It’s Never Too Late to Dream

Travel opens our minds and hearts. It teaches us that new dreams are always within reach. So don’t wait — take that step.

Sumati ji, a primary school teacher and single parent from a small town, had spent her life raising her daughter and teaching children. She lived simply and selflessly, her world revolving around her students, home, and only child.

Years later, when her daughter began working, she gently urged her mother to do something for herself. “You’ve done everything for me, Ma. Now it’s your turn to live a little,” she said. Those words planted a seed. At nearly 70, Sumati ji decided to travel abroad for the first time.

In 2016, she joined my group tour to Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia — her dream destinations. But there was one obstacle — she didn’t have a passport. Having heard about me and my travel work, she called softly, “Archita, I’ve always wanted to see the world. Can you help me?”

Her sincerity touched me deeply. I guided her through the passport process, booked her seat on our TSM group, and even took her shopping for a few outfits. When she tried them on, she smiled shyly and said, “I’ll proudly wear your choice of dresses on this tour.” That simple line stayed with me — a reminder that joy can bloom at any age.

Before we left, she told me, “Archita, I want to experience everything I’ve never done before. I may never get another chance. Please guide me.” From that moment, I knew this journey would be special.

Our tour began in Singapore, a city renowned for its order, beauty, and charm. We explored Little India, Chinatown, and Merlion Park, where the half-lion, half-fish statue stands proudly by the bay. As we clicked photos, Sumati ji gazed at the skyline, eyes shining with wonder. She enjoyed her first cable car ride to Sentosa Island, waving playfully at passing cabins. By the beach, she tasted her first ice cream abroad and said with a smile, “It feels like I’m in a movie!” Her joy was infectious — soon, everyone was smiling too.

Next, we flew to Thailand, the land of smiles. In Bangkok, the group admired the Grand Palace, the Emerald Buddha, and the serene Wat Pho with its Reclining Buddha. During a boat cruise on the Chao Phraya River, a cool breeze brushed our faces as temples and city life drifted by. Sumati ji held my hand and whispered, “I can’t believe I’m really here.”

In Pattaya, we explored the lively Floating Market, full of colour, aroma, and laughter. Everyone shopped for souvenirs, tried local snacks, and bargained in broken Thai. Sumati ji laughed at her attempts, delighted when a vendor praised her smile. That evening, we watched the dazzling Alcazar Show, where music and dance lit up the stage. To everyone’s surprise, she began tapping her feet to the rhythm, and soon the whole group was clapping and dancing with her. She brought out the child in all of us.

Our final stop was Malaysia, where adventure reached new heights. In Kuala Lumpur, the group visited the Petronas Twin Towers, taking countless photos beneath their glowing lights. At Batu Caves, Sumati ji climbed a few steps slowly but proudly, cheered on by our group like family. Then came the long-awaited visit to Genting Highlands, nestled among misty hills and alive with excitement.

Among the many rides was a towering free-fall drop, nearly 20 storeys high. Most of us hesitated, staring nervously at the vertical track. Then came bursts of laughter — and there she was! Sumati ji, strapped in, riding the free-fall with her arms raised high.

To everyone’s amazement, she didn’t stop at one — she rode it four times in a row! Her silver hair flew in the wind, her face glowing with pure joy. Foreigners and locals clapped, some even taking selfies. She turned to the crowd, proudly pointing at me, and said, “Because of her, I came on this tour. I never imagined I’d do this in my life!” Our whole group applauded, many with tears in their eyes. That moment was more than travel — it was a transformation.

When we returned to India, her daughter waited at the airport, eyes brimming with tears. She hugged me tightly, kissed my forehead, and blessed me warmly. With folded hands, I touched her feet and said softly, “You are my inspiration. Be safe, be happy.”

That journey wasn’t just about Singapore, Thailand, or Malaysia. It was about courage, friendship, and discovery — about a woman who, at seventy, chose to live for herself, surrounded by a group that celebrated her every step.

After 25 years in the travel industry, I’ve learnt that travel is life’s greatest teacher. It reminds us there’s always room for new dreams. So don’t wait — take that step. Give yourself the gift of travel: meet new people, taste new food, feel new climates, and embrace the experiences waiting for you.

Our Earth is calling. The world is waiting.

(The writer is a tourism professional and runs a company, Global Voyages. She could be connected at goglobalvoyages@gmail.com. Views personal.)