Oslo, Norway Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo Part 1 Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I had my second solo 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Amara, who wants to travel more. She asked: How can I plan a trip like you do, Dr. Travelbest? Would I love to take some of the trips you have been on? I’m not sure where to start. I hear a lot from YOU, but how do I do it? Answer: Getting started is like this. Take small trips until you build up your travel muscles. I...
info_outline
Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Milwaukee, Wisconsin episode I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself the Best Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, a book series found on Amazon. Please rate this podcast and the book! The FAQ is “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or suddenly can’t continue my trip alone?” Today’s Mistake- Staying in a destination too long because leaving feels like failure Travel Advice: Organize your apps FAQ: “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or...
info_outline
Krakow, Poland and Selecting Accomodations
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Krakow . Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. Today, we will discuss Krakow, Poland, and when to admit you are not ready for a trip. We will discuss passports and then my travel mistakes. Get ready now, as we are starting. The FAQ is: Marcia, who recently returned from a solo trip to Antarctica, asked: “At what point does a destination become a bad match for my solo senior travel — and how do I admit...
info_outline
Gdansk, Poland and Why Travel to Poland?
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today's Episode is about Gdansk, Poland The FAQ is: Why visit Poland? Answer: Poland is one of the places that Chicagoans love to talk about. It’s home to many people of Polish descent. If you enjoyed today’s Confidence Challenge on your essential documents, my book series Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Gdansk, Poland Connect with Dr. Travelbest on YouTube
info_outline
Bergen, Norway and solo travel in your prime
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today, we'll talk about Bergen, Norway. The FAQ is: Julie asked: How can I pack for several seasons in the same small pack? Answer: It’s going to be a challenge if you are moving to different zones in your trip. When I was in South Africa in June, the winter weather was a challenge, as there was no heat in the homes where I stayed. I used hot water bottles in bed at night. I also wore all of my clothes. A week later, I was in Greece and gave away the warm clothes to a new friend from England. She was a South Korean, grateful. You can experiment with what you need right away and then...
info_outline
Best of Mexico (From the Archives)
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This podcast series helped launch the now famous book series, Five Steps to Solo Travel. Now you are able to listen to one of the eariest versions of the show, and it's still relevant today. This episode takes you to Baja, Mexico. You will learn to drive to Ensenada, the Valle de Guadalupe and other destinations. Find your confidence through the FAQ's and also my mistakes and errors, so you won't make the same ones. This is snackable, without any filters, just a great listen for you now. Follow Dr. Travelbest here on your favorite channel, on TikTok, on IG and FB. We have an...
info_outline
Quito, Ecuador and packing for South America
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ:” Let’s quickly address how to pack for South America. If you are in the winter, it's summer, so you don’t need many clothes; pack light. I only took a personal item, but I had to wash it often, and I had only one pair of sneakers. No laptop. It helped me travel quickly and efficiently on planes, trains, and buses. In their winter, our summer, you should have many layers and a raincoat. I was able to buy what I needed or forgot while I was there, and the dollar was strong. On my first trip to South America, about 30 years ago, I went skiing in Chile, and I had to bring...
info_outline
Niagara Falls, Canada
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is Dr. Mary Travelbest, and we'll be talking about Niagara Falls, Canada. See Book A for guidance on saving money on airline tickets and more. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: “A Day at Niagara Falls – Solo, Soaked & Spectacular” Today, we're diving into the thundering wonder that is Niagara Falls, from a solo female traveler’s lens — and yes, I got a little wet. On the Road to the Falls I took the FlixBus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The ride is scenic and comfortable, even with a bit of drama—my Toronto Metro train broke down this morning. I had to get...
info_outline
Best of Dr. Mary Travelbest - Dr. Travelbest History plus solo vs group travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This episode aired in 2022, so if you missed it, find out more about the origins of the Dr. Mary Travelbest story. We are now on episode 350 and counting, so let us hear from you. @drmarytravelbest Give a gift of solo travel to a loved one. Find out more.... Thanks for Connecting further with Dr. Travelbest
info_outline
Lima Peru and airport luxury 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_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.
Connect with Dr Travelbest
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page