Reflections from an armchair at home.

And just like that… six weeks, countless kilometres, and a lifetime of memories comes to a close.
What began as a journey of three couples setting off for adventure quickly reminded us that travel doesn’t always go to plan. Losing Linda and Milenko from the trip in Buenos Aires was tough, and it changed the dynamic of our group. But as travellers do, we adapted, carried on, and made the most of every moment—always with her in mind.
The Organisation – Trusting the Process
A big tick must go to MyHoliday2, who put together a complex itinerary spanning multiple countries, climates, and transport modes. There were moments along the way where we didn’t have all the details at our fingertips—and yes, that can feel a little unsettling when you’re halfway across the world—but in hindsight, everything fell into place exactly as it should. Transfers arrived, tours happened, flights connected (well… mostly 😜), and the overall structure of the trip worked seamlessly.
The People – The Real Highlight
What stands out is the people.
Our guides were consistently excellent, but special mentions must go to Stephanie and Carlos in Peru—both incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and clearly passionate about their country. They didn’t just show us places; they brought history and culture to life.
And beyond the guides, the warmth of South Americans was something we’ll never forget. Whether it was in bustling cities or remote regions, we were always met with friendliness and patience. Despite our very limited Spanish, the effort to communicate was always appreciated—and I must say, I thoroughly enjoyed giving it a go!
(With one small exception… the luggage bloke in El Calafate 😄)
Getting Around – Surprisingly Smooth
Considering the distances covered, the variety of transport was impressive—planes, buses, boats, zodiacs… even helicopters!
The bus journeys in particular stood out. Long distances, yes, but safe, comfortable, and driven by highly skilled drivers who made some pretty challenging roads look easy.
The Scenery – Simply… WOW
It’s almost impossible to summarise the landscapes we experienced.
From glaciers and mountains to deserts and cities… every destination seemed to outdo the last. You could fill pages (and we probably will) and many notsogreywanderers YouTube episodes just listing highlights, but one word captures it best:
AWESOME.
Antarctica – The Bucket List Within the Bucket List
Antarctica was something else entirely.
A place that feels untouched, raw, and incredibly special. The wildlife, the ice, the silence… it’s hard to describe unless you’ve been there. It’s safe to say it exceeded expectations—and that’s saying something.
Our time onboard the HX expedition ship was comfortable and well run. The cabin, crew, and expedition experiences were all top-notch. If there was one downside, it was the food—which, compared to everything else onboard, didn’t quite hit the same high standard.
But that’s a small footnote in what was otherwise an extraordinary experience.
In fact… we’re already talking about going back.
The Stays – The Good, The… Interesting
Accommodation across the trip was a mixed bag. Some places were excellent—comfortable, well-located, and memorable for all the right reasons. Others… well… let’s just say they added a bit of character to the trip!
But that’s part of travel, isn’t it? If everything was perfect, you wouldn’t have the stories.

Final Thoughts
This journey was about more than ticking destinations off a list.
It was about:
• embracing the unexpected
• appreciating different cultures
• stepping outside our comfort zones
• and sharing experiences with great people
South America challenged us, surprised us, and rewarded us in equal measure.
And as all good trips should…
it’s left us wanting more.
Until the next adventure…Læs mere