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Packing List for Antarctica: What We Used (and Didn’t!)

Created by Colleen | Updated : 25 December 2025 | Antarctica, Travel

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We travel a lot and we travel light. When we first started thinking about our packing list for Antarctica, our usual confidence faltered a little. It’s cold down there so surely we’d need specialist gear?

Thankfully, the short answer is no. You don’t need to buy a ton of specialist clothing for an Antarctica cruise. We hired the heavy-duty items and after a lot of research, relied mostly on our usual outdoor hiking gear; and it worked a treat.

If you’re stressing over what to take, our list will help. We travelled on a classic ten day Antarctica cruise in November and, while we did experience some very cold temperatures, our kit proved to be more than up to the job. Below you’ll find what we used, what we didn’t, what we wished we had and what you can hire when you arrive.

Gerry on Antarctica with on of the cruise crew dressed as a penguin

What To Wear In Antarctica

This was perhaps the area that caused us most concern. We travel with a kit that has to be multipurpose and, as we’d started in Lima and spent three months exploring South America, we didn’t want to carry around a suitcase just for our cruise. Thankfully, we didn’t need to.

We booked an informal cruise for our journey to Antarctica. If your trip is a little more luxurious, you may want one or two smarter layers for special dinners, but for us comfort was the priority and it was absolutely the right choice.

Despite our initial worries, our clothing worked extremely well, and there’s nothing here I’d change.

Hire: expedition jacket, waterproof trousers, waterproof gloves & boots
Bring: merino layers, buff x2, liner gloves, sunglasses & sunscreen
Regrets: a proper camera, lambswool insoles & hiking poles (with snow baskets)
Leave: bulky layers and second pair of thermal gloves

colleen and gerry walking their back to the zodiac

Base And Mid Layers: Merino Wins Every Time

Merino was the real hero of our packing list. We already owned merino t-shirts and leggings, as we use them regularly for hiking, and they turned out to be perfect for Antarctica too. Every day we wore merino layers, simply adjusting the number depending on the weather and what we were doing.

Merino kept us warm without overheating, even when we were moving around on landings or standing for long periods watching wildlife. It also copes brilliantly with being worn repeatedly, dries quickly, and manages moisture far better than everyday synthetic fabrics. I also think it looks smart enough for casual travel days, which is a real bonus on a long trip.

Top Tip: Merino works in both warm and cold climates. We tend to buy around 150-180 GMS. Any lighter and the fabric can feel a little delicate; any heavier and you’ll feel noticeably warmer.

At night, I wore merino leggings and a vest for sleeping. I do this on the Camino de Santiago too, and it kept me warm and comfortable without feeling bulky

This is what I packed:

3 Long-Sleeve Merino Tops: I already owned these. You can buy premium branded merino, but we tend to go for good mid-range options and often buy when on sale. Ours have survived several Caminos, long-term travel and now Antarctica, and they’re still going strong.
2 Merino Vests: I use these as base layers during the day. When travelling and hiking, they double up perfectly as sleepwear and can also be worn on their own as a top when it’s warm. (Merino works for both hot and cold climates)
1 Merino Hoody: I bought this specifically for the trip, as I’d never been much of a hoody fan. After Antarctica, I’m a convert. It’s incredibly comfortable and I’ll definitely be buying another for hiking.
1 Lightweight Merino Fleece: This came from my existing hiking kit and fitted seamlessly into the layering system.

Some days we wore three or four layers; other days, just two. It was more than enough for the duration of the cruise and worked well for our onward travel. Importantly we’ll continue to use this again and again, so it didn’t feel like an expensive, single-trip purchase.

Again, we travel light and this was enough for us but if you are checking a bag you might like to add one or two extra items for casual wear onboard ship.

Top Tip: Moisture-wicking really matters. You might work up a sweat walking ashore, then find yourself standing still twenty minutes later watching wildlife or waiting for a Zodiac. If your clothes hold onto body moisture, you’ll chill quickly. Breathable layers win every time.

colleen almost at the top of the big dune at Huacachina — ^{Colleen, not in Antarctica but climbing the sand dunes of Huacachina in Peru but I wore these same trousers and merino tops in Antarctica and they worked perfectly!}

Outer Layers and Waterproofs: You Can Hire On Arrival

For outer layers, we relied on our usual hiking coats paired with specialist expedition gear that we collected in Ushuaia. Do check with your travel agent or cruise company before buying or hiring anything. On our trip, the heavy-duty gear came as a free loan from our travel agent, and some cruises include it as standard.

