In their early 80s, longtime best friends Eleanor Hamby and Dr. Sandra Hazelip became Internet famous as the "TikTok Traveling Grannies." But they had already been traveling together--on a budget and to various far-flung locations--for years. In their warmhearted joint memoir, Here We Go, Hamby and Hazelip chronicle their 2023 round-the-world journey (undertaken in 80 days, in tribute to Jules Verne) and share the story of their enduring friendship and their advice for approaching the world with curiosity, openness, and joy.
Hailing from modest backgrounds in Texas and Oklahoma, Hamby and Hazelip initially met through a medical mission center in Zambia, cofounded by Hamby's late husband, Kelly. After her own husband's death, Hazelip also became involved with the mission, and the women became close friends. Their shared love of travel--and affection for trains--led to their first journey together, on the Trans-Siberian Railway, and subsequently to many others. Here We Go includes highlights from their numerous travels (the moai of Easter Island, the tango culture of Buenos Aires, even a trip to Antarctica). Their shared philosophies of companionship and travel are: say yes to new experiences, be flexible when circumstances change, and assume the best in people (but use your wits). This mindset has opened doors (literal and otherwise) across the world and resulted in memorable encounters, new relationships, and even--to the authors' surprise--media fame. For readers looking for unusual travel inspiration or practical friendship advice, Here We Go is a wise, entertaining guide to seeing the world with fresh eyes and an open heart. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams