TMR Unplugged: Real Talk With CIE Tours’ Sherry

We’re very excited to have CIE Tours Private Driver Specialist Sherry join us to unplug for a quick Q&A with TMR about her love for travel and how her 20 plus career has evolved. Let’s unplug with Sherry:

What inspired you to work in the travel industry?

With a lifelong passion for travel, I spent 20 years with a large travel agency group, where I had the privilege of turning my love for exploration into a career. During that time, I gained invaluable professional experience while immersing myself in diverse cultures, cuisines, and traditions around the world.

For nearly a decade, I’ve continued that journey with CIE Tours, where my enthusiasm for travel remains as strong as ever. I take great pride in using my knowledge and firsthand experiences to design personalized, meaningful adventures for my clients.

Helping others discover the world in a way that is seamless, enriching, and unforgettable is what makes my work truly fulfilling—and it inspires me every single day.

 What is your favorite travel related book or movie?

One of our British private drivers recommended The Salt Path, and it’s stayed with me ever since. A Sunday Times bestseller and award-winning memoir, it beautifully captures Britain’s rugged coastlines, quiet seaside villages, and connection to the landscape – especially when guests want to explore southwest England.

What was your most unexpected request from a guest?

I’ve had a couple of unexpected requests that really stood out.

One involved arranging a truly special arrival experience in Ireland. Upon landing in their private jet, the guests were welcomed in their vehicle with chilled champagne and crystal flutes—an elegant and memorable start to their trip. Another last minute request came from clients who wanted to renew their vows at the Cliffs of Moher. I helped them find the right officiant and photographer who could bring their vision to life for such a meaningful moment.

What’s a hidden gem or underrated experience you recommend to visitors?

Sheepdog trials in Ireland or Scotland have been one of our top-rated experiences for decades. Featured on more than 20 tour itineraries—and a personal favorite I always suggest for Private Driver vacations—they’re the kind of experience travelers don’t realize they need. Watching skilled dogs and farmers work together in the stunning countryside feels completely authentic, not staged, and it’s fun, a little surprising, and personal – exactly the kind of moment that stays with you long after the trip ends.

What’s the best meal you’ve ever had while traveling?

Ireland’s food scene has come a long way from the old stereotypes. Now, everything is about fresh, local ingredients—and honestly, it’s hard to have a bad meal.

Galway is one of my favorite food towns, and I always recommend Moran’s Oyster Cottage. It’s known for its incredible Galway oysters, rich seafood chowder, and that cozy, rustic feel that just feels authentically Irish.

When I went, my driver took me out there – it’s a bit outside the main tourist areas, surrounded by countryside and water, which makes the whole experience even better.

What is your favorite amenity?

The CIE Tours Inclusive Advantage is a big one. Whether you’re on a scheduled tour or a Private Driver vacation, everything on the itinerary is included – so there are no surprise add-ons or extra costs along the way. It makes the whole experience feel seamless and stress-free.

Another favorite (and surprisingly popular with guests) is our backpack. It might sound simple, but it’s thoughtfully designed with things like luggage bands, converters, water bottles, and a local “Go To Guide” – little touches that really make a difference on the road. It’s a great example of how CIE Tours goes the extra mile to keep guests comfortable.

What was your proudest guest interaction experience?

Helping a guest pull off a surprise proposal in front of his girlfriend’s family at the stunning Gap of Dunloe. The private driver made sure everything went off perfectly and brought the family back to their hotel where the staff was waiting with celebratory champagne and best wishes.

Have you had any truly “wow” moments when a guest experienced something amazing for the first time?

Some of my favorite stories involve guests getting to experience something truly special and personal –  we had one guest for example, who hoped to find some trace of his grandfather, who left Ireland over a century ago. All he knew was the name of the village – so his private driver drove the group there, struck up a conversation in the pub, and within the hour the guest was standing at the door of the abandoned cottage his grandfather had last seen more than 100 years before. Those kinds of experiences really pull at my heartstrings and make me so grateful I can connect our guests with our destinations in such a rich way.

What’s a common mistake that travelers make, and how can they avoid it?

A common mistake is not giving yourself enough downtime. With a private driver, you have someone experienced guiding you throughout the day, along with the flexibility to adjust plans as you go—like taking advantage of a warm, sunny afternoon to relax on a beautiful beach after visiting a nearby attraction.

What’s a small thing travelers can do that makes your job easier?

Before we begin building an itinerary together, make sure you’ve clearly defined the traveler’s overall budget range, including where they’re comfortable splurging versus saving. Get a firm understanding of their non-negotiables—must-see destinations, preferred hotels, key experiences, and pacing limits—as well as where they’re flexible, such as travel dates, accommodations, or routing. You should also clarify how structured they want their days to be and their tolerance for driving time, so the itinerary can be built efficiently with minimal revisions.