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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 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!”
When Ellie and Sandy met after becoming empty-nesters and then widows, their late-in-life friendship blew open a new, exciting chapter of 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!”
306 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 16, 2025
3359 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
August 2, 2025
Book Review: Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Traveling Nanas by Eleanor Hamby & Sandra Hazelip
Rating: 4.5/5
A Testament to Late-Life Reinvention
Here We Go is a radiant celebration of resilience, friendship, and the audacity to pursue adventure at any age. Eleanor “Ellie” Hamby (an 80-year-old documentary photographer) and Dr. Sandra “Sandy” Hazelip (a geriatrician) redefine aging through their globe-trotting escapades, from Antarctica’s icy expanses to the Syrian desert’s starry skies. Their story—born from a serendipitous friendship forged in widowhood—transcends travelogue tropes, offering a manifesto for living with purpose and joy.
Reading this book felt like sharing a cup of tea with two wise, whip-smart grandmothers who’ve seen the world. Their chapter on navigating the Grand Canyon’s trails at 80—defying societal expectations of fragility—left me awestruck. The authors’ candidness about grief (losing spouses) and their refusal to let loss define them resonated deeply. One passage, where Sandy describes holding a Cambodian orphan’s hand during a medical mission, brought me to tears—not just for its tenderness, but for its proof that empathy transcends age.
Yet, the book’s greatest strength is its tonal balance: it’s neither saccharine nor preachy. Ellie’s wry humor (I packed my walker—just in case the pyramids were slippery) tempers Sandy’s poignant reflections on mortality.
Constructive Criticism
While the book’s episodic structure mirrors their spontaneous travels, some chapters lack thematic depth. The Syria segment, for instance, glosses over geopolitical complexities in favor of awe-struck descriptions of landscapes. A deeper exploration of how they navigated cultural barriers (beyond the assumption that smiling solves everything) would have enriched their cross-cultural message. Additionally, the faith-based reflections, though organic to their journey, might alienate secular readers seeking purely adventure-driven narratives.
Summary Takeaways:
- Here We Go is Eat Pray Love meets Thelma & Louise—with AARP cards and twice the wisdom.
- Proof that wanderlust has no expiration date—and friendship is the ultimate passport.
- A masterclass in aging audaciously, packed with laugh-out-loud mishaps and tear-jerking triumphs.
- For fans of Wild and Tuesdays with Morrie—a roadmap to living fully, no matter your age.
Gratitude
Thank you to Edelweiss and Penguin Random House for the review copy. Ellie and Sandy’s story is a gift—one that recalibrates our cultural obsession with youth and redefines what it means to thrive.
Final Verdict: A buoyant, big-hearted memoir that marries adventure with existential wisdom. Its minor flaws fade against its luminous message: Life’s second act can be its most dazzling. Essential for readers seeking inspiration across generations.
Why Read It? To remember that the best stories aren’t just about places—they’re about the people who dare to explore them, wrinkles and all.
Rating: 4.5/5
A Testament to Late-Life Reinvention
Here We Go is a radiant celebration of resilience, friendship, and the audacity to pursue adventure at any age. Eleanor “Ellie” Hamby (an 80-year-old documentary photographer) and Dr. Sandra “Sandy” Hazelip (a geriatrician) redefine aging through their globe-trotting escapades, from Antarctica’s icy expanses to the Syrian desert’s starry skies. Their story—born from a serendipitous friendship forged in widowhood—transcends travelogue tropes, offering a manifesto for living with purpose and joy.
Reading this book felt like sharing a cup of tea with two wise, whip-smart grandmothers who’ve seen the world. Their chapter on navigating the Grand Canyon’s trails at 80—defying societal expectations of fragility—left me awestruck. The authors’ candidness about grief (losing spouses) and their refusal to let loss define them resonated deeply. One passage, where Sandy describes holding a Cambodian orphan’s hand during a medical mission, brought me to tears—not just for its tenderness, but for its proof that empathy transcends age.
Yet, the book’s greatest strength is its tonal balance: it’s neither saccharine nor preachy. Ellie’s wry humor (I packed my walker—just in case the pyramids were slippery) tempers Sandy’s poignant reflections on mortality.
Constructive Criticism
While the book’s episodic structure mirrors their spontaneous travels, some chapters lack thematic depth. The Syria segment, for instance, glosses over geopolitical complexities in favor of awe-struck descriptions of landscapes. A deeper exploration of how they navigated cultural barriers (beyond the assumption that smiling solves everything) would have enriched their cross-cultural message. Additionally, the faith-based reflections, though organic to their journey, might alienate secular readers seeking purely adventure-driven narratives.
Summary Takeaways:
- Here We Go is Eat Pray Love meets Thelma & Louise—with AARP cards and twice the wisdom.
- Proof that wanderlust has no expiration date—and friendship is the ultimate passport.
- A masterclass in aging audaciously, packed with laugh-out-loud mishaps and tear-jerking triumphs.
- For fans of Wild and Tuesdays with Morrie—a roadmap to living fully, no matter your age.
Gratitude
Thank you to Edelweiss and Penguin Random House for the review copy. Ellie and Sandy’s story is a gift—one that recalibrates our cultural obsession with youth and redefines what it means to thrive.
