This 91-Year-Old Grandma Started Traveling Solo at 83
Elena Erkhova, widely known as Baba Lena, grew up in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, where travel outside certain regions was restricted for years. In her 40s during the 1970s, she managed short trips to Prague, Poland, and East Germany, but those opportunities did not last. Money and time pushed travel out of reach again, and the idea was unfinished for decades.
At 83, she decided that she had enough saved to try again, so she went alone. She relied on her pension and added extra income by selling flowers and sewing items to fund each trip.
Traveling Solo, Country By Country
Her early trips were closer to home, but that quickly changed. Baba Lena expanded beyond Russia, moving across Europe and Asia. Germany, Italy, Vietnam, Thailand, Turkey, and Israel all became part of her route. She kept the structure simple with one backpack, one plan, and full independence. She handled flights, local transport, and day-to-day movement on her own.
Her travel style was distinct because she did more than just moving between cities. In Germany, she rode a motorbike, in Israel, she climbed onto a camel, and in Mongolia, she went rafting on the Yenisey River. She even spent time in Tonsai Bay and joined local celebrations in Thailand. Each experience showed that she treated every destination as something to participate in.
Baba Lena often met people who noticed her immediately. Her age and independence made her stand out, and that curiosity turned into a connection. Locals helped her find places, shared meals, and introduced her to new parts of their cities. She spoke openly about this part of the experience, explaining that people wanted to help once they understood what she was doing.
How “Baba Lena” Went Global
Image via Facebook/Baba Lena Erkhova
Her travels might have remained personal if one moment had not changed everything. While in Vietnam, she met a traveler named Ekaterina Papina, who shared her story online. The post reached around 14,000 shares, and attention followed quickly.
After that, Baba Lena began posting regularly on social media, including Instagram and Facebook, often with help from her grandson. Photos showed her in front of landmarks, at festivals, and alongside people she met along the way. Her audience grew as more people followed her updates.
A Routine That Never Slowed Down
Baba Lena continued planning new destinations, including a planned visit to the Dominican Republic for her 90th birthday. Each year added more countries and more experiences, all built on the same system she started at 83.
She kept her approach consistent. Budget carefully, travel light, and stay open to whatever each place offers. This structure allowed her to maintain independence well into her late 80s.
Elena Erkhova passed away in 2018 at the age of 91. Her social media pages remain active, still showing the trips that built her reputation. People continue to find her story through those posts.