Great expanses of snow, sheer cliffs of ice, freezing navy blue waters speckled with icebergs of all shapes and sizes. The huge land mass that is Antarctica stretches across the bottom of our world, constantly changing form as it is buffeted by winds and the bitter Southern Ocean. Antarctica holidays might not be the first thing that springs to mind when planning your next holiday, but consider the possibilities: visiting one of the world’s most unexplored territories, the final frontier in adventure travel, viewing wildlife and landscapes so otherworldly they could belong to another planet. Antarctica is the coldest and, surprisingly, the driest place on Earth – it is actually a desert – covering over five million square miles. As such, its hostile climate means it has remained virtually untouched by humans, though its animal population is flourishing. Antarctica cruises are the best way to visit this beautiful yet barren wilderness, taking you through freezing waters dappled with icebergs to places like South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, following in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton and other intrepid explorers. The Falklands are scarcely populated by human life and have an infamous, disputed military history, though the wildlife viewing here is astounding. In South Georgia you can retrace the steps of Shackleton as you learn about this tiny island’s varied landscape and surprising history. The Weddell Sea is an enormous bay on the northwest coast of the Antarctica Peninsula, where toothpaste-blue ice formations glitter under moody skies and large groups of penguins hurtle into the sea. Places in Antarctica may be harder to reach but the journey is that more satisfying when you consider the rewards at the end.