Visit the North Pole

This summer is your chance to visit one of Earth’s most unique destinations and one of the last true adventures in the world: the North Pole. Once you’re there you’ll meet Arctic animals, see majestic landscapes and be surprised by what you may find. But be prepared to dish out some serious cash — North Pole expeditions aren’t cheap.

There are a few ways to get to the North Pole. You could fly, but what fun would that be? Flights most commonly leave from Norway and Canada. You will have to transfer to a helicopter for the final leg.

Instead of flying, consider an ice-breaker. Yea, ride a ship through the ice. How’s that for feeling powerful? You’ll leave from Helsinki and steam (or whatever verb you’d use for a nuclear-powered icebreaker) north through some of the world’s least-plied oceans, The two-week trip will take you past the remains of failed expeditions, arctic archipelagos and wildlife. Quark Expeditions also includes Zodiac cruising and a hot-air balloon ride.

But if you really want to go whole-hog, you’re going to want to ski or dogsled to the North Pole (http://www.polarexplorers.com/expeditions/north-pole/north-pole-dogsled). This is truly an adventure and not for the faint of heart or the weak. After your arrival at the 88^th or 89^th parallel, you’ll spend 10 hours a day for eight days striving to overcome that last degree north. As part of the team, you’ll be expected to help set up camp, cook and help out with all other responsibilities. But you’ll get to know the polar pack better than you could have ever expected.

The North Pole isn’t an easy trip. It never has been and it’s not supposed to be. But when you get there, you’ll be one of the few people in history who can say they conquered the North Pole.