Say hello—and run, don’t walk—to an inspired new service: Yes! You Can Travel

Karyn Clay is an experienced businesswoman and credentialed gerontologist—an almost impossible and wonderful combination. She has created an ideal, highly personalized travel service for older adults, people with disabilities, and couples and families who need a little—or a lot—of extra help along the way.

Whether your trip is short or long, Karyn can help organize your plans, meet and guide you, troubleshoot the myriad challenges that can arise while traveling, and make your journey smoother, calmer, safer—and most of all, more fun.

Karyn knows the ropes. I can personally attest that she is the essence of joy, competence, and calm presence. Yes! You Can Travel can even provide personal travel companionship for older adults—which, as it happens, includes people like me!

I recently met Karyn on the Big Island of Hawaiʻi as a colleague and quickly became a new friend. She met me at the airport with a lovely welcome lei of fresh flowers, drove me to a local market for Hawaiʻi-based groceries, helped me navigate a complicated check-in process, and even carried my bags of food into the refrigerator and cabinets.

She suggested a nearby place for dinner in a shopping district where I could find virtually anything I might need during my weeklong stay. Later that week, she offered driving and guided tours of some of the Big Island’s highlights. Some areas were still recovering from Hurricane Lala, and I had the opportunity to witness not only the extraordinary tropical beauty of the island, but also the reality, hard work, resilience, and hope of the people rebuilding paradise.

Karyn introduced me to local shops, restaurants, residents, and gentle adventures I would never have discovered—or experienced—the same way on my own.

And the Big Island is a wonderful setting for the kind of meaningful respite, education, diversity, health, connection, and joy that Karyn helps make possible.

But Karyn’s expertise goes well beyond travel.

She is also a geriatric care manager, and as a fellow gerontologist, I was especially impressed to see how thoughtfully she directed and oversaw the transition of a very frail and ill couple from a home where they were suffering and at risk into a beautiful, clean, comfortable assisted-living apartment with a view of the sea.

What respectful, wise, cheerful, and professional care!

The couple had no family nearby and had been living in a problematic—even dangerous—situation before Karyn stepped in. Her ability to assess the circumstances, coordinate the move, advocate for the couple, and bring compassion and practical expertise to the situation was remarkable.

Please keep Karyn Clay and Yes! You Can Travel front of mind if you are traveling solo, traveling with a family member who needs additional support, or simply want an experienced, caring helping hand on the road.

I’m still an emerita professor, so I feel qualified to grade excellent work when I see it.

Karyn Clay and Yes! You Can Travel get an A+ from me!

Anabel Pelham, Ph.D.

A note from Karyn:

Dr. Pelham has earned a stellar reputation in the field of Gerontology, from establishing the first certificate program in Gerontology at San Francisco State University as well as leading the development of the first Master of Arts degree in Gerontology in the CSU education system (where she also served as a professor), to founding and directing the National Association for Professional Gerontologists, of which I am a proud member.

Dr. Pelham has a long history of supporting former students and colleagues in their careers, businesses, continuing education, aging-network connections, grants and contracts, writing projects, and leadership.

To receive her blessing in such a beautiful format is a tremendous honor, and one I will always treasure.

Above: Dr. Pelham (and Karyn) enjoying her first shave ice!

Below: Beautiful pictures Dr. Pelham took while enjoying the Island of Hawai'i!