Expedition travel is proving to be the break-out travel trend of the decade, appealing to those who are passionately curious and committed to preservation.
“More than 40 years ago, we set out into uncharted waters to change the paradigm on what it means to go off the beaten path and use travel as a catalyst for change,” says Sven-Olof Lindblad, founder, CEO, and co-chair of the board at Lindblad Expeditions. “By carving out access to the most unimaginable, far-reaching places on this planet, and blending science, nature, and purpose-driven exploration, we coined a new archetype of travel: expedition travel.
“Our fleet not only provides a travel experience full of the most exhilarating ‘a-ha’ moments, but also transforms visitors into the most passionate environmental advocates through a deep immersion with nature at all levels,” says Amy Berquist, vice president of conservation, education, and sustainability.
Amateur explorers drawn to such wonders can opt to experience “Epic Antarctica: From the Peninsula to the Ross Sea and Beyond,” a 35-day, over-the-top itinerary showcasing the best of the continent. Special highlights include the unique opportunity—granted by special permit—to explore the subantarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia, World Heritage sites populated by thousands of seals and millions of penguins. Active types can paddle a kayak through pristine bays or cruise in a Zodiac amid the icebergs, all while keeping an eye out for endemic Royal Penguins, Gentoo, and Southern Rockhopper Penguins.
The intimately sized ships are intentionally designed to minimize negative environmental impact, from creation to operation and maintenance. Lindblad was the first operator to develop and implement dynamic risk assessment standards and protocols in the polar regions, as well as the first to work toward single-use plastic elimination—since 2018, there have been zero guest-facing single-use plastics on board any ships.