Why Antarctica should be on your bucket list – and how you can make it happen for you and your clients. Karryon speaks exclusively to mobile agent Kendall Roberts from MTA during an expedition cruise aboard Ultramarine about how to plan the Antarctic trip of a lifetime for your customers.
If there’s one person who knows how to take a group on a jaw-dropping adventure, it’s Kendall Roberts, an experienced travel advisor with more than 24 years of experience in the travel industry. As a mobile advisor with MTA Travel, Kendall’s business is built on personal connections and expert advice. But with her latest journey to Antarctica, it’s taken her passion for polar travel—and her clients’ dreams—to a whole new level.
We caught up with Kendall to talk about her incredible experiences in the polar regions, her unforgettable group trip, and why Antarctica is a must-see. Here’s what she had to say.
Kendall, tell us about your journey in the travel industry. You’ve been at it for over two decades!
It’s been a long, exciting ride! After 24 years in the travel space, it’s safe to say I’ve seen a lot of change. I spent many years in retail travel, with a brief break living overseas, before I became a mobile Travel Advisor six years ago with MTA.
Now, I run my own business independently. The flexibility of being mobile has been a game-changer, especially when it comes to personalising experiences for my clients.
Speaking of personal experiences, you’ve been to some pretty incredible places. We hear you’ve traveled with Quark Expeditions before. Where have you been?
This is my third trip with Quark Expeditions, and I’m totally hooked on polar travel now. My first adventure was to Greenland in 2021 — my first trip out of COVID — and it was just spectacular. Then in March 2024, I was lucky enough to explore Patagonia.
And now, I’m leading a group of 15 people from my hometown of Sunraysia (Mildura region) to Antarctica. It’s special because so many of us are from the same small town—there’s a real sense of community as we experience one of the most remote places on Earth together.
Why Antarctica? What drew you to the white continent, and what’s been the reaction from your clients?
Antarctica has always been on my radar. The turning point for me was a charter flight over Antarctica for New Year’s Eve in 2021. I saw the continent from the sky, and I was hooked. But seeing Antarctica from the ground, surrounded by wildlife and icebergs- that’s next-level. I knew I had to go back and bring a group along for the ride.
Over the years, I’d been approached by clients asking about group trips, but it wasn’t until this opportunity presented itself that I realised how many people are looking for an experience like this — somewhere they don’t have to have a travel buddy to join them.
It’s the kind of place where having a guide/ sounding board makes a big difference. It’s been amazing to watch my clients embrace the idea of travelling to the ends of the Earth.
And the response to the trip has been huge. You even held an info session with Quark Expeditions for potential clients. What made that such a success?
Yes! I teamed up with Tenille Hunt from Quark Expeditions to host an info session in Sunraysia and the turnout blew me away. Some 28 people showed up, and five of them signed up on the spot. People were really curious about the logistics, the experience, and of course, the cost. After the pandemic, a lot of people are rethinking their bucket lists, and watching documentaries about places like Antarctica has inspired many to act on their dreams.
During the session, I focused on the unique nature of the trip – what it’s really like to visit one of the most remote places on Earth. The cost is significant, but I encouraged attendees to think about what they’re actually paying for: a once-in-a-lifetime experience in a destination like no other. It’s an investment in memories that last forever.
What makes Quark Expeditions stand out for you as a partner, and why do you keep coming back to them?
The staff at Quark Expeditions are second to none. They’re all incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about the polar regions. When you’re travelling to such extreme environments, you need people who know their stuff – and Quark delivers on that front. Whether it’s the wildlife experts, expedition leaders, or the hospitality crew, they all make the experience unforgettable.
They’re also very proactive. Just before the trip, I held a meet-and-greet for my group, and Quark Expeditions staff were so engaged – helping clients with packing advice, answering questions, and even giving insights on what to expect in Antarctica. The passion they bring to the table is contagious.
Do you think Antarctica is something everyone can (and should) experience?
Absolutely. It’s not just for adventure travellers; it’s for anyone who’s ever dreamed of seeing the world’s last untouched wilderness.
For anyone thinking, ‘I’ll wait until I’m older,’ I’d say: Do it now. While you’re still young enough to fully participate in everything like the zodiacs, the excursions, and even the polar plunge! Antarctica isn’t just a place to visit, it’s an adventure. And trust me, you don’t want to miss it.
Speaking of adventure, you mentioned the Polar Plunge! Did you and your group take the plunge?
Ha! Yes, 12 out of the 15 of us took the plunge, and it was definitely a highlight. It was my third time doing it, and it was absolutely freezing. But there’s nothing quite like jumping into the icy waters of Antarctica and living to tell the tale. That moment of standing at the edge, knowing you’re in the southernmost point of the planet….it’s unforgettable.
But honestly, the whole trip was a standout. From heli-flights over the icebergs to watching the sun dip behind the horizon on those last two days – everything just came together to make this one of the best experiences of my life. And to be able to share it with my family, my partner, and a fantastic group of people from my hometown made it even more special.
Finally, Kendall, would you recommend Antarctica to solo travellers or multi-generational groups?
Absolutely. Quark Expeditions makes it so accessible for solo travellers by pairing them with others, so there’s no reason to miss out if you don’t have a travel buddy. I’ve seen people from all walks of life – families, solo adventurers, and friends – bond over the shared experience of being in one of the most remote places on Earth.
And for multi-generational groups, it’s perfect. My own group has a mix of ages, and it’s been fantastic to see everyone exploring together. Antarctica is a place that brings people together in a way that’s hard to explain.
Do you want to find out more about setting up your own info session? Reach out to the Quark Expeditions Australian sales team today to start planning an unforgettable journey to Antarctica for you and your clients.
