At 60, Kerala Woman Begins Solo Travel Journey — By 70 She Has Visited 35 Countries
Kerala
A 70-year-old Kerala woman proves age is just a number — she began her solo travels at 60, and has now explored 35 countries across Asia, Africa and Europe.
Pune|06 December 2025: A 70-year-old woman from Kerala, Indira M, is rewriting stereotypes about age and adventure by showing that curiosity and wanderlust don’t fade with time. She started traveling solo at the age of 60 — a decision many would hesitate to take at that stage in life — and has since journeyed through 35 countries spanning Asia, Africa and Europe. Her story is not just about ticking off destinations, but about rediscovery, freedom, and the courage to step out of comfort zones long after conventional retirement age.
Her first solo trip in 2015 was to South Africa, where she vividly recalls being mesmerised by wildlife sightings: elephants, lions, giraffes and the vast savannahs near Johannesburg and Cape Town. That bold first step, she says, opened the doors to a world she had only ever dreamt of — a world full of landscapes, cultures and strangers who would become friends.
For Indira, travelling alone was initially daunting. Years of family responsibilities and financial constraints had kept her grounded. She says she didn’t even know that solo or group tours for older travellers were an option. But after the loss of her husband and encouragement from her children, she decided to embrace life on her own terms. What began as a distant dream gradually turned into an inspiring reality as she embarked on her first journey — and many more after that.
One of the things she values most about her travels is her ability to connect with fellow travellers from different walks of life. “Meeting people has never been difficult for me,” she reflects. “Often, fellow travellers bond easily because they share similar mindsets and are open about their life experiences.” That sense of camaraderie, she says, helped her feel secure and confident while travelling solo across continents.
Indira’s journey also reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes towards solo travel — especially among women and older travellers. Across India and globally, more women are choosing to travel alone for self-discovery, freedom, and empowerment. Experts observing recent trends say solo female travel has risen sharply in 2025, driven by a desire for independence, new experiences, and a break from traditional expectations.
Her story serves as a powerful reminder that age — or gender — need not define one’s ambitions or capacity for adventure. For countless others who may be hesitant about travelling alone later in life, Indira’s journey stands testament to the fact that it’s never too late to explore, reconnect with the self, or see the world from a new perspective.
