For Ellen and Andy Settler, travel has never been just about destinations on a map. It’s about the moments that linger long after the suitcase is unpacked. It’s about the stories told at dinner tables, the laughter shared across oceans, and the quiet realization that life feels fuller when you’ve experienced something new.

“Planning an unforgettable memory that lasts a lifetime,” Ellen says, pausing as if she’s replaying a hundred client stories in her mind, “that’s what we’re most passionate about.”

That passion is the foundation of Settler Travel, a boutique agency built not on transactions, but on relationships. With more than four decades of combined experience in travel and service, Ellen and Andy have created something that feels rare in today’s fast-paced world: a deeply personal approach to exploring it.

Their story begins in the Midwest—Ellen in St. Louis, Andy in Madison—before life took them on a journey of its own. They met in Chicago, married in Boston, and spent more than 20 years building a life in Florida. Today, they’ve settled in Edmond, Oklahoma, drawn by something even more meaningful than travel: family.

“We made the move to be close to our grandkids,” Andy shares. “Our daughter and son-in-law live in Rose Creek with our three grandkids.”

Still, the call to explore hasn’t faded. Between visits to Charlotte to spend time with their son’s family and adventures across the globe, travel continues to shape their lives and the way they serve others.

Ellen’s career began high above the clouds as an international flight attendant with Delta Airlines, where she spent 25 years mastering the art of service and connection. “After I retired, American Express reached out to me,” she recalls. “That’s when I realized there was a second chapter for me in the travel industry.”

That chapter became Settler Travel.

Andy, who spent years traveling internationally for work, brought his own perspective—along with a love for history, culture, and, of course, golf. Today, he specializes in planning golf trips and river cruises, while Ellen leads the business with a blend of expertise and intuition her clients have come to trust.

“Ellen is the boss,” Andy says with a smile. “She’s won numerous awards and consistently proves there are so many different ways to see the world.”

Together, they’ve built a business that thrives on collaboration. Ideas are constantly exchanged, itineraries refined, and experiences elevated. But what truly sets them apart isn’t just what they know—it’s how they listen.

“Our clients come to us with something very important,” Ellen explains. “It might be a special occasion, a once-in-a-lifetime trip, or just a getaway that’s long overdue. We understand how meaningful that is.”

That understanding shapes every itinerary they create. At Settler Travel, no two trips are the same. Every detail is thoughtfully considered, every preference honored.

“Every vacation, trip, tour, or cruise is unique, and we will work with you to create the ultimate experience within your budget. If we haven’t been there, we know someone who has.”

Backed by their affiliation with Avoya Travel and the Travel Leaders Network, they offer clients access to exclusive opportunities and insider knowledge. But it’s their personal touch that keeps people coming back.

“Our excellent client service has created long-lasting relationships,” Andy says. “We take the time to understand what each person truly wants to experience.”

Sometimes, that means uncovering hidden gems—a tour a client didn’t know existed, a destination they hadn’t considered, or a detail that transforms a good trip into an extraordinary one.

“Finding that one experience they’ve always dreamed about,” Ellen adds, “that’s what makes it all worth it.”

Outside of work, their love for life mirrors the experiences they curate. Ellen enjoys fitness, history, and always having her next trip planned. Andy, who has been golfing for more than 50 years, still finds joy on the course and believes staying active is key to enjoying every journey.

And when they’re together as a family, the answer is simple: they travel.

How do they define success after all these years?

“We want every client to feel confident that they are investing in a memory that lasts forever,” Ellen says.

It’s a perspective that feels increasingly rare—a reminder that while destinations may change, the purpose of travel remains the same: connection, discovery, and joy.

Their favorite quote captures it perfectly: “Life is better when you have a vacation planned.”

With Ellen and Andy Settler, it’s more than a saying. It’s a promise.

Ellen & Andy Settler
Ellen.Settler@avoyanetwork.com
Andy.Settler@avoyanetwork.com
405-471-8098
954-234-5454