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Why this might be the best year ever to visit Antarctica

June 17, 2021
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3 min read
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Why this might be the best year ever to visit Antarctica
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If you've been dreaming of a trip to Antarctica, this might be the year to make it happen.

There's a narrow six-month window each year when you can visit Antarctica, and this December the stars (and sun and moon) are aligning so you can also view a total solar eclipse during your trip — and it's not too late to book this journey of a lifetime. If you've been hoping to see a total solar eclipse, it's your last chance until April of 2024.

Commercial voyages can only reach Antarctica from late October to March when the sea ice opens up enough to allow ships through. And it's a lengthy journey: Short trips start around eight days and some can extend to three weeks.

Tourists have become increasingly interested in the southern continent, and there are now a number of tours that vary in price and duration, though even the least expensive itineraries will run you several thousands of dollars. Cruise lines and tour operators such as Silversea, Viking, Quark Expeditions, Seabourn, Intrepid and Abercrombie & Kent all lead Antarctica expeditions.

There are even travel providers with itineraries dedicated to seeing the solar eclipse this year.

Even the best tour company, however, can't guarantee you'll have clear skies. Poor conditions can obviously affect your ability to see the eclipse, and Antarctica is known for its unpredictable weather.

According to NASA, a total solar eclipse is predicted for Dec. 4, 2021, and Antarctica may be the only place on Earth you'll be able to get a complete view of the eclipse this time around. The view will be best the closer you are to the so-called path of totality.

Total Solar Eclipse (Image by SA Expeditions/Nick Dall)

After the eclipse in December, the next time a total solar eclipse isn't expected until April 8, 2024. That one, however, won't require a trip across the globe. Instead, it's set to carve a path through Mexico, the central U.S. and eastern Canada.

But if 2024 is too far away and you have Antarctica on your travel list, you might want to consider seeing one of nature's happiest accidents this December.

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Of course, COVID-19 could still pose a challenge for travelers looking to visit Antarctica this year. Right now, tourism isn’t banned from the continent, but there are only a few avenues to get to Antarctica, and you’ll have to follow the rules of entry for those countries.

Related: You can now cruise from the Arctic to Antarctica on this over-the-top new voyage

Most Antarctica voyages depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Both countries are closed to tourists at this time, but the situation could change in time for the solar eclipse sailings.

Even if you don't see a perfect total solar eclipse, you'll still get to experience Arctic waters, pristine glaciers and penguins. Not a bad deal, right?

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
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  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.