Latest news with #WildfootTravel
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Daily Mail
Pilot with 22 years of experience reveals the place he would NEVER go near
A commercial pilot has revealed one destination he steers clear of - despite having over two decades of flying experience under his belt. It's not a lack of experience that had Richard Wells avoiding routes to Antarctica, it's the extreme weather conditions. The 54-year-old retired long-haul pilot, from Kent, spent more than 22 years flying across Europe, Asia and the Americas and has experienced almost every kind of common flight problem, from turbulence to emergency landings. In spite of this, Well draws the line at flying to Antarctica as there are too many risks involved. According to travel guides at Wildfoot Travel, pilots face significant challenges and risks when flying to Antarctica, resulting in many commercial airlines avoiding the route entirely. The primary reasons include a lack of infrastructure, such as airports and emergency landing sites, extreme weather of strong winds, freezing temperatures and low visibility, and the heightened risk of mechanical issues occurring. These combined factors make any flight to Antarctica a high-risk journey, especially for passengers and crew on commercial flights. Wells, who's clocked up over 10,000 flight hours over the years, noted his familiarity with 'mountainous regions, remote islands and tropical storms' but was quick to dismiss Earth's southernmost continent. As reported by the Mirror, he said: 'Antarctica? That's different. Weather changes with no warning, there are no proper runways in most areas, and if something goes wrong - there's no backup. It's not worth the risk.' He added: 'There's no margin for error. The infrastructure is minimal, and even experienced flight crews have limited options if conditions deteriorate mid-flight. That's not something I'd ever gamble with.' While the continent is not a no-fly zone, there are are a limited number of specialised charter flights that operate within Antarctica - though frequent delays and cancellations are common due to little-to-no visibility, whiteouts and high winds.
Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
'I'm an experienced pilot but there's one place in the world I would never fly'
Despite decades of flying experience many pilots will refuse to navigate one place A long-haul airline pilot has revealed the one place in the world he avoids. Despite having more than 10,000 flying hours under his belt and two decades of flying experience in places across the globe, he steers clear of one location. Commercial airline pilot, Richard Wells, spent more than 22 years flying across Europe, Asia and the Americas before retiring. But there's a spot on his no-fly list because the conditions are far too extreme. The 54-year-old said he draws the line at flying in Antarctica. According to travel experts from Wildfoot Travel, Richard is not alone. They said that seasoned pilots with vast experience will avoid the area thanks to its unpredictable and unforgiving conditions. Tourists to the area will usually get their own specialised expedition vessels rather than on a commercial aircraft for this reason, reports The Mirror. Richard said he has encountered every type of flight scenario in his time in the skies, but explained why Antarctica is a no go. He said: "I've flown into mountainous regions, remote islands and through tropical storms. But Antarctica? That's different. " Weather changes with no warning, there are no proper runways in most areas, and if something goes wrong — there's no backup. It's not worth the risk. While a limited number of flights do operate into the continent, particularly to King George Island, these are highly regulated and weather-dependent, with frequent delays and cancellations due to sudden whiteouts, high winds, and near-zero visibility. Commercial airline pilots do not fly there. Only highly specialised charter flights or military and scientific missions operate in the region. Richard added: 'There's no margin for error. The infrastructure is minimal, and even experienced flight crews have limited options if conditions deteriorate mid-flight. That's not something I'd ever gamble with.' In addition to visibility and runway issues, the lack of air traffic control, unpredictable jet streams, and absence of emergency diversion routes all add to the risk. Despite the aviation challenges, Antarctica remains a dream destination for thousands of British tourists every year. Wildfoot Travel reports a sharp increase in interest for 2025 departures, especially for those seeking to explore the continent's wildlife, towering glaciers, and surreal landscapes without relying on direct air access. Their most popular options include: Small-ship cruises from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage Fly-cruise hybrids, where travellers fly to King George Island and board an expedition vessel Extended voyages including the Falklands and South Georgia, known for penguin megacolonies and elephant seals All itineraries are supported by expert guides, marine biologists, and ice navigation crews trained specifically for polar conditions. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Passengers also benefit from daily landings, often by Zodiac boat, with chances to see Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, whales, leopard seals, and towering icebergs up close — something impossible to do by air alone. Antarctica is not only the coldest and windiest continent, but also one of the most aviation-unfriendly. There are no large-scale commercial airports, minimal navigation aids, and the environment can shift rapidly with little warning. Extreme temperatures also regularly affect flight instruments and engines, and strong katabatic winds - wind that flows downhill and are caused by gravity pulling higher density air downslope to lower density air - can make landings unsafe with little notice.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'I'm a pilot with 10,000 flight hours but I won't go near this place'
