If you had to choose between Antarctica or Africa (a ROAR-like trip), for a given calendar year, which would you pick? I'm trying to figure out which to prioritize for the relatively near future (i.e., 2007 through 2008). Any and all thoughts would be greatly appreciated!

Africa all the way! But you knew I'd say that, didn't you?

Lawrence: No Fjords??

Lawrence, since not many of us have been to both, I think you are going to find overwhelming preference for Africa! I think Ngaire and hprof are the only ones who have done both. Ngaire ranks Antarctica right up there with the best trips ever.

I love Africa, but if I were choosing either/or in the short term, I would go to Antarctica sooner because I think it is quite possible that leisure travel to Antarctica may be curtailed at some point due to global warming.

Either Fjords or ROAR 2 since we're booked on both of these!! Lawrence, as beautiful as Antarctica is....over and over again you've told me how much you HATE the cold weather!!!

6 months from now I will be better qualified to answer this question since we will have already gone on Ngaire's Penguin Pop to Antarctica. I think Leslie has a very good point; however, ROAR truly won over my heart & Don's (my husband) too! I loved being outdoors with the animals in a very fine 1st class setting (though I expect Antarctica to be as wonderful). This is a tough choice, Lawrence! - :) Michele

I would take Antartica since i HAte hot weather!
Lynn

Lynn, the only time it got hot on ROAR was the day of our City Tour in Cape Town. The rest of the time, it varied from delightful to downright cold.

One more point: We found it EASY and painless to fly to South Africa, much to our surprise. The airline's service was wonderful, we slept well (ok, we were in 1st class) and overall were pleasantly surprised at how well we endured the long trip. (You probably have vast experience with long hauls.) At any rate, we can't wait to go back. The entire trip was 1st class & so inspiring.- Michele

This is for 2008 planning. Sorry, I should have clarified!

I read not long ago that they are going to start restricting how many ships can go to Antarctica (for shore excursions)down to just a bare minimum. If that's the case, Antarctica cruises will just get more and more expensive. Go now, while you can. Africa will be there in 2009 (and probably so will most of us from LCT ;) ). My husband hates cold weather too, but we're going on POP because he needs to step on that continent so he can say he's been on all seven continents. Is that your goal also?

You are torn between two travel experiences which are unlike any others. We have been lucky enough to have been to the Antarctic twice and will be returning to Africa next year for our ninth visit. The ultimate answer is to do both! But, which first? I would suggest the Antarctic for very pragmatic reasons - it is more physically demanding than Africa, so do it now while the old body (my old body, not yours!) is up to it. Getting dressed for going ashore is a chore all by itself, add to that the Zodiac landings, climbing steep hills, a possible rough crossing of Drake's Passage and you have some demands, but with spectacular wildlife and landscape rewards. The next year, go to Africa! Having said all that, if the question is: You have one more trip to take, where would it be? Africa! IMHO.

Ted

PS We're also thinking about returning to the Antarctic - The Hanseatic looks pretty good.

Thanks everyone for the great advice. This has been very helpful. I think I will do Antarctica in 2008 and Africa in 2009 and beyond.

But if you flip-flop it and do ROAR 2 in 2008 you'll be with us!

I was going to add my two centavos, post decision, but if I was in your shoes Lawerence, I too would have chosen Antartica. I know for sure I want to go to Africa with the girls when they are old enough, and that is a few years off...

We are on ROAR in 2008 too. Wish we could fit Antartica in before then but that's a fantasy! I, too, am concerned about seeing Antartica before tourism is greatly reduced. And, also, before global warming makes so many changes there. If only I could write that best selling novel <img border="0" alt="[vhappy]" title="" src="graemlins/icon_vhappy.gif" /> .

You CAN Donna!!!!!! We all will remember you as this sweet poster on LCT before you were on Larry King and Oprah!!!!

Donna, if you ever write a novel I know all us LCTers will buy it in a heartbeat!! (would that be enough to make it a best seller? :eek: )

C'mon Donna! I'm waiting to read it, and considering we have almost 1,000 LCT members, word of mouth would boost sales almost as much as Oprah!

Oh, and to stay on topic - if I could have I would be going on POP too. I don't know if I will ever be in good enough shape to go to Antarctica, but I will certainly do my best!

Ok, Andrea, you get in shape and I'll write that novel. Do we have a deal?

I know one thing for sure--I'm in as good a shape now (and believe me, its's not all that good) as I'm ever going to be. So it's now or never for Antarctica. We'll see how it goes with my creaky old joints --I'll let you know :D

Of course you can!!!!

Never think if only...instead think that your next idea will be the winner.

Peggy you wont have a bit of trouble at all. They really help you into the Zodiacs and once on shore you can climb mountains or stay on the flat with me. Ken and Jerry can climb the hills we will sit and watch the penguins. Last time as Ken was sliding down the ice I was watching this little molting penguin. I was SO close. Well Ken came along and frightened the little guy and he did a direct forceful poop that hit me pretty well! At least it was "pink poop"