Arctic Archives - Shared Adventures

Luxury travel often evokes images of five-star accommodations and meticulously planned itineraries. But for the truly adventurous soul, there’s a unique style of travel. One that offers a deeper, more immersive experience: Expedition Travel. If you’re considering an expedition vacation or already have one in the works – follow these 5 essential tips to ensure you have the most incredible experience:

What is an Expedition Adventure?

a snokeler and a seal look at each other underwater in the Galapagos

First – a quick review of what kinds of trips we’re talking about. Expedition cruises and tours take you off the beaten path, exploring the remote corners of the globe alongside a team of experts. Think wildlife encounters in the Arctic tundra, a gorilla trek in Uganda, or a cultural immersion in the Amazon rainforest. Whether you’re heading to the Australian Outback or the Galapagos – expedition itineraries are all about exploration and discovery. They have a strong focus on learning about the unique destinations you visit.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures – read about her Galapagos Adventure Here!]

1. Stay Flexible: Your Itinerary is a Guideline

Expedition itineraries are crafted to explore dynamic environments, and Mother Nature has a mind of her own. Unforeseen weather conditions, wildlife sightings, or even research opportunities may adjust the daily schedule. Be prepared to go with the flow. Don’t expect to stick too closely to your itinerary.

Your planned Zodiac cruise through a glacier-filled fjord might be rerouted due to unexpectedly strong winds. Or someone may spot a pod of whales in the distance encouraging the captain to navigate closer. The expert expedition leaders will always look for better-suited alternatives to maximize your trip in ways you never imagined. Instead of viewing these changes as disruptions, embrace them as unique adventures that can elevate your trip.

[Photo Credit: Long May via Unsplash]

a small dingy in front of an ice arch on an arctic expedition

2. Attend the Lectures: Listen and Learn from the Experts

two travelers in red survey the icy landscape of an arctic adventure

Expedition teams are comprised of seasoned experts – naturalists, historians, geologists. They will bring the destinations you visit to life. The informative lectures they offer aren’t just filler — they’re crucial for your understanding. Whether it’s the cultural significance of a remote village, the delicate balance of a polar ecosystem, or the geological forces that shaped a volcanic landscape, these insights will elevate your experience and allow you to truly appreciate the wonders that surround you.

[Photo Credit: Cassie Matias via Unsplash]

3. Remember These Aren’t Your Typical Vacations

Expedition vacations prioritize exploration over opulence. You’ll trade those sprawling buffets for regionally-inspired meals and spacious cabins for more compact, functional accommodations. You won’t need to pack your fancy dinner dress for this type of vacation and don’t expect to spend your days relaxing by the pool with a margarita.

Instead, you’ll spend your days experiencing incredible wildlife encounters and unparalleled scenery which few in the world get to experience.

Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel]

a seal and a woman sit side by side on the beach in the Galapagos

a circle of tents with glowing orange fires set against a vast midnight blue sky on a desert expedition adventure

Your accommodations might range from comfortable yet basic tented camps to refurbished research vessels. You might be setting sail on a small expedition ship instead of a giant cruise liner. While the ship will have amenities, it will prioritize expedition capabilities over entertainment options, offering a more intimate and focused experience. Think of it as a trade-off: slightly less space, for memories that will fill a lifetime.

[Photo Credit: Parker Hilton via Unsplash]

4. Be Prepared to Be Active and Know Your Limits

Expedition itineraries often involve hiking, kayaking, or wildlife viewing excursions. While the pace can be adjusted to accommodate varying fitness levels, a baseline level of physical fitness is essential. So don’t put off going on these adventures until retirement! Be prepared to walk over uneven terrain, swim in open water, and climb in and out of boats or up steep mountains.

[Photo Credit: Ann via Shared Adventures Travel]

The Galapagos group on a hike through volcanic rock and low desert bush

Most importantly: be honest with yourself about your capabilities. Choose adventures that suit your limitations. There’s no shame in opting for a shorter hike or sitting out a particularly strenuous kayaking excursion. You’ll enjoy your adventure most when you’re pushing your boundaries while staying safe and within your limits. Listen to your body and select the activity that aligns with your fitness level.

