expedition guide, photographer, speaker
My goal is to spark curiosity, connection, and a sense of awe for the world we share.
Hi, I’m Lori, founder of The Antarctic Experience. My first journey to Antarctica in 2006 changed everything.
What began as a single expedition turned into a lifelong calling. I’ve returned every year since, guiding thousands of travelers, becoming an Assistant Expedition Leader, and earning Senior Polar Guide status with the Polar Tourism Guides Association.
I’m also a partner in a small business that creates educational field guides for polar travelers, and I serve as Vice-Chair of the International Association for Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) Antarctic Ambassadorship Committee, helping people connect with and protect Antarctica, because I believe that wild places can transform us, even if we’ve never been.
I’ve always taken an unconventional path, building a career around what I love to do...
…including exploring all seven continents, starting multiple businesses, educating thousands of kids and adults, and earning international recognition for my photography. And I recently authored a chapter in the third volume of the best-selling series, We Lead: Building Connection, Community, and Collaboration for Women in Business.
Some of my favorite roles have included teaching tropical marine science, designing museum exhibits, and working at an aquarium in Curaçao, where my commute to work was via SCUBA drift diving. I’ve written multi-million-dollar grants for schools, developed curricula, trained teachers, and founded a non-profit.
I currently divide my time between expedition guiding, speaking engagements, and running a successful pet photography business in my hometown of Annapolis, Maryland.
At my core, I’m a creative, an educator, and a connector who loves helping people find what they need, whether that’s knowledge, community, or a deeper connection to the world around them.
Conscious Antarctica Travel
If you feel conflicted about traveling to a wild and fragile environment like Antarctica, and wrestling with the question of whether to go, we hear you. You may be searching for sustainable travel, responsible travel, or eco-friendly travel options and wondering if they exist.
I know these words matter
I’ve been in this conversation for decades. Back in the early 1990s, just as terms like ecotourism were starting to become part of the vocabulary for travelers like you, I was in Baja, Mexico, writing my thesis on the impact of tourism on sea lion behavior.
That's why I commit to conscious travel
But I want to be absolutely clear: A journey to this remote, pristine continent is a profound privilege, but it is not a zero-impact trip. It’s impossible to visit Antarctica and leave no trace.
Conscious Travel is a mindset, not a marketing word, and I believe it’s the most responsible way to explore.
Approach your journey consciously, and I promise it will be life-changing
Set Proper Expectations
Make informed decisions, understanding what to expect when traveling to Antarctica, and the guidelines of both IAATO and the Antarctic Treaty System.
Immerse Fully
Commit to full participation in the adventure, connecting with fellow travelers, and learning everything possible from the expert expedition team.
Embrace Mindfulness
Stay mindful, not just of the regulations, but of your profound personal journey. Allow time for reflection, full presence, and deep appreciation of your surroundings.
Choose Responsibly
Travel with reputable companies that are actively working to be as environmentally responsible as possible. Look for operators who support research, citizen science, have a strong safety record, and a commitment to education and ongoing staff training.
Commit to Ambassadorship
Return as an Antarctic Ambassador, committed to sharing your knowledge with others, advocating for the continent, and with a new understanding of how your choices at home impact the global environment.
how can we help you?
Our professional network is one of our biggest strengths.
We invite you to tap into our extensive network of personally vetted polar travel resources and partners.
Whether you’re a teacher looking for information about Antarctica, an adventurer planning to travel there in the future, or have your expedition booked, we have experts to support you. All you need to do is let us know what you need.
Ready to start planning your journey?
I highly recommend booking with this group! It cost the same to do it on my own, and I truly didn’t know what I didn’t know. For an adventure of a lifetime, please consider using these amazing guides to match you with your perfect trip!!
Jen
Our agent was very patient as she helped us evaluate our preferences and wishes, and presented the various options to fulfill them. The trip we ended up on was with an operator we weren’t familiar with and might never have found on our own, but it was a perfect fit and the adventure of a lifetime!
Hillary
Kit helped us narrow down our choices, handled all the bookings for us, and we had the most magical experience of our lives. She answered every question promptly and with extra information, I never felt like it was a form answer. It was great to have such an experienced and specialised person helping us with this massive decision.
Helen
Thank you Lori for the webinar on packing. I so appreciate all the detail you went into, and also your effort to emphasize things that YOU need as someone who will be out in the elements for several more hours a day than any of us.
Tonya
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