Bergen, Norway and solo travel in your prime
Dr 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...
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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...
info_outlineThis book just ranked in the top 4 of solo travel. Thank you. Please leave a review on Amazon for others to know how you liked this book and podcast! I would be so grateful to you! In this episode: FAQ is: Amy asked: How can I create my trip? Today’s Destination is Guangzhou, China
Today’s Mistake- Losing my sense of direction
Travel Advice: Keep your lip balm handy.
FAQ : Amy asked: How can I create my trip?
Answer: How to create YOUR own trip is what you want to be.
Start with writing out what you want to do. Put it on paper and you will see it, imagine it and then start beginning.
Get a map and start looking for the destinations and things that get you excited.
Talk to some friends who have been there and get some ideas on when the best time to travel would be for you. Then make plans, flights, sleeping arrangements, and transportation options.
Today’s episode destination is: Guangzhou, China
This is located in southern China, not too far from Hong Kong.
I spent a week in this city of 15 million people, which used to be called Canton, like the language of southern China, Cantonese. It is a bustling and busy industrial city for the most part. It was so modern, even more so than cities I know well. Most of my time was spent at the university, teaching. I was a guest lecturer at Sun Yat Sen University. It’s Ranked 159 worldwide among universities.
23,000 graduate studentsTotal enrollment: 85,100 (2011)
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/sun-yat-sen-university
Sun Yat-sen University, also known as Zhongshan University, is a public research university located in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China. It was founded in 1924 by and named after Sun Yat-sen, a revolutionary and the founder of the Republic of China. Wikipedia
Guangzhou has a maritime heritage stretching back over 2,000 years and its vast port is China's main transport and trading hub. It was also one of the starting points of the old Silk Road, a trading route that stretched across Asia.
Want to know more about Guangzhou? Here’s a few attractions I found by searching the city information. It’s on the Pearl River and has architecture such as Zaha Hadid’s Guangzhou Opera House, known as the “double pebble”; a carved box-shaped Guangdong Museum; and the iconic Canton TV Tower skyscraper, resembling a thin hourglass. The Chen Clan Ancestral Hall, a temple complex from 1894, also houses the Guangdong Folk Arts Museum.
How did I get around the city by myself? Bus, train and subway. And I did a lot of walking. The subways were easy to follow and brought me around the city quickly.. I explored the city, got a hotel room and afterwards, I took a high speed train to Shanghai, which is an even larger city in the north of China. Seeing China by train is such an experience and you may love it too. I was able to really get to know the changes that were taking place in the countryside as well as in the larger cities with this kind of travel.
Mistakes-Losing my sense of direction
One of the things that I am terrible at is my sense of spatial direction. I wish it was different, but reality is true. I need to retrace my steps, my directions and I get lost a lot. One of the best things is my mobile app for directions.
Get the cure for a bad sense of direction. Don’t be like me.
Travel Advice- Keep your lip balm handy.
Many of us get dry lips and the best remedy is a stick that gives comfort, such as chapstick, Carmex, or other relief from chapped lips. Always apply balm before topping with gloss. The color from the gloss will adhere better to the balm’s waxy texture.
gloss can dry out and that dries out lips. Apply balm before gloss. Get some hydration and color is better.
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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