This seems to be the #1 bucket list destination in the world

As every winter, I have the feeling that half of the Netherlands is hibernating in South Africa, because that is mainly what I see passing by on Stories. Last winter was the same, but in the years before that, I also saw a lot of Bali and Thailand. This often happens with the most beautiful destinations; it is hugely popular for a few years, and then another place becomes a hype. Now Albania is becoming very popular, while five years ago I heard no one talking about a holiday to Ksamil. Now it is being called the Maldives of Europe… It can go that fast.

But there is one surprising destination that is also enormously on the rise, and according to many, it is the ultimate bucket list destination in the world. That is quite a statement, but I can immediately imagine that it is incredibly special and something you will never forget, perhaps even life-changing.

That destination is Antarctica. Yes, I think you didn't expect that, did you? I must say that I have always had a fascination for the North and South Poles; I find it so magical. A completely different world (so to speak), but just on this globe. I also find it so bizarre to think that Antarctica is about 40 percent larger than Europe. Isn't that crazy? Insanely large and yet so undiscovered. However, that probably won't last long.

In the last decade, it has become much more popular; this season, even 100,000 people are heading to Antarctica — and that is really a huge number for this destination. Most people depart from the southernmost point of Argentina, Ushuaia. This is about three and a half hours flying from Buenos Aires, and from there it is still 48 hours by boat. By the way, you also sail through Drake Passage, the roughest passage in the world. Just look it up on TikTok; those images are so intense and bizarre. I personally wouldn't dare.

After sailing for 48 hours, you arrive in Antarctica and are allowed to disembark. Hilariously, they even have a post office there, Port Lockroy. Many people send a postcard to their home front from here. It is run by four people, and when they are not sorting the mail, they have to count the penguins. That's no joke; about 6,000 people applied for this position, and four people were hired in 2022.

Who knows, there may soon be more positions available, as tourism is only increasing in Antarctica. By the way — although that is to be expected — it is not a cheap holiday: you should budget around 10,000 euros including all flights. But wow, what an experience you gain. I can certainly imagine that people find this the most special destination on earth.