Is Traveling to Antarctica the Ultimate Girls’ Trip?

In December 2024, Radhika Nomllers,  joined our Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise itinerary on board Magellan Explorer. “It offered the perfect blend of convenience and adventure,” says Radhika, who is a full-time travel content curator from India. “The opportunity to fly directly to King George Island cut down travel time, allowing me to immerse myself in the Antarctic wilderness sooner.”

She enjoyed the flexibility of the ship’s exploration options and expert-guided landings, which provided her with an unparalleled experience of the Antarctic Peninsula’s beauty and wildlife, all while ensuring a comfortable journey on a boutique expedition vessel. She also journeyed to Antarctica with her best friend Vartica: the ultimate girls’ trip. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience of two best friends traveling to Antarctica together!”

As an Indian woman who once worked in corporate and then took the big leap to pursue travel and content creation full-time, for Radhika, traveling to Antarctica was more than just exhilarating—it was the pinnacle of her adventures. “As someone deeply passionate about travel and adventure, this experience was the realization of a dream that every traveler holds dear, brought to life through my collaboration with Antarctica21,” says Radhika. “The excitement of finally stepping foot on the Seventh Continent was overwhelming. Sharing the awe and wonder of Antarctica with my audience felt incredibly empowering, giving me the chance to showcase this once-in-a-lifetime journey and inspire others to chase their own adventures.”

Visiting Antarctica gave Radhika a completely new perspective on the world. While she’s always been amazed by how beautiful and vast the planet is, Antarctica made her feel smaller and more humble than ever. “The untouched, pristine landscape stretched beyond anything I had imagined, and it reminded me how fragile and precious our environment is.”

Antarctica also made her reflect on the importance of preservation and sustainability. Being in a place so pure, yet so vulnerable to global changes, made her more conscious of her impact on the world. “It was a powerful reminder of nature’s grandeur and how, despite all the places I’ve been, there are still places that can truly take my breath away in unexpected ways,” says Radhika. “It gave me a deeper respect for the planet and made me realize how interconnected everything is, reinforcing my responsibility as a traveler to protect and cherish the places I visit.”

One of her favorite experiences during her trip was the polar plunge, which she wasn’t initially certain she would even attempt due to her fear of the cold and a condition known as cold urticaria. But because she knew this may be her only chance to try such a feat, she did it. “I just ran and jumped, pushing through my fears,” says Radhika. “It was surreal overcoming one of my deepest anxieties and having my best friend alongside me made it even more special. After the plunge, we celebrated with a vodka shot. I couldn’t stop smiling for hours!”

During her expedition, Radhika shared many memorable moments with the expedition team, enjoyed the sustainability measures the ship provided, and witnessed her first-ever penguin sighting. “Seeing them for the first time in my life was incredibly emotional,” says Radhika. “Watching them in different situations—picking pebbles, tending to their nests, or waddling along as they do—was not just cute but truly unforgettable. I found myself completely engrossed in their activities, and I’ve never felt such a deep connection or fascination while observing any other species. Every moment with the penguins was pure magic.”

For women preparing for their Antarctica voyage, Radhika has a couple of tips to keep in mind. First, Radhika shares that all women travelers should plan for buffer days. “Since flights to Antarctica depart from Chile, where weather conditions can be unpredictable, it’s wise to build extra days into your itinerary. Delays are possible, so having that cushion will prevent stress and ensure your trip goes smoothly.”

She also shares to consider your monthly cycle. “The daily activities on an Antarctic expedition can be physically demanding, with landings, hikes, and Zodiac rides. If possible, try to plan your trip around your period to avoid cramps or discomfort during the more intense days. It’s a small detail but can make a big difference in your experience.”

Above all, traveling to Antarctica reminded Radhika of the incredible power of pushing beyond her perceived limits. “This trip was not just about exploring a new destination—it was about breaking through personal barriers,” says Radhika. “From battling my ocean anxiety and cold urticaria to doing the polar plunge to experiencing the sheer awe of Antarctica's untouched beauty, every moment felt like a lesson in growth, courage, and appreciation.”

She also loved the sense of camaraderie with the crew, her fellow travelers, and her best friend, who brought an extra layer of joy to the adventure.

“It reinforced how traveling can create bonds and memories that last a lifetime,” says Radhika. “Traveling to Antarctica with Antarctica21 changed me in more ways than I expected, and I’m grateful for every second of it!”

Curious about traveling to Antarctica?

Learn more about the itinerary Radhika traveled on here: Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise.