You’re never too old to travel.
That’s the lesson being taught by a pair of best friends who are not letting age stand in their way of seeing the world. On the contrary, their latest adventure was prompted by both becoming octogenarians.
After their husbands both passed away, Ellie Hamby and Sandra Hazelip began traveling together. Their 20-year friendship has included numerous adventures and they are not showing any signs of slowing down.
In fact, the besties have just completed an 80-day trip around the globe.
“‘Ellie, why don’t we take a trip around the world in 80 days when we are 80?’” Hazelip recalled asking. After a few seconds of shock, Hamby’s response was, ‘Why not?!’”
COVID-19 forced the friends to delay their trip until they were 81, but they still checked off 80 countries in 3 almost months. Their experiences have involved riding camels in Egypt, taking a dogsled ride in the Arctic Circle, throwing coins into Rome’s Trevi Fountain, and seeing the Northern Lights in Finland. Their favorite destination, however, was Bali.
Having achieved their goal, Hazelip has some words of wisdom for aspiring travelers: “My advice is, get up out of that easy chair, step out of your comfort zone, make some plans, and live. Your age is only a number.”