{"id":436502,"date":"2026-03-11T09:42:48","date_gmt":"2026-03-11T08:42:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/?p=436502"},"modified":"2026-03-11T09:42:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-11T08:42:48","slug":"grand-mere-commence-voyager-seule-83-ans-continue-inspirer-voyageurs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/grandma-83-starts-traveling-alone-and-continues-to-inspire-travelers-436502","title":{"rendered":"This grandmother, who started traveling alone at 83, continues to inspire travelers"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>There&#39;s no age limit to achieving your dreams. The story of Elena Erkhova, a Russian grandmother who became famous as &quot;Baba Lena,&quot; is a striking example. After spending much of her life unable to travel, she decided to set off to discover the world at the age of 83, inspiring thousands of people with her journey.<\/p>\n<h2> A passion for travel realized late in life<\/h2>\n<p> Elena Erkhova was born in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. For many years, her limited financial means prevented her from traveling, despite her desire to discover other countries. It was only at an advanced age that she finally managed to realize this dream. At 83, she decided to start traveling alone, using her pension and the money she earned selling flowers and knitted items. Gradually, she was able to organize various trips, first within Russia, then abroad.<\/p>\n<h2> Travels across several countries<\/h2>\n<p> Over the years, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.boredpanda.com\/baba-lena-erkhova-90-year-old-traveler\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Baba Lena has visited<\/a> numerous destinations. Among the countries she has explored are Germany, Italy, Thailand, and Vietnam. She shares her adventures on social media, often accompanied by photos taken in front of famous monuments or in the streets of the cities she visits. Her posts quickly attract attention and reach an international audience. Many internet users are impressed by her energy and determination to travel alone at her age.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBabushka1927%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02vokgLYPqiWEgH1q66gXQHoZ9AZQm3YqTbpje4mzNTWiQLh22tGLUmdGTRgKPzSual&show_text=true&width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"665\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<h2> Growing popularity on the internet<\/h2>\n<p> Over time, Baba Lena has become a true social media personality. Her Instagram account has thousands of followers eager to follow her latest adventures. She recounts her travel experiences and shares moments from her daily life. Her story resonates particularly with people who dream of traveling but sometimes think it&#39;s too late to start. For many, she embodies the idea that personal projects can be achieved at any stage of life.<\/p>\n<h2> A story that continues to inspire<\/h2>\n<p> Elena Erkhova passed away in 2018 at the age of 91. Her story, however, continues to be widely shared online and in the media. It serves as a reminder that it is possible to change one&#39;s pace of life and pursue one&#39;s dreams, even later in life. Many travelers still cite Baba Lena as an inspiration to dare to embark on adventures, regardless of their age.<\/p>\n<p><iframe style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FBabushka1927%2Fposts%2Fpfbid02hmUQyqDSvEyGBDcu1guxzMjBCyKn7SNV2Msd6gUqJ135rQzR9gRDu4co8VcGvvJ3l&show_text=true&width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"684\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p>By deciding to travel alone at the age of 83, Elena Erkhova transformed a long-held dream into a series of adventures around the world. Known as Baba Lena, she proved that it&#39;s never too late to explore new horizons. Her story continues to inspire many travelers today, reminding us that curiosity and a thirst for discovery can last a lifetime.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"There&#39;s no age limit to achieving your dreams. The story of Elena Erkhova, a Russian grandmother who became...","protected":false},"author":8375,"featured_media":436504,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"disable_msn":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[96338],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-436502","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-voyage"],"image":{"medium":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/@imjustbaid-_-Instagram-200x113.jpg",200,113,true],"large":["https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/@imjustbaid-_-Instagram-500x281.jpg",500,281,true]},"custom":{"td_video":"","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/@imjustbaid-_-Instagram.jpg","author":{"name":"Fabienne Baure","avatar":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/fabienne_baure-96x96.jpg"},"categories":[{"term_id":96338,"name":"Travel","slug":"voyage","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":96510,"taxonomy":"category","description":"<p>The Travel section of The Body Optimist shares <strong>destination ideas<\/strong> and practical advice for planning your trips, close to home or abroad: preparation, budget, packing, transportation, solo or family travel. We also cover what guidebooks often leave out, like traveling with peace of mind in a fat body, on a plane or at the beach, so everyone can get away and truly relax.