From Stage Four Cancer Survivor to Solo Travel Advocate

What would it take for you to pack your bags and set off on a solo adventure? For many women, the thought of traveling alone sparks hesitation, fear, or a long list of “what ifs.” Yet for Joy Huber, solo travel became more than just a way to see the world—it became a path to healing, self-discovery, and empowerment.

At just 33 years old, Joy was diagnosed with stage four cancer. Faced with the unimaginable, she endured grueling treatments, hair loss, and the uncertainty of her future. But instead of letting cancer define her story, Joy chose to write her own next chapter. Out of that struggle was born not only survival, but a renewed determination to live life with boldness and purpose.

Today, Joy is the founder of Travel with Joy TV, a platform where she inspires women—especially those who have faced setbacks, loss, or self-doubt—to embrace the freedom and confidence of solo travel. Her journey is not only about moving past fear but also about creating meaningful experiences that transform how women see themselves and the world around them.

In this episode of Living Ageless and Bold with Christina Daves, Joy opens up about her transformation from patient to pioneer, from someone fighting for life to someone showing others how to truly live it. With heartfelt honesty and practical tips, she reveals why solo travel is so much more than a vacation—it’s a life skill, a mindset shift, and a reminder that joy, adventure, and possibility are always within reach.

A Life-Altering Diagnosis

At 33, Joy Huber received the words no one wants to hear: you have cancer. Not just any cancer, but stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Shockingly, she was asymptomatic—until a loved one noticed one side of her face looked fuller than the other. What she initially brushed off as weight gain turned out to be something far more serious.

“I wasn’t ready to die because I knew I hadn’t fully lived,” Joy recalls. Those words capture the essence of what became her transformation. After three years of chemotherapy, losing her hair as a young single woman, and clinging to positivity and laughter, Joy emerged not only in remission but also with a renewed sense of urgency about life.

Her experience inspired her to write the book Cancer with Joy, a title that surprises many but reflects her belief in the healing power of humor and positive thinking. She explains, “No one is happy to have cancer, but you can have cancer and still be happy.”

Discovering the Joy of Travel

Coming out of treatment, Joy realized what bothered her most wasn’t just the fear of dying—it was the feeling that she hadn’t truly lived. That realization became her turning point. Material things no longer held value. Instead, she craved experiences—moments she could savor, places she could explore, and memories she could create.

Her background as a speaker had already taken her across the country, but those trips were filled with airports, hotel meeting rooms, and conference halls. When remission gave her the green light, she wanted more than that. Travel became her outlet for joy and fulfillment.

But there was a challenge. Friends and family were often too busy or tied down to join her adventures. For many women, that would have been the end of the story. Not for Joy. “I just beat stage four cancer. I’m not going to sit around waiting for everyone else’s schedules to align,” she said. Instead, she embraced solo travel—and made it her mission to encourage other women to do the same.

Her First Solo Adventure

Like many women, Joy’s first solo trip was sparked by an emotional crossroads. After a breakup, her ex got engaged to his childhood sweetheart, and Joy wanted to escape the sting of seeing it unfold nearby. So, she packed up and drove south from the Midwest to Arkansas.

She explored Hot Springs National Park, walked Bathhouse Row, and stopped in Carthage to see the Precious Moments Chapel. Though it wasn’t New York City or Paris, it was a start—and more importantly, it proved she could navigate solo travel safely and confidently.

Her friends and family were nervous. “Who are you going with?” they asked. Her answer? “No one.” And that simple act of bravery planted the seed for what would later become Travel with Joy TV, her platform dedicated to helping women step out of fear and into freedom.

Overcoming Fear: Safety and Confidence on the Road

For many women, the biggest barrier to traveling alone is fear—fear of being approached, robbed, or simply standing out. Joy doesn’t dismiss these concerns, but she offers practical strategies to build confidence.

