Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Traveling Nanas

It's Never Too Late for the Next Act

When Ellie and Sandy met after becoming empty-nesters and then widows, their late-in-life friendship blew open a new, exciting chapter of life: living fearlessly and adventurously. But they never could've imagined it would also propel them--in their 80s--to accidental fame, going viral on social media as the 'travelling grannies, ' inspiring people young and old across cultures when they went around the world in 80 days. While still working full-time, they've adventured the world for decades--always on the unbeaten path and a budget ($29.00/per night.) Their adventures transformed their outlooks, galvanized and deepened their friendship and their faith, and instilled a positivity that has proven wildly contagious. They've found purpose in the fact that people around the globe are inspired by their friendship and wrote this book to share their adventures with readers and to invite them to make their own.

From the icy shores of Antarctica, the deep bush in Zambia on Medical Missions (without electricity or plumbing, just the restorative power of meaningful service and human connection), to the breathtaking night sky above the Syrian desert, life on the road has gifted Ellie and Sandy essential wisdom. Here We Go expands on the joyous message of hope that launched them into the spotlight, delivering tales of their exploits, advice and inspiration for anyone who aims to live with grace and gusto, connect authentically with others despite differences, and embrace our potential for joy and love.

To quote Ellie and Sandy, "Make some plans and live!"

Author: Eleanor Hamby,Sandra Hazelip
Publisher: Viking
Published: 09/16/2025
Pages: 320
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.20h x 5.80w x 1.30d
ISBN: 9780593832301


Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 06/02/2025
Kirkus Reviews 09/01/2025

About the Author
Eleanor (Ellie) Hamby is an international documentary photographer. She has traveled to one hundred twenty countries and all seven continents, "always with my camera at my side." Ellie maintains homes in Abilene, Texas, and Namwianga, Zambia, where she returns each year to co-direct the Zambia Medical Mission. Namwianga Mission includes schools, a hospital, a radio station, and an orphanage. Ellie has three children who have blessed her with grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Dr. Sandra (Sandy) Hazelip is a geriatrician. She has served in the past as president of the Texas Geriatric Society. After spending many years limiting her practice to residents in long-term care facilities, she now serves as one of the physicians for Hospice of the Big Country. She also is a mother, a grandmother, and a great-grandmother and has taken her grandchildren on medical mission trips to both Zambia, Cambodia, Romania, Russia and China.

TikTok handle: https: //www.tiktok.com/@AroundTheWorldAt80
Instagram handle: https: //www.instagram.com/AroundTheWorldAt80/