<\/p>\n<h2>What you\u2019ll find in the Travel section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Destination ideas<\/strong>: weekend getaways, islands and European cities, like these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/the-breathtaking-spanish-islands-deserve-a-place-on-the-list-428164\">stunning Spanish islands<\/a>, plus off-the-beaten-path spots closer to home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling solo<\/strong>: choosing a reassuring destination, planning your itinerary and finding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/where-to-travel-alone-as-a-woman-destination-ideas-439512\">safe destinations for women traveling alone<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budget<\/strong>: traveling off-season, comparing transportation options, choosing where to stay and avoiding baggage fees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling in a bigger body<\/strong>: comfort on the plane, choosing your seat, seatbelt extenders and clothes suited to long trips.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planning and packing<\/strong>: travel documents, passport photos, carry-on bags and folding tricks to save space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tourism and society<\/strong>: overtourism, new ways to travel and cultures around the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How can you fly comfortably as a plus-size traveler?<\/h2>\n<p>A comfortable flight starts when you book. Check seat width and legroom on the airline\u2019s website or on a seat map, and if possible reserve an aisle seat or a row with extra legroom. Read the airline\u2019s policy for passengers who need more space, sometimes called a \u201ccustomer of size\u201d policy: some airlines let you buy a second seat, occasionally refundable, while others don\u2019t. On board, you can discreetly ask a flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. Wear soft, stretchy clothes without a tight waistband, and get up regularly to stretch your legs. Our tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/how-to-choose-the-best-airplane-seat-for-long-haul-flights-445787\">choosing the best seat on a long-haul flight<\/a> round out this advice.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>We talk about travel without clich\u00e9s: no \u201cbeach body\u201d to earn before you go, no destination reserved for one body type or budget. We focus on practical advice, accessible ideas and real-life experiences, and we also tackle the thornier topics, like overtourism and the environmental impact of travel. Our goal: helping you travel the way you want, solo, as a couple, with friends or with family.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to start with<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Our ideas for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-outfit-style-tips-439251\">comfortable, stylish outfits for flying<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-suitcase-buying-guide-439532\">choose the right suitcase<\/a> for the way you travel.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/internet-user-shares-a-technique-for-folding-clothes-to-optimize-suitcase-space-438775\">clothes-folding technique<\/a> to make the most of the space in your suitcase.<\/li>\n<li>Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/pregnant-women-and-air-travel-a-complete-guide-439580\">flying while pregnant<\/a>, with practical tips to go over with your health care provider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Where should you go on your first solo trip?<\/h3>\n<p>For a first solo trip, choose a destination known to be safe, well served by public transportation and where you can easily make yourself understood. A large, walkable city, a region of your own country you\u2019ve never explored, or a stay at a guesthouse or hostel lets you find your footing gently.<\/p>\n<h3>When is the cheapest time to travel?<\/h3>\n<p>Prices generally drop outside school vacations and holiday weekends. The shoulder seasons between peak and off-peak periods (late spring and early fall in the Northern Hemisphere) often strike a good balance between pleasant weather, lower prices and smaller crowds. Being flexible with your dates, comparing trains, buses and flights, and traveling with just a carry-on can also help you save.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you ask for a seatbelt extender on a plane?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Most airlines carry seatbelt extenders on board and lend them on request; you can discreetly ask a flight attendant as soon as you board. For safety reasons, airlines generally require you to use their own approved extender rather than a personal one.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Build a vacation wardrobe that feels like you with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/mode\">Fashion<\/a> section, and travel more responsibly with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\">Green<\/a> section.<\/p>","parent":0,"count":288,"filter":"raw","cat_ID":96338,"category_count":288,"category_description":"<p>The Travel section of The Body Optimist shares <strong>destination ideas<\/strong> and practical advice for planning your trips, close to home or abroad: preparation, budget, packing, transportation, solo or family travel. We also cover what guidebooks often leave out, like traveling with peace of mind in a fat body, on a plane or at the beach, so everyone can get away and truly relax.<\/p>\n<h2>What you\u2019ll find in the Travel section<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Destination ideas<\/strong>: weekend getaways, islands and European cities, like these <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/the-breathtaking-spanish-islands-deserve-a-place-on-the-list-428164\">stunning Spanish islands<\/a>, plus off-the-beaten-path spots closer to home.