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...
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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...
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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...
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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
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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
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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 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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