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...
info_outlineDr Mary Travelbest Guide
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...
info_outlineDr Mary Travelbest Guide
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...
info_outlineDr Mary Travelbest Guide
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
info_outlineDr Mary Travelbest Guide
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...
info_outlineDr 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...
info_outlineDr 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...
info_outlineDr 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...
info_outlineDr 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
info_outlineDr 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...
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.
Connect with Dr Travelbest
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page