Determine your budget. A 12-hour flyover flight leaving from Australia, New Zealand or South America can cost as little US$1,000 per person. Cruises, which last from 10 days to three weeks, have widely varying costs based on the length of the cruise, the class of service on the cruise, and whether or not the ship is an icebreaker. The most expensive cruises can cost up to US$25,000. Unless you find an all-inclusive trip, you'll also need to include the cost of travel to your boarding point.
Check your calendar. Because Antarctica is in the southern hemisphere, the summer tourist season runs from November to March. Many companies plan flyover flights for New Year's Eve.
Pack your bags. For flyovers, you can count on your flight crew to keep the airplane comfortable, so you can skip this step. If you're on a cruise, keep in mind that the high temperatures in summer are slightly below freezing. On some cruises, you'll take a tender from the ship to the land. Your cruise will probably provide some cold weather gear, but you should check with them before leaving home to find out exactly what you're expected to provide.
Set a course for adventure. Check with your tour operator about special opportunities on your trip. You may be able to kayak past penguins and icebergs, climb a cliff or camp overnight on the ice.
