Mom takes teen on Antarctica trip, bringing them closer

The author pulled her high school son out of school for a 3-week cruise to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

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The author, a frequent traveler, decided to take her overwhelmed high school son Jack on a 3-week trip to Antarctica over his winter break, despite pushback from others about missing school during his important junior year. The trip, which included hiking, kayaking, and up-close encounters with penguins and other wildlife, helped shift Jack's perspective away from the stress of college prep and towards exploring different life paths. The author says the trip also brought her and Jack closer together.

Why it matters

The story highlights how taking a break from the daily grind and immersing oneself in a new environment can benefit teenagers dealing with academic and college application pressures. It shows how travel and new experiences can broaden a young person's mindset and provide valuable perspective.

The details

The author, a frequent traveler, decided to take her overwhelmed high school son Jack on a 3-week cruise to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falkland Islands over his winter break, despite pushback from others about him missing school during his important junior year. The trip included hiking, kayaking, and up-close encounters with penguins and other wildlife. Away from the distractions of everyday life, Jack and his mom were able to connect in a deeper way, and Jack's perspective started to shift - college no longer felt like the entire world, but just one chapter. Talking to the expedition's naturalist and guide also helped Jack realize there are many paths to finding a fulfilling career.

  • The trip took place over Jack's 3-week winter break.
  • Jack missed one week of school to go on the trip.

The players

Jack

The author's high school son who was feeling overwhelmed by college prep and pressure.

Rich Pagen

A naturalist on the Antarctica cruise expedition.

Kristen Wornson

The Young Explorers guide on the Antarctica cruise expedition.

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What they’re saying

“It was great for Jack to hear that their path wasn't always straightforward, but they ultimately found jobs they loved.”

— Rich Pagen, Naturalist

“For Jack to see people loving their jobs — and to realize that no one thought they'd end up where they did, leading expeditions in Antarctica — was a great wake-up call.”

— Kristen Wornson, Young Explorers Guide

The takeaway

This story shows how taking a break from the daily grind and immersing oneself in new experiences can benefit teenagers dealing with academic and college application pressures. Travel and exploration can broaden a young person's mindset and provide valuable perspective on the many paths available to them in life.