For the love of travel!

Since moving to Touchmark seven years ago, Fran and Ralph Brown have traveled by land, air, and sea to spots around the world. In addition to their recent four-month world cruise, they have taken a European river cruise, driven across the U.S. and Canada, and explored Hawaii, Alaska, India, Turkey, Namibia, Iceland, and Chile.

Fran says, “I love seeing this great big world, and what we love most about our trips are the animals and wildlife! We love seeing them in their natural habitat, especially on safari in Africa.”

While the Browns are away, they don’t have to worry about their home. They know Touchmark team members are collecting their mail, watering their plants, and taking care of everything. “Especially being gone for over 30 days, we are so happy to know we have the staff at Touchmark and wonderful neighbors to help us out,” says Fran. Before their recent trip, one friend at Touchmark, who has traveled around the world four times, offered them helpful advice about excursions—“another Touchmark benefit!”

Once home, the couple always put together a presentation for the residents, who enjoy seeing the photos, artifacts, and keepsakes. Some have been inspired to travel to faraway places, such as Transylvania and Japan, or take a world cruise. “The presentations are stressful to prepare for, but it’s neat to have a full crowd of people who appreciate and can share in our experience,” says Ralph. Fran adds, “We’re working now on an ‘Around the World in 80 Minutes’ presentation, which is going to be challenging!”

Around the world in 113 days

As the couple searched for their next adventure, Fran saw a cruise itinerary for 29 countries and 39 ports. “I told Ralph, if I knew I only had a year to live, I’d go on a world cruise.” Ralph quickly replied, “Why wait? Let’s do it while we can!”

Every day offered a new venture. They swam with stingrays in Bora Bora, snorkeled in Thailand, toured Singapore, visited the Hobbiton in New Zealand, and explored parts of Angola, Gambia, and Cape Verde in Africa.

One of the highlights was Vietnam, where they visited the C? Chi tunnels under Saigon. The tour focused on the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese fighters, who lived and fought from the underground tunnels. “It was scary and yet fascinating crawling around in the tunnels, which were about 3 feet high,” says Ralph.

Never a dull moment! Next up …

At the end of this year, they will sail on a Caribbean Disney cruise celebrating the Christmas holiday with their family. In 2019, they will embark on a two-month road trip around the U.S. and Canada to keep in touch with family and friends. Beyond that, they are researching potential safaris to nurture their continuing love of the African wildlife. Eventually, they would love to go to Ireland and Scotland to explore Fran’s cultural heritage and roots.

Both agree that Touchmark is the perfect home base for their worry-free travels!