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...
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Toronto Canada Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Toronto Part 1 of 2 FAQ: Do you travel on public transport? Let’s explore one city. The FAQ for today is: How would I travel around Toronto on public transport, if needed? Here are a few facts about their public transit. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is your central transit system—includes: Subway Streetcars (trams) Buses PRESTO Card is the smart fare card you'll want to use. It gives discounted fares for seniors (65+). Ask ChatGPT about the best travel options for you, whether it's the subway or any other mode of transportation. It will provide detailed information instantly....
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What is Step Four?
Step 4: You’re already taken several independent trips, but not yet in a far away country or a foreign language environment. Maybe you dream about going to Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the UK, Germany (as most speak English there) or internally within Mexico, here’s to your next step out to experience a new local culture. Only this is by yourself solo, or with a friend, independently, but not on a guided tour.
Step 4 is the second to last step of Solo Travel. It will be the final step for many readers, and it’s a big accomplishment getting here. Congratulations to you if you made it this far. I’d love to hear from you. If you travel to a far foreign country, such as Australia, New Zealand, or even Germany, this would be breaking into Step 4. You may be wondering why Germany is on this list. This is because you can travel to many counties in Europe without speaking the local tongue. Most of the people there speak English as a second language. Step 4 is for the solo traveler who wants to explore new countries but is not proficient in the countries’ languages. Like Germany, you may discover several European countries which don’t require you to speak their local language to travel independently.
You may set a goal for yourself to complete the journey to Step 4. This is experienced travel. In this stage, you are confident because you have already mastered the art of going places with your own itinerary, even if it’s just for part of the trip. You’ve learned from making your own travel mistakes, and how to recover from them. Just listen to some of my lessons and mistakes in every episode. It may be hard, but it’s not something to complain about. During this training stage, just try not to repeat the same mistakes. Step 4 will still require courage and some planning, but you can plan a more spontaneous trip—perhaps, just a few days ahead, instead of weeks or even months into the future. Step 4 might be a trip to Ireland. Here, you’ll be driving on the left side of the road. Most people speak English and have similar customs and heritage with other European countries and America. Gaelic or Irish is the traditional language, but most people also speak English here. Finding your way around is increasingly fun and full of surprises in Step 4. As for currency, you can count your change and pay with the local currency, by doing the conversion in your head or using your smartphone apps. Step 4 includes these other aspects of staying in foreign countries. Most people speak English. This will allow you to read maps, ride buses and trains and purchase things you need, such as food and shelter easily, though learning some of the local pleasantries “hello,” “please,” and “thank you” can go a long way in building mutual respect.
Here’s two sample step four tips from the book:
Extra hydration matters
Do you hydrate enough? I repeat this message about water, because when you don’t have your normal daily habits, it’s easy to forget to hydrate. Make a conscious effort to drink a lot of water. Drinking water increases energy. It sharpens your thinking and focus, flushes out toxins and regulates body temperature. So, drink up. Water, juices, or other liquids will improve your life and your skin tone, too.
If you enjoyed these short tips, let me know. Several of you listeners are not in the USA now, so your step 4 will be about travel to a country far away from your home country, but mostly in the same language you currently speak.
Cooking on the road tips for Step 4
When I visit a new city, my first stop is usually a grocery store or bodega to find out what the cultural tastes are. This can be on the way to anywhere, as you find food stores from roadstands to shopping in stores where anything is sold. For Step Four food and drinks, you can stock up for your trip and cook in your AirBNB or snack your meals in your car when you take a break.
Now back to learning about Step 4 particulars.
Step 4 is challenging for the solo or independent traveler. Step 4 means you have completed several independent trips already and used your passport multiple times. Step 4 is the second to last step of the independent travel steps. It will be the final step for most of those listening, because it’s a big step getting here.
Germany is on this list because you can travel to Germany without speaking German. Most of the people there speak English as a second language. All these trips will require a passport, and some will need a visa. If you have less than six months left on your passport, you should apply for a new one soon.
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 5 Steps to Solo Travel.
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