loader from loading.io

Level 5 Independent Travel

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Release Date: 01/18/2021

Lima Peru and airport luxiury lounges show art Lima Peru and airport luxiury lounges

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

This is Dr. Mary Travelbest. I help you travel. The 60-second confidence challenge is on getting access to the airport lounges. It will take some experience, but it’s worth it. Check the fine print, too.   If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into best practices while traveling solo—link in description.”    See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website​​ at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Lima, Peru. Hello, solo travelers—especially my sisters 50 and up. Today I’m...

info_outline
Cartagena, Colombia and safety in South America show art Cartagena, Colombia and safety in South America

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Cartagena, Colombia. Today, we're heading to Cartagena, Colombia —a vibrant and touristy Caribbean city bursting with color, music, and history. It's one of the most popular destinations on South America's northern coast — and I'll share my experiences and a few lessons learned for solo travelers like you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a culture that's as lively as it is rich. Let's start with the setting. Cartagena's Walled City — La Ciudad Amurallada — is the heart of it all. I recommend exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. You...

info_outline
Lincoln Square, Chicago, using AI on the road and staying healthy tips show art Lincoln Square, Chicago, using AI on the road and staying healthy tips

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Lincoln Square, Chicago. The FAQ is about using AI while traveling. How do I get the best responses to my prompts when I have a question? Is there a platform you recommend? There are thousands of platforms, and new ones are popping up every day. For travelers seeking the most current answers to their travel questions, you are in luck. You can navigate the territory solo better today than ever because you can ask the right questions. Practice is the best way to use them.   60-second confidence challenge   If you like today’s...

info_outline
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada show art Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Where in the world am I? In San Diego today, talking about Cape Breton, Canada   .  Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, world traveler, professor, marketing expert, and all-around fun person. And I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences. Quick-fire FAQ:   Your mom, grandmother, or even your daughter told you to be careful when traveling solo. But did they ever do it? You are on your way. The question I get asked is: What should I tell someone who discourages me from traveling?   Answer: You can turn it around and ask for specific information...

info_outline
Machu Picchu, Peru including lessons learned about Step 5 travel show art Machu Picchu, Peru including lessons learned about Step 5 travel

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

  Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Machu Picchu Are there any tips to help me avoid being cheated or robbed while traveling? Yes, you can take precautions like removing your expensive jewelry before traveling and not carrying expensive purses or shoes. Don't look like a target. Look like you belong, and try not to stand out from the usual crowd. Check reviews of any Airbnb or turo car rentals you book. Be careful not to walk alone in the dark at night, as much as possible. Think of the odds whenever you go out. Please put them in your favor, not a criminal. If you like...

info_outline
Medellin Colombia Part 2 show art Medellin Colombia Part 2

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

   Medellin, Colombia.Part 2  Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Quick-Fire FAQ: Drying Out Wet Clothing. How do you do that on the road? How do you dry your wet belongings while traveling, especially when you're solo? Especially in a humid area, it’s hard to get things dry. When you solo travel, you have more control over your time constraints, so plan to let things dry. When it’s damp, the best way to dry your clothes is by maximizing water removal before drying.  Try the towel roll trick. First, lay the clothes flat on a towel, roll them up, and twist to ring out...

info_outline
Medellin, Colombia Part 1 show art Medellin, Colombia Part 1

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Medellin, Colombia   60-second confidence challenge:    The confidence challenge is to meet someone new today. You might stop by the mailbox to say “hi,” or visit a park where people are less in a hurry. Start a conversation with someone new today. If you like, then get their name and phone number and give them a call.   If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapters of my book dive deeper  into how to build confidence using it—link in description.”    See Book A for addressing the challenge of meeting new people Find it on our website at or on...

info_outline
Galapagos, Ecuador show art Galapagos, Ecuador

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Here is the episode on Galapagos, Ecuador 60 second confidence challenge Check your passport. Do you have at least six months left until it expires? Do you have at least four blank pages? Then your passport is in good shape. You’re ready to travel, as long as you check for any Visa entries you may need. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper—link in description.”   See Book A for addressing all of these items like preparing for travel.   Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: Galapagos, Ecuador Galapagos means nature to most...

