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Mel

Mel's passion for exploring began as a teen when she backpacked around Europe. Since then, she’s built up over 20 years' experience working in hospitality and travel. A keen adventurer, Mel is always seeking out-of-the-box activities – from camping in caves to kayaking in Antarctica.

Top Polar Highlights Antarctic Photos More About Me

My Antarctic stats

Began working in travel: 2016
Antarctic activities tested: Paddling
Polar plunges braved: 1

Melissa says

Having worked in both hospitality and the travel industry, I know exactly how to deliver an exceptional experience. I’ll listen to your needs and interests before helping you find the perfect trip from the 80+ we have available here at Swoop.

Melissa Stagg Antarctic Sales Specialist

My top 5 Antarctic experiences

Enjoying a meal next to large windows showcasing Antarctica in all its glory

A meal with a view

Tearing up at the beauty of Neko Harbour – the glacier here is so vast and pristine, coloured in deep blue and bold aqua shades that are utterly mesmerising
Floating beside whales in zodiacs and kayaks was spine-tingling. Their breath, presence and the purity of it all... it felt like a true privilege to watch them living their best lives in nature
Soaking in the hot tub, glass of bubbles in hand and bluebird skies overhead, enjoying a taste of Antarctic luxury at its finest
Spotting penguins porpoising alongside our zodiac was pure joy. The water was so clear, we could see them swimming underneath us. Some were only just learning to swim, full of excitement in their new HD world
Watching fin dolphins and pilot whales from the Bridge was a highlight, especially learning how the ship retracted its stabilisers to keep them safe, making us sway dramatically afterwards

My Antarctic photos

The back of Swoop team member, Mel, as she kayaks in Antarctica

Swoop team member Mel smiles at the camera as she enjoys Antarctica

Enjoying Antarctica

A solo leopard seal

Two expedition cruise guests in Antarctica spot a whale in the distance

Whale watching at Danco Island

Cruise guests land at Danco Island and explore on foot

Fellow guests at Danco Island

Penguin footprints!

A chinstrap penguin in the snow

Mel from Swoop stands with her arms spread open among the snow of Neko Harbour

Enjoying Neko Harbour

More about me

After spending almost a decade creating bespoke trips in some of Southeast Asia's most remote destinations for my clients, I’m now a specialist in Earth's least-travelled continent: Antarctica
Whichever country I'm in you’ll find me in the great outdoors, where I love to walk, cycle and swim whenever I can
I was the first traveller to ever enter Nakai Nam Theun National Park in southern Laos and have even kayaked through the longest cave in the world!
My passion for exploring the world began when I backpacked around Europe at age 17. After a month-long adventure, it's safe to say I was hooked on travel
When I was younger, I was fortunate enough to live and work in the French Alps, where I fell in love with the mountains