My coat was actually a Seabourn and Gerry’s a GAdventures; some guests assumed we were regular visitors to Antarctica!

We collected the gear the day before departure and returned it once we were back on land, which was very straightforward. You will absolutely need heavier expedition gear, including:

Waterproof And Insulated Jackets
Waterproof And Insulated Trousers (the ones we loaned were Columbia and very good)
Waterproof And Insulated Gloves

However, unless you already own this type of kit and know you’ll use it again, I wouldn’t recommend buying it. There were a couple of skiers on our cruise who already had suitable gear, but for most people, hiring makes far more sense.

There are shops in Ushuaia that hire expedition clothing, and most travel agents will recommend a reliable supplier. We were able to try on several options before choosing, which was really helpful. Make sure jackets allow room for extra base layers and that trousers give you plenty of freedom to move.

The hired gear is designed for environments like Antarctica; it was robust, warm, and ideal for wet landings and Zodiac trips. Again, unless you know this is something you’ll use again, hiring or borrowing saves both money and the hassle of carrying bulky specialist kit from home.

There are a couple of outer layers I do recommend having as part of your own kit:

A lightweight, breathable hiking jacket : We use the RAB Alpinista Kinetic. I’ve had mine for several years and it works as both a windbreaker and a highly breathable waterproof. It was an investment, but it’s lasted through many Caminos, hikes, and long trips and has travelled the world with me. It also worked very well as an extra layer under the heavier expedition jacket.
A lightweight puffer jacket: Again, I used what I already owned. I took my Patagonia puffer because it’s lightweight and very warm, but I also own a much cheaper Decathlon version that does a similar job. I used this as an insulating layer under the expedition gear and also on board when I wanted a little extra warmth.

colleen on the deck of the ship in antarctica wearing her red patagonia puffer jacket

Head, Neck & Face Protection

This is an area where small items really do make a big difference. Once again, layering and comfort matter more than bulk. It’s surprisingly easy to overheat, so breathable fabrics are key.

Merino Wool Buffs: I bought a merino buff specifically for this trip and absolutely loved it. We were also gifted a second by our travel agent, and having two turned out to be really useful. I had one around my neck and another pulled over my hat to cover my ears on colder days. I’d definitely recommend taking two and can’t recommend the merino version highly enough.
Small, Well-Fitting Beanie Hat: This kept us warm without being bulky. There’s no need to spend a fortune and fit mattered far more than thickness. I normally travel with a simple Decathlon fleece cap that I bought back in 2016 while walking the Camino. Sadly, I left it behind in a café in El Chaltén after our Fitz Roy hike.

What we wish we’d had: We really wish we’d packed a balaclava. A few people had ski-style versions, which fitted better than buffs alone, helped stop glasses from fogging up, and offered excellent protection from the wind.

Gerry wrapped up warm and waiting for his Zodiac cruise — ^{Gerry’s hat was a gift from our Tour Agent in Ushuaia}

Hands & Gloves: What You Really Need

This was one area where we feel our kit needed a bit of work. It wasn’t so much that our gloves didn’t keep us warm, they did. But they proved impractical at times. I will add that I get cold hands and feet even on a sunny day, so finding a workable solution was important for me.

We took our own liner gloves and lightweight thermal hiking gloves. In Ushuaia, our travel agent also loaned us specialist waterproof cold-weather gloves.

The Glove System That Worked

First of all, we didn’t need three different pairs. The liner gloves combined with the hired waterproof gloves worked well for warmth and the hired gloves had elasticated wrist straps, which were invaluable.

Being able to take gloves off briefly without worrying about them dropping onto the ground, or worse, into the sea, was important. I felt a bit like a child with gloves on strings, but if, like me, you plan on taking photos, those wrist straps are incredibly useful.

What Didn’t Work So Well

I take a lot of photos, and this is where things became difficult. The heavy-duty waterproof gloves simply didn’t work with a smartphone, and I suspect they’d be just as awkward to use with a camera.

On our first landing, I tried wearing a liner and waterproof glove on one hand and just a liner on my camera hand. But even that didn’t work particularly well and in the end I had to remove my gloves on one hand entirely to get the phone to respond.

That hand was freezing, but I was prepared to make the sacrifice for the photos! However, this wasn’t a long-term solution. That evening I took rather drastic action and cut a small hole in the finger and thumb of one liner glove. Crude, perhaps but it worked perfectly.

