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. 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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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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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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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 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 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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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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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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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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In this episode: FAQ is: Since airlines don’t provide food on flights, what is the best airport food service?
Today’s Destination is: Glacier National Park
Today’s Mistake- Don’t always follow Google Maps
Travel Advice: Pick your room at a hotel.
FAQ: Joan asks, Since airlines don’t provide food on flights, what is the best airport food service?
Answer: Since airlines are not feeding most people, your robotic and app-powered food delivery service is growing in airports. There are firms that allow you to order, pay and pick up food from participating airport restaurants.
There’s a firm called, “At Your Gate” that has a service where a robot brings you food in the Los Angeles Airport. Their slogan is “don’t fly hungry.” You can order a day ahead of your flight if you wish. Overall, I prefer to bring my food to the airport, but in case you can’t this is an option.
https://www.atyourgate.com/
Destination: Glacier National Park, Montana
https://www.nps.gov/glac/index.htm
Glacier's pristine forests, alpine meadows, rugged mountains, and spectacular lakes. With over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is a hiker's paradise for adventurous visitors seeking wilderness and solitude. Re-live the days of old through historic chalets and lodges.
Montana is wide open territory.
Open from May 27-Sept 11
Day use visitors will need a ticket to access Going to the Sun Road at the West Entrance.
The new Camas entrance opens this spring.
Camas Road is a great way to quickly get away from the crowds of GNP via an auto tour either first thing in the morning or at dusk. Great opportunity for a chance to encounter wildlife. Down at the bridge that crosses the river, we spotted a beaver swimming in the water and a bald eagle flying overhead. Another bird of prey flew by, and while driving further down the road, a wolf quickly crossed the road. At the river you have a great view of the entire mountain range. Beautiful location that is easy to get to.
St. Mary Entrance opens in late June when the snow melts.
A separate pass is required to explore the North Fork area via the Polebridge Ranger Station.
Tickets come available as soon as March. Part of the park is in Canada. Bring your passports because you’ll want to see both sides of the park.
Today’s Mistake- Don’t always follow Google Maps.
I was lost due to Google Maps. I was heading to the Tijuana International Airport, and I wanted to park on the US side. The map told me to go straight, but I should have turned right on Britannia Blvd. Since I missed the turn, I was in truck traffic waiting for the border. Finally, I was able to make the exit, go to a side street and then go back to where I should have exited the highway. Don’t always follow the Google Map, because where you are going may be different than where they direct you. Use your judgment, too.
Today’s Travel Advice-.Pick your room at a hotel.
Did you know you can now book a room better? Most of the large hotel chains allow you to use their app for displaying a map of the hotel and allow you to select your exact room of choice, whether it’s a peaceful room far from the elevator or the one nearby for easy access.You can also instantly confirm connecting rooms, which is helpful for larger groups and families. Most of the chains now offer live chat, too. Check to see if your hotel chain has an app and what it offers you.
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 5 Steps to Solo Travel.
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