Monday Minute: Claire MacPhee of Maritime Travel  

The Monday Minute is a weekly feature in PAX that highlights the movers, shakers, leaders and rule breakers of Canada's travel advisor community. Wanna be profiled? Wanna nominate someone? Email newsroom@paxglobalmedia.com!

Name: Claire MacPhee

Name of business: Maritime Travel

Where do you live? Sydney, Nova Scotia

How long have you been a travel advisor? 37 years

What is your specialty?: I love selling Europe, whether it’s coach tours, river cruises or independent travel.

What inspired you to become a travel advisor? I was young and naïve and thought it was a glamorous job where all I’d be doing was travelling.

What’s the first trip you ever took?

The first trip I ever took was to St. Pierre et Miquelon with my junior high school. What stood out most, and honestly surprised me, was that we didn’t need a passport to go. Despite being just off the coast of Canada, it felt deeply French.

While nearby Newfoundland and Nova Scotia were rooted in North American culture, Saint-Pierre felt entirely different. People paid in francs, drank wine with lunch and watched French TV broadcasts straight from France. It was like stepping into a tiny piece of Europe without crossing the Atlantic.

What’s the most memorable trip you ever took?

I’ve been fortunate to have a few memorable experiences. One of the most impactful was a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, with moments like sunrise at Angkor Wat and visits to the Killing Fields and Cu Chi tunnels.

Another was South Africa, where I went on safari and saw the Big Five in their natural habitat. As an animal lover, it was truly life-changing.

Where do you see your business one year from now? 

I’m thinking about organizing escorted trips with existing clients and hopefully welcoming some new ones along the way.

What’s one new skill you’ve acquired recently?

As a branch manager, I’ve been focused on personal growth, which has helped me become a better leader for my team. I've spent time reading about team-building and listening to podcasts to stay informed and focused.

We have weekly one-on-ones to check in on how everyone is managing the workload, along with a team chat for quick questions and a weekly group check-in on Messenger to talk through what’s happening in the travel world. We also make a point of keeping things light and fun in the office.

What’s one thing you would change about the travel industry?

I’d love to see disruptions become less painful. Travel should be exciting, but delays, cancellations and complicated refund processes can quickly turn that excitement into stress. The easier we can make travel, the better the overall experience will be.

What’s the secret to being successful in this business?

Have a sense of humour, and make sure your clients know they’re appreciated. It’s about building genuine connections. Many of my clients have become friends, and that’s what it’s all about.

What is your motto?

I plan the trip. You make the memories.

What is your number one piece of advice to other travel advisors?

Listen to understand, not just to respond. Make your clients feel valued.

Where are you travelling next?

I’m heading to Japan in April on a guided tour. It will be my first time there, and I’m very excited.

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