At The Age Of 62, My Dad Took His First Solo Trip About To Andamans Im Proud Of Him

I've acquired my 'couch potato' genes (along with my LOVE for food) from my dad, so you can imagine my surprise when he told me one day that he has booked a 'package' for a trip to Andamans.

I had to double check with him to know if this was a research trip (he is a retired Zoology professor) but he promptly responded, 'No, going for a holiday!'

There I was, talking to a man whose idea of a vacation is usually good view with impeccable hotel room service - and now, he was all set for his epic solo adventures.

He discovered his freedom while traveling solo!

All at 62, or rather as he proudly likes to say '62+' - my father ventured out in a comfortable setting of a guided tour but determined to do some sightseeing, eat lots of seafood and simply have fun.

Knowing that Baba isn't someone with wanderlust (like me), I was genuinely proud of him. And it got me thinking that travel is not just about that wanderlust that we feel. While to me it's more about the eagerness to explore a new destination, for parents it's generally a kind of freedom post retirement, that they have probably waited for years.

He had his fair share of adventures too!

When I asked him to describe his trip to me, he said, "I went to the anthropology museum" - and had more of a gleam as he described his meal at an iconic restaurant, whose name he couldn't remember!

I don't know how to swim, and my dad never taught me - not because he was lazy but himself never had a chance to learn. So imagine my 'shock' when he told me he tried snorkeling.

He even shared with me a photo, as a proof! Yes, of course he is the typical Bong man wearing a 'banyan and half-pants' combo outfit instead of any swimwear but my father has officially beaten the fear that I am struggling - even at the age of 29!

*Makes note to take this as a life lesson*

Not to mention the sunset beach photos, quite Insta-worthy from a man who used to take our photos with fingers all over the lens.

I am impressed and super proud, to be honest.

My baba has been my teddy bear equivalent, not the disciplinarian. I have scolded him a lot more than he has probably scolded me but today I am glad to say that he has really inspired me.

So, here I am writing this and hoping that you also encourage your parents to take trips without worrying about the family. Encourage them to look at travel packages and tours where they can be taken care of (and if not, you book it for them!) - after all, even our parents deserve to see the world.

The big advantage of these packaged tours is that travel, transit, food and sightseeing is guided and taken care of. It's comfortable.

A special note for any girl reading this. Do this especially for your moms.

Encourage her to join groups of women her age who go on tours together.

Inspire her to join Facebook groups where like minded people share stories. My own mother has passed down her love for travel to me ( I do take it up a notch) but it pains me when I realize she avoids so many things because she feels that she hasn't the time or has to focus on her work and family. So yes, ladies, specially encourage your moms to figure out time for themselves and help them find avenues to make them happy.

If you have a story of your parents traveling - do let me know in the comments below.

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