Age is Just a Number: Kerala’s 70-year-old Indira M inspires with solo trips across 35 countries

Meet 70-Year-Old Indira M Who Has Travelled Solo to 35 Countries (Image provided by Indira M to The Better India)

At an age when most prefer the comfort of routine, 70-year-old Indira M from Kerala has chosen a different path - one that has taken her across 35 countries on solo adventures. Her story is a powerful reminder that dreams can take flight at any stage of life.

Indira’s fascination with the world began in childhood, but responsibilities of family and career meant that her travel aspirations had to wait. It was only in her sixties, after retirement and with her children settled, that she finally embraced her long-held dream. What began with a chance opportunity to join a group trip soon turned into a passion for independent exploration.

Her first major international adventure was in South Africa, where the vast savannahs and majestic wildlife left an indelible mark on her. That experience gave her the confidence to continue exploring the world, leading her to destinations as diverse as Japan, Scandinavia, and Turkey. Each trip has been an opportunity for new experiences, unexpected challenges, and unforgettable friendships.

For Indira, solo travel is more than sightseeing, it is about self-discovery, resilience, and growth. Over the years, she has navigated everything from forgotten luggage codes to minor mishaps abroad, but she views these moments as part of the adventure. What stands out most in her journey is the kindness of strangers, who often became lifelong friends, proving that age is no barrier to connection.

Now, with more than 35 countries already stamped in her passport, Indira continues to plan her next journeys. Her story has become an inspiration not just for her peers, but for women across generations who hesitate to prioritise their own dreams. She urges others to step beyond hesitation, embrace the unfamiliar, and experience the freedom of travel.

Indira’s adventures affirm that travel is not bound by age, gender, or circumstance. With Greece and Egypt on her list of upcoming destinations, she is living proof that it is never too late to begin exploring the world, and that the courage to take the first step can lead to a lifetime of unforgettable journeys.