These Two Senior Best Friends Circled the Globe in 80 Days—Here’s Their Travel Tips

Sandy Hazelip and Ellie Hamby are the celebrated stars of the travel influencer scene—but they stand out from the crowd. Both are in their eighties.

On January 11, 2023, the inseparable friends from the Abilene, Texas, region set out to explore all seven continents in 80 days, inspired by the classic Jules Verne novel, Around the World in 80 Days. They shared their adventures on their blog, Around the World at 80, and across their social media platforms. With their vibrant personalities and evident affection for each other, they quickly gained popularity; today, they boast 35,000 followers on Instagram and 70,000 followers on TikTok, having been featured in prominent outlets like The New York Times and USA Today. They’ve earned the title of the “TikTok Traveling Grannies”—and even have matching shirts to showcase it.

Hamby and Hazelip exemplify broader trends in travel: Recently, more women are taking to solo adventures than ever, with around 40 percent of American travelers being seniors. As Katherine LaGrave from Dinogo noted in 2020, “Women make nearly 85 percent of all travel decisions: where to go, when to fly, where to stay, what to see.” LaGrave highlighted that women tend to outlive men and dominate the retiree travel demographic, making them a vital target for the travel industry.

Even with the growing options for female travelers, Hamby and Hazelip emphasize their unique approach. They personally handle all their travel arrangements and typically choose hostels, local inns, and even private homes over luxury hotels. They prioritize dining at local eateries and embrace spontaneous adventures without hesitation.

And they've had countless adventures. Together, they braved the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage, navigated Japan's subway and Shinkansen systems, and even rode camels in Egypt (though Hamby isn’t a fan, she joined for her friend's sake). Their journey isn't slowing down: While continuing their work at the nonprofit where they met, Zambia Medical Mission, Hazelip and Hamby are on a 30-day tour of South America titled “We Are Eighty-Two And We’re Not Through,” and they're already planning a grand trip for their 85th birthdays, named “Eighty-Five and Still Alive.” (Details are still being finalized.)

Throughout their travels, Hazelip and Hamby have gained profound insights about life, the world, friendship, and themselves. We asked them to share some of these lessons.

What brought the two of you together as friends?

Sandy Hazelip: We met 24 years ago at a workshop for medical missions. Ellie and her husband were directing the Zambia Medical Mission, and I was a physician with the organization. My husband had passed away just six months earlier, and I was seeking ways to heal my heart.

Ellie Hamby: About five years after our initial meeting, my husband unexpectedly died. At that time, Sandy was relocating her medical practice to Abilene. She proposed, “I have a deal for you. If you give me a bed two nights a week, I’ll treat you to dinner.” That was 19 years ago, and she’s actually staying here tonight.

That’s how our travels began. We both experienced profound losses—losing our husbands—but from that pain blossomed a beautiful friendship. So, when tragedy strikes, life doesn’t have to come to a halt, right? It’s tough, but life continues on.

How did you realize you’d make great travel partners? Sometimes, even our closest friends aren’t ideal roommates.

Hamby: Three or four years after her husband passed away, I told Ellie one day, “You know, I’ve always wanted to ride the Trans-Siberian Railway. Would you be up for that?” She replied, “Absolutely.” So, we booked our flights to Moscow to catch the Trans-Siberian train. During that trip, we discovered, “Wow, we travel well together.” We truly enjoy the adventure and each other’s company. Plus, we realized that despite our differences, we share similar views on life. We both cherish people and have a fundamental trust in humanity.

What’s it like to be famous on TikTok?

Hamby: We had no idea how our friendship would resonate with millions. Now, we’re recognized as the “TikTok Traveling Grannies.” One of our videos has amassed 6.4 million views, and the comments are filled with young people saying, “I want a friend like that.” Sandy and I truly didn’t grasp the beauty and value of our friendship until the world reflected it back to us.

It seems like you both really embrace spontaneity while traveling. Why is it essential for other travelers to adopt the same mindset?

Hazelip: In Bali, we had a driver who picked us up from our hotel every morning. One day, he was taking us into the mountains to see a volcano, and we spotted a sign that read “Happy Swing.” Ellie asked, “What’s a happy swing?” And he said, “Let’s turn around and find out.”

Before we knew it, we were donned in red dresses, swinging 300 feet above the rice paddies, feeling like 12-year-old girls again. It was such a blast! If we’d been on a tour, the bus would have never stopped there. But Sandy and I always take charge of our own adventures.

What advice would you give to those seeking a travel companion or best friend?

Hamby: Regardless of how much you enjoy each other's company, it’s essential to allow for personal space and maintain flexibility.

Hazelip: It’s crucial to recognize that in any relationship, both parties are adults and deserve mutual respect. While respect for strangers matters, respect among friends is vital. We must demonstrate that we care for one another.