For Tom (31) and Anna (31), the husband-and-wife team behind the travel & photography blog What's Home for You? traveling means happiness and the pursuit of new horizons. They recently explored the icy realm of Svalbard, voyaging into the ethereal pack ice, and come face to face with the mighty Isbjørn, the King of the Arctic.
Into the realm of the polar bear
"Svalbard is unlike any place we've ever been," Tom says. "It's wild and raw, with endless ice, rugged mountains, and an almost surreal silence. No crowds, no roads – just pure Arctic wilderness." Tom and Anna had just returned from a 7-night expedition cruise along Svalbard's northwestern coastline, which took them from remote settlements and glacier fronts to the pack ice at 82°, and the memory was still startlingly fresh. "It's a place that really makes you stop and feel how powerful nature is, the seals, whales, walruses, Arctic foxes. And, of course, the polar bear!"
"It was one of those trips we’ll remember forever."
Picture by Tom & Anna Reichenberger
Anna agrees enthusiastically. "We felt so grateful for the opportunity to witness this untouched corner of the world," she says. "It’s not just the stunning landscapes or the incredible wildlife – it’s knowing you are somewhere very few people ever get to see." When compiling a list of far-flung and remote locations, Svalbard ranks highly. Despite its position high in the Arctic, you could be forgiven at first glance for thinking you are still in continental Europe in Longyearbyen, with its cozy cafes and cluster of shops and restaurants overlooking a wide fjord. But you're not in mainland Norway - instead, you are in the realm of the King of the Arctic, the mighty polar bear.
Svalbard lies in the Arctic Circle, around 930km from the northern shores of Norway, and around 1,000km from the North Pole. It is a land of jagged, tooth-like peaks, towering glaciers, wide-open tundra, and, if you are lucky, clear, blue skies casting everything in beautiful polar light. "We were incredibly lucky with the weather," says Anna. "Calm seas, amazing light, and clear skies for most of the trip. That made such a difference, especially for our photography!"
Svalbard – heaven for photographers & content creators
Photography plays a huge role in all Oceanwide trips, with guests joining to take advantage of the opportunity to photograph rare, iconic species, and some of the most spectacular locations on Earth. Both on shore, in Zodiacs, and from the deck of each expedition vessel, Oceanwide's expedition staff provide opportunities and expertise in helping guests hone their photography skills and capture the best shots.
Picture by Tom & Anna Reichenberger
"The Arctic is a dream for photography," recalls Anna. "The landscapes are just breathtaking – vast ice fields, rugged mountains, and endless horizons that look like they’re from another planet." During Tom and Anna's trip, a photography workshop was conducted throughout the voyage, open to all guests. The workshop covered general photography skills and tips, and participants shared some of their favorite images taken during the trip with the group.
"I really enjoyed the photography sessions on the trip," continues Anna. "I learned a lot about composition and started seeing things from a different perspective, which helped me improve my shots!" For Tom and Anna, photography plays a huge part in their travels, documenting their adventures on Instagram and their online blog.
"What we love most about photography is how it helps us freeze those beautiful moments in time and share our vision of the places we visit," Tom explains. For him, documenting his travels is especially poignant. "My mom is bound to a wheelchair due to a neurological disease, so she can’t experience these unique adventures herself. But she’s our biggest fan and even has a whole gallery of our photos at home! It means a lot to us to share these moments with her."
Picture by Tom & Anna Reichenberger
While both are seasoned photographers, they found benefit in the sessions offered aboard. Light plays a crucial role in photography, regardless of the location, but in the Arctic and Antarctica, it becomes an even more significant consideration. "For me, the big takeaway was about exposure," says Tom. "In bright, white areas like the Arctic, it’s often better to slightly overexpose the images to capture more detail and avoid everything looking flat. That was a super useful tip!"
The Oceanwide approach - beauty in the details
Like the photography workshops, the Oceanwide ethos is to enable all guests to enjoy their time in the Arctic or Antarctica to the fullest and to create an inclusive experience, whether through immersive activities, during onboard lectures, or simply within the specific atmosphere that develops during an expedition cruise.
