The other evening, I was sitting with my grandmother, and in the middle of our conversation, I casually asked her, “Ammuma, did you ever travel alone?” She smiled faintly and said, “No, I could not. I always had the dream to explore the world, but life kept me busy with family and responsibilities. Now I am too old; it’s no longer possible.” Her words stayed with me, but then I told her about Indira M, a 70-year-old woman from Kerala who decided to turn her long-held dream into reality. Despite waiting decades, Indira has now travelled solo to 35 countries and continues to explore new lands. As I narrated Indira’s story, I saw a spark in my grandmother’s eyes, a reminder that it is never too late to dream, and sometimes, stories of others can awaken courage within us.

A Childhood Dream Delayed but Not Denied

As a child, Indira M, now 70, dreamt of exploring the world. But like countless women of her generation, her aspirations took a backseat to responsibilities. Financial constraints in her youth, followed by raising a family, meant that the dream of seeing distant lands remained incomplete. It wasn’t until her sixties that she took her first step toward fulfilling this lifelong desire. In 2015, she embarked on her first solo international trip to South Africa. Standing on the vast savannah, watching elephants, lions, and giraffes roam free, Indira felt like the child inside her was finally alive again. That trip was the beginning of a new chapter, one that would eventually take her to 35 countries and counting.

A Teacher Who Chose a New Classroom: The World

Indira was a biochemistry teacher, a profession that demanded discipline, patience, and dedication. After retirement, and with her children settled in their own lives, she turned her focus inward to the passions she had long put on hold.

For Indira, travel is not about luxury or adventure in the wildest sense; it is about freedom, discovery, and building meaningful connections. 

One of the most enriching aspects of Indira’s solo travels has been the friendships she has created. Though she often travels with groups of strangers, she prefers to call them “friends.” Her fondest memories are not just of landscapes or monuments but of these conversations—moments of shared humanity across cultures. Whether bonding over a safari in Africa or helping each other through small travel hiccups, Indira treasures these connections deeply.

The First Step: Overcoming Fear

Indira’s travel journey began in an unexpected way. In 2010, after her husband passed away, she found herself being invited to join a group of senior citizens on a trip. Someone needed a roommate, and Indira agreed. Her children encouraged her, and though she was uncertain at first, the experience gave her confidence. Since 2015, Indira has checked off countries one after another. South Africa remains special as her first, but she fondly recalls other destinations too, like Japan, where she fell and was helped by fellow travelers, or Istanbul, where she forgot her suitcase code, and her group had to help pry it open. Each country has brought unique experiences, but the underlying theme remains the same: travel is about embracing unpredictability, finding joy in discovery, and trusting the kindness of strangers. Today, Indira has travelled to 35 countries and has no plans of slowing down. Greece and Egypt are on her bucket list, and as she narrates her story, she is already preparing for a trip across Scandinavia.

Travel as Liberation

For Indira, solo travel is about much more than ticking destinations off a list. It is a statement of independence and self-discovery, particularly for women who dedicate much of their lives to family responsibilities. As a daughter herself to a 96-year-old mother and as a mother who raised her own children, Indira understands the sacrifices that women make in prioritizing family over self. But she firmly believes that every woman should take time for herself. Indira is not advocating for reckless adventures; instead, she promotes a safe, pragmatic, and affordable way of travelling—proof that adventure does not have to mean danger or extravagance.

Never Too Late to Begin

At 70, Indira M has become an inspiration not only to her peers but also to the younger generation. Her life is a reminder that dreams may be delayed, but they need not be abandoned. Whether it is a safari in Africa, the bustling streets of Istanbul, or the serene landscapes of Scandinavia, every trip adds another layer to her story of resilience and joy. Her journey carries a human connection that resonates universally; whether you’re 20 or 70, there’s always time to rediscover yourself through travel.