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling solo<\/strong>: choosing a reassuring destination, planning your itinerary and finding <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/where-to-travel-alone-as-a-woman-destination-ideas-439512\">safe destinations for women traveling alone<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Budget<\/strong>: traveling off-season, comparing transportation options, choosing where to stay and avoiding baggage fees.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Traveling in a bigger body<\/strong>: comfort on the plane, choosing your seat, seatbelt extenders and clothes suited to long trips.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Planning and packing<\/strong>: travel documents, passport photos, carry-on bags and folding tricks to save space.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Tourism and society<\/strong>: overtourism, new ways to travel and cultures around the world.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>How can you fly comfortably as a plus-size traveler?<\/h2>\n<p>A comfortable flight starts when you book. Check seat width and legroom on the airline\u2019s website or on a seat map, and if possible reserve an aisle seat or a row with extra legroom. Read the airline\u2019s policy for passengers who need more space, sometimes called a \u201ccustomer of size\u201d policy: some airlines let you buy a second seat, occasionally refundable, while others don\u2019t. On board, you can discreetly ask a flight attendant for a seatbelt extender. Wear soft, stretchy clothes without a tight waistband, and get up regularly to stretch your legs. Our tips on <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/how-to-choose-the-best-airplane-seat-for-long-haul-flights-445787\">choosing the best seat on a long-haul flight<\/a> round out this advice.<\/p>\n<h2>Our approach<\/h2>\n<p>We talk about travel without clich\u00e9s: no \u201cbeach body\u201d to earn before you go, no destination reserved for one body type or budget. We focus on practical advice, accessible ideas and real-life experiences, and we also tackle the thornier topics, like overtourism and the environmental impact of travel. Our goal: helping you travel the way you want, solo, as a couple, with friends or with family.<\/p>\n<h2>Articles to start with<\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li>Our ideas for <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-outfit-style-tips-439251\">comfortable, stylish outfits for flying<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>How to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/womens-travel-suitcase-buying-guide-439532\">choose the right suitcase<\/a> for the way you travel.<\/li>\n<li>A <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/internet-user-shares-a-technique-for-folding-clothes-to-optimize-suitcase-space-438775\">clothes-folding technique<\/a> to make the most of the space in your suitcase.<\/li>\n<li>Our guide to <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/voyage\/pregnant-women-and-air-travel-a-complete-guide-439580\">flying while pregnant<\/a>, with practical tips to go over with your health care provider.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n<h3>Where should you go on your first solo trip?<\/h3>\n<p>For a first solo trip, choose a destination known to be safe, well served by public transportation and where you can easily make yourself understood. A large, walkable city, a region of your own country you\u2019ve never explored, or a stay at a guesthouse or hostel lets you find your footing gently.<\/p>\n<h3>When is the cheapest time to travel?<\/h3>\n<p>Prices generally drop outside school vacations and holiday weekends. The shoulder seasons between peak and off-peak periods (late spring and early fall in the Northern Hemisphere) often strike a good balance between pleasant weather, lower prices and smaller crowds. Being flexible with your dates, comparing trains, buses and flights, and traveling with just a carry-on can also help you save.<\/p>\n<h3>Can you ask for a seatbelt extender on a plane?<\/h3>\n<p>Yes. Most airlines carry seatbelt extenders on board and lend them on request; you can discreetly ask a flight attendant as soon as you board. For safety reasons, airlines generally require you to use their own approved extender rather than a personal one.<\/p>\n<p>Want to go further? Build a vacation wardrobe that feels like you with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/mode\">Fashion<\/a> section, and travel more responsibly with our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/green\">Green<\/a> section.<\/p>","cat_name":"Travel","category_nicename":"voyage","category_parent":0}]},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/436502","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8375"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=436502"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/436502\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":436549,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/436502\/revisions\/436549"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/436504"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=436502"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=436502"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.ma-grande-taille.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=436502"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}