Here We Go

Lessons for Living Fearlessly from Two Traveling Nanas

By: Eleanor Hamby, Sandra Hazelip, Elisa Petrini

Narrated by: Eleanor Hamby, Sandra Hazelip

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 life: 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!”

Critic reviews

“The ebullient narratorial voice, inspirational chapter headings, and well-chosen anecdotes make the book feel less like a text and more like a conversation between friends.”
—Kirkus

“[A] spirited debut guide to inspire readers to live more adventurously”
—Publishers Weekly

Fun and inspirational

I picked this because I’m launching a project about saying yes to new experiences, and two women in their 80s deciding to hit every continent in 80 days felt like the perfect companion listen. I pressed play with zero expectations, and I ended up grinning, tearing up, and cheering for them the whole way.
What won me over most was their friendship. The easy banter, the steady care, and the way they keep nudging each other past the edge of comfort. City after city, they meet people with humility and curiosity, honoring local customs and letting each place change them. And the narration is spot on. Hearing their own voices, warm and a little wry and full of wonder, makes you feel like you’re the third seatmate on the journey.

A quick note for fellow planners: this is not a step-by-step guidebook. It is a memoir of motion and meaning. The sparks are everywhere. Moments of fear turn into laughter, strangers turn into friends, and small acts of bravery stack up into a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

I finished feeling braver too. Not to copy their route, but to keep collecting my own firsts. Highly recommend if you need proof that adventure has no age limit. As I kick off my “Fifty by 50 Challenge” blog, this was exactly the fuel I needed!