ccording to Wildfoot Travel, a travel expert, even seasoned pilots acknowledge that the world's southernmost continent presents some of the most unpredictable and unforgiving flying conditions on the planet Despite having over 10,000 flight hours and two decades of global flying experience, one commercial airline pilot says there's one place he still avoids. It's not because of fear of flying, but because the conditions are simply too extreme. The place is Antarctica. According to Wildfoot Travel, a travel expert, even seasoned pilots acknowledge that the world's southernmost continent presents some of the most unpredictable and unforgiving flying conditions on the planet — which is exactly why most tourists don't fly in on commercial aircraft, but arrive by specialist expedition vessels. Richard Wells, 54, is a retired long-haul pilot from Kent who spent over 22 years flying internationally across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. With over 10,000 hours in the air, he's experienced nearly every type of flight scenario — but he draws the line at Antarctica. "I've flown into mountainous regions, remote islands and through tropical storms. But Antarctica? That's different. Weather changes with no warning, there are no proper runways in most areas, and if something goes wrong — there's no backup. It's not worth the risk," he said. While a limited number of flights do operate into the continent, particularly to King George Island, these are highly regulated and weather-dependent, with frequent delays and cancellations due to sudden whiteouts, high winds, and near-zero visibility. Commercial airline pilots do not fly there. Only highly specialised charter flights or military and scientific missions operate in the region. Wells added: 'There's no margin for error. The infrastructure is minimal, and even experienced flight crews have limited options if conditions deteriorate mid-flight. That's not something I'd ever gamble with.' In addition to visibility and runway issues, the lack of air traffic control, unpredictable jet streams, and absence of emergency diversion routes all add to the risk. Despite the aviation challenges, Antarctica remains a dream destination for thousands of British tourists every year. Wildfoot Travel, a travel expert, reports a sharp increase in interest for 2025 departures, especially for those seeking to explore the continent's wildlife, towering glaciers, and surreal landscapes without relying on direct air access. Their most popular options include: Small-ship cruises from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage Fly-cruise hybrids, where travellers fly to King George Island and board an expedition vessel Extended voyages including the Falklands and South Georgia, known for penguin megacolonies and elephant seals All itineraries are supported by expert guides, marine biologists, and ice navigation crews trained specifically for polar conditions. Passengers also benefit from daily landings, often by Zodiac boat, with chances to see Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins, whales, leopard seals, and towering icebergs up close — something impossible to do by air alone. Antarctica is not only the coldest and windiest continent, but also one of the most aviation-unfriendly. There are no large-scale commercial airports, minimal navigation aids, and the environment can shift rapidly with little warning. Temperatures regularly affect flight instruments and engines, and strong katabatic winds can make landings unsafe with little notice. All expeditions follow strict IAATO environmental protocols, ensuring safe and responsible tourism in this fragile ecosystem.
Daily Mail
4 days ago
- Daily Mail
The world's only place where the sun never sets for two months every year - and how to travel there
From late November until the end of January there's a destination that experiences 24 hours of sunlight. Antarctica is located at southernmost point of the planet and is the least populated continent in the world. The chilly location attracts thousands of visitors a year with its gigantic icebergs and clear waters. Unknown to some, a natural phenomenon happens annually, mostly during Antarctica's summer months where the sun never completely sits below the horizon due to the Earth's tilt. This creates a constantly glowing sky, a natural wonder dubbed the Midnight Sun. Wildlife activity is also enhanced during the enchanting time and elephant seals basking on ice floes are a common sight. Adélie, chinstrap, and gentoo penguins tending to their chicks can also be seen. Holiday website Wildfoot Travel described the natural wonder as 'disorienting yet magical'. They said: 'You'll find yourself walking among penguins at 10pm, sailing past glowing blue icebergs well past midnight, or standing on deck as the sky turns gold and pink – and never goes dark. 'It's one of the most disorienting yet magical sensations on Earth.' Interest in visiting Antarctica is 'surging', according to the travel site, and travellers are encouraged to book early, especially for trips during the festive season. The company added: 'For many, it's not just about seeing the wildlife or the scenery – it's about feeling like you're part of a completely different world. 'The Midnight Sun adds a dreamlike quality that you can't get anywhere else on the planet.' Visitors not prepared for the sun never setting often find it difficult to sleep at first or feel confused over what time it is. The travel site recommends bringing a sleep mask to help block out light. Weather appropriate clothes are also recommended with temperatures only as high as -2 to 5 degrees in the summer months. It is advised to stick to a regular schedule, including set times for meals, to help stay regulated during the constant light. Though it isn't a tropical location, sun cream and moisturisers are still recommended because of how much the sun reflects off the ice. The cold temperatures can drain batteries quickly, so extra equipment is also encouraged.
