Basic Information
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Company
Cultivating Connections Travel Planners -
What is your "why"? Why do you do what you do?
My “why” is deeply personal and rooted in family stories that blend travel, adventure, and the vibrant life of everyday Oklahomans.
As my son was about to enter his senior year of high school, I knew I needed a new direction—something fulfilling to occupy my time as I transitioned into being an empty nester. Staying at home didn’t feel like enough for me, and I wanted a meaningful way to channel my energy.
I was raised in Hawaii—my family moved there when I was seven. My grandparents, world travelers themselves, sparked my early wanderlust. I vividly recall a family trip to Kauai, where my mother fell in love with the North Shore—a place that captured her heart. My own travels took me far and wide: from boarding school trips across Canada, England, Ireland, Wales, and France, to a journey with my then-husband to Japan, as he served in the Air Force.
My grandparents’ story is close to my heart. They met in college—she aiming to become a government translator, and he a football player. He was drafted during their time dating—into the Army during WWII. They traveled extensively throughout their marriage. My grandfather, initially a reluctant traveler, discovered he could pursue his passion for golf almost anywhere in the world, which opened the door to many adventures.
Back home in Oklahoma, my grandfather played a pivotal role in bringing foreign cattle breeds into the state through his involvement with the Cattleman’s Association—a story that reflects the blend of local roots and international experiences that define my own passion for travel. This interweaving of travel with Oklahoma’s farming and ranching heritage continues to inspire me.
Through Cultivating Connections Travel Planners, I’m not just arranging trips; I’m crafting personalized journeys that celebrate rich experiences and connections. I strive to bring my clients the kind of lifelong memories and meaningful travel that have shaped my family and me. -
Unique Selling Proposition
I create personalized travel experiences that bring your passions to life—whether you’re exploring solo, with family, or on one of the world’s finest river and ocean cruises.
While I have a heart for planning effortless group getaways that connect people through shared interests, my primary expertise today shines in crafting bespoke independent trips and curated cruise journeys tailored to your unique tastes.
I collaborate closely with you to understand your travel style, preferences, and must-haves, so every detail—from premium accommodations to unforgettable excursions—is flawlessly arranged.
Why? Because I believe stress-free, seamless travel paves the way for lifelong memories. As your dedicated travel advisor, I handle the logistics, so you can focus on enjoying every moment of your adventure. -
About me
Dropping my son Tyler off at college was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
That was in 2020. His university was six hours away, and I cried the whole drive home.
If you’re an empty nester—or will be one soon—I bet you can relate. The transition is hard. For Tyler’s entire senior year of high school, I kept counting down the “lasts.” The last away baseball game. The last homecoming. The last night at home.
When he left, I knew I needed to replace all those “lasts” with “firsts,” to fill my newly quiet days (I didn’t realize how noisy a teenager was until he was gone!) with moments to look forward to.
Enter: Travel. I’ve always been a traveler, ever since my first enchanting visit to Europe as a teen. Adding more travel experiences back into my life as an empty nester allowed me to get back in touch with my own passions and my sense of curiosity.
Above all, it allowed me to deepen my relationships with loved ones in new ways. My husband and I now get to reconnect on long-weekend escapes and sunny cruises through the Caribbean, the types of trips we often put off with a kid at home. Meanwhile, Tyler and I travel together on his school breaks, and it is always a riot. Now, I am no longer in “nagging mom” mode but can fully enjoy exploring alongside my son as I get to know the fun and funny adult he is becoming.
A New Stage Brings New Adventures
Through Cultivating Connections Travel Planners, I help empty nesters like myself rediscover their joys and cultivate deeper relationships through travel. This life stage is certainly a transition—but it can also be an opportunity to spread your own wings, as your children “leave the nest” as well.
So, where are you looking to soar to next? Whether it’s a solo spa escape, a romantic trip through Tuscany with your spouse where the warm conversation flows as freely as the wine, or a Spring break family getaway somewhere oh-so sunny, I’m here to make sure you’re able to cultivate connections to the passions—and the people—that matter most to you.
I invite you to book your complimentary planning call with me so I can learn more about your travel dreams. Because life doesn’t stop when your children “fly the coop”—in fact, your next adventure is just beginning.
- Erin -
Profession
Travel Advisor -
Title
CEO and Agency Owner -
Hobbies and interest
I enjoy yoga and reformer Pilates classes, which keep me balanced and energized. I’m a big baseball fan (Go Cubs Go!), always ready to catch a game when I can. As a true foodie, I love discovering unique culinary experiences and savoring local flavors—one of the best parts of travel! I also appreciate fine wine and spirits tastings, and I’m an avid reader, especially of historical fiction, which fuels my passion for different cultures and stories. Plus, I’m definitely a dog person—a BIG dog person—who treasures the joy and companionship that dogs bring. -
Website
www.cultivatingconnectionstravelplanners.com
Contact Information
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City / Town
Noble -
State
OK -
Zip
73068 -
Country
United States -
Special offers to the group
I discount my planning fee for referral sources -
Google Business Review URL
https://g.page/r/CSYVDSliZe2zEB0/review -
Facebook Business Page URL
https://www.facebook.com/CultivatingConnectionsTravel -
LinkedIn Profile
https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-graham-smith/
Education
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College / University
East Central University -
Graduation Year
N/A