Ellie Hamby and Sandy Hazelip have spent their 80s embarking on global adventures that would challenge travelers of any age. From witnessing the Northern Lights in Finland and sailing down the Amazon River at night to riding the Trans-Siberian Railway, the duo has visited over 50 countries across all seven continents. Their journey is documented in their joint memoir, "Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Traveling Nanas," which was published in September 2025. The two women have no plans to slow down, serving as living proof that adventure can come at any age.
In a way, Hamby and Hazelip were fated to become travel buddies. They met over 20 years ago during an international medical mission to Zambia that Hamby organized and where Hazelip served as one of the doctors. Reflecting on that early experience, Hamby noted, "If you can go to Zambia and sleep out in a bush in a tent with no running water, no electricity, then you can travel anywhere." About five years later, the women grew closer when Hazelip took a medical director's job at a nearby geriatric clinic and began spending two nights a week at Hamby's house. After Hamby lost her husband in an accident and Hazelip, who had already lost her husband to illness years prior, bonded with her over grief during late nights of talking and drinking coffee, they realized a new chapter had opened.
It was during one of these late-night chats that Hazelip mentioned her lifelong desire to ride the Trans-Siberian Railway, the longest in the world that crosses the expanse of Russia. Hamby immediately agreed to join her. The two embarked on their first major adventure in 2008. During that trip, they even had what they believe was an encounter with the KGB when their empty train car was stopped and a mysterious man interrogated them. They stayed calm, took it in stride, and discovered they were highly compatible as travel companions. Hazelip credits her career in emergency rooms for helping her remain calm in stressful situations, while both women benefit from Hamby's experience directing medical missions.
The friends often point out their differences, with Hamby describing herself as "spice" balanced by her friend who is more "sugar." They even set aside solo time on their trips; for instance, if Hamby wants to go zip-lining in New Zealand, Hazelip will relax with a cup of coffee. Just before 2020, the duo decided to plan their biggest trip yet to celebrate turning 80: traveling around the world in 80 days, inspired by the Jules Verne novel, "Around the World in Eighty Days." Although the COVID-19 pandemic postponed their plans, the women finally embarked on their worldwide exploration in January 2023. They hit all seven continents and visited the seven wonders of the world, including stops in Portugal, Japan, Easter Island, and Antarctica.
"We did everything ourselves," Hamby said. "No travel agents, no one going with us. We carried our own luggage, and we met friends." Their independence and willingness to embrace the unknown struck a chord online after they began sharing their travels on TikTok. While they were not trying to become famous, their story resonated with many. Research suggests that for seniors, navigating new places and meeting new people supports active aging and improves well-being. Hamby and Hazelip remain committed to this lifestyle, even with four artificial knees and one hip replacement between them. "We always say we’d rather fall off the mountaintop than fall out of a bed at a nursing home, provided we have a choice," Hamby said. "Keep moving. Once you stop moving, your body shuts down."
Currently, the pair is returning to each continent for an entire month to dive deeper into destinations they did not spend enough time in previously. In Asia, they plan to focus on Southeast Asia, specifically Bhutan and Laos. As Hamby summarized, "It really is about saying yes. Adventure has no age limit."
