Today we’d like to introduce you to Claire Maguire.
Hi Claire, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Bucket List Travel Trips is my passion project, born out of a lifelong love for adventure and an unshakeable belief in travel’s power to transform lives. I’m a self-confessed “travelaholic” who has been fortunate enough to explore over 125 countries and every continent multiple times. Creating this boutique business was my way of helping others discover what traveling has given to me: new perspectives, unforgettable memories, and a sense of possibility that’s truly life-changing.
Travel has captivated me from an early age. My childhood was filled with journeys from my home in Jersey, Channel Islands to France—only a 45-minute boat trip but which opened my eyes to new cultures, flavors, and languages. Those first adventures sparked an enduring curiosity about the world, eventually inspiring me to work as a tour guide and lead tours across Europe during my college vacations.
After earning my degree in International Relations, I spent three decades building a career which I loved, in the motorcycle industry. But the pull of adventure never faded, and the routine of corporate life—with its limited vacation time—couldn’t satisfy my passion for exploration. So, in 2017, I took a leap of faith, invested in a Cruise Planners travel franchise, and founded my own travel company, dedicating myself to creating extraordinary, deeply personalized travel experiences.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When the world shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic and my business came to a standstill, I saw opportunity in the challenge. I used my savings and made the most of low fares and empty hotels by traveling wherever possible, educating myself on new destinations and forging connections with travel partners.
My journeys led me to life-changing places like Antarctica and Tahiti—both of which became personal favorites and part of my specialty in exotic and expedition travel. In fact, during an unexpected quarantine in Tahiti after a positive COVID test, I found the inspiration and time to write my book, “Make Your Bucket List Trip a Reality.”
Drawing on my experiences, I crafted a framework to help others overcome financial, logistical, or emotional barriers, empowering them to move beyond dreaming and take real action toward transformational adventures. Both my book and my business exist to help people capture the magic of bucket list travel—and make it their own.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Cruise Planners – Claire Maguire?
My business is built on a foundation of first-hand travel expertise, enabling me to design journeys that are not only meticulously planned but also inspired by my own adventures around the globe. I offer a diverse range of travel styles—whether you’re a solo explorer; traveling with a partner or family; looking to travel with a small group; planning a large event, or seeking ocean and river cruises, yacht charters, polar expeditions, or luxury escapes. I am known as a worldwide Expedition and Adventure Travel expert.
Every group trip I create is personally “tried and tested” by me, allowing my clients to enjoy authentic encounters, elevated experiences, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing every detail has been thoughtfully arranged.
The company’s mission is not just travel logistics, but changing lives and mindsets, encouraging everyone to step beyond comfort zones and spark moments to remember forever. One of my greatest joys is helping clients create priceless memories—seeing a trip transform someone’s life is the most rewarding part of my work. I love bringing people together to experience awe-inspiring destinations, celebrating big milestones, and watching them return home with new stories, confidence, and perspectives. Travel is my lifelong passion, and sharing that spark with others is what drives me every day.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
I love Fort Lauderdale for its energetic multicultural atmosphere; beautiful beaches and lively vibe on Las Olas Boulevard, with its mix of unique shops, art galleries, and great restaurants. Being a very frequent traveler, I am also grateful for our great FLL airport.
What I like least is the ever-increasing traffic and cost of living – but that’s the price we pay for living in paradise!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bucketlisttraveltrips.com/
- Instagram: @clairemaguire777 @bucket_list_travel_trips @antarctica_travel_agent
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claire.maguire
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/clairemaguire
- Other: https://www.islandgirltravelandvacations.com/
Image Credits
Claire Maguire