You can do the same, or better still, check and triple-check that you can operate your phone or camera properly while wearing your gloves before you travel.

Top Tip : We have read that the touch screen pads on the fingers can be less reliable in very cold weather so this is worth investigating. Or make sure you test yours on a cold day!

Under Armour Men’s Storm Liner Thermal Lightweight Gloves: These gloves have built-in touchscreen compatibility and a snug, lightweight fit that works well as a base layer under heavier gloves. We haven’t tested them in Antarctica yet, but many outdoor reviewers praise their combination of warmth, dexterity, and screen performance. I’ve bought a pair for our next cold-weather adventure — once I’ve used them properly, I’ll update this section with how they performed with both a phone and camera.

A Couple Of Quick Tips:

Sizing matters: A snug fit at the fingertips is crucial for touchscreen responsiveness.
Screen protectors can affect performance: Especially thicker tempered glass protectors, so test your gloves with your own phone setup before you travel.
These are liners, not expedition gloves: They’re designed to be warm and tactile under a waterproof outer glove, not to replace heavy Arctic-grade mitts. When hiking, I often wear liners only, but you may prefer something heavier depending on how cold your hands get.

Some people also carried disposable hand warmers, but we never felt the need for them. A good pair of lightweight thermal liner gloves was far more useful, and it saved both packing space and cost.

colleen looking very happy landing on antarctica

Keeping Your Feet Warm In Antarctica

If I tell you that I live in south-west France and still wear bed socks in summer, you’ll appreciate just how much I value warm feet. On our first landing, apart from one freezing hand, my toes were super cold and I knew I needed a better system.

Socks for Warm Feet

Thankfully, we picked up a brilliant tip from a fellow passenger, which made a huge difference. and luckily, I’d also bought a cheap pair of wool socks in Ushuaia to use as bed socks, and together this helped me create the perfect foot-warming system.

Liner Socks: I used my usual thin hiking liner socks. These act as the perfect first layer and help manage moisture. It maybe Antarctica and not hiking but I did not want blisters!
Thermal Merino Hiking Socks: I normally wear ultra-thin hiking socks, but I knew Antarctica would need something meatier. I bought these specifically for the trip and they worked perfectly as the second layer.
Lambswool Shoe Insoles: This might sound a little odd, but it worked incredibly well. We were advised to use the existing insole from our shoes (mine were Altra Lone Peaks). I’ve since bought specialist lambswool insoles and will definitely use these again for future cold-weather trips.
Wool Outer Sock: I used the inexpensive pair I’d bought in Ushuaia and placed the lambswool insole inside this sock. You don’t need an expensive pair; the extra insulation from the insole makes the real difference. They came in a pack of three so I also used a pair as a bed-sock

Top tip: This layering system does increase your shoe size, so make sure your boots allow enough room. That said, I cannot tell you how warm my toes were once I adopted this system.

my very old bridgedale wool socks, I have worn them for over a decade to warm my feet — ^{Old hiking socks, now bed socks and as you can see, well worn (and loved)}

Ship Shoes & Waterproof Boots

This was another area where we worried needlessly. The short answer is: you don’t need to bring boots as your ship will provide them.

It’s worth noting too IAATO regulations require only approved boots to be worn ashore in Antarctica. On our ship, the boots were washed before and after every landing and at the end of the cruise they were thoroughly jet-washed before being returned.

As we were travelling before and after the cruise, we simply took our usual travel shoes.

Gerry packed:

I packed:

Altra Lone Peak hiking shoes
Chaco Z hiking sandals (I always travel with hiking sandals but they do recommend closed toe shoes on board)

colleen and gerry feet in boots as they land on south shetland island

Hiking Poles: Yes Or No?

We usually travel with carry-on luggage and for the most part you can’t take hiking poles on a plane. I didn’t bring mine but as we were travelling on afterwards to hike in Patagonia, I really wish I’d bought a pair and taken them along.

I’d read in several places that hiking poles aren’t needed in Antarctica, but in my experience this was not good advice. If you can hire a pair locally, or if you’re already travelling with checked luggage, I’d strongly consider bringing them; check the rules for bringing hiking poles on a plane. There were many times during landings that I regretted not having mine.

Don’t Forget the Snow Tips

Many of the posts I read mentioned that poles simply sank into the snow and weren’t very useful. My guess is that those walkers were using standard hiking tips rather than proper snow baskets.

