Antarctica

Here is the company I went with. And here is my itinerary/trip.  I HIGHLY recommend them and was also referred by a friend.  He did a different itinerary that he loved, but was too long for me.  One Ocean Expeditions was such a well run operation I was constantly impressed. Most tourists go from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula - that's what I did and what I can speak to.  Superb wildlife and the easiest to get to.  And not miserably cold either.  I can't think of anything I would've done differently except like, maybe to learn how to use a camera better?

Some big considerations when finding an expedition company: 

• Make sure there are under 100 passengers.  Antarctic regulations require that you do not have more than 100 people on a landing at one time, so if you have a zillion other passengers, you get to land way less.  One Ocean has max 98 passengers so you land every time there is an excursion (morning and night). 
•  Also, I loved that they gave scientists and researchers passage on the ship (out of kindness, I don't really know? but we got to chat with them/participate/hear lectures from them as a result).  
• The staff of One Ocean on the boat were some of the coolest people I've ever met - some had rich history with Antarctica and it was incredible to hear their stories and get to be with them daily.
• Look up what activities/adds on companies offer.  I added on ocean kayaking which was awesome.  We also were able to camp if weather worked out (it didn't).  Some companies offer scuba diving (One Ocean didn't).  SO check out what add ons you might want and that'll help you plan.
• The boat itself - what's your comfort level/do you want to share a cabin or bathroom?  Our ship also was ice strengthened and had stabilizers so the Drake Passage was less miserable.
• When to go - I choose late February because I heard that was the best time for whales.   And I saw bulk whales so I'd recommend that.  However, less penguins at that time, so look up what you wanna see and when the little guys might be there.
• Do you get super seasick?  If so, beware.  Drake Passage crosses the roughest seas in the world.  You'll for sure need meds no matter who you are (I don't get sea sick and I had to wear the patch, it was like being in a washing machine).  If you are super bad, I do believe there are itineraries that fly you to Antarctica.  
• Do you want to see particular islands or are you good with anything? Different itineraries add on the South Shetland Islands too.  That also helps dictate your planning.

As far as cost - its a lot but worth it.  Some people do the gamble of hanging out in Ushuaia and getting last minute cabins, but as Antarctica gets more popular, this is less easy to do.  I booked a year in advance and paid a ton but it was worth it.

In short, go to Antarctica.  I cried like daily out of happiness.