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