Dee Swaminathan
She/Her
Based in New Jersey
Deeper Meridian
Ask us about
Our Story
I’m Dee Swaminathan, founder of Deeper Meridian, (formerly Best.Trip.Ever.) After more than two decades in corporate leadership, I turned a lifelong passion for travel into a full-time advisory practice. I have traveled across all seven continents, and specialize in polar expeditions, wildlife-rich journeys, cruises, and complex bespoke travel.
Travel Style
I’m drawn to journeys that balance discovery with comfort, expert-led experiences with personal freedom, and ambitious ideas with thoughtful pacing. I look closely at the choices that materially shape a trip, including the expedition operator, ship, route, season, cabin, hotel, and guide, then connect the logistics into one coherent journey. My own travels range from remote polar regions and wildlife destinations to cities, resorts, and cruises, and I always leave enough time to experience a place rather than simply pass through it.
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Reviews (32)
Stephanie B.
travel by cruise
about 1 month ago
Very responsive and listened to our feedback and helped us find the pre-cruise hotel that met our expectations. Loved the list of vegan restaurants. Dee was also great in helping to advocate for us when Quark canceled the cruise and we had to find an alternate date - with alternate (much more expensive) flights.
Angela H.
travel to London
2 months ago
I gave Dee my requirements and she very promptly came back with several good suggestions for hotels. My husband wanted a room with a balcony and I wanted to be in the heart of West End. Dee found Hotel Indigo which met both our desires! Less than a week after I had booked our hotel room, Dee informed me that she received a price drop alert and we were able to rebook the room at the reduced rate. This was a very pleasant and delightful surprise indeed! I have never had the benefit of enjoying a price drop on hotels after I booked and would use Dee again for this reason!
Kumar S.
travel to Antarctica
9 months ago
My Antarctica trip exceeded every expectation and clearly reflected Dee’s first hand knowledge of expedition travel. Her recommendation for the expedition vessel was spot-on—from the comfort and capability of the ship to the outstanding expedition team onboard.
It was evident that Dee understood the nuances that truly matter for an Antarctic journey. Her expertise extended to every aspect of the experience, including the zodiac operations and landing activities, which were exceptionally well organized and safely executed. Each landing was thoughtfully planned to maximize time onshore while offering meaningful wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery. The professionalism of the expedition team, combined with Dee’s expert guidance, made this once-in-a-lifetime journey seamless, enriching, and unforgettable. I cannot recommend Dee highly enough for Antarctica or any expedition-style travel.
Kevin V.
travel to San Juan
9 months ago
We went to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the holidays as a family group of seven, and Dee did an amazing job with every part of our trip. From booking a great flight & resort package to suggesting and planning our itinerary, everything was handled so smoothly.
Communication was always easy, and she was incredibly responsive whenever we had questions. It never felt like we were working with a “travel agent.” Instead, it felt more like planning a trip with a trusted friend who truly cared about making sure everything was right.
This was our second time booking with Dee, and once again, she exceeded our expectations. We are already looking forward to many more trips with her in the future and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a stress free, well planned vacation.
Kenneth S.
travel to Antarctica
9 months ago
Dee helped us plan a flawless trip to Antarctica. She found us the best deal, addressed all questions proactively, and was incredibly responsive when any new questions or issues arose. Her counsel regarding specific trip decisions were right on target. Thank you Dee- a five star experience for sure!
Stephanie B.
travel by cruise
about 1 month ago
Very responsive and listened to our feedback and helped us find the pre-cruise hotel that met our expectations. Loved the list of vegan restaurants. Dee was also great in helping to advocate for us when Quark canceled the cruise and we had to find an alternate date - with alternate (much more expensive) flights.
Angela H.
travel to London
2 months ago
I gave Dee my requirements and she very promptly came back with several good suggestions for hotels. My husband wanted a room with a balcony and I wanted to be in the heart of West End. Dee found Hotel Indigo which met both our desires! Less than a week after I had booked our hotel room, Dee informed me that she received a price drop alert and we were able to rebook the room at the reduced rate. This was a very pleasant and delightful surprise indeed! I have never had the benefit of enjoying a price drop on hotels after I booked and would use Dee again for this reason!
Kumar S.
travel to Antarctica
9 months ago
My Antarctica trip exceeded every expectation and clearly reflected Dee’s first hand knowledge of expedition travel. Her recommendation for the expedition vessel was spot-on—from the comfort and capability of the ship to the outstanding expedition team onboard.
