GIRLS TRIP 2026

A rare North-West Traverse of Svalbard, one of the least travelled and most striking parts of the High Arctic

Self-guided 5 female polar adventurers (plus camerawoman).
Expedition approx 18-20 days.
April–May 2026

COLLABORATE WITH US
  • Set in the high Arctic, where nature is wild and fragile, this is the ultimate Girls' Trip.

    Five women. One of the harshest but most beautiful places on earth. And a mission to rewrite the rules of exploration.

    We aim to reshape the traditional narrative of polar expeditions, away from the 'serious, bearded, gritty’ stereotype, to a more inclusive, energetic, fun, and human approach that connects with people.

    It won't be about going the furthest or the fastest. This is an expedition not built on dominance, but on joy, sisterhood, sustainability and seeing this extraordinary world through new eyes.

  • Through storytelling and immersive visual content, we aim to highlight the fragility of Arctic glaciers and the urgent message of climate change. Svalbard is one of the fastest-warming places on the planet—climate change is happening here at a pace far quicker than the global average.

    Through collaboration with scientists at the University of Colarado, USA, we will gather data from the ice that will contribute to vital climate research.

    We will prioritise sustainable travel methods for the expedition. By choosing sailboats to reach our start point and return from the expedition, we reduce our carbon emissions significantly, whilst offering a richer experience for story telling.

  • The expedition will be filmed and submitted to the Banff Mountain Film Festival with the goal of being selected for global tour screenings. Website, YouTube and “GIRLS TRIP” social media channels with shorter updates in the training and planning prior to the expedition. 

  • Through the website, you will be able to track the expedition in real time on an interactive map, leaving daily voice updates as we move across the ice and explore this area of Svalbard.

  • The team will comprise of a powerful, multinational and inspiring mix of five women, plus a camera woman.

    We are all individuals who have been inspired by each other’s journeys.

    Together, we’ll share personal stories, challenges, lessons, support one another, and celebrate the strength found in connection. Expect meaningful conversations, authentic insights, and a whole lot of fun along the way.

MEET THE ADVENTURERS

CAT BURFORD

  • Expedition leader

  • Dentist with a sweet tooth

  • 13th woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole

  • Prone to hanger: keep well fed

  • Happily trapped in 90s nostalgia

  • Loves a daydream

  • Easily led astray

  • Often questions whether this is a midlife crisis

AMELIA RUDD

  • Expedition manager and guide for Shackleton

  • 7th Woman to ski solo and unsupported to the South Pole

  • Proudest (and coolest) mum of four

  • Gets scared but does it anyway

  • Not afraid to turn her life upside down to follow her dreams

  • Makes notes and lists of literally everything

  • Addicted to marmite and skittles (possibly in the same mouthful)

JEN MCKEOWN

  • Arctic Nature Guide

  • Scottish/Norwegian in training

  • Obsessed with glaciers

  • Proudly 100% nerd

  • LOVES singing to the Spice Girls

AYUKA KAWAKAMI

  • Snow-loving Japanese New Yorker

  • Wall Streeter turned to data investigative person

  • Highly social introvert who likes to get preoccupied with philosophical thoughts

  • Proud citizen scientist for polar glaciology research

EMMA MAHER

  • Midwife at your cervix

  • “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” 

  • Favourite all time snack: boiled egg (what’s not to like)

  • Most home at the sea (but hoping that won’t be the case on this exped)

PREVIOUS ADVENTURES FROM THE TEAM