We are a couple who love to travel and cruise. Many of our trips combine time at sea and on land. Forever Karen began as my (Karen’s) personal travel story, but it has grown into our shared journey.
Karen
I was born in Singapore to a military family with British and Asian roots. Travel shaped my early life, and I moved more in my first fifteen years of life than most people do in a lifetime. I learned how to fly long before I knew how to walk. You could say I developed my travel bug while still in diapers.
My childhood included years in Cyprus during a turbulent time. Despite the challenges, I grew to love that barren island. While some consider a nomadic life difficult because family and friends become separated, a new destination brings opportunity to introduce friendships and establish new relationships.
Living Abroad
No matter where life takes me in the world, the distance can never separate family. Living abroad as a local is significantly different than visiting as a tourist. I grew up learning to embrace every new country and value each new experience that came with it.
Learning to integrate into another country’s culture teaches you more than you can ever learn from obtaining a University degree. The world is a classroom looking for students. I enrolled as a child. How about you?
As a Sagittarius, I’m always chased adventure. At nineteen, I left England for Canada and built a new life. Canada’s wide-open spaces fueled my love of nature and the ocean.
Discovering Cruise Travel
Cruising entered my life as a single mom. One sailing changed everything. I fell for life at sea and has since cruised more than 30 times. Alaska became my favorite destination, and I return every year, often several times.
My children share my passion for travel. My youngest, Amber spent three months in Japan at a young age of 20. My son, Chris, an avid photographer is always off in faraway lands.
Recently a newlywed to the love of my life, Brian, I’m thrilled to have a life partner with which to explore the world. While Brian has not traveled far, he is embracing life with a Sagittarius woman who lives for adventure.
Brian
I met Karen later in life and we recently married. I joined her desire for adventure with open arms. I had not traveled much before meeting Karen in 2017. Our first trip—a cruise to the Mexican Riviera—hooked me fast. After 28+ years in higher education, retirement has arrived, and I look forward to more time at sea and exploring lands unknown.
I have fewer than 20 cruises so far, but my goal is to reach 100 in the next 20 years. Antarctica, Machu Picchu, the Galápagos Islands and the Maldives sit high on my list. Some will be checked off real soon.
Joining Karen On Her Journey
I’ve written over 30 articles for ForeverKaren.com and enjoy creating content while cruising with my laptop.
Previously, I had never traveled to Asia, but Karen created a travel itinerary that checked off five Asian countries in one year.
A month in Singapore was a dream trip and our time in Japan was memorable beyond words.
What’s On The Horizon
As full-time content creators, we have the chance to be spontaneous. The Galapagos Islands and a few months in Europe are in the planning.
Beyond that, the sky’s the limit.
“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.”~ unknown
If you have any questions or concerns regarding an article or want more information about a destination, drop us a line at karen@foreverkaren[dot]com. Since we travel a lot and are sometimes at sea without internet, please allow us some time to respond.
Our travel photos and stories have appeared on major Canadian networks, including Global News, CBC, and CBC Radio. Our Alaska images also appear in Bering Sea Crab Fishermen’s Tour: A History at Sea, Volume II. We have also been featured by Ambassador Cruise Line and Canadian Affair.
Travel continues to teach us gratitude, simplicity, and generosity. We try to live in the moment and enjoy each experience. Come along as we explore the world, one cruise at a time.
Partnered with DepositPhotos