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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_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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