It was evident that Dee understood the nuances that truly matter for an Antarctic journey. Her expertise extended to every aspect of the experience, including the zodiac operations and landing activities, which were exceptionally well organized and safely executed. Each landing was thoughtfully planned to maximize time onshore while offering meaningful wildlife encounters and breathtaking scenery. The professionalism of the expedition team, combined with Dee’s expert guidance, made this once-in-a-lifetime journey seamless, enriching, and unforgettable. I cannot recommend Dee highly enough for Antarctica or any expedition-style travel.
Kevin V.
travel to San Juan
9 months ago
We went to San Juan, Puerto Rico for the holidays as a family group of seven, and Dee did an amazing job with every part of our trip. From booking a great flight & resort package to suggesting and planning our itinerary, everything was handled so smoothly.
Communication was always easy, and she was incredibly responsive whenever we had questions. It never felt like we were working with a “travel agent.” Instead, it felt more like planning a trip with a trusted friend who truly cared about making sure everything was right.
This was our second time booking with Dee, and once again, she exceeded our expectations. We are already looking forward to many more trips with her in the future and would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a stress free, well planned vacation.
Travel ideas (4)
A Vegetarian’s Guide to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its sloths. Sloths are herbivores. So clearly the country already had my attention. I often hear clients wonder if traveling in Latin America will mean exciting scenery but very limited food choices—and as a vegetarian traveler myself, I paid close attention to this on my recent trip across Costa Rica. The short answer is: relax, you will eat well. Between gallo pinto, plantains, tropical fruit, outstanding coffee, chocolate, and genuinely thoughtful resort dining, Costa Rica offers so much more than the emergency side salad. The sloths were onto something.
A Vegetarian’s Guide to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its sloths. Sloths are herbivores. So clearly the country already had my attention. I often hear clients wonder if traveling in Latin America will mean exciting scenery but very limited food choices—and as a vegetarian traveler myself, I paid close attention to this on my recent trip across Costa Rica. The short answer is: relax, you will eat well. Between gallo pinto, plantains, tropical fruit, outstanding coffee, chocolate, and genuinely thoughtful resort dining, Costa Rica offers so much more than the emergency side salad. The sloths were onto something.
My Antarctica Expedition
All travel is enjoyable. But some are simply life-changing. An expedition to Antarctica truly falls under that life-altering category. For me, the trip just “happened”. I was at the right place at the right time, and snatched an amazing package thanks to Fora’s partnerships with Quark. This is one trip that made me smile, laugh, even cry. Yes, I welled up when I saw the penguins with their chicks. I welled up when I flew in a helicopter over massive glaciers. I stopped breathing when I saw a whale about five feet away, and when our ship sailed along an iceberg as large as Manhattan.
You may have seen dozens of hours of footage of icebergs, glaciers and wildlife on the internet. But nothing can really prepare you for what you experience when you are there in flesh and blood. It is surreal.
I am excited to present the details of my trip with you, to share the joy and hopefully inspire you to book that trip — you live but once!
My Antarctica Expedition
All travel is enjoyable. But some are simply life-changing. An expedition to Antarctica truly falls under that life-altering category. For me, the trip just “happened”. I was at the right place at the right time, and snatched an amazing package thanks to Fora’s partnerships with Quark. This is one trip that made me smile, laugh, even cry. Yes, I welled up when I saw the penguins with their chicks. I welled up when I flew in a helicopter over massive glaciers. I stopped breathing when I saw a whale about five feet away, and when our ship sailed along an iceberg as large as Manhattan.
You may have seen dozens of hours of footage of icebergs, glaciers and wildlife on the internet. But nothing can really prepare you for what you experience when you are there in flesh and blood. It is surreal.
I am excited to present the details of my trip with you, to share the joy and hopefully inspire you to book that trip — you live but once!
Türkiye - Things to Do (Including Offbeat Attractions)
Turkey (aka Türkiye) is a dream destination for many, with its iconic images of hot air balloons drifting over mystical landscapes, grand mosques, bustling souks and the Mediterranean coast leaving travelers captivated. The country is incredibly diverse and offers a wealth of experiences, but this write-up will focus on three exceptional cities: Istanbul, Antalya and Cappadocia.