We walked on several of our landings. In places, your feet do sink into deeper snow, but almost every walk involved going uphill and of course, a downhill back. Some of the descents were a little steep in places and the snow and ice could be slippery.

It was never dangerous but this is where poles would have been invaluable. Not for speed, but for balance and a little confidence on the way down.

Snow Baskets: Major brands will all sell specialist snow baskets designed exactly for these conditions. If you’re taking poles, I’d definitely recommend adding snow baskets as they make all the difference.

happy chinstrap penguin sliding on the ice

A Bag For Going Ashore

Every day you’ll step into a Zodiac and either head out for a cruise or go ashore for a landing. You’ll want to carry a few essentials with you and you may also need somewhere to stow layers if you get too warm.

IAATO rules state that nothing should touch the ground in Antarctica, which means you can’t put bags or belongings on the ground while you take photos or adjust clothing. Many people carried waterproof rucksacks, but these sit on your back and aren’t easy to access once you’re zipped into layers.

Instead, I used my over-the-shoulder hiking bag, and it was ideal for quick to access, easy to manage in a Zodiac, and far less fiddly than a rucksack. The only downside was that mine could have been slightly bigger.

Waterproof cross-body bag: If I were buying again, I’d choose a waterproof cross-body bag. They’re large enough to carry everything you need, easy to reach, and sit securely at your side rather than on your back. They also come in a range of sizes and are useful well beyond Antarctica. I did some digging and found this brand and I’ve already added one to my Christmas list!

colleen and gerry on the antarctica peninsular taking photos of the view

Keeping The Small Stuff Safe

You’re going to Antarctica and you’re going to take a lot of photos, and your phone or camera will rarely leave your hands. Zodiac rides and even just hiking during the landings, can be bumpy; the crew told us that on almost every trip, someone drops something.

There are two problems with that:

You lose something important like a phone, camera or glasses
We must leave no trace in Antarctica

Before you leave home, treat yourself to a few simple attachments. They’ll make life easier and save you the pain of losing something precious!

Phone Wrist Strap: I use a phone wrist strap all the time whether I’m hiking, travelling, and even at home. It’s always attached (via my cover) and it’s become second nature to loop it over my wrist before taking photos.
Camera Strap: I have a Canon EOS R50, which came with a standard neck strap. I’ve never found those particularly comfortable so before our overland trip in Africa, I bought an over-the-shoulder / cross-body camera strap, and I loved it.

If you’re taking a camera to Antarctica, I can’t recommend this strap highly enough. It’s more comfortable, more secure, and far easier to manage when you’re layered up.

Glasses Lanyards: I rely on both prescription glasses and sunglasses and both have a lanyard attached. When hiking, I find it much easier to have them around my neck for easy access and it means there’s no risk of them slipping off and disappearing forever.

I’ve tried lots of different chains and retainers over the years, but many lose their grip. The ones I use now haven’t let me down so far!

Cross-Body Phone Lanyard: A few folks onboard used cross-body smartphone lanyards, worn diagonally across the chest. I like the idea of this, I think it would work well when hiking with a pack, so I’ve bought one to test on future travels. It’s not essential, but it’s another good option if you want your phone secure and instantly accessible.

huge albatross flying above a zodiac cruise

A Few More Cabin Essentials and Ideas

I’ve tried to keep this list as small as possible, but when writing this post, we did a little brainstorming around items that might make life easier on board. If you have the space, it’s worth having a look and seeing if any of these might work for you.

Slippers or comfortable, grippy shoes: I had my Altra Lone Peaks and Gerry had his Skechers. You’ll need shoes with decent grip for moving around the ship. They should be secure, closed-toe, and comfortable, especially during the Drake Crossing.
Travel washing line: Our ship did offer a laundry service, but all we really needed to rinse were socks and underwear. We use a Sea to Summit washing line, which we already had for hiking and travel, and it worked perfectly. It’s lightweight, packs small, and always comes with us.
Important documents (digital copies): This isn’t really gear, but it’s something we have needed when travelling. Keep digital copies of your passport, insurance documents, driving licence, and any national ID cards. Do ensure they are stored securely but accessible online. We also carry all documents together in an A4 plastic document wallet.

And we keep copies of medical records and prescriptions (including glasses) and leave a copy with a trusted friend at home. You’ll be very glad you did if you ever need quick access to such important information; and we say that from experience.

