From Surviving to Thriving: Why Women Cancer Survivors Are Loving Solo Travel

When you’ve stared down a life-threatening diagnosis, sat through chemo, faced surgeries, and walked through fear that most people find hard to understand — something significant shifts inside of you.

As a stage 4 cancer survivor myself, I know firsthand that life after cancer is not the same. Your priorities change. Your definition of “someday” changes. You become deeply aware that time is a gift — and you stop waiting for permission to enjoy it now.

That’s why many more women cancer survivors are turning to solo travel as a powerful way to reclaim their lives, heal on their own terms, and write their next chapter with boldness and joy.

Why Travel After Cancer?

The truth is: survivorship is complex.

Yes, you’re “done with treatment” — but emotionally, mentally, even physically, and spiritually, there’s still a lot to process. Solo travel gives you space. Time. Clarity. Permission. It’s not about escaping life — it’s about coming back to it, stronger than ever.

Here’s what I’ve seen (and lived) when women survivors begin solo traveling:

• You rebuild trust with your body.
  After everything you’ve been through physically, going somewhere on your own reminds you that your body is still capable, still strong, still yours.
• You rediscover your voice.
  Cancer makes everyone treat you like a patient. But on a solo trip? You’re the planner (Set up time with Joy if you need help planning & booking!). The explorer. The decider. You get to choose what fun looks like.

• You create meaningful memories — just for you.
  Not to post. Not to please others. Just to feel. And after months or years (that was my case) of being poked, infused with chemotherapy, and monitored… that kind of freedom is amazing healing in its own right.

Where Do You Start?

Solo travel doesn’t have to mean a backpack and a passport.

In fact, many of the women I coach begin with something simple yet powerful: a weekend road trip. A return to a place that meant something before cancer. A new city to explore with no one else’s schedule to consider.

Here are a few great tips to get you started:

1. Pick a place with personal meaning.

Go somewhere that’s always been on your list, or somewhere that represents your new chapter. Nature destinations can be incredibly grounding — think hot springs, ocean views, desert hikes. I still remember Forest Bathing that I did at Sundara in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin! 

2. Travel light — emotionally and physically.

Let go of expectations. Pack for comfort. This trip is about you — not being impressive, productive, or “proving” anything.

3. Honor your milestones.

I love traveling during important cancer anniversaries — the date of my cancer diagnosis, Cancer Survivor’s Day in early June, or even the date I was found out my cancer was in remission. As the years wear on, others forget my "remission anniversary." But I'll never forget it so it's really important I continue to mark this milestone. And I do it with someone who cares deeply about these dates - me! I don’t do it out of sadness. I do it as a tribute. A celebration. A declaration that I’m still here, and definitely still dreaming.

The Emotional Baggage Is Real (And That’s Okay)

Let’s be real: it’s not always easy to travel alone, especially after something as emotionally draining as cancer.

You may feel:

• Nervous about being far from your doctors (I recommend you check with them before traveling.)
• Unsure how to handle fatigue or low energy on the road
• Guilty for taking time “just for you”

But let me reassure you — you’re not selfish for wanting your own fulfillment. You’re not irresponsible for wanting freedom. And you’re certainly not alone in navigating these feelings.

That’s exactly why I created Travel With Joy TV — to support women just like you in building confidence, feeling encouraged and supported, and finally stepping into the fun that you deserve.

You’ve Survived the Hardest Chapter. Let's Begin Your Best One.

If you’ve been saying “someday I’ll travel,” I want to gently remind you: someday is now. We don't know what tomorrow holds. You want to seize the moment.

Don’t wait for perfect health, perfect finances, or someone else to go with you.

You’ve already done something incredibly brave — now let’s make space for something incredibly beautiful.

Want Support? I’ve Got You.

If this message resonates with you, I’d love to connect. I offer:

✅ Private Coaching Sessions
Let’s talk through your travel fears, goals, and the practical steps to make it happen — customized to your needs.

✅ Helpful Free Resources
Sign up for my free newsletter to get ongoing encouragement and solo travel tips.

✅ Bring Me In As A Speaker
Whether you’re part of a church women’s group, a cancer center, a spa, women's event, or a survivorship retreat, I speak regularly and passionately about reclaiming life after diagnosis.

You didn’t beat cancer just to go back to living exactly as you were before your diagnosis. You’re ready to elevate your life. Let's stop doing what is no longer working. Let’s start traveling solo and make the most of your time. 🎗

© 2025 Joy Huber. All rights reserved.

This blog and all content herein is the intellectual property of Joy Huber and Travel With Joy TV. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law. For permission requests, please contact: joy@TravelWithJoyTV.com.

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