2018.

Given the astronomical costs of visiting Antarctica, you might be wondering why I’m bothering. When it comes to travel I’m a bit of a spendthrift, but this is one that has even given me pause. Except, I really want to go. On my deathbed, I’d regret not going when I had the chance. I can’t say the same for paying off my student loan or house exceptionally early. And if my husband or I suddenly decide to change careers or take different jobs down the line, who knows if we’ll be able to afford it.  So we’re going now. Or soon, at any rate. // 7×35

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