How We Traveled to Antarctica on a Budget (and How You Can Too!)

From scoring a last-minute expedition deal to turning the icy continent into a living science lab, here’s how we created an unforgettable worldschooling experience at the bottom of the world.

Antarctica. The word alone conjures images of towering glaciers, penguins waddling across the ice, and a landscape so untouched and remote that it feels almost mythical. But let’s be real—getting there seemed impossible for us.

For one, it’s the most remote continent on Earth. You don’t just hop on a cheap flight to Antarctica. And then there’s the cost—easily tens of thousands of dollars per person on a luxury expedition cruise. As a family traveling on a tight backpacker budget, it seemed completely, ludicrously, laughably out of reach.

And yet, we were able to make it happen.

So how did we pull off the ultimate budget travel hack and step foot on the frozen continent? And once we got there, how did we turn Antarctica into the most incredible outdoor science lab for our kids? Read on for the secrets of getting to Antarctica without breaking the bank—plus how to make the most of the experience once you arrive.

How We Got to Antarctica on a Budget

Antarctica had never been part of our original travel plan (despite our 13-year-old son, Finn, putting it at the top of his wish list. "Nice try, buddy," we thought. Never gonna happen.) We assumed it would be way too expensive. But we didn't wholly abandon the idea. So, we started looking for loopholes—ways to make the impossible possible.

1. Be Flexible and Hunt for Last-Minute Deals

Most Antarctic trips are planned (and booked) years in advance. That’s great for travelers with unlimited budgets, but for those looking for deals , last-minute bookings are the way to go.

Months before our South American leg, Randy began reaching out to expedition operators, asking about last-minute cancellations or discounted fares. We focused on older, smaller research-style ships rather than the luxury cruises. And then, in November, we got the email we had been hoping for:

A large group had canceled on the Ushuaia, a former research vessel turned expedition ship, and heavily discounted last-minute spots had opened up. It was still a stretch for our budget, but by shifting some of our plans and cutting costs elsewhere, we made it work.

🐧Takeaway: If you’re serious about Antarctica, email operators directly, ask about last-minute openings, and be ready to go on short notice. Ushuaia, Argentina, is the main departure point—being there already gives you an edge in snagging a deal.

2. Choose an Expedition Ship, Not a Luxury Cruise

Some Antarctic trips are floating five-star hotels, with champagne and plush cabins. We, on the other hand, signed up for a real expedition—on a no-frills, older ship with no wave stabilizers for rough seas and rubber boots issued instead of spa treatments.

And honestly? That was perfect for us.

The Ushuaia was small (only about 90 passengers), but it was a true research vessel, staffed with scientists, naturalists, and an expedition crew eager to share their knowledge.

🐧Takeaway: A smaller, older ship = lower cost and a more authentic experience. Skip the luxury and embrace the adventure!

3. Rent and Borrow Gear Instead of Buying New

Packing for Antarctica is tricky (especially if you're backpacking and clothing options are limited!). You need serious cold-weather gear, but buying everything new would have blown our budget. Instead, we rented waterproof pants and jackets in Ushuaia, borrowed gloves and hats from fellow travelers, and layered up with thermals we already had.

🐧Takeaway: You don’t need to own an Arctic wardrobe—rent, borrow, and improvise to save money.

The Ultimate Science Lab: Turning Antarctica Into a Classroom

Once we got to Antarctica, we knew this wasn’t just another destination—it was an educational goldmine. Instead of just experiencing it, we wanted the kids to engage with it.

1. Hands-On Marine Biology: Observing Penguins, Seals & Whales

The moment we set foot on Livingston Island, we were surrounded by penguins—hundreds of them. Up close, they were cuter (and stinkier) than we ever imagined. But beyond just admiring them, we turned our encounters into a biology lesson.

• Penguin Research: Aria took on a project to compare gentoo, chinstrap, and Adelie penguins, sketching and documenting their behaviors.

• Seal Ecology: We observed a leopard seal lounging on an ice floe, discussing predator-prey relationships in the Antarctic ecosystem.

• Whale Tracking: During one Zodiac excursion, we spotted humpback whales breaching—an incredible opportunity to discuss migration patterns and conservation efforts.

🐧Takeaway: Bring a notebook and camera, encourage observations, and turn every wildlife encounter into a learning experience.

2. Physics in Action: Buoyancy, Icebergs & the Science of Cold

Antarctica isn’t just about animals—it’s a perfect place to see physics in action.

• Iceberg Science: Why are some icebergs bright blue? We learned that older, denser ice absorbs all colors except blue, giving it that otherworldly glow.

• Buoyancy & Saltwater Density: Watching icebergs float despite their massive size helped explain why saltwater affects buoyancy differently than freshwater.

• Survival in the Cold: We talked about how seals and penguins stay warm in subzero temperatures, from blubber insulation to tightly packed feathers.

🐧Takeaway: Antarctica offers real-world applications of physics concepts—observe, ask questions, and let nature do the teaching.

3. Conservation & Climate Change: Becoming Antarctic Ambassadors

Antarctica is one of the most fragile places on Earth. Scientists on board explained how climate change is affecting the region, from melting ice sheets to shifts in animal migration patterns.

• We discussed the Antarctic Treaty, which protects the continent for scientific research.

• The kids brainstormed ways to be better environmental stewards, from reducing plastic use to advocating for conservation.

• Our guides emphasized why strict biosecurity measures (like disinfecting boots before landings) were essential to protecting Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem.

🐧Takeaway: Antarctica isn’t just a place to visit—it’s a lesson in why conservation matters. Seeing its untouched beauty makes protecting our planet feel more urgent.

Antarctica Is Possible—And Unforgettable

We never thought we’d make it to Antarctica. It felt too far, too expensive, too impossible. But by finding the right deal, embracing the adventure, and using the trip as an educational experience, it became one of the most incredible and rewarding places we’ve ever visited.

So if Antarctica is on your bucket list, don’t write it off just yet. With flexibility, persistence, and a little creativity, you might just find yourself stepping onto the seventh continent, surrounded by penguins, icebergs, and the raw beauty of the world’s last true wilderness.

And trust us—it’s worth every bit of effort to get there.