Take time to understand the physical requirements and environmental conditions you’ll face on this adventure. Do you need to prepare for altitude sickness? Extreme cold or heat? Understanding the conditions and your fitness level before you go on the trip will be key to enjoying your adventure.

[Photo Credit: Alvaro Palacios via Unsplash]

5. Pack Light, But Pack for All Weather

Expedition destinations often have unpredictable weather patterns. One day you might be basking in sunshine, the next braving icy winds. Pack layers that can be easily combined to adapt to changing conditions. Quick-drying fabrics and waterproof gear are essential. Remember: layers, layers, and more layers.

Your exploration of the Amazon rainforest might involve navigating through sudden downpours. Packing a lightweight rain jacket and quick-dry hiking pants will ensure you stay comfortable and focused on enjoying the adventure. The key to packing is versatility and clothes specifically adapted to the environment you’re exploring.

[Photo Credit: Kiyoshi via Unsplash]

a canoe crossing the wide amazon river on an Amazon Expedition

Are you inspired to embark on an expedition of your own? Let us know and we can help plan every detail. Pack your sense of adventure, and a dash of flexibility, and get ready to experience the world in a whole new way.

Visiting Norway in Winter Pin — *Pin It For Later!*

It’s easy to understand Norway’s appeal. With stunning landscapes, lots of open space, and friendly people, this coastal Nordic country is a delight at every turn. While summer brings the midnight sun, and beautiful green hiking trails, it also brings bigger crowds and higher prices than at other times of the year. In-the-know travelers visit Norway in the winter instead, and are rewarded with a veritable winter wonderland! What makes Norway such a perfect winter getaway? And why should you add it to your bucket list for post-COVID travel?

Atmosphere

The Temperature: Norway is actually not as cold as you might think, thanks to the Gulf Stream. Coastal areas rarely get below 0°F even in the northernmost islands, while the inland mountains can get a little bit colder than that (perfect for skiing, with lots of light fluffy snow.)

Polar Nights: Long hours of darkness, twinkling holiday lights, reindeer in the north, little wooden houses, and no crowds – you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a movie! The deep snow and twilight of winter add a magical aspect to an already staggeringly beautiful landscape. The long evenings allow you to stargaze, catch the Northern Lights, and see the world from a different, more mystical, perspective. Enjoy the winter evenings in Norway by snuggling up next to the crackling fire with your favorite book and mug of hot cocoa.

[Lofoten Islands, Photo Credit: Johny Goerend via Unsplash]

Unique Scenery

Some of the best places to visit in winter are, surprisingly, along the northern coast. Characterized by contrasts, you’ll find crystal clear water and sandy beaches next to peaks of craggy granite mountains.

the side of a cabin, a small boat docked with lights and sunrise over the bay and snow mountains in Norway

The northern archipelagos like Lofoten, Helgeland, Vesterålen, and Svalbard offer UNESCO World Heritage Sites, fjords, glacier walks, wildlife and fishing, sustainability, and steep mountains full of troll legends.

[Tromso, Photo Credit: Zu Photography via Unsplash]

If the wild north isn’t your cup of cocoa, the modern cities of Oslo and Bergen are always great starting points. Oslo boasts 50 different museums, historic buildings, and interesting modern architecture as well as having its own medieval castle — Akershus.

the colorful houses on the waterfront of Bergen Norway

Bergen is notable for its colorful buildings and high-quality restaurants that will impress any foodie. Oslo and Bergen are also great home bases for smaller day-trips to see the fjords or the impressive countryside in only a few hours.

[Bergen, Photo Credit: Michael Fousert via Unsplash]

Winter Activities

People often worry that the cold, snow, and long evenings will mean they won’t be able to do as much on a winter visit. Yet Norway offers so many activities that are only possible in the ice and snow!

a man skiing down the slopes with the sea and mountains in the backgroun in Norway

Skiing, sledding, ice skating & snowshoeing are all major sports in Norway. With some of the best ski resorts and their own Alps, you’ll often find these activities available through your hotel, no matter where you stay.

