At 94, Joy Ryan is turning the idea of a quiet retirement on its head. Never having had a passport until she was 91, you might say she’s making up for lost time. With her grandson Brad by her side, Joy is ticking off every continent from her bucket list.
Their travels are more than sightseeing trips; they’re about grabbing life by the horns, no matter your age. From the icy stretches of Antarctica to bustling global cities, Joy and Brad are living proof that you can start new adventures anytime. How does a woman who spent nine decades close to home suddenly become a globe-trotter? Joy’s story is a brilliant reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams.
The Late Start: Getting Her First Passport at 91
For most people, their first passport marks the beginning of youthful dreams—eager plans for study abroad, career opportunities, or adventurous vacations. For Joy Ryan, it symbolized something entirely different: a chance to reclaim time she thought had slipped away. At the age of 91, Joy applied for her very first passport, a decision that would transform her world.
Born and raised in a small Ohio town, Joy’s life was deeply rooted in simplicity. Travel had always seemed like an unattainable luxury rather than a real possibility. For decades, she focused on family and local connections, never imagining she’d one day set foot in far-off places. But everything changed when her grandson Brad Ryan proposed an idea that was as ambitious as it was heartfelt: why not embark on a journey to see the world together?
Brad, an outdoorsman and adventurer, was determined to share the wonders of travel with his grandmother. He believed that it wasn’t too late for Joy to experience the awe of standing beneath vast skies, exploring ancient ruins, or encountering wildlife she had only seen in books. That single decision to get her passport became a ticket not just to new destinations, but to a new perspective on life itself.
Joy’s late start serves as a reminder that the opportunities we think we’ve missed might still be waiting for us, just on the other side of a bold decision. For her, it all began with the courage to say yes to the unknown.
A Grandmother-Grandson Bond That Spans the Globe
What began as a simple road trip between a grandson and his grandmother blossomed into an extraordinary partnership spanning continents. Joy and Brad Ryan’s journey is as much about family as it is about adventure—an inspiring testament to the power of connection across generations.
Brad, a veterinarian with a passion for the outdoors, first invited Joy on a trip to a national park in 2015. At the time, she had never camped, hiked, or explored the untamed beauty of nature. Yet, her wide-eyed enthusiasm and willingness to embrace the unfamiliar quickly turned that initial outing into something far greater. Seeing her awe, Brad knew he couldn’t stop there. Together, they set their sights on a shared dream: to see every continent.
The bond between Joy and Brad is at the heart of their travels. For Brad, the journey is more than a chance to show his grandmother the world—it’s a way to repay her for the warmth and care she provided throughout his life. For Joy, the trips have offered her not just new sights, but a deepened relationship with her grandson. Their shared experiences have bridged the generational gap, proving that love, laughter, and curiosity are timeless.
From road tripping across the U.S. to braving the icy winds of Antarctica, their adventures reveal an unspoken truth: life’s most memorable moments are even sweeter when shared with those we hold dear. Together, they have turned miles traveled into treasured memories, one stamp at a time.
Adventures Across Continents
From the rugged peaks of Patagonia to the shimmering ice fields of Antarctica, Joy and Brad Ryan’s travels are a tapestry of awe-inspiring landscapes and unforgettable moments. Their journey, spanning multiple continents, is not just about ticking destinations off a list—it’s about embracing the beauty and wonder of the world, one step at a time.
Their odyssey began modestly, with trips to U.S. national parks. Yellowstone, the Grand Canyon, and Mount Rushmore were among the early highlights that left Joy marveling at nature’s grandeur. But as their appetite for exploration grew, so did their ambitions. Soon, the duo set their sights beyond North America, venturing to places Joy had only dreamed of.
One of their most remarkable milestones was reaching Antarctica, the seventh and final continent on their mission. For Joy, stepping onto the icy expanse was a surreal moment—proof that even the most remote corners of the Earth could be within reach. “It’s just magical,” she said of the experience, capturing the spirit of a journey fueled by curiosity and resilience.
Their travels also brought them face-to-face with diverse cultures, wildlife, and people from all walks of life. Whether it was encountering penguins in Antarctica, gazing at the northern lights in Iceland, or tasting local delicacies in Europe, every stop added a new layer of richness to their adventure. Each destination, in its own way, became a celebration of life’s endless possibilities, proving that exploration is as much about perspective as it is about places.
Through these shared experiences, Joy and Brad have transformed their bond into something extraordinary—creating a legacy that spans continents and generations.
Challenges of Traveling in Her 90s
Traveling the globe in your 90s isn’t without its hurdles, but for Joy Ryan, every challenge was just another adventure waiting to be conquered. From physical demands to logistical complexities, the journey tested her resilience in ways she never anticipated—and revealed the extraordinary strength of the human spirit.
One of the most pressing challenges was navigating the physical demands of travel. Long flights, unpredictable weather, and the rigorous pace of exploring new destinations could be daunting for anyone, let alone a nonagenarian. Yet, Joy’s determination and zest for life kept her going. Whether it meant braving harsh winds in Antarctica or hiking trails in U.S. national parks, she refused to let her age dictate her limits.
Logistics, too, presented their own set of obstacles. Coordinating international travel, managing accessibility needs, and ensuring Joy’s comfort required meticulous planning. Her grandson Brad took on much of the responsibility, ensuring that every leg of their journey was as seamless as possible. Together, they found creative solutions to overcome each hurdle, proving that teamwork can turn even the most challenging situations into manageable tasks.
Of course, there were moments of exhaustion and doubt. But for Joy, the triumph of standing on new soil, meeting new people, and experiencing the wonders of the world far outweighed any temporary discomfort. Her resilience became a source of inspiration, not just for Brad, but for everyone who followed their journey. Joy’s ability to adapt and thrive in unfamiliar circumstances serves as a powerful reminder: it’s not about how old you are, but how willing you are to embrace the adventure ahead.
A Mission to Inspire: Lessons from a Life of Exploration
Joy Ryan’s story is more than a tale of globetrotting; it’s a beacon of inspiration for anyone who’s ever thought it was too late to chase their dreams. Her journey, fueled by curiosity, courage, and love, offers profound lessons on the value of stepping outside your comfort zone—no matter your age.
At 94, Joy has shown that life’s most extraordinary experiences often lie just beyond fear and hesitation. Her decision to apply for her first passport at 91 wasn’t just a leap of faith—it was a declaration that life is meant to be lived fully, regardless of how many years are behind you. For Joy, every new destination brought fresh perspectives and a deep sense of gratitude for the world’s beauty.
Her partnership with her grandson Brad also speaks volumes about the power of relationships. Their shared mission to visit every continent highlights the importance of intergenerational connections and the mutual enrichment that comes from bridging age gaps. Brad’s dedication to ensuring Joy’s comfort and joy on their travels is a testament to the transformative impact of shared dreams and experiences.
But perhaps the greatest lesson from Joy’s adventure is her relentless spirit of exploration. Whether standing on the icy shores of Antarctica or marveling at the natural wonders of America’s national parks, she embraced each moment with an open heart. Her journey reminds us that it’s never too late to reinvent yourself, seek out the unfamiliar, and create a legacy of boldness and curiosity.
Joy’s life is a powerful call to action: take the trip, say yes to the opportunity, and let adventure lead the way. After all, as Joy’s story proves, the most unforgettable chapters often begin when you least expect them.
Featured Image via @grandmajoysroadtrip on Instagram
