Don't Wait: Add Solo Travel to Your Life Before It's Too Late

Why Wait Until It’s Too Late? Lessons from the movie Last Holiday with Queen Latifah

Have you ever watched a movie that made you stop and ask yourself: Am I really living? For me, Last Holiday starring Queen Latifah does exactly that. In the film, her character Georgia Byrd is stuck in routine, playing it safe, and not fully embracing life. Does that sound familiar?  Then Georgia receives a devastating diagnosis that she believes is terminal. Realizing she may not have much time left to live, she cashes out her 401(k), packs her bags, and sets off on a whirlwind adventure of a lifetime.

But here’s the twist — she was misdiagnosed. She wasn’t dying after all.

The deeper message of Last Holiday isn’t about a mistake in a medical report. It’s about a truth we all know but often avoid: why do we wait until we think we’re dying to finally start living?

Health Can Change in an Instant

Whether it’s a sudden diagnosis, an accident, or a shift in our mobility restricting how easily we can walk distances or climb up flights of stairs, life has a way of reminding us that our health is never guaranteed. We make excuses — “I’ll travel once the kids are grown,” or “I’ll book that trip once I retire.” But waiting until later can mean painful regret when you realize it’s too late to do what you wanted. Whether it's the sudden passing of Charlie Kirk or Grammy-winning songwriter Brett James, we've all heard news stories recently of those who pass too young. A guy I know found out he had cancer very recently. Then I found out he passed, and I was in complete shock! They caught the cancer too late to do anything, and he was only 60. These stories remind us to get busy living now! And traveling solo has provided some of the best experiences of my life feeling the freedom to do what I want. I want you to feel that freedom and fulfillment too - not the mention the fun!

Solo travel, especially for women navigating new life chapters like divorce or widowhood, isn’t just about seeing new places. It’s about reclaiming joy, independence, and confidence. Every trip becomes more than a vacation — it’s a declaration that your best years are happening now, not someday.

Why Women Shouldn’t Wait

For women in midlife and beyond, travel offers a chance to:

• Rebuild your identity after divorce, widowhood, or major life changes
• Rediscover your confidence by navigating new destinations independently
• Prioritize your health and wellness with movement, culture, and fresh experiences
• Create lasting memories before mobility or health challenges become barriers

Too often, women put themselves last — waiting for the “right time” that never really comes. The lesson from Last Holiday is clear: life doesn’t wait. Why should you?

Practical Steps to Start Living Fully Now

1. Plan a “someday” trip for this year — not five years from now.
2. Start small if needed — a weekend getaway can be just as empowering as a huge bucket list trip. You can work up to that, especially if you're just starting to travel solo!
3. Say yes more often — don’t overthink, just start moving.
4. Invest in experiences, not just savings — joy pays lifelong dividends.

Final Thought: Don’t Wait for a Diagnosis

Georgia Byrd thought she had weeks left to live, but in reality, she still had her whole life ahead of her. Why did it take a diagnosis to move her to action? What a tragedy in how long she (& some of you!) wait to truly live.

Don’t wait for a doctor, a crisis, or “the right time” to give yourself permission to go solo. Start your bucket list now. Take that solo trip. Explore that dream destination. I'm here to help if you need to speak with someone to get questions answered (or confidence built, I pour encouragement into my coaching clients!) before booking!  Because your version of the movie Last Holiday should be filled with joy, not regrets.‍

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