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Cover Stars 2026: Trip helped Barrhead Travel's Claire Price sell Madeira
The Merseyside-based agent tells Ella Sagar about the trip highlights that now help her sell the destination
Q. What made you apply for Cover Stars?
I turned 50 last year and wanted to do something different. I saw the trip was to Madeira and thought, why not give it a go? When I discovered I needed to do a video application I was initially scared, so I got my neighbour and teenage son to help me. I was in a swimming costume for part of my video and just went for it!
Q. What was your Jet2 VIP experience like?
It was absolutely fabulous. In all my years working in travel, I had never experienced an airport lounge, so it was a real treat to relax before the flight away from the bustle of Manchester Airport. The staff, service, onboard experience and food were all excellent. It was a great reminder of the importance customers place on the overall travel experience, not just the destination. In fact, I’ve already booked to fly with Jet2 to Fuerteventura later this year.
Q. How was your hotel?
The Savoy Palace is one of the best hotels that I have ever stayed in. As you go up in the lift, the view opens up before you and it’s a real ‘wow’ moment. We dropped our bags and went down to the spa immediately, which was an amazing way to begin our stay. When I got to my room, I really could not believe it was all for me – it was massive! There were big floor-to-ceiling windows so, again, you had the most incredible views. Apparently, Cristiano Ronaldo stays in the penthouse of the hotel when he comes to Madeira, and I can understand why.
Q. What were your impressions of Madeira?
It’s an incredibly beautiful place, and I would definitely like to go back. It had lovely restaurants, friendly people and a special feel to it. It is also spotlessly clean, which is always a big tick in my book. We sell Madeira a lot as a cruise destination, but now we are talking to a lot more customers about doing it for a full holiday. There are so many things outside of the toboggan and cable car to do when you are there.
Q. What were your personal highlights from the trip?
My favourite activity was the 4x4 safari – we had an absolute ball. We went around the island, going from sunshine in Funchal into the mountains and the clouds, before finishing at a vineyard. We had dinner in a barn in the middle of a field – in the rain – which was one of the best meals I have ever had. Antipasti dishes, baked potatoes and tuna cooked in salt. I was eating it and thinking, I am going to remember everything about this. I’ve since recommended it to clients going out to Madeira and given them the company name of who we went with. The Santana houses and food market in Funchal were also great to see.
Q. How was your photoshoot experience?
My photoshoot was on our boat trip as they wanted the sun behind me.
It was a bit nerve-wracking because everyone else had been able to go off and do theirs on their own, but I had everyone watching me. However, they all had my back and wanted it to be nice for me.
Q. How was the Travel Weekly Globe Travel Awards in January?
It was beyond anything I ever expected. I’ve never been to an awards ceremony like that before, and it was so special to be there with the other Cover Stars in all our finery. It was an amazing night. Jonathan Ross ran past our table. I didn’t want it to end.
Q. What would you say to people thinking of applying to be a Cover Star this year?
I would urge people thinking about it to be brave. You might just win the most amazing prize.
How did you get into travel?
My journey into the travel industry started when I was 17 years old. I left home to travel to the Greek island of Kalymnos where I progressed from waitressing to being the island’s Kosmar rep, which I absolutely loved. Then, in 1998, I came back home to England and joined Thomas Cook in a small but fabulous team in my hometown of Wallasey in Merseyside. I stayed with Thomas Cook until their merger with Co-op Travel in 2011.
Sadly, my shop was closed and the whole team was made redundant. I took that as a chance to have a career change and worked in lettings for the next nine years. It was a job that fitted in with my family, but I was never passionate about it. I got back into travel in 2021 when I spotted a friend’s Facebook post, which said they were looking for travel agents to join my local Barrhead Travel store. I applied and it was the best decision I have ever made. I’ve been there ever since.
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