Start Small: She recommends beginning close to home. Revisit a familiar place and experience it in a new way—this time on your terms.
Blend In: Dress modestly, avoid flashy jewelry, and carry only essentials. One of her favorite hacks is a wrist wallet—a discreet band with a hidden pouch for an ID, credit card, and a little cash.
Stay Alert: Walk confidently, keep your head up, and avoid burying yourself in your phone. Confidence alone can deter unwanted attention.
Learn Self-Defense: Joy emphasizes the power of preparation. Taking a self-defense class not only equips women with physical skills (like using elbows and knees effectively) but also boosts their mental readiness to handle uncomfortable situations.
Choose Lodging Wisely: Hotels often provide added safety, from staff support to keycard-secured elevators. For added peace of mind, Joy carries a portable door alarm when staying in new places.

She also encourages women to think strategically. “If you’re nervous, explore during the day and retreat to your room at night. Make it your personal retreat—watch a show, read, journal, or enjoy a quiet bath. That alone time is where clarity often comes.”

Group Tours: Solo, But Not Alone

Traveling solo doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Joy often recommends group tours as a way to balance independence with community. For example, on her Amtrak trip up the Pacific Coast, she joined group excursions that allowed her to explore Paso Robles and its wineries without worrying about logistics or driving alone. Guided tours gave her structure and safety, while still leaving room for independent choices and exploration.

She also recalls the fun of hopping on and off the bus tours in San Francisco, where she could see the city at her own pace but never felt isolated. Group tours allowed her to strike the perfect balance—she had the freedom of a solo traveler yet the reassurance and camaraderie of being surrounded by others.

Joy emphasizes that joining a tour doesn’t diminish the solo experience. Instead, it enriches it by offering moments of connection, conversations with fellow travelers, and even the comfort of shared meals. It’s a way to be “solo, but not alone,” ensuring safety, convenience, and companionship, while still maintaining personal freedom.

Memorable Solo Destinations

As Joy gained confidence, she ventured into bigger adventures. One of her favorites was an Amtrak trip up the Pacific Coast. She flew into Burbank, hopped on the train, and enjoyed breathtaking coastal views with stops in charming towns like Paso Robles. From there, she explored San Francisco—walking along the pier, joining group tours, and even taking a spontaneous sunset cruise by the Golden Gate Bridge. That blend of planning and spontaneity made the experience unforgettable.

Her takeaway? Solo travel isn’t about being alone—it’s about creating space for joy, surprises, and personal growth.

A Mission to Empower Women

Through her coaching and Travel with Joy TV, Joy now helps women navigate their own solo travel journeys. She acknowledges the doubts and naysayers many women face—even from friends or family who may unintentionally hold them back out of jealousy or fear. That’s why Joy sees her role as equal parts cheerleader and strategist.

She helps women shift from fear to confidence, from “I could never” to “I’m ready to book.” By breaking travel into manageable steps—like starting local, choosing safe lodging, and embracing group excursions—she shows that solo travel isn’t only possible, it’s transformative.

Words to Her Younger Self

Reflecting on her journey, Christina asked Joy what advice she would give the young woman who had just received the devastating news of a stage four cancer diagnosis. Without hesitation, Joy’s response was simple yet deeply profound:

“Go now. Do not delay. The clock is ticking.”

Those few words carry the weight of her entire experience. Joy explained that life is fragile and unpredictable, and waiting for the “perfect time” is often just an illusion. Too many of us put dreams on hold, convincing ourselves we’ll travel when we retire, or when our finances are more comfortable, or when life slows down. But as Joy knows firsthand, tomorrow is never promised.

She shared that while money and circumstances may ebb and flow, what truly matters is seizing the opportunities available in the present moment. Health, time, and energy can vanish without warning. Cancer, though brutal, became her greatest teacher—reminding her that hesitation steals joy, and delay can cost us the experiences that make life meaningful.

For Joy, the message to her younger self is also a message to all women listening: stop waiting for “someday.” Take the trip. Say yes to adventure. Live now, while you can.

Final Thoughts

Joy Huber’s story isn’t just about beating cancer. It’s about reclaiming life, one trip at a time. From her vulnerable beginnings as a stage four cancer patient to her bold role as a solo travel advocate, Joy embodies resilience, courage, and inspiration. She has turned personal hardship into a mission that empowers women everywhere to stop waiting and start living.

So, would you take a vacation alone? Joy’s answer is a resounding yes—and she’s here to show you how.

Watch her full episode here: