As tourism to Antarctica rises, here are common safety practices visitors must remember

Once considered a remote and inaccessible landscape, Antarctica is now emerging as one of the most in-demand tourist destinations in the world. This is in light of a growing trend focusing on sustainable and more experiential travel. Recent estimates have found that tourism rates in the region have grown by over 40% since pre-pandemic numbers. Just last summer, more than 100,000 Antarctic travelers were recorded versus the meager 15 that were logged during the same season in 2020 and 2021.

That said, mainstream exploration of this icy plane is still relatively new. As a result, many tourists come now fully grasping the very real risks and dangers that this icy continent poses. Cruise Critic notes that a number of accidents have already occurred to Antarctic visitors, including some serious ones that resulted in grievous injury. Any accidents here are made more complicated by Antarctica’s remoteness.

As such, experts urge that tourists should pay more mind to their safety with mindful practices to avoid any further dangers to themselves, their party, and the environment. Here are a few of them:

Use the proper eyewear
A post on the American Museum of Natural History states that snow blindness is one of the most pressing health risks in Antarctica. This is because the region has a low concentration ozone region that allows more UV rays to pass through. The massive swathes of reflective snow and ice further compound these. When a person experiences snow blindness, it can cause issues like pain, blurred vision, and even sensitivity to bright light. Given the terrain and demands of the area, losing or impairing ocular abilities can result in even more harm and compromise the well-being of companions. To prevent this, it’s important to wear the right eyewear. In this case, polarized sunglasses come highly recommended. As highlighted by retailer Eyebuydirect, these shades provide more than just UV protection. Using special coatings that block out horizontally polarized light. This prevents harsh glare from entering the eyes and helps improve contrast. In snowy landscapes, these sunglasses are especially recommended since they can enhance visual acuity and comfort, which is key to properly navigating terrain.

Wear sunscreen regularly
Given the UV exposure that visitors to Antarctica are vulnerable to, it’s similarly essential to wear sunscreen to avoid burns. As a rule of thumb, sunscreens must have at least SPF 30 with broad-spectrum protection. Since some areas of Antarctica can have UV exposure levels of eight or higher, which are considered high risk for causing damage, regular reapplication is also necessary. This means that aside from applying a nice, even layer at least 30 minutes before heading out, travelers who expect to be out for extended periods should bring their sunscreen with them for reapplication every two hours. Since there are little to no structures in the area, there is also less shade, which means areas of the body that are typically left without sun protection should also be covered in sunscreen. This includes body parts such as the lips, eyelids, and back of the ears. Of course, since sunscreen will naturally drip off the body when exposed to water or sweat, it’s also crucial to choose one that is formulated without environmentally harmful ingredients. For instance, the brand Sun Bum has SPF50 and is oxybenzone, octinoxate, gluten, cruelty, and paraben free. As it is, researchers have found traces of sunscreen in arctic snow. In excessive amounts, these UV-absorbing chemicals can leech into the local ecosystems and affect wildlife.

Pack enough medications
While every tour provider is obligated to provide medical assistance in times of emergency, Antarctica lacks solid medical systems. As such, there are no nearby pharmacies or hospitals to provide immediate aid when needed. In many cases, tourists who need more significant healthcare even need to be airlifted, which can be costly and dangerous in itself. This is why trustworthy travel entities like Aurora Expeditions make sure to observe a modest maximum passenger capacity in their Antarctic tour packages. Aside from helping minimize ecological impacts, doing so ensures that group numbers are more manageable and there is less chance of incidences overwhelming staff. As a tourist, one can do their part to further safeguard the trip with the right amount of medications. This means, bringing along not just a first aid kit but any daily maintenance prescriptions both during expeditions and in base camps. With these on hand, there is less chance of suddenly falling ill or needing to hassle the rest of the crew to pick up crucial medications.Featured articles