After months of preparation, and with the assistance of never-before-used technology, The Willis Resilience Expedition, whose twin goals are to advance the understanding of the planetary resilience and to test the limits of human endurance, has arrived in Antarctica for the beginning of a five week trek across the continent, set to arrive at the South Pole on or about New Year's Day.

Led by 19-year old explorer Parker Liautaud, a sophomore at Yale University and veteran of three prior expeditions to the North Pole, the Willis Resilience Expedition will conduct three separate scientific research programs and, if successful, will allow Liautaud to make the fastest-ever walk from the edge of Antarctica to the pole and make him the youngest person ever to reach both the North and South Poles on foot.

While Parker and veteran explorer Doug Stoup will make their planned 400-mile trek on foot and unsupported, their progress will be tracked every step of the way by a 2.6 ton custom designed 6x6 Toyota Hilux truck, "The Ice Broker," capable of transmitting, via satellite, live video, telemetry, data and biometrics around the world via the Expedition Website, www.willisresilience.com. News of the Expedition, and related programming, will be broadcast on a daily one-hour television show hosted at the Website premiering on December 3.

As of today, 16 separate one-hour shows are planned through December 23. The arrival of the Expedition in Antarctica was delayed for five days due to poor weather conditions. When the weather cleared, an Ilyushin cargo plane deposited the team from its staging point in Punta Arenas, Chile at Union Glacier where they will begin Phase One of their expedition.

Accompanying Parker and Doug on the flight were Ice Broker driver-mechanic Eyjo Furteitsson, cinematographer Paddy Scott and communications manager Nathan Hambrook-Skinner. During the Expedition, Eyjo, Paddy and Nathan will work to create content and share the latest developments with viewers and followers on social media around the world.

"After two years of careful planning and preparation, we are finally ready to start our journey to the South Pole. This expedition aims not only to set a new world record, but we will also collect data, which will contribute to better understanding our changing world. I am hugely excited about the challenges that lie ahead and hope that people will track our progress on the expedition website where you can follow our journey and join the debate on climate change."

Take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before you travel to Sardinia. Due to heavy rains and flooding a state of emergency has been declared in Sardinia.

Flight disruptions might occur at both Olbia airport and Cagliari airport. Many roads in the north are blocked. The main road between north and south, SS131, has not been closed but there are long delays due to flooding and subsidence. Train connections might also be affected.

The Italian Civil Protection Agency is closely monitoring the situation and is on site to provide assistance. Torrential rains are also affecting the south of Italy, in particular Calabria and Puglia and there are high waters in Venice. Local public transport strikes may affect travel at short notice.

Over 2.5 million British nationals visit Italy every year. Most visits are trouble-free.

If you are visiting a ski resort you should take advice on weather and avalanche conditions before you travel and familiarise yourself with local skiing laws and regulations.