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 Mistake- I Couldn’t sleep
Travel Advice: Pack an extra toothbrush
FAQ: What are the best and easiest snacks to bring on a trip?
Answer: My favorite snack food is nuts, mixed with a trail type snack that’s packed in small baggies by me. I buy larger sizes and transfer them to the size that I need for my trips. I mix it up a bit, with the ingredients, such as berries, coconut, seeds and other non-salty flavors. If I am craving salty snacks, I like the idea of edamame or popcorn. Even cheese can help me with satisfying this craving. The only other favorite is fruit, but most of the time this will need to be chilled.
https://www.today.com/health/9-cheap-healthy-snacks-when-you-re-craving-something-salty-t192259
Today’s destination: Fort Myers, Florida
Fort Myers is a fast growing coastal city in and the county seat and commercial center of Lee County. The population has been growing from about 62,000 in 2010 to about 90,000 in 2020.
I was heading to Florida for a trip and got some good advice on this destination from a friend’s cousin, Beth Ann. There is so much going on here. I have to thank my friend Jo Balsamo Wood for her help in navigating my solo trip.
In Fort Myers, visit Manatee State Park, Edison-Ford Winter Estates,
https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/
For lunch or dinner, visit the Mucky Duck restaurant on Sanibel Island, which is right by the beach.
Check out the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel, the Lighthouse on Lighthouse Beach on Sanibel. You can even take a sunset boat cruise from Fort Myers Beach and see the dolphins.
There is also Koreshan State Park worth visiting, located on U.S. Highway 41 at Corkscrew Road. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places .
Beth Ann likes kayaking or canoeing, there’s the Estero River or further south at Clam Pass. She recommends parasailing on Fort Myers Beach—lots of fun! Just south in Naples are the Naples Botanical Gardens-very lovely!
A bit outside of the city, you will find these. Tampa: e bor Ybor City, The Florida Aquarium, Henry Plant Museum on campus of U. Of Tampa
St Petersburg: The Salvador Dali Museum
Sarasota: The Ringling Museum, and next to that The Car Museum, The Mote Aquarium, Selby Gardens, which was having a special exhibit on art.
North Port is on the way to Fort Myers: Warm Mineral Springs, said to have healing powers! There are signs off I-75 directing you there.
May you have a great visit to the Fort Myers area as a destination.
Today’s Mistake- I Couldn’t sleep
I could not fall asleep and I just lay there awake, which was not a good plan. I spent most of the night worrying about not sleeping, which was also making things worse. If that happens to you, don’t be like me. Instead, do one of the following: pray for peace and comfort, breathe deeply and quietly with eyes closed and rest every part of your body. If those don’t work, try taking a hot bath or shower and that may be what needs to happen for the sleep to arrive.
Today’s Travel Advice-Pack an extra toothbrush
Taking care of your oral hygiene is a long term project and every day you think of your teeth as precious gems, you will prolong their life. Pack an extra toothbrush and some extra floss and picks. You never know when you’ll be away from the comfort of running water for best tooth care. So bring this with you and you will be glad you did. Your dentist will notice your big smile when you make your next visit.
Today I want to bring meaning to your travels. 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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