Things You Should Know Before Traveling To the North Pole
The North Pole isn’t only a place where Santa Claus resides. It’s a real place you can travel to! The North Pole is the northern point of the Earth’s axis of rotation that sits in the middle of the Arctic Ocean. It’s an icy habitat that sees up to 24 hours of sunlight in the summer and 24 hours of darkness in winter.
The North Pole is not your average vacation spot. There are many things you should know before traveling to the northernmost location on Earth.
The Environment
The North Pole’s environment makes it so different from any other place on the planet.
Water and Ice vs. Land
You won’t find any land at the North Pole. The entire area is a layer of ice on top of the Arctic Ocean. There is no land hiding below the surface.
It’s a dangerous and unpredictable climate; therefore, bringing the appropriate gear to successfully trek through ice and snow and protect yourself is essential.
Temperatures
The North Pole is an environment like none other. During the summer months, the average temperature is around 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The wintertime brings the lowest temperatures of around -10 degrees Fahrenheit, while the high is about 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
It’s important to wear several layers of thermal clothing with a heavy winter coat no matter the time of year to keep your body warm throughout the voyage.
How To Get To the North Pole
It’s important to know that traveling to the North Pole during most parts of the year is almost impossible.
Ship
In the summer, particularly in June and July, the only method of transportation to the North Pole is by ship. This mode of transportation can be expensive, ranging from $27,000 to $40,000 per person. Most trips by ship to the North Pole last for about 14 days, but there are some shorter expeditions available.
The ships are specially designed to cut through the ice of the Arctic Ocean. Since it’s warmer during the summer, the ice is thinner, so the ship can break through the surface.
Helicopter
A typical airplane cannot travel to the North Pole because of the region’s lack of air control towers and unpredictable weather conditions. However, it is possible to travel by helicopter.
This form of transportation is only available during April due to the ice’s thickness and favorable weather conditions. It has a quicker travel time of three days and is much more affordable than traveling by ship.
Very few people get to travel to the incredibly unique North Pole. If you ever get the chance, plan your trip at least one year in advance to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
