81-Year-Old Best Friends Complete 80-Day World Trip
Two best friends from Texas have proven that age is just a number after completing an 80-day trip around the world at age 81.
When photographer Eleanor Hamby and doctor Sandra Hazelip met in 2000, they realized they not only shared the same age, but also a passion for adventure!
It wasn't long before the friends began traveling together, and, inspired by the 1956 film Around the World in 80 Days, the pair decided to go on an 80-day trip across the world when they both turned 80.
Although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the travelers for a year, Ellie and Sandy left Texas on January 11, 2023, at age 81 and began their trip across all seven continents to 18 countries and eight wonders of the world.
Calling themselves "second-class travelers," the pair told us they swap comfort for experience while traveling, including on the journey to their first stop — Antarctica.
While sailing through the rough water of the Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica, the best friends experienced storms with waves over 3 meters high. But they said it was all worth it once they reached Antarctica.
The pair traveled to other remote destinations such as Easter Island, as well as stopping in countries such as Zambia, India, Japan, Indonesia and Australia.
Documenting their trip through their online blog and on social media, the friends shared photos of themselves riding camels in Egypt, throwing coins in Rome's Trevi Fountain and feeding reindeer in Lapland.
Ellie and Sandy returned to Texas on April 1. When asked if they had a message for other people their age, they replied: "Get up out of your easy chair, step out of your comfort zone, make some plans, and live! Because age is just a number!"
1. Do you know anyone with a passion for adventure?
2. Do you mind swapping experience for comfort when traveling?
3. When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone?
4. Do you agree that age is just a number?
5. Who are your favorite people to travel with?
6. What countries are you most keen to visit?
7. Which continents have you been to? Would you like to visit all of them?
8. What are the most amazing sights you've seen while traveling?
9. Do you tend to take a lot of photos when you travel? What are your favorite photos to look back on?