Emperor Penguin on floating ice alongside a few Gentoo penguins

Tech, Chargers & Entertainment

Everyone travels with tech these days, but chargers and cables can quickly become heavy and cumbersome. We’ve spent a long time refining a multi-purpose kit, and now don’t leave home without:

Tessan 65W charger: We travel with two phones, a camera, a power bank, a travel keyboard, and a laptop; it’s a lot. But we can charge everything with one charger. Test it at home before you go, but having a single, powerful plug has made a huge difference to our packing.
Phone or camera: I have a Samsung S24 Ultra and love the camera and for around 80% of my photos, it’s more than enough. But for wildlife, fast movement, and tricky light, nothing beats a proper camera. I own a Canon EOS R50 with an additional zoon lens and left it at home to save weight. I regretted that decision every single day in Antarctica. If you have a camera, take it.
Apps and downloads: We use PhotoCircle, Kindle, and audiobooks. Whatever entertainment you prefer, make sure everything is downloaded in advance as you’ll have plenty of downtime, especially during crossings.
Binoculars: Gerry bought a compact travel pair before a trip to Africa, and they were perfect here too. If you enjoy watching wildlife or seabirds, binoculars are a lovely addition.

Top Tip: We were surprised that we have access to Starlink onboard. If you have the same, pay for a package much larger than you imagine; especially if you plan to take a download a lot of photos!

our travel plug and multi-usb charger we take when travelling or on the camino

Health, Comfort & Sun Protection

As mentioned earlier, keep digital records of all medical prescriptions and documents, including glasses. And of course, make sure you carry enough essential medication in its original packaging for the full duration of your trip.

I’d also recommend:

Motion sickness bands: I don’t usually suffer from motion sickness, but several people on board became unwell during the crossing. A number swore by wrist bands. If you’re at all concerned, they’re worth considering.
Sleep aids: Ships are noisy. Oddly, I didn’t mind it; the random sounds were almost comforting, but it was loud. I’m particularly sensitive to fans and air conditioning, and I always travel with Loop Silent earplugs. They work brilliantly for me. I also carry an eye mask (free with Turkish Airlines) – there is almost 24 hours of daylight in Antarctica so these might be handy if you need darkness to sleep.
Sunscreen: Even on cloudy days, the UV levels in Antarctica are strong. Choose at least SPF 50 and use it daily. Gerry learned this the hard way, getting sunburn on the back of his neck.
Lip balm: Always in my bag. Choose one with SPF 50+ and you’re covered for sunscreen as well.
Sunglasses or ski glasses: Gerry isn’t usually a fan of sunglasses, but he was very glad he brought a pair. I have limited vision in one eye, and glare made things surprisingly difficult. Sunglasses were essential. Many people wore ski goggles, which worked extremely well.

colleen and gerry holding sign saying antarctica 7th continent

Will You Brave The Polar Plunge?

Gerry always knew he wouldn’t. I always knew I would. I imagined jumping off the ship though and not walking in from a beach; but I was doing it regardless!

If you’re tempted, I’d recommend bringing:

Swimwear: I took a standard swimsuit; some people wore bikinis. A few very sensible people had rash vests, and I wish I’d done the same. If I ever return to Antarctica, that’s what I’d wear.
Hiking sandals or beach shoes: I wore my Chacos. These must be cleaned like your boots before use, but they protect your feet from sharp stones. Flip-flops aren’t allowed as footwear must stay securely on your feet and be washable.

photos of colleen going into the polar water, dipping down and getting our again

What We Would Leave At Home

Overall, I think we got our packing pretty much spot on. That said, there were a few things we really didn’t need.

Extra-warm gloves: We both packed super-warm thermal gloves, but they weren’t necessary. Even for me, and I get very cold hands. Liner gloves paired with the specialist gloves we borrowed were more than enough.
Heavy layers: Layers are key. While you might want a jumper for evenings, lightweight merino layers worked best for warmth and comfort. Anything heavier just added bulk.
Specialist outerwear: As mentioned earlier, hire or borrow this in Ushuaia. There’s no need to buy expensive coats and trousers; many cruises provide them, and hiring locally is easy.

group of 5 chinstrap penguins running through the snow

Frequently Asked Questions On Antarctica Packing

1. Do I need to buy my own boots?

No. Almost every Antarctica cruise ship provides IAATO-approved waterproof boots for landings. They’re too heavy to pack, expensive and need specific disinfection, so using the ship’s boots is easier and better for the environment. Just remember to bring your thick socks and allow for them when choosing your boot size!

2. Is a smartphone camera enough for Antarctica?

While the Samsung S24 (and similar high-end phones) takes incredible landscape shots, you may regret not having a dedicated camera with an optical zoom for wildlife. Penguins and whales can be fast and the smartphone zoom does lose that crisp detail. If you have a proper camera at home then I’d say take it!

3. Is it Easy To Hire an expedition jacket and trousers for Antarctica?

Yes. These can be hired in Ushuaia, and many cruises or Antarctica travel agents will loan or provide expedition outerwear. Ours were available when we arrived and returned when we left the ship.

Always check what your operator includes before spending your money.

4. What should I wear on landings in Antarctica?

As for the entire cruise, think layers: merino base layers, a breathable mid-layer if you need it, then expedition outerwear on top. You’ll be surprised how quickly you warm up when moving and how fast you cool down when you stop to watch wildlife.

5. Do I really need sunscreen in Antarctica?

Yes! Even on cloudy days. Glare off snow and water is intense and the Antarctic sun is surprisingly strong. It catches people out (Gerry included!), so SPF 50 is a sensible baseline.

6. How many socks should I pack?

More than you think. I layered socks for warmth (and to avoid blisters) and rinsed and dried them in the cabin using our travel washing line. And don’t forget the lambswool insole; it made a huge difference.

7. Can I wear jeans on an Antarctica cruise?

I struggled with this. I wanted to bring jeggings because I find them comfortable, but while I missed them later during onward travel, I still wouldn’t recommend them for the cruise.

Of course, the answer is yes, you can wear them onboard the cruise. But jeans can be heavy, bulky and difficult to dry and for this reason, they’re not a practical addition to your packing list.

8. Is there laundry on the ship?

Most ships offer a laundry service, ours included, but it can be expensive. We used a simple travel washing line in our cabin to rinse out merino socks and underwear.

Because merino dries quickly and doesn’t hold odours, we found we didn’t need to do much laundry during our 10-day cruise. And don’t forget that for around four of those days, you’re on the Drake Passage, not in Antarctica.

incredible rare sight of Emperor Penguin from our Cruise

What’s On You Packing List for Antarctica?

What we learned more than anything is that layers are king and you really don’t need to spend a fortune on specialist gear. And try not to read too many packing lists either; they can be more confusing than helpful (although not this one, of course).

I know most people don’t travel with an eight-kilo carry-on like we do, but even with checked luggage, you really don’t need to bring too much. Keep things simple. Merino will be a blessing, and take more socks than you think you’ll need. In the end, we trusted our instincts and there was very little we’d change.

An Antarctica cruise is the trip of a lifetime, and of course, it’s not inexpensive. It’s easy to convince yourself that you’ll also need lots of expensive technical gear, but you don’t. Comfort is key. Staying warm and dry is key.

If you can do that, you can relax and let the magic of Antarctica unfold.

misty morning, with our cruise ship crossing the Gerlache Strait

Would You Like More About Antarctica?

If you’d like to read more from this journey, I have other posts about our incredible 10 day journey to Antarctica and beyond of our journey through South America.

a humpback whale diving, just showing it's tail

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

Whenever you travel, you should have great travel and medical insurance. None of us expect anything bad to happen, but in the event of an incident, you want to be sure that your insurance will cover you.

I’ve ended up in hospital in Peru, Indonesia, Portugal, Japan and Ireland. Every time my insurance took care of everything. I would never leave home without full and comprehensive insurance.

MondialCare : Due to increasing limitations, mainly due to age, we have recently switched to MondialCare for our travel insurance. We have taken an annual policy at a very reasonable cost that includes medical and other travel cover. There are no trip length limits and the upper age for cover is 84. For Camino walkers and travel in Europe they have a low cost Schengen policy with no age limit.

TrueTraveller : We have used this policy and were very happy with the cover, especially considering our ages and pre-existing conditions.

Globelink: We have used and recommended Globelink for years and not heard of any issues. They are a great choice for European and UK Residents.

Genki : This is an EU based company offering long term policies for nomads and travellers. Their monthly rates are very competitive for longer trips too.

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Colleen in Salamanca on the Via de la Plata

Author : Colleen Sims

Hey I’m Colleen. I’m married to Gerry, we’ve three fabulous kids and been living in France for almost two decades. I fell in love with Spain in the 1980s and I’ve walked 1000s of miles along the Camino de Santiago. Now we’re exploring and walking the world and I can’t wait to share what we’ve learned!