ABOUT US
SOUTHERN OKLAHOMA'S PREMIER TRAVEL AGENCY
ARDMORE INSTITUTION CARRIES ON THE VISION OF RUTH YOUNG
Ruth Young's love of community and passion for travel has always been at the heart of RYT even today. Ruth started her travel agency in downtown Ardmore then expanded to the little house by the library. The business has since expanded because of the foundation she built. For over 70 years this female-owned business has given southern Oklahoma and beyond a premier boutique experience that enriches our community through exceptional service, sales, and advice. RYT is proud to carry on Ruth's legacy, love of community, and passion for travel.
150 YEARS OF TRAVEL AGENCY EXPERIENCE
CASEY DRAPER
CO-OWNER & COO
Casey grew up between the West Coast and Southern Oklahoma, sparking her love of travel from an early age. Never having met a stranger, Casey's best travel advice is to keep a friendly and open mind. You never know what lessons you can learn from others. (Especially hidden gems like restaurants or specialty shops that the locals can let you in on!)
LESLIE LARSEN
CO-OWNER & CFO
Leslie is a lifetime Southern Oklahoma resident with a passion for adventure travel and new experiences. Her favorite place to visit is Spain, which she does often. The best travel tip she has learned is to use rail when navigating Europe. It is cost effective, consistently on time, and easy to navigate, with luggage in tow.
VERA ADAMS
SENIOR TRAVEL ADVISOR
Vera grew up enjoying road-trips between the West and East coasts, so the love of travel was ingrained early in life. It was natural to bring that passion for exploring into a career where she can help others discover novel places and create wonderful memories. Her tip for a successful trip - Adapt yourself to your destination, absorb and enjoy the culture, do not expect it to be the same as from where you left.
BECKY WALKER
ACCOUNTING MANAGER
Becky is a longtime Oklahoma resident and after seeing lots of the country as a child of a military man, fell in love with travel. Hawaii, Florida, and California are some of her favorite U.S. destinations. Along with the U.S., European river cruising is one of her new favorite ways to explore the world.
KENDALL WARREN
TRAVEL ADVISOR
Kendall grew up traveling across the US with family and this sparked her love for exploring new places. She loves hiking and camping in the mountains, exploring a new country while cruising, or getting to enjoy a new city off the beaten path. Her favorite places she has visited are Alaska, Disney World, Glacier National Park, and New York City at Christmastime! Kendall’s best piece of travel advice is, find a local coffee shop or restaurant to try out verses sticking with a chain option, you never know you might just find your next favorite spot!
CAILEY FRYAR
EXECUTIVE COORDINATOR
Cailey has lived in Southern Oklahoma her whole life. She’s one of the first friendly voices you hear when you call our office. Growing up, she occasionally got to tag along with her mom on business trips and getting a glimpse of different destinations sparked her love for travel. Those experiences inspired her to want to see more of the world and help others with their own travel. She's excited about the opportunities her role at Ruth Young Travel will bring her, opening up her life to more experiences throughout the world.
Experience to Enrich...your spirit