Morocco World
10-04-2025
- Morocco World
Best Luxury Wildlife Destinations in the Americas
The Americas are home to a spectacular array of wildlife and a multitude of upscale destinations scattered across both continents. Whether you wish to dive with sharks or lengthen your check-list on unforgettable birding experiences, the options are endless. True luxury lies in the freedom to explore the world's best wildlife species exactly as you envision it. The curated collection of destinations and experiences detailed below are tailor-made for those who seek refinement in every moment. Booking your luxury wildlife holidays with trusted sites like Wildfoot Travel will ensure the top itineraries and unforgettable escapades. Alaska, USA Best time to visit: mid-June to mid-September Travel from Anchorage to explore the captivating beauty of Alaska through forests and across mountain ranges down to the stunning Kenai Peninsula. Marvel at the unspoilt beauty of the Denali National Park, where you can spot grizzlies, moose and caribou. Keep your eyes open for whales,and puffins while cruising past glaciers and majestic landscapes. Visit Holmer, Seward, Talkeetna and the Kenai Fjords National Park, before enjoying some free time to relax and unwind. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador Best time to visit: October to May Not only are the Galapagos Islands a premier holiday destination of the Americas, they are arguably the best anywhere in the whole world. There is no better place on earth to offer unrestricted access to some mind-boggling endemic species and a dazzling array of bird life that captures the beauty of these isles. From marine iguanas and Sally Lightfoot Crabs that are totally indifferent to human presence, to a colorful variety of marine life just waiting to be discovered, the Galapagos offer the ultimate luxurious wildlife viewing experience. While a plethora of bird species have made these islands made famous by Charles Darwin their home, the key attraction here is the endangered giant Galapagos tortoise, many who are over a century old. Pantanal, Brazil Best time to visit: April to October Formed from lagoons, swamps and floodplains, the Pantanal is the largest wetland in the world covering a staggering 80,000 square miles across Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. As such, this habitat has become a haven for a diverse range of iconic wildlife which can be spotted by canoe, 4×4, walk or even horseback, with a highly knowledgeable guide on hand. Keep a sharp lookout for the cayman, the capybara, giant anteaters and the striking jaguar which is without doubt the star attraction here. Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica Best time to visit: November to April The remote coastal Corcovado National Park on the Osa Peninsula has such an abundance of animal and bird life to impress even the most casual wildlife observer. Here sloths jostle for your attention, while harpy eagles and toucans call from the canopies high above the forest floor. Rare predators like the jaguar and the ocelot as well as tapir, armadillo and many more are found here. However, it is the highly impressive bird life which attracts visitors like a magnet to Corcovado, with the country boasting of over 850 species, including many endemics. Valdez Peninsula, Argentina Best time to visit: September to December Packed with natural wonders, the Valdez Peninsula and Patagonia are some of the real wildlife-rich regions of Argentina. Moreover, the country is beautiful, accessible and totally unforgettable. Luxury tour itineraries to Argentina provide you a unique opportunity to view the wildlife rich fjords of Patagonia as well as the Falklands. Apart from the abundant wildlife you will encounter in this region, you will get an opportunity to get up lose to Orca whales and study the behaviour of these magnificent mammals. From vibrant Buenos Aires to the stunning natural spectacle of the Iguazu Falls, Argentina will embrace you with its multiple faces and inherent charm. Darien, Panama Best time to visit: Year round This region boasts of mystical cloud forests that are forever abuzz with the sound of hummingbirds and squeaks of colorful macaws, not to forget spectacular beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Panama is one of the best places to see wildlife in the Americas. Gaze upwards and you will see bird life that is nothing short of incredible, while on the coastal waters you have an opportunity to swim with sea turtles and manatees, while exploring the stunning coral reefs. A definite highlight will be a Panama Canal cruise to admire the natural beauty and spotting Harpy Eagles, the most powerful in the world, in the Darien region. Patagonian Chile, Chile Best time to visit: October to March A true land of extremes, the Patagonian Chile region is a vast area that includes lakes, glaciers and mountains of the southern Andes as well as Cape Horn and the Torres del Paine National Park right up till the Atacama desert. For wildlife lovers, there are great bird watching opportunities. You can spot iconic animals like the puma and the wild vicuna on a literally end-of-the-earth hiking adventure with some of the best puma trackers in Chile. Guided by experts, you will go on a side trip to the volcanic Easter Island. Furthermore, an overnight camping adventure will offer you an authentic way to explore and experience the breathtaking Patagonia Chile region. In the end, you can enjoy some free time in Santiago. Belize Barrier Reef, Belize Best time to visit: December to March The 200 miles long Belize Barrier Reef is a part of the massive Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, second only to its equally famous Australian counterpart. The reef offers some of the best snorkeling opportunities anywhere in the world with hundreds of different fish, corals, mollusks and other colorful flora. It is also home to the largest concentration of Indian Manatees on earth, apart from other exciting marine creatures like stingrays, bottlenose dolphins and nurse sharks. The best place to explore this incredible beauty is at Caye Caulker, a tiny limestone isle, located at the edge of the reef and accessible by boat from Ambergris Caye. Baja California, Mexico Best time to visit: November to May From colonial hillside towns to well-preserved Mayan ruins, Mexico has plenty of attractions a visitor could ask for, including exceptional wildlife experiences. Every year, thousands of gigantic grey whales pass by on their yearly migration to Alaska, past the Pacific coastline of Baja California, some close enough to literally touch. This natural phenomenon offers one of the best whale-watching opportunities in the world as it allows visitors to get excellent views of these lovely creatures. Additionally, over 300 bird species bring the skies to life while sea lions, sharks and dolphins, besides the aforementioned whales that can be seen in plenty. Tags: tourism wildlifetravel americaswildlife
