By Eric Hrubant, Founder & CEO of CIRE Travel
I have a confession to make: I don’t really like to travel. I know, it’s an odd thing to hear from someone who owns a travel agency. People assume I’m constantly chasing the next destination, collecting passport stamps, writing hotel reviews, or trying to become an influencer. I’m not.
The truth is, I have a business I genuinely love. I have an incredible team of 12 professionals who take exceptional care of our clients. I live on the coast of Maine with my husband and our four cats. From May through September, my tomatoes need me. I’m actually pretty happy right where I am.
Service and Hospitality Come First
Now, that’s not to say I never travel. If Madonna announces a world tour, all bets are off. In 2024, I saw her eight times in four incredible countries without a second thought. I’ll happily get on a plane for something I’m passionate about. Cue the Christmas market cruise down the Danube I’m booked on in 2027! I don’t feel the need to go somewhere just because I can. Ironically, I think it keeps my focus right where it belongs: on our clients. After all, we are a service and hospitality company first and foremost. It just so happens that we specialize in exploring the world!
Let’s face it. Leaving home can be stressful. Flights get delayed. Hotels make mistakes. Luggage gets lost. Weather changes. Connections are missed. Things happen. When you are a worrier like me, you tend to naturally become a planner. I like details, and truth be told, extraordinary experiences are built on the details. It’s knowing which suite is worth the upgrade and which one isn’t. It’s arranging the private transfer, ensuring you’re greeted by a driver who knows exactly where you’re going. It’s securing the restaurant reservation you’ve been dreaming about months before you arrive. It’s recommending accommodations that perfectly match your personality, rather than booking the one everyone else is talking about. A luxury vacation is about feeling cared for before you ever leave home. I built CIRE for people who want to enjoy travel without worrying about travel.
Experience Beyond the Guidebooks
While I may not be the one constantly hopping on planes, I’m fortunate to lead a team of people who do. Our team has been to every continent, exploring the destinations we recommend. They’ve discovered hidden gems and come home with firsthand knowledge that no brochure or website can provide. Add in the relationships we’ve built throughout the travel industry, and our clients enjoy the kind of insight, access, and advocacy that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Together, we’ve created a company that combines two perspectives: people who are passionate about helping others discover the world and people who are passionate about making sure every piece fits together flawlessly. That balance is one of our greatest strengths.
At CIRE, we believe exceptional travel isn’t measured by how many places you’ve visited. It’s measured by how effortlessly your journey unfolds and how well every experience reflects what matters to you. That’s what we love. Not just travel. Making travel unforgettable.
Speaking of unforgettable… I’m turning 50 next year! Now that IS a reason to get on a plane! Do I spend a week eating my way through Paris with Ina Garten as my unofficial guide, or find a cozy cottage in the English countryside? I’m taking a poll. Drop me a line and let me know!
CIRE Travel is a full-service travel agency headquartered in New York, NY, with offices in Kennebunkport, ME, Washington, DC, Boston, MA, Atlanta, GA, Los Angeles, CA, and Philadelphia, PA. Our expert corporate travel planners, honeymoon travel agents, and luxury travel planners support clients across the country and around the world.
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