Final Verdict: A buoyant, big-hearted memoir that marries adventure with existential wisdom. Its minor flaws fade against its luminous message: Life’s second act can be its most dazzling. Essential for readers seeking inspiration across generations.
Why Read It? To remember that the best stories aren’t just about places—they’re about the people who dare to explore them, wrinkles and all.
August 29, 2025
This was a delightful, inspiring read. I could add that it includes the story of two world-traveling octogenarian best friends and you all would probably be set to add it to your TBR. 🙂 But I’d like say a little more.
🗺️ As an enthusiastic traveler in her 50s with lots of international destinations on my bucket list (and some hesitation about how well I’ll travel as I age), I knew I had to read this book.
I knew I’d be fascinated and likely learn more than a few travel tips, but I didn’t expect how much more I’d get, and I didn’t anticipate how much I’d be reminded of my own grandmother as I read.
❤️ My Nana was an incredible person, doing yard work, volunteering, and taking trips into her 90s. She flew in a plane for the first time at age 90. There is no way to describe how much I admired and learned from her. She didn’t travel internationally so at first it didn’t occur to me how much she had in common with Ellie and Sandy.
✨The comparisons and the joy in reading this book didn’t stop there. In addition to their travel report, the authors tell the story of their friendship and give a look at their backgrounds, inspirations, and motivations. Along the way, they definitely deliver on the promised lessons on living fearlessly.
🌍Ellie and Sandy became friends through medical mission work in Zambia and share the desire to make a difference in the world in addition to their love of travel. Nothing stops them for long. Not grief (both are widowed), not finishing medical school at 43 (Sandy), not language barriers, not a sore hip, not being stranded in the middle of nowhere. Their philosophy to “Just Say Yes” to adventures (within reason) is one of my favorite lessons they share.
I want to be active, adventurous, and a contributing citizen for many years to come, and these Traveling Nanas show me that it’s possible. They inspire me to keep my dreams. Just like my Nana did and still does.
Thank you Viking Penguin & NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
🗺️ As an enthusiastic traveler in her 50s with lots of international destinations on my bucket list (and some hesitation about how well I’ll travel as I age), I knew I had to read this book.
I knew I’d be fascinated and likely learn more than a few travel tips, but I didn’t expect how much more I’d get, and I didn’t anticipate how much I’d be reminded of my own grandmother as I read.
❤️ My Nana was an incredible person, doing yard work, volunteering, and taking trips into her 90s. She flew in a plane for the first time at age 90. There is no way to describe how much I admired and learned from her. She didn’t travel internationally so at first it didn’t occur to me how much she had in common with Ellie and Sandy.
✨The comparisons and the joy in reading this book didn’t stop there. In addition to their travel report, the authors tell the story of their friendship and give a look at their backgrounds, inspirations, and motivations. Along the way, they definitely deliver on the promised lessons on living fearlessly.
🌍Ellie and Sandy became friends through medical mission work in Zambia and share the desire to make a difference in the world in addition to their love of travel. Nothing stops them for long. Not grief (both are widowed), not finishing medical school at 43 (Sandy), not language barriers, not a sore hip, not being stranded in the middle of nowhere. Their philosophy to “Just Say Yes” to adventures (within reason) is one of my favorite lessons they share.
I want to be active, adventurous, and a contributing citizen for many years to come, and these Traveling Nanas show me that it’s possible. They inspire me to keep my dreams. Just like my Nana did and still does.
Thank you Viking Penguin & NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!
September 21, 2025
Here We Go: Lessons for Living Fearlessly from 2 Traveling Nanas is a warm, spirited blend of memoir and inspiration, offering readers a front-row seat to two grandmothers’ adventures across the globe and the wisdom they collect along the way. With humor, honesty, and a zest for discovery, the authors weave stories that are as much about embracing new cultures as they are about embracing courage in everyday life. Their message is clear and uplifting: it’s never too late to step outside your comfort zone, savor the moment, and live with boldness. This book is a joyful reminder that fearlessness isn’t about being without fear—it’s about moving forward anyway, with laughter and love as your compass.
September 19, 2025
3.5 stars. Admire these ladies. Part of the books were very well written and captured the sentiment they were trying to get across quiet eloquently, other parts read like a third grader's essay. Could have used a stronger editor but the story itself is a quick and touching read.
October 11, 2025
Interesting book that inspires all to travel no matter your age!
October 11, 2025
Follow these ladies on social media and loved reading about their adventures!
October 15, 2025
What a fun read! If you've ever wanted to travel the world in 80 days this book makes you feel like you've done so.
October 22, 2025
Inspirational. These women are fearless. I enjoyed hearing all about their travels at 80. If you love travelogues, definitely read this.
October 6, 2025
An inspirational book written by two women in their 80’s who set out to really experience travel the way it is meant to be-spending time with local people and being open to all people regardless of religion, race or lifestyle. From riding on a second class train in Russia to sleeping in a Bedouin tent in the Syrian desert, the writers are open to all people and experiences. They do not join tour groups and plan all their flights and stays whilst staying on a minimal budget. I think their average hotel price was $25 per night.
The book gives hope to all of who love to travel and hope that we can continue to travel in our 80’s! A perfect gift for a fellow traveler!
The book gives hope to all of who love to travel and hope that we can continue to travel in our 80’s! A perfect gift for a fellow traveler!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews