Chattanooga, Tennessee
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: How can I take a walking tour when I arrive in a city? . Today’s Destination is: Chattanooga, Tennessee Today’s Misstep- Getting stopped by TSA security Travel Advice: Plan for the unexpected FAQ: How can I get the walking tour when I get to a city? Response: A guided walking tour of a city is a treat for a solo traveler, especially for a woman who is interested in its history. The more popular ones are through platforms like Viator, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, and FreeWalkingtoursbylocals.com, but there are many ways to score a tour...
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Estes Park, Colorado
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, FAQ is: What are etias visas, and when are they required? Today’s Destination is: Estes Park, Colorado Today’s Mistake- I am not a foodie, but I love learning about new foods. I need to be braver. Travel Advice: check your loyalty points and miles frequently for errors FAQ: What are etias documents and when are they required? Let’s make it simple: it’s not a visa. It’s a visa waiver. Starting in 2025, the ETIAS will be required for Americans traveling to Europe. US citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. From 2025 on,...
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Akureyri and Northern Iceland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Akureyri and Northern Iceland Today’s Misstep- My hostel was self-service, and someone was in my bed. Travel Advice: Be on time if you are on a tour. FAQ: How do I navigate the city bus system when I don’t speak the language? Response: I traveled around the world for 90 days, and most of the time, I did not speak the language of that country. I had some challenges riding the bus in some cities; for example, Reykjavik, Iceland, was a minor disaster. You can use travel apps like Rome to Rio for bus or train travel guidance. You'll be able to get to the...
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Louisville, and the Kentucky Derby
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ: How do I make small talk when you are on the road with a stranger? Destination: Louisville, Ky Today’s Mistake-Getting lost in Louisville Travel Advice: Pack half your suitcase with giveaways and gifts. FAQ: How do I make small talk with a stranger when you are on the road? Start small with a question or comment about the weather, date, location, or event you are both at or have just attended. Do they seem to have something in common with you? You can gently ask how they are doing today. Today’s destination: Louisville, KY Derby is on the...
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"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….”
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….” Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide for women like you who need extra support traveling the world (slowly), one woman at a time. Please rate this podcast and the Amazon book series, especially Part B on Destinations! I’ve been traveling solo since 1972 and writing about it since 1993. Now you can experience the Top Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, a Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, found on Amazon. I recently...
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"Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers"
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
"Savoring Solitude: Women's Guide to Eating Out Alone While Traveling" "Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers" You have three meals a day, and you are solo. What do you do to enjoy these meals by yourself? You can have some great times if you follow these tips, or maybe you can add more tips for other travelers. Eating out alone can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for solo travelers, including women aged 60 and above. Here are some tips to make dining alone more comfortable and enjoyable: Choose the Right Restaurant: Choose restaurants...
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San Francisco Airport "Wings and Wanderlust"
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode: FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like? Destination: San Francisco Airport "Wings and Wanderlust: Solo Female Traveler's Guide to SFO" Today’s Mistake- I left my phone on the airline counter at the SFO airport. Travel Advice: Relax in the Airport Yoga Room, if in SFO anyway…. FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like? Answers 1 or 2 1. Ask the right questions if you want to get good responses to your questions about others' travels. Instead of “How was...
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Osaka Japan
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode: FAQ: What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel? Destination: Osaka, Japan Today’s Mistake- My global entry card has my name wrong. Travel Advice: Use AI when planning your next trip FAQ: A Facebook group member asked us, “What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?” Answer: Unexpected weather changes are not uncommon, but they can still pose a challenge when traveling, especially when solo. If I were faced with a sudden shift from sunny and warm to rainy and cold weather while on a trip, I...
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National Park Service and Foundation
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Mistake- I was a stunt woman at Universal Studios and ended up in the hospital. Travel Advice: Always pack a bathing suit. Today’s destination: National Park Foundation and Service I support the National Park Service in the USA by purchasing a yearly wall calendar. The images are beautiful. I also have a Senior Pass, which you can get for your lifetime, starting at age 62. Buy it at any park or online. Don’t lose it. It’s worth a lot for your traveling. Membership has its perks! That includes free admission. Have you been to Yosemite? Yellowstone? Are...
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Best of Cairns Australia
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
info_outlineToday’s Special Edition is on AARP Travel
Today’s Mistake- Being frazzled in the airport
Travel Advice: Room service is overrated.
FAQ: Karen asks: Is there an age requirement for AARP?
Answer: What is AARP's Membership Age? While AARP is dedicated to people over 50, there is no minimum age to join. People of all ages can get an AARP membership for as low as $12 per year with auto-renewal. Anyone can become an AARP member and gain access to hundreds of discounts, programs and resources.
My brother joined when he was 40. You can join at any age. They have a promo now if you purchase 5 years of membership. That sounds like a good offer if you plan on being a traveler soon.
Today’s Special Edition is on AARP Travel
I’ve been an AARP member, which stands for American Association of Retired Persons.
I’m on their mailing lists and get a lot of travel information from them. Some years I join and others I don’t.
They make travel a worry-free experience with partners who are tested.
I recently got a magazine from one of their vendors, Grand European Travel, or GET tours. This vendor has tours in every continent with discounts if you book early for summer travel. I like to look at these brochures and dream about travel, and the places that I will go. Good photography is their high standard. They also claim to be eco-friendly. Each of these tours is with a trained guide.
AARP doesn't protect Social Security and Medicare. It prevents any serious discussion of meaningfully reforming these programs, which are in great danger of becoming insolvent. AARP, with its nearly 38 million members, is one of the most powerful lobbying organizations in Washington. AARP members can receive discounts at Walgreens, RiteAid, Kohl's, Goodwill, UPS, and TJ Maxx..The AARP is a massive organization that boasts around 38 million members in the United States. Because of its stature, AARP has the ability to partner with big companies and give their members all of their discounts, benefits, resources, advice, and other things.
You can get discounts for restaurants like McCormick & Schmick’s, Claim Jumper, Outback Steakhouse, Denny’s, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and many more. You can also get discounts on entertainment options like Regal movie tickets, Ticketmaster, and Ancestry.
There are financial benefits that come with investing in an AARP membership that can be effective in helping you deal with your money and retirement. Some of the benefits you can receive from having an AARP membership include money management links and worksheet and Social Security benefits calculator. This calculator helps individuals to determine when they can expect to start receiving Social Security benefits.The AARP also provides identity theft protection services, which is very important.
Today’s Mistake-Being frazzled in the airport
I was hot, tired and hungry in an airport recently. I wanted to purchase a water bottle. It was $5 bucks. I can’t drink water in Mexico unless it’s been treated or I will get sick. I was thinking about that as I packed up my wallet to leave. But I almost left the water behind on the counter. That’s careless behavior. The cashier called after me, “you forgot your water.” Of course I thanked her. That was kind.
Today’s Travel Advice- Room service is overrated.
Instead of ordering room service, many hotels let you order food from around town. Hyatt has a pilot program for snack delivery with GoPuff app to deliver prepackaged and hot mails to rooms in certain of their properties. So far it’s going well, they say. See the show notes for the link. Thousands of items delivered fast for as little as $3 fee. Think about ice cream, cookies or yogurt delivery.
Today I want to bring meaning to your travel. Send me your travel tip. You can send it to my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. You can send to my Twitter, blog, and maybe you’ll see your tips in Dr Travelbest’s Travel Independent Spectrum.
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