info_outline
Haarlem, Netherlands show art Haarlem, Netherlands

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

this episode is about Haarlem, Netherlands. See Book A for addressing the challenges of solo travel in your prime. Find it on the website​​ at     or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Destination: Haarlem, Netherlands. It’s a Dutch city that’s often overshadowed by Amsterdam, but has just as much charm—and far fewer crowds. I’m talking about Haarlem, Netherlands. Haarlem is only 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, making it an easy and quiet alternative for solo travelers over 50. What you’ll love is its slower pace, historic streets, and safe, flat, walkable...

info_outline
Toronto Canada Part 2 of 2 show art Toronto Canada Part 2 of 2

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

This episode is about Toronto, Canada. See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website​​ at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Toronto is another example of Step 3 travel, advanced solo travel. Other step 3 destinations in my Part B book include Banff, Whistler, and Vancouver.   Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is:  Toronto, Canada, part two of two   You may arrive at Pearson airport, like I did, which was a lovely airport ranked high among international airports. I had the opportunity to experience the Priority Pass lounge...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

Dr Mary Travelbest special Episode on Travel Independent Spectrum Level 5

 

In this episode: The Faq is: What’s the most challenging trip so far for Dr Travelbest?

This Special Episode is about Level 5 Travel, the most challenging.

Lesson learned getting a tow and the Tip is to Stay informed by tuning in to local news early

 

FAQ: The most challenging trip so far for Dr Travelbest has been not traveling during Covid (much travel that is).

I’m trying to flatten the curve in a small way. I’d like to be traveling every week, going somewhere new and what an adventure that will be. However, I’ve been patient and waiting until the bans are lifted and will have lots of travel ahead.

 

 

Today’s Independent Destination Travel Independent Spectrum Level 5 Difficult

 

This is travel to the countries that I’ve been to that would be considered Level 5 include these: Thailand, Taiwan, China, Korea, and Chile.

 

This is the peak level, or most difficult travel of all. Many of the listeners today will not make this kind of a trip, but it’s always a challenge to learn what’s available and dream about it.

I’ve been to different continents, all but Antarctica, and these Level 5 Difficult countries are not recommended for most US citizens to travel, for example regions of Asia or Africa, and can be impossible to visit some countries like North Korea. Level 5 difficult travel is about getting out and having unique experiences in nature, with countries you may not know how to spell, and to see people who are very different than you are.

 

If you are heading on a journey that is Level 5, I want you to be prepared for anything, including losing your passport, luggage, and cash. You want to have copies of everything important in a safe place and a backup ready for when you need it.

However, you may combine a level 5 with another level as well.

 

If you are heading to a country that is on this list, be sure to get all your documents prepared in advance, including birth certificate, passport and any vaccinations that are required or may be in the future. You may need a permit to visit the region, so ask.

In Tibet, only tour groups are allowed, and all tourism is currently closed during the pandemic. For travel to Mongolia, you will need a visa and a passport that has more than 6 months until it expires. Do keep checking the show notes to see any further news on vaccines.

 

http://mongolianembassy.us/mongolian-visa-information/

https://www.yowangdu.com/tibet-travel/visit-tibet.html

 

 

I’ve not been to places that take four days to get to from the USA, but they exist on our planet. This is level 5 planning at it’s best. My woman friend San-d is a scuba diver who goes on remote locations on small islands in the Indian Ocean. This takes time and energy to plan and to make a success. I would like to hear about your trip. Please share it with my travel group on Facebook, especially if it is a Level 5 trip.

 

 

Today’s lesson learned ----Getting a tow can be ok

 

Here’s the situation, I’m age 13, and in a canoe rowing the same stretch of water for what seems like hours. The current was too strong, and it was impossible to keep going in the same direction. This was a Girl Scout camp on Long Island, and it was a three-day canoe trip. Getting a tow from a nearby speedboat not only helped us move forward, it also gave us confidence we would finish our trip. In the long run, the lesson was healthy.

 

Today’s Travel Advice- stay ahead of local news

 

Read a local newspaper, even if it’s online, on where you’re going next. Here are three reasons to read a local paper

  1. Learn if there are any special events happening that you would not want to miss.
  2. In advance, find out if there is a crowd expected or a traffic alert that could prevent you from your activity.
  3. Be able to have a conversation with a local on things that are going on in the locale.