Skip to content
These Texas Grandmas Traveled the World in 80 Days for Their 80th Birthdays—and They're Inspiring Us to Pack Our Bags and Start Exploring

These Texas Grandmas Traveled the World in 80 Days for Their 80th Birthdays—and They're Inspiring Us to Pack Our Bags and Start Exploring

By The Sunday Paper Team
M389.2 48h70.6L305.6 224.2 487 464H345L233.7 318.6 106.5 464H35.8L200.7 275.5 26.8 48H172.4L272.9 180.9 389.2 48zM364.4 421.8h39.1L151.1 88h-42L364.4 421.8z

Seven continents. Eighteen countries. Eight world wonders. And two longtime friends.

Dr. Sandra Hazelip and Eleanor Hamby, a doctor and photographer, took the global trip of a lifetime together to celebrate their 80th birthdays. The ladies conquered the travel bucket list of all travel bucket lists, checking off global destinations including the Northern Lights, the Great Barrier Reef, Taj Mahal, and more.

Their story is one of gumption and adventure. But it’s also about companionship. Friends for decades, the two became travel companions after their husbands died. They decided to have the ultimate adventure and traverse thousands of miles and many time zones.

“She was very scared of the cows,” Eleanor jokingly told CNN Travel about Sandra. “I was afraid we were going to have a heart attack right in the middle of India.”

“Ellie is the one who lets the python wrap himself around her body,” Sandra chimed in. “She rides the swing waay out in Bali. So she is the adventuresome one.”

We beg to say both of these ladies are the adventuresome ones—and total inspirations. They’re proof that it’s never too late to go after a wild dream of a lifetime.

You can learn more about their epic adventure on CNN Travel.

Want to learn more about Sunday Paper PLUS?

You're invited to join Maria Shriver's new membership program!
You'll unlock exclusive content, receive access to her monthly video series called Conversations Above the Noise with Maria, and much, much more!

Join Now