[Lyngen Alps, Photo Credit: Hendrik Morkel via Unsplash]

top image of a dog sled team with the northern lights in the sky, bottom image a hand feending a white reindeer

Dog sledding & reindeer rides: If you stay in the northern region, you’ll have the chance to check these items off your bucket list! Happy teams of dogs tow you across the arctic landscape — maybe even try your hand at steering the sled. Or you can learn about reindeer herding and Sami culture from the herders themselves.

[Photo Credit: Top: Thomas Lipke Bottom: Arseny Togulev via Unsplash]

Safaris & whale watching: From arctic foxes to moose to sea eagles, there’s a lot of wildlife to see in Norway! Take a safari through the rich landscape, or head out onto the water.

a huge whale tail dives down next to a small boat in winter in Norway

While you can spot sperm whales all year round, humpbacks and orcas are only seen in the winter and spring.

Pro tip: Head to Vesterålen for a 95% chance of seeing whales even on short trips due to the nutrient-rich continental shelf being incredibly close to the mainland!

[Photo Credit: Simon Infanger via Unsplash]

two small snowmobile headlights traveling across the frozen tundra Norway

Glacier walks, Ice Caves & Snowmobiling: for more adventurous spirits, try hiking along an icy glacier and exploring ice caves with a guide. Or enjoy the frozen landscape and the rush of speed in a snowmobile!

[Photo Credit: Vidar Nordli Mathisen via Unsplash]

Iconic journeys

One of the best ways to enjoy the stunning views of the Norwegian landscape is from a comfortable and warm seat on the train! The Flamsbana train line to the small town of Flåm is often touted as one of Europe’s most beautiful train rides. With panoramic views of the fjord landscapes, deep ravines, waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and twisting tunnels that spiral in and out of the mountains, it’s definitely worth taking a ride. Make it an easy 3hr day trip from Bergen or have a whole adventure of it with a 6hr ride from Oslo.

Cruising near Trollfjord [Photo Credit: Pascal Debrunner via Unsplash]

Because Norway’s north is primarily made of islands, taking a cruise is the perfect way to get the most out of your trip and see it all. Choose from short 2-4 day cruises or take a long trip on a 12-15 day cruise from Hurtigruten. You’ll have the option of mini shore-excursions during the day, so without too much extra hassle, you can go on mountain hikes, city tours, kayaking, dog sledding, and other cultural activities.

Bucket-List Accommodations

Ice Hotels – Another thing you can only do in winter, there are a few of these hotels around Norway, including the northernmost ice hotel in the world – Sorrisniva. They are, quite literally, a work of art. Carved by local sculptors each year, they’re usually kept around 25°F. Even so, you can snuggle up on your ice bed with reindeer furs and an all-weather sleeping bag for a cozy, comfy night.

The hotels usually include a farm-to-table restaurant, relaxing sauna, and warm main lodge with free wi-fi. The ice hotels themselves include an ice bar and around 30 bedrooms with ice furniture, while the bathroom facilities are kept in the main warm lodge.

[Photo Credit: Tobias Fischer via Unsplash]

Glass Igloos — Taking social media by storm, these are domes/igloos/cabins with at least one wall and much of the ceiling transparent. They range from a small cabin with a separate kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom, to a simple igloo with a bed, fireplace, and underfloor heating (but with sauna, shower, and dining facilities located in a nearby lodge.) In Norway you’ll find the glass igloos are often less expensive and a bit more spaced out, offering more privacy than the more famous Finnish ones. And the views of the Aurora are priceless.

[Photo Credit: Christopher Chapman via Flickr under CC 2.0]

For the right traveler, Norway in winter has a lot to offer. It’s a unique, incredible escape and you may even get to cross a few things off your bucket list! If this post has sparked your interest in a winter-wonderland vacation let us know! It will more than likely be next year before Americans can travel to Norway, but a lot of the more unique experiences have limited space and we do recommend booking well in advance.

Top 5 Tips for Your Expedition Adventure