Comments on: US calls for stricter tourism guidelines in Antarctica

By: Antarctica Shoot

Antarctica Shoot — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 15:24:44 +0000

[...] of the most beautiful places in the world and one of the most attractive. When I watch videos of boats drifting through a channel filled with floating icebergs, I get the itch to travel. I’m [...]

By: Rusha

Rusha — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 20:02:17 +0000

I think this is just the U.S. trying to control more of the world. Manifest Destiny and such. It’s crap.

By: 18 places that make you feel small | weeklypop

18 places that make you feel small | weeklypop — Mon, 06 Sep 2010 02:48:30 +0000

[...] to pull yourself up the cables on the final ascent. Photo: Aya Padron 13. Antarctica Travelers to Antarctica report losing all sense of distance — the geographic scale is so immense and the ice fields so [...]

By: mekuria getinet | new media designer » Photo Essay: 18 Places to Feel Dwarfed by Nature #photography

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:34:04 +0000

[...] Antarctica Travelers to Antarctica report losing all sense of distance — the geographic scale is so immense and the ice fields [...]

By: Antarctica Flights: Australian Sidetrip?

Antarctica Flights: Australian Sidetrip? — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 14:45:37 +0000

[...] JUNE, Matador Change editor Julie Schwietert posted US Calls for Stricter Tourism Guidelines in Antarctica. It drew in some interesting viewpoints about travel to the white [...]

By: Antarctica Time lapse: A Year on Ice

Antarctica Time lapse: A Year on Ice — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 23:06:20 +0000

[...] Like what you see? Then you will enjoy TNB’s 5 Amazing Time Lapse Travel Videos. Looking to land a job in Antarctica? First you will want to chat with Matador’s Antarctica expert for some advice. If you are interested in visiting you may want to read up at Change on the fact that the US Calls for Stricter Tourism Guidelines in Antarctica. [...]

By: Stevo

Stevo — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 00:01:11 +0000

Bravo. This looks like a great initiative. Tourism in Antarctica should be limited. I doubt the tour companies will agree. I’ll agree with another commenter: It’s a trip that should be earned.

By: Hal

Hal — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 19:46:35 +0000

Me too, Lola. Let’s sneak down there while no one’s looking.

By: Scott

Scott — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 17:04:44 +0000

I went to Antarctica in 2006 as a part of a small expedition.

While we were there we were treated to talks by local scientists and experts on many aspects of the continent. One thing that was generally agreed upon by everyone was that there have been big changes in the last few decades.

I was lucky enough to be on a 75-passenger ship–most tourists are not. I would have to say that most ships we saw were huge ocean liners that had about a 400-passenger capacity.

It’s getting to the point where people go just to go and say they’ve done it–they really don’t care about any ecological aspects of the area they’re visiting.

By: Eva

Eva — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:47:39 +0000

Hmm. As far as voluntary participation in the new safety/etc restrictions go, maybe tour operators that refuse to adhere to the guidelines should be on the hook for any costs associated with a rescue effort?

Also: no single nation may control Antarctica, but all of these operators have home ports. I’m sure with some creativity (and, of course, the willingness to make this stick) governments could cooperate to control operators that aren’t willing to be reasonable.

As far as Antarctica itself goes, I’ve always sort of felt like it’s the only part of the planet with NO naturally occurring human residents — and as such, it really ought to be left alone. These controls are a good start.