About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Founded in 2016, our mission is to make international travel more accessible and rewarding. We achieve this through education, effective budgeting, strategic partnerships, and raising awareness of the transformative benefits of travel. In 2021, we expanded our offerings to include travel agent training, empowering others to turn their passion for travel into a thriving career.
Meet the Founders
Paper Planes and Passports was founded by Erica Graham and Shanticleer Graham, a dynamic travel duo who share a passion for immersive exploration and storytelling. Together, they have traveled to over 60 countries across six continents, including seven African countries where they’ve built deep local connections and repeat experiences.
Erica Graham
A travel journalist, storyteller, and travel consultant. Her work focuses on cultural nuance, destination identity, and practical travel insight, helping travelers understand not just where to go, but why experiences differ so dramatically from place to place. Erica has made multiple visits to Morocco (4x), Kenya (2x), Egypt (2x), as well as journeys through South Africa, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Mauritius, working closely with trusted guides and operators on the ground. She brings original photography, firsthand sourcing, and editorial storytelling experience to every trip and story.
Shanticleer Graham
Focuses on strategic planning, finance, and marketing, supporting the company’s growth and vision. His talents in visual imagery, video production, and drone operation capture stunning travel content, bringing every destination to life and complementing Erica’s storytelling with immersive multimedia experiences.
​
Paper Planes and Passports operates as a full-service travel agency, curating immersive itineraries, guided group experiences, and bespoke adventures for travelers seeking meaningful engagement with destinations around the world. While planning remains a core service, the founders’ shared passion for travel writing and editorial storytelling ensures that every journey is informed by real-world experience, local insight, and cultural understanding.
Whether crafting travel stories or designing trips, Erica and Shanticleer aim to help travelers engage with destinations thoughtfully, confidently, and authentically.
​
What We Believe
We know that travel starts long before you board a plane—it begins with thoughtful planning. At Paper Planes and Passports, we take care of every detail so you can focus on what matters most: packing your bags and creating lifelong memories.
Our Promise
With Paper Planes and Passports, you’ll enjoy expertly curated, worry-free travel experiences designed with care, precision, and a deep love for exploring the world.
"We plan, and you pack!"
