Skip to main content

Extreme Polar Travel: Bucket List Adventures at the Bottom of the Earth

These days, getting to Antarctica is a virtual cake-walk — even your granny is probably fit enough to board a polar cruise. But, truly exploring the interior of the lost continent remains almost as difficult today as it was when Scott and Amundsen set out to “conquer” the South Pole in 1911. Several tour companies specializing in polar travel offer bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime journeys to relive the thrill of their adventures if you’re up to the task. Here are three of our favorites.

Ski to the South Pole (Adventure Consultants)

Ski to the South Pole (Adventure Consultants)
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Every journey on Adventure Consultant’s menu of expeditions targets adventure travelers who feel as though they’ve already “done it all.” The company’s highly specialized itineraries include conquering the Seven Summits, tackling Mount Everest, crossing Greenland, and skiing to the South Pole. The latter — aptly named South Pole – All the Way — is a brutal, 62-day slog that would challenge even the heartiest polar traveler. What it lacks in technical difficulty (previous mountaineering experience is not required), it more than makes up for in sheer distance and environmental challenges. This is literally one of the harshest climates in the world. Travelers start in Punta Arenas, Chile, then hop two flights to the start of the journey. From Hercules Inlet, the 730-mile ski trek to the South Pole begins. There is no support vehicle and no mechanized assistance of any kind — explorers must carry all of their gear and essentials via sledge for the duration. Prices from $72,500 USD.

Recommended Videos

Kite-Ski Ulvetanna in Queen Maud Land (Icetrek Polar Expeditions)

Kite Ski Ulvetanna in Queen Maud Land (Icetrek Polar Expeditions)
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For the man who has everything, including nearly $50,000 in disposable income, Icetrek Polar Expeditions offers a once-in-a-lifetime kite-skiing expedition to one of the lost continent’s most spectacular mountain ranges. Beginning in Cape Town, South Africa, expeditioners hop a late-night flight to ALCI Airbase in Antarctica. From there, it’s a full 16 days spent on the ice with up to two full weeks of kite-skiing in the rugged Drygalski Mountains toward the 9,600-foot peak of Ulvetanna (“The Wolf’s Tooth”) in Queen Maud Land. The continent’s dramatic landscape — including intense wind, snow, and a harsh, rocky terrain — provide the perfect backdrop for kite-skiing that’s unlike anywhere else on earth. Per-person rate: €39,950 (approximately $47,000 USD).

“Road Trip” to the South Pole (Explorations Company)

“Road Trip” to the South Pole (Explorations Company)
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If all this leg-powered hiking and skiing and kiting seems like too much, well, work, Explorations Company offers something completely different. This November, the company will launch a driving expedition across Antarctica — literally, a “road trip” to the South Pole. After flying in on a rather imposing Russian Ilyushin-76 jet, expeditioners pack into 6×6 Toyota Hiluxes. The fleet of 19 purpose-built trucks is fitted with a specialized, freeze-proof fuel and a wealth of high-tech, cold weather kit thanks to Arctic Trucks (a company which outfitted Prince Harry with the means to reach the South Pole on his 2013 charity trip). The 1,150-mile journey takes ten days, although the unpredictable weather is the deciding factor. This is about as close to luxury camping as one can get given Antarctica’s landscape and climate. A chef prepares meat and carb-heavy meals each day, hot water bottles are available to help warm up sleeping bags, and the mobile camp is well-insulated against the cold. Still, the company insists this is an expedition and a difficult one at that. Per-person rate: $165,000 USD. (But, if you have to ask …)

Topics
Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Away makes both soft and hard suitcases — which one is right for you?
Away's soft-sided luggage isn't as new as we thought
Away The Aluminum Edition

Away isn’t new to the luggage game. The innovative designs of Away luggage, its consistent product launches, and its high-end hard-sided luggage have been on the market for quite some time now. But in 2024, the brand launched its Softside Suitcase. Away has been my go-to suitcase brand since 2020, so I was shocked when I heard it released soft-sided luggage.

No, I was not shocked because the company decided to stray from its signature Hardside Suitcase. My surprise was instead linked to confusion because, well, I already have two soft-sided suitcases from Away, both of which are more than three years old. To make matters more confusing, the designs of the medium and carry-on sizes I have are completely different from what was launched in 2024. Huh?
The Away soft luggage relaunch?

Read more
Avoid the crowds and high prices with these alternative summer travel picks
Skip the tourist traps and explore these off-the-beaten-path destinations
Wilmington, North Carolina

Love the idea of a summer escape, but not the sky-high prices and packed tourist spots that come with it? You're not alone, and there's good news. Skyscanner’s 2025 Smarter Summer Report reveals wallet-friendly alternatives to major travel hubs that offer charm and adventure, minus the crowds.

“For many, summer feels like it goes by too fast. Travelers look forward to their summer vacation all year and this year people are looking to get the most of the season,” says Laura Lindsay, Global Travel Trends Expert. “They’re getting into the summer mindset earlier by making the ultimate summer playlist and looking up the weather of their dream summer destinations. To truly maximize the summer season, travelers are becoming more flexible than ever. They are stretching their budgets, extending their travel time and exploring more underrated destinations.”​

Read more
The ultimate men’s shoe lineup for your tropical vacation
The four must-have vacation shoes for your tropical getaway
man walking on the beach

Whether you’re headed to relax or to enjoy a sun-filled adventure, a tropical vacation is a dream getaway for most. However, before you can enjoy the sunshine and beaches, you’ll have to get some packing out of the way. Depending on your plans and location, your tropical vacation might be on the lighter side, with lighter fabrics and fewer layers. However, you’ll still need to pack a few beach-ready footwear options to complete your look. Whether it’s flip-flops for the beach or hiking shoes for the trails, the following shoe must-haves are essential for a smooth-sailing vacation. Regardless of whether you need a lightweight option that functions as a multi-occasion shoe or you want to travel light, these shoes are some of the best options to keep your suitcase light yet ensure your vacation is a success. 

A pair of flip-flops

Read more