Türkiye - Things to Do (Including Offbeat Attractions)
Turkey (aka Türkiye) is a dream destination for many, with its iconic images of hot air balloons drifting over mystical landscapes, grand mosques, bustling souks and the Mediterranean coast leaving travelers captivated. The country is incredibly diverse and offers a wealth of experiences, but this write-up will focus on three exceptional cities: Istanbul, Antalya and Cappadocia.
Srirangam & Thanjavur - Ancient Temple Towns of Southern India
South Indian temples are architectural marvels, known for their towering gopurams (gateway towers), intricate carvings and richly adorned sanctuaries. These temples reflect the Dravidian style of architecture and are awe-inspiring, with their massive pillars, carvings and elaborate sculptures.
Srirangam & Thanjavur - Ancient Temple Towns of Southern India
South Indian temples are architectural marvels, known for their towering gopurams (gateway towers), intricate carvings and richly adorned sanctuaries. These temples reflect the Dravidian style of architecture and are awe-inspiring, with their massive pillars, carvings and elaborate sculptures.
A Vegetarian’s Guide to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its sloths. Sloths are herbivores. So clearly the country already had my attention. I often hear clients wonder if traveling in Latin America will mean exciting scenery but very limited food choices—and as a vegetarian traveler myself, I paid close attention to this on my recent trip across Costa Rica. The short answer is: relax, you will eat well. Between gallo pinto, plantains, tropical fruit, outstanding coffee, chocolate, and genuinely thoughtful resort dining, Costa Rica offers so much more than the emergency side salad. The sloths were onto something.
A Vegetarian’s Guide to Costa Rica
Costa Rica is famous for its sloths. Sloths are herbivores. So clearly the country already had my attention. I often hear clients wonder if traveling in Latin America will mean exciting scenery but very limited food choices—and as a vegetarian traveler myself, I paid close attention to this on my recent trip across Costa Rica. The short answer is: relax, you will eat well. Between gallo pinto, plantains, tropical fruit, outstanding coffee, chocolate, and genuinely thoughtful resort dining, Costa Rica offers so much more than the emergency side salad. The sloths were onto something.
My Antarctica Expedition
All travel is enjoyable. But some are simply life-changing. An expedition to Antarctica truly falls under that life-altering category. For me, the trip just “happened”. I was at the right place at the right time, and snatched an amazing package thanks to Fora’s partnerships with Quark. This is one trip that made me smile, laugh, even cry. Yes, I welled up when I saw the penguins with their chicks. I welled up when I flew in a helicopter over massive glaciers. I stopped breathing when I saw a whale about five feet away, and when our ship sailed along an iceberg as large as Manhattan.
You may have seen dozens of hours of footage of icebergs, glaciers and wildlife on the internet. But nothing can really prepare you for what you experience when you are there in flesh and blood. It is surreal.
I am excited to present the details of my trip with you, to share the joy and hopefully inspire you to book that trip — you live but once!
My Antarctica Expedition
All travel is enjoyable. But some are simply life-changing. An expedition to Antarctica truly falls under that life-altering category. For me, the trip just “happened”. I was at the right place at the right time, and snatched an amazing package thanks to Fora’s partnerships with Quark. This is one trip that made me smile, laugh, even cry. Yes, I welled up when I saw the penguins with their chicks. I welled up when I flew in a helicopter over massive glaciers. I stopped breathing when I saw a whale about five feet away, and when our ship sailed along an iceberg as large as Manhattan.
You may have seen dozens of hours of footage of icebergs, glaciers and wildlife on the internet. But nothing can really prepare you for what you experience when you are there in flesh and blood. It is surreal.
I am excited to present the details of my trip with you, to share the joy and hopefully inspire you to book that trip — you live but once!
Türkiye - Things to Do (Including Offbeat Attractions)
Turkey (aka Türkiye) is a dream destination for many, with its iconic images of hot air balloons drifting over mystical landscapes, grand mosques, bustling souks and the Mediterranean coast leaving travelers captivated. The country is incredibly diverse and offers a wealth of experiences, but this write-up will focus on three exceptional cities: Istanbul, Antalya and Cappadocia.
Türkiye - Things to Do (Including Offbeat Attractions)
Turkey (aka Türkiye) is a dream destination for many, with its iconic images of hot air balloons drifting over mystical landscapes, grand mosques, bustling souks and the Mediterranean coast leaving travelers captivated. The country is incredibly diverse and offers a wealth of experiences, but this write-up will focus on three exceptional cities: Istanbul, Antalya and Cappadocia.
Travel photos
