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
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.
LESLIE@RUTHYOUNGTRAVEL.COMCASEY 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!)
BELINDA CHAPMAN
SENIOR TRAVEL ADVISOR
Belinda was born and raised in Southern Oklahoma but born of an English mother. She began traveling at an early age to London to visit family, sparking an interest in international travel. Belinda started selling travel in 1990 and some of her favorite travel experiences have been in Zimbabwe, river cruising, and throughout Europe. She knows that when you travel, you must sometimes be flexible with delays; relax and enjoy your surroundings as you will be back home before you are ready!
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.
SANDRA PRUITT
SENIOR TRAVEL ADVISOR
A lifelong Ardmoreite, Sandra began her journey into the magical world of travel in 1979 at Ruth Young Travel with Ruth Young, Kay Laske and Beverly Wellnitz as her mentors. Sandra believes that travel is a gift, full of adventure, culture and rich memories that last a lifetime. Her best travel tip is that an investment in travel is an investment in yourself.
KAY LASKE
SENIOR TRAVEL ADVISOR
Kay's life has been linked to travel. Initially a flight attendant for Braniff, she eventually became a valued member of the Ruth Young Team in the 70's, then finally an owner in the 1990's. Now enjoying the title Travel Advisor Emeritus, she is a valued resource for our new team members and clients alike. Her best travel tip is to "just do it".
SARAH JANE WHITE
TRAVEL ADVISOR
Sarah Jane White, born and raised in Ardmore, Oklahoma, is a passionate travel advisor with a deep love for exploring new places. From a young age, Sarah Jane had the opportunity to travel to various destinations with her family, igniting her curiosity and wanderlust with the world. Possessing a wealth of personal travel experiences under her belt, she is well-versed in the intricacies of planning and organizing trips. Sarah Jane's expertise, combined with her genuine enthusiasm for travel, makes her an invaluable resource for anyone seeking memorable and seamless travel experiences.
Experience to Enrich...your spirit