Know Before You Go

Top 5 Reasons to Visit the North Pole

What’s the North Pole experience really like? Check out these 5 reasons a North Pole expedition is one of the most unique vacations and the trip of a lifetime.

Your Guide to the Most Popular Arctic Expedition Destinations

Where can you go on an Arctic expedition? Explore Greenland, Spitsbergen, Baffin Island and the Canadian High Arctic, and the North Pole to see what each destination has to offer.

Crossing the Drake Passage: How to Prepare for the Drake Shake

Am I going to get seasick crossing the Drake Passage, and will it ruin my trip? The Drake causes more pre-trip anxiety than any other aspect of an Antarctic expedition. Here’s what to expect.

Ushuaia, Argentina: Much More Than Your Gateway to the Antarctic

What can you see and do in Ushuaia, Argentina, en route to your Antarctic expedition? Learn more about this fascinating South American port town and how you can make the most of every minute here.

A Vegan Traveler's Antarctic Experience: What to Expect on a Visit to the 7th Continent

In this post, Rebecca Gilbert recounts her experience in Antarctica. She talks about life as a vegan passenger on one of our voyages to the 7th Continent and offers tips for fellow vegan travelers.

Must-Know Arctic Expedition Info: Currency, Language & More

What do you need to know about the countries and regions you’ll visit during your Arctic expedition? Explore languages, currencies, entry requirements and more.

The View from the Bridge: What Are Your Captain & Expedition Leader Up To?

What does an “Open Bridge” policy mean? See how the open bridge on small ship expeditions with Quark gives you greater insight into your polar explorations!

3 Memories of a Lifetime from my Antarctic Expedition

In this post, Rebecca Gilbert recounts her experience in Antarctica. She talks about life as a vegan passenger on one of our voyages to the 7th Continent and offers tips for fellow vegan travelers.

How to Dress Onboard a Polar Expedition Ship

In this post, our Merchandise Manager will advise you on what gear you in order to stay dry, happy and safe aboard any of our expedition ship before you embark on a voyage to the Polar Regions.

How to Pack for the Polar Regions

Nadine Ponte shares her advice about packing for the Polar Regions, suggestions about gear and exclusive tips for travelers heading to Antarctica and the Arctic.

What Photography Gear Should You Bring to Antarctica?

Packing Tips for a Fly/Cruise to Antarctica

Preparing for a polar expedition can be a daunting task.  “How cold will it be”? “What type of gear should I bring”? “Is one pair of gloves enough”?  No stranger to the world of cold weather gear,...

A Polar Travel Adviser Shares Her Best Antarctica Fly/Cruise Travel Tips

by Caren Rapp Twenty-three years ago, I took my first Antarctic adventure, and I’ve been helping others discover the seventh continent ever since. And recently, I had the opportunity to experience...

Where Is the Arctic & How Can I Get There?

Wild, rugged and completely unpredictable, the Arctic spans about 1/6 of the earth's area. How can you make your Arctic expedition dreams come true? See what makes up the Arctic and how to get there.

What Photography Gear Should You Bring to Antarctica?

This popular guest post  by Dave Bouskill, photographer and half of the travel couple The Planet D was first published in 2013.  Congratulations! You’ve bought your ticket to Antarctica! So you’ve...

3 Things to Leave at Home When on Your Expedition

Where do you even begin packing for a cruise to the most isolated and pristine places on the planet? If you’re wondering what kinds of things to take on a cruise to the Polar Regions with Quark...

Peace of Mind for Your Polar Expedition: the Best Travel Insurance Options For Your Voyage

You can always expect the unexpected on your voyage to the Polar regions -- like when luck prevails and we see polar bears on an ice floe within sight of our expedition ships, or when you witness...

5 Polar Expedition Rules for Your Most Rewarding Vacation Yet

With so many choices, how can you plan the best polar expedition possible? Check out these 5 polar planning rules that will help make your Arctic or Antarctic trip the most rewarding vacation yet.