Tropical coastline at sunset

Travel Writer & Storyteller

Karen Hamlin

Exploring the world for those who’ve earned it.

Portrait of Karen Hamlin

The Writer Behind the Words

20 Years of
Uncharted Territories.

I believe that travel doesn’t stop when we reach a certain age—it simply deepens. For over two decades, I’ve been traversing the globe to uncover destinations that offer profound experiences, accessible luxury, and authentic cultural immersion.

Specializing in senior and offbeat travel, my work focuses on the intersection of comfort and adventure. Whether it’s navigating the cobblestones of Oaxaca or finding the quietest riads in Marrakech, I write for the traveler who has earned the right to explore at their own pace.

My stories have been featured in the LA Times, Coastal Living, and leading travel publications worldwide.

— Karen

As Featured In

LA Times
The Big Apple
Offbeat Travel
Senior Wanderer
Coastal Living
The Globe Trotter

Selected Works

Stories from the Road

A curated selection of recent features exploring culture, accessible luxury, and the art of slow travel.

The Galapagos at Your Own Pace
Galapagos, Ecuador
Offbeat Travel Magazine March 2024

The Galapagos at Your Own Pace

Small-ship cruising allows for an intimate, unhurried encounter with the world's most unique wildlife.

Read Article
Accessible Luxury in the Maldives
Malé Atoll, Maldives
Coastal Living February 2024

Accessible Luxury in the Maldives

How resorts are adapting to ensure paradise is navigable and enjoyable for travelers with mobility considerations.

Read Article
Finding Silence in the Riads of Marrakech
Marrakech, Morocco
The Globe Trotter January 2024

Finding Silence in the Riads of Marrakech

Step off the chaotic streets of the Medina and into centuries-old courtyards where time stands beautifully still.

Read Article
Bali's Healing Waters: A Generational Journey
Bali, Indonesia
LA Times November 2023

Bali's Healing Waters: A Generational Journey

Exploring the ancient water temples of Tampaksiring and the enduring appeal of spiritual cleansing for older travelers.

Read Article
The Hidden Temples of Kyoto: A Slow Travel Guide
Kyoto, Japan
LA Times October 2023

The Hidden Temples of Kyoto: A Slow Travel Guide

Beyond the crowded golden pavilions lies a quieter Kyoto, perfectly suited for the traveler who prefers lingering over rushing.

Read Article
Why Fiji's Coral Coast is Perfect for the Over-60 Adventurer
Coral Coast, Fiji
Offbeat Travel Magazine August 2023

Why Fiji's Coral Coast is Perfect for the Over-60 Adventurer

Ditch the extreme sports. Fiji offers a profound, accessible connection to nature that doesn't require a wetsuit or a waiver.

Read Article
Oaxaca's Culinary Renaissance: Tasting Time
Oaxaca, Mexico
The Big Apple May 2023

Oaxaca's Culinary Renaissance: Tasting Time

In the heart of Mexico, grandmothers are the true master chefs, proving that the best recipes take decades to perfect.

Read Article
The Amalfi Coast Without the Crowds
Amalfi, Italy
Senior Wanderer December 2022

The Amalfi Coast Without the Crowds

Visiting in November reveals a moody, dramatic, and deeply authentic Italian coastline that summer tourists never see.

Read Article

A World of Experience

From the bustling medinas of North Africa to the serene temples of East Asia, my passport is a testament to a life spent seeking the extraordinary.

Bali
Bali
Amalfi
Amalfi
Oaxaca
Oaxaca
Kyoto
Kyoto
Marrakech
Marrakech
Fiji
Fiji
Maldives
Maldives

For Editors & Publishers

Let’s Tell Your Next Story.

Currently accepting commissions for late 2024 and 2025. Whether it’s a deep-dive cultural feature or a luxury resort review, I bring decades of expertise to every assignment.

hello@karenhamlin.com