Beautiful Virgin Islands

Tuesday, Jun 03, 2025

Russian grandma, 91, proves it's never too late to travel the world solo

Russian grandma, 91, proves it's never too late to travel the world solo

Elena Erkhova was a walking embodiment of the fact that adventure has no age limit.

The 91-year-old grandma from Russia visited many countries around the world all on her lonesome – and became an online sensation as a result.

Commonly known as Baba Lena, a babushka (or simply granny) from the Siberian city of Krasnoyarsk, Elena travelled through Russia and other famous sites around the world, documenting her trips on social media.

Elena, who has sadly since passed away, left her legacy on Facebook, which used to be handled by her grandson.

The page remains active so you can still see Elena’s journeys.

Elena wasn’t just a casual wanderer – she was an adventurer, diving headfirst into all sorts of activities and joining locals in their rituals.

She went rafting in the Yenisey River in Mongolia, rode a motorbike in Germany and a camel in Isreal and partied in Tonsai Bay in Thailand.

When she was living out our dreams in Thailand


When she was younger, Elena didn’t have the funds to travel, and growing up in the Soviet Union had its limitations.

Although moving around the Union was allowed, Elena couldn’t venture far outside.

But in the 70s, when Elena was in her 40s, some destinations opened up for travel and Elena was able to visit Prague, Poland, and East Germany.

When she turned 83, she realised she had the money to explore, so off she went.

As she went from place to place by herself, strangers often helped out the grandma and quickly become friends with her.

‘It’s easy to make friends when I’m away, because a lot of people wonder [at] my age and ability to travel and they want to help. They show me everything everywhere, help to see the sea, visiting restaurants,’ she told The Independent.

If nana Elena can do it, then so can you.

Elena at a festival in Russia

The grandma began travelling in her 80s

She has made plenty of friends along the way

Elena shared her trips on Facebook

Elena in Rome




Newsletter

Related Articles

Beautiful Virgin Islands
0:00
0:00
Close
China Accuses US of Violating Trade Truce
Panama Port Owner Balances US-China Pressures
France Implements Nationwide Outdoor Smoking Ban to Protect Children
German Chancellor Merz Keeps Putin Guessing on Missile Strategy
Mandelson Criticizes UK's 'Fetish' for Abandoning EU Regulations
British Fishing Boat Owner Fined €30,000 by French Authorities
Dutch government falls as far-right leader Wilders quits coalition
Harvard Urges US to Unfreeze Funds for Public Health Research
Businessman Mauled by Lion at Luxury Namibian Lodge
Researchers Consider New Destinations Beyond the U.S.
53-Year-Old Doctor Claims Biological Age of 23
Trump Struggles to Secure Trade Deals With China and Europe
Russia to Return 6,000 Corpses Under Ukraine Prisoner Swap Deal
Microsoft Lays Off Hundreds More Amid Restructuring
Harvey Weinstein’s Publicist Embraces Notoriety
Macron and Meloni Seek Unity Despite Tensions
Trump Administration Accused of Obstructing Deportation Cases
Newark Mayor Sues Over Arrest at Immigration Facility
Center-Left Candidate Projected to Win South Korean Presidency
Trump’s Tariffs Predicted to Stall Global Economic Growth
South Korea’s President-Elect Expected to Take Softer Line on Trump and North Korea
Trump’s China Strategy Remains a Geopolitical Puzzle
Ukraine Executes Long-Range Drone Strikes on Russian Airbases
Conservative Karol Nawrocki wins Poland’s presidential election
Study Identifies Potential Radicalization Risk Among Over One Million Muslims in Germany
Good news: Annalena Baerbock Elected President of the UN General Assembly
Apple Appeals EU Law Over User Data Sharing Requirements
South Africa: "First Black Bank" Collapses after Being Looted by Owners
Poland will now withdraw from the EU migration pact after pro-Trump nationalist wins Election
"That's Disgusting, Don’t Say It Again": The Trump Joke That Made the President Boil
Trump Cancels NASA Nominee Over Democratic Donations
Paris Saint-Germain's Greatest Triumph Is Football’s Lowest Point
OnlyFans for Sale: From Lockdown Lifeline to Eight-Billion-Dollar Empire
Mayor’s Security Officer Implicated | Shocking New Details Emerge in NYC Kidnapping Case
Hegseth Warns of Potential Chinese Military Action Against Taiwan
OPEC+ Agrees to Increase Oil Output for Third Consecutive Month
Jamie Dimon Warns U.S. Bond Market Faces Pressure from Rising Debt
Turkey Detains Istanbul Officials Amid Anti-Corruption Crackdown
Taylor Swift Gains Ownership of Her First Six Albums
Bangkok Ranked World's Top City for Remote Work in 2025
Satirical Sketch Sparks Political Spouse Feud in South Korea
Indonesia Quarry Collapse Leaves Multiple Dead and Missing
South Korean Election Video Pulled Amid Misogyny Outcry
Asian Economies Shift Away from US Dollar Amid Trade Tensions
Netflix Investigates Allegations of On-Set Mistreatment in K-Drama Production
US Defence Chief Reaffirms Strong Ties with Singapore Amid Regional Tensions
Vietnam Faces Strategic Dilemma Over China's Mekong River Projects
Malaysia's First AI Preacher Sparks Debate on Islamic Principles
White House Press Secretary Criticizes Harvard Funding, Advocates for Vocational Training
France to Implement Nationwide Smoking Ban in Outdoor Spaces Frequented by Children
×