Often, it's the people you meet, as much as the things you see and experience, that make your time at the ends of the Earth so memorable. "That sense of community made the whole experience even more special," agrees Anna. "By the end of the trip, you felt like you really connected with both the crew and fellow travelers. It’s amazing how many like-minded people come on trips like this – people who share similar interests and travel to remote places always have great stories to tell."
"It honestly felt like a little community formed, which made the whole experience even better," agrees Tom. "Everyone was curious and excited, so there were always great conversations and stories to share." In a very real sense, both the setting of Tom and Anna's trip, Svalbard, and m/v Ortelius, their expedition ship, encapsulated what they seek out of travel, as Tom explains: "We really look for that feeling of truly connecting – with a place, the people, and those little in-between moments that stay with you. We love diving into new cultures, discovering how diverse and beautiful our planet is, and collecting memories that last way beyond the trip itself."
Picture by Tom & Anna Reichenberger
This sense of camaraderie isn't limited to guests but includes the expedition staff, who, while guiding, presenting, and educating, also form part of the onboard community, feeling more like friends and companions than lofty experts or employees. "You could tell they genuinely love what they do, and we were also really impressed by their expertise," says Tom. "There were specialists from all kinds of fields, which added so much depth to the experience."
"Yeah," agrees Anna. "The team really worked hard to make sure everyone has the best possible experience – but what we loved most is that they do it with a deep respect for nature and always keep conservation in mind."
"But," she adds, "the real heroes of the expedition ship were the kitchen and service staff. They were always super friendly, and the food - wow! We didn’t expect it to be that good! Every meal was a highlight and way beyond what you’d imagine eating in the depths of the Arctic!"
Documenting a passion for adventurous travel
Tom and Anna document their travels in their online blog, "What's Home for You?," a journey that has taken them across Europe, Africa, Asia, and South America. They hope to inspire others and share their personal journeys and evolution as travel continues to shape and mold them. "We travel because it makes us happy," Anna puts it. "We’re curious by nature, love discovering new places, and believe life’s too short to put our dreams on hold for someday! Travel helps us broaden our horizons and leave the everyday stress behind. It reminds us what really matters in life and that we often need less than we think."
Picture by Tom & Anna Reichenberger
"And as a couple, it’s such a special experience to share. The quiet moments out on deck, the excitement of spotting wildlife, the feeling of being completely disconnected from everyday life – it brings you even closer."
The polar world is the perfect setting for content creators, both visual and written, with a blend of spectacular landscapes and romantic imagery, tales of human endurance, iconic wildlife, and experiences far beyond the standard for most people. On an Oceanwide expedition cruise, getting up close and personal with the polar world and truly living it is a huge boon. "As creators, you get access to such unique locations and incredible wildlife – it’s a dream setting for photography and video," says Tom. "Not only the schedule, but the quality of the guides really helps you make the most of every moment! We really enjoyed the excursions and activities – they were super diverse and a lot of fun. From Zodiac cruises and hikes to even kayaking, there was always something exciting going on, and plenty to document!"
"Our goal is to inspire other people to write their own stories – whether that’s on the other side of the world or just around the corner," adds Anna. "We want our readers to feel prepared and excited for their own trips – to discover hidden gems, get authentic travel experiences, and truly connect with the places they visit."
Picture by Tom & Anna Reichenberger
Joining an expedition cruise may seem like a grand adventure, and it is. But amidst the epic scenery and once-in-a-lifetime photos, the truly unforgettable experiences and opportunities that come only once are the things that touch you personally. The pangs of the heart when gazing out over scenery you've always dreamt of experiencing, or the feeling of togetherness at dinner after an encounter with a polar bear. It could even be a comforting smell, or a blast of frigid, inspirational air as you step out on deck, or the conversation between couples, new friends, and comrades in arms.
Even the tiniest touches add something to an Oceanwide cruise, some almost intangibly so. Perhaps Anna sums everything up perfectly with her parting quote: "In the end, it’s the small things that matter most. Travel means freedom, inspiration, and the chance to see the world with open eyes – and maybe look at life a bit differently when you return."
Main image by Tom & Anna Reichenberger
