Eleanor ‘Ellie’ Hamby and Dr. Sandra ‘Sandy’ Hazelip, two 85-year-old friends from Texas, exemplify the joy of travel in later life. Meeting through a medical mission in their 60s, their bond grew after both faced the loss of their husbands. They embarked on their first major adventure together on the Trans-Siberian Railway and later completed an ‘Around the World in 80 Days’ trip at 81, visiting 18 countries.
Their shared love of travel has led to countless memories, as they’ve navigated unexpected situations and physical challenges (like their four artificial knees) with humor and resilience. They believe that traveling in later years offers unique benefits, such as wisdom and self-awareness, which make cultural encounters more enjoyable.
They encourage older adults to embrace travel, starting with destinations they’ve always wanted to visit. Their message? Adventure knows no age limit—just say yes!
