Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? Today’s Destination is Acadia National Park Today’s Mistake- My own car crash in parking garage Travel Advice: Travel pillows FOR SLEEPING on planes FAQ: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? AARP is offering some airline travel tips that may answer this question. First, some facts. In 2019, the FAA reported 146 cases of bad behavior on planes, but in 2021, that number grew to more than 1,000. That was out of nearly 6,000 cases of unruly...
info_outline Special Edition: London, England Airports RankedDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Special Edition: London, England Airports In this episode, the FAQ is: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Today’s Destination is: London Airports Today’s Misstep- Wearing the wrong shoes Travel Advice: When buying an airline ticket, pause. FAQ: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Expect more opportunities for local immersion, where you can experience the daily life of local communities through homestays, service projects, and interactive cultural programs for seniors. Solo female travel is on the rise, with women...
info_outline Delhi, India Part 2Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 2 In this episode, your FAQ is: Safety in India for solo travelers Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India. Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Cellphone issues that were my fault and more Travel Advice: Safety tips for travel in Delhi. FAQ: Let’s talk about safety in India. My friend Kathryn is going to Delhi and is worried about being a solo woman. Can I talk to her about what she can expect? The short answer is that Kathryn is already back home, and she had a great trip, but she was nervous and needed confirmation that all would be well. Today’s destination: Delhi, India Part 2...
info_outline Delhi, India Part 1Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 1 In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going? Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast: Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. For more local alerts, sign up for location-based apps on Google...
info_outline Phu Quoc VietnamDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Phu Quok, Vietnam In this episode, the FAQ is: What’s the best water bottle for travel? Today’s Destination is: Phu Quoc, Vietnam Today’s Misstep- I Booked a room under construction and How I upgraded. Travel Advice: Take a small risk, not always a big one in Vietnam FAQ: What’s the best water bottle for travel? The top 10 water bottles for a solo senior female traveler will be on this list, including price, from the least to most expensive in the show notes. They range from $11 to $90. Vapur Anti-Bottle Collapsible Water Bottle - $11–$14 Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free...
info_outline Edinburgh, ScotlandDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Edinburgh, Scotland Today’s Misstep- Too much of a good thing Travel Advice: Eat early, rest early FAQ: How do I remember to stretch while on the road? Answer: Tips for Remembering to Stretch: Set Phone Reminders: Schedule gentle reminders on your phone for morning and evening stretches. This way, it’s a built-in routine, just like brushing your teeth. Tie it to Daily Activities: Stretch after sitting for long periods, like after a meal or a bus/train ride. This helps to break up stiffness and becomes part of your rhythm. Use Cues...
info_outline Coventry, EnglandDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is Coventry, England Today’s Misstep- Manila Airport was a disaster Travel Advice: Bring the thing you usually forget FAQ: What are some simple exercises for travelers, especially solo females in their prime? Here are five I recommend: Walking: Aim for a daily walk to explore your surroundings. It's an easy way to keep your body moving and enjoy the local sights. Leg and Ankle Stretches: Sitting stretches are perfect for waiting in lines or resting. Flex and extend your ankles, or gently lift and lower your legs. Back and Shoulderstretches: Do these to...
info_outline Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibilityDr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: How do I best enjoy the Cabrillo Park? Today’s Destination is Cabrillo National Monument Accessibility Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Don’t forget to stretch like I did. Travel Advice: Swimming? Watch your valuables. FAQ: My friends ask me how do I enjoy the Cabrillo Park. I love this question. First, you have to plan for it, so bring your National Park Pass and try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the slow days. Park at the top and see the lighthouse. It’s iconic. Then visit the overlook to the city of San Diego and see the boats go in and out...
info_outline Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guidesDr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: Can AI really help me travel? Today’s Destination: Cabrillo National Monument Experience Part 1 Today’s Misstep- Mark Twain jokes about European tour guides in his travel books. Travel Advice: If you are interested in travel and do as you listen here, why not purchase a guide that answers most of your questions in one place? FAQ: Can really AI help me travel? Answer: AI is a great tool kit for travel. Yes, but be sure to check for accuracy and hallucinations. You will also find bias. But you can start...
info_outline Best of Denali National Park, AlaskaDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
info_outlineToday’s Destination is: La Jolla, California
Today’s Mistake- I needed another suitcase for the trip home
Travel Advice: Noise Canceling Headphones are best
FAQ: When do I need a covid test for travel?
Answer: There’s a lot of confusion now about getting the right covid test for travel. Some countries require a proof of vaccination and others require testing. Some require both.
CDC gives the following information:
Travel guidance and risk assessment.
This tells you what countries are the most risky for your current travel. Level 4 is high risk. There is also a level where it’s unknown about the risk level, so it’s recommended to read this before travel.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/map-and-travel-notices.html
List of what types of tests there are and which countries require which kind of test. This is up to date, so that’s the most reliable information. Check with your airlines, your state department and the CDC for best information on travel.
Today’s destination: La Jolla, California
My first visit to La Jolla, California was in 1977 and I had a chance to visit the beautiful beaches and ride a minibike in the hills.
It’s a northern suburb of San Diego.
One of my favorite things to do in downtown La Jolla is to watch the people. Shopping along the main streets brings all kinds of travelers, and watching them is a treat.
I would recommend take a walk along the water and see the Seals
Walk the Cove
https://lajolla.com/guides/la-jolla-cove/
If you are a good swimmer, then jump in the water and Swim to the buoy. You may even find a seal or sea lion nearby.
Stay in the La Jolla Cove Hotel
Walk through the pink La Valencia
If you are driving through and want to see some great scenery, follow the golden road up the hill from Pacific Beach to Mt. Soledad to downtown La Jolla and La Jolla Shores. Keep looking for the yellow lines on the street and you will be fine. They will be your guide.
The Scripps Pier along the ocean is beautiful for iconic photography.
Institution of Oceanography at Scripps is for science and exploration.
Visit the Aquarium and UCSD
Today’s Mistake- I needed another suitcase for the trip home
I had too much stuff. I needed an extra suitcase for the trip home, so I went to the nearby Goodwill store and bought one and saved myself. I was only going to use it one time, so I didn’t really care about the looks. I put a plastic bag in before I packed my clothes, and inspected carefully for any evidence of mold, insects or dirt. Nothing. It was a save!
Today’s Travel Advice- Noise Canceling Headphones are best
Good earbuds make a difference. Take care of your ears and your hearing and invest in better ear protection if you can. Cheap headphones and sounds that are foreign to humans are not always going to help your ears down the road. Many of us will be finding hearing challenges in the future, so protect your hearing now while you can.
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