Abilene’s ‘TikTok Traveling Grannies’ set off on South American adventure
ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Big Country residents Ellie Hamby and Dr. Sandy Hazelip took the world by storm last year as they shared their story of traveling the world in 80 days in their 80s. Now, you may think that’s enough adventure to last a lifetime, but the daring duo have headed off again for a 30-day trip around South America. In an exclusive interview with KTAB/KRBC for a pre-departure interview, they talk about why they’re getting back out there.
“That’s what we love: Meeting new people and traveling. That’s our happy place,” said Hamby. Dr. Hazelip quipped, bantered, “Remember, our trip around the world wasn’t our first adventurous travel.”
Abilene friends set to travel world at 81 in 80 days
In 2023, the theme of the trip was “81 and still on the run!” On Thursday, February 8, the dynamic globetrotting duo set off for their 30-day venture, wittfully called “82 and we’re not through!”
This trip is the first of a few they have in store. Hamby and Dr. Hazelip said they plan to spend 30 days on each continent. In contrast to their 80-day trip around the world, this schedule will give them more time to spend in the area, really soaking in and enjoying local cultures and people.
During their initial trip, they had planned to visit Machu Picchu but were unable to because of cited civil unrest in the area. They now plan to make that a major stop, as well as stopping by the Christ the Redeemer statue, the salt flats in Bolivia, and they have already made their way through the Amazon rainforest.
“Sandy and I fully believe in trusting in our Lord and being thankful for the opportunities that He gave us,” Hamby shared. Dr. Hazelip continued, “And enjoy the world He created.”
It’s that infectious love for life and confidence in the people they’ve met that defines their travels, according to them. That mindset has extended to the now thousands, if not millions, they’ve interacted with online. Since the widespread coverage of their journeys, they Hamby and Dr. Hazelip said the positivity they have seen displayed on their TikTok and Facebook pages have been a joy to behold.
“When you look at the comments, it’s all about friendship. ‘We can do this.’ You know, these are younger girls, and y’know age should not limit us, but they’re tagging their friends and it’s just been a really beautiful thing to see… I think they think we’re their grandmothers or their great grandmothers, actually,” marveled Hamby.
They have now taken on the “TikTok Traveling Grannies” moniker. They’ve never quite liked being referred to as “grannies,” but the title began as the way people would identify them when they met them on their trips. Because of its widespread use and popularity, Hamby and Dr. Hazelip said they had no choice but to incorporate it officially.
“When we returned to the United States on our around the world trip, we landed in Los Angeles at the airport. A lady comes running up to Ellie and says, ‘You’re the TikTok traveling grannies!’ And we said ‘oh no,'” Dr. Hazelip recalled. Hamby chimed in, “So we’ve now accepted it. We are the TikTok traveling grannies.”
Aside from their travels, the pair told KTAB/KRBC they are most excited for the upcoming release of their book, Happy Place, set to be available in next February. It will, of course, detail a few of their incredible adventures, but will focus on the things they have learned from their experiences.
“It’s about our voice, that’s what they tell us. The world needs to hear that you can enjoy life at any age and that you need to trust in humanity,” added Hamby.
Hamby and Dr. Hazelip were approached by Random House publishing to get their story into print, has turned into an exciting adventure in itself, the travelers said. You may continue to follow along with their journeys on their TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram social media pages.
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