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
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Today’s Destination : Iceland
Today’s Mistake- Allergies
Travel Advice: Before you travel, get your finances in order.
In this episode: FAQ How do I find out if the place I want to visit is open?
Answer: This is not the easiest question to answer, because the place you may want to visit could be open only during certain times, seasons or with certain weather conditions. It’s best to call ahead, to email, and to check the website for updates. You may also want to check social media and do a search for any fresh news. If the place you want to visit is closed, you may want to have a backup plan ready. For example, in Paris, the Louvre is closed on Mondays. I was planning to go that day, but made other arrangements for my first time in the city. Now, I know the days they are open.
Destination: Iceland
My sister Ellen was in Iceland in Winter 2020, at the start of the pandemic and says it is warmer than Iowa, where she lives, in the winter season. Thanks, Ellen, for this recap of your trip and advice.
There is a lot of wildlife, which I will mention in a bit.
Ellen and her husband had hurricanes with 70 mile per hour winds and a Blizzard. They were not allowed to go outside. They called it a Red Condition. While they were huddled inside, Glen got a spot of COVID as a souvenir, but he didn’t know it at the time.
Normally, the 9:15 sunrise is typical in winter, so there is a lot of DARK.
85% of people live in the city, for a total of about 360,000. It’s the lowest population density in Europe, at just 3 people per kilometer. Why? The geography is harsh in this Viking country.
She went to the Blue Lagoon, and experienced a non Geothermal heated luxury experience, Water beautiful, Stunning color. Soak Culture, she called it.
They saw remains of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, lava, moss, snow, and of course, glaciers. The Iceland Ring Road goes 800 miles around the country
They saw a lot of Animals: puffins not in winter, but would see them in summer, horses, arctic seagulls, yak, birds of many kinds
https://www.nordicvisitor.com/blog/in-focus-icelands-beautiful-wildlife/
https://icelandtrippers.com/animals-in-iceland/
They had to let go of food prices and what they thought. That was life.
They said to themselves, “$10,000 was 100. `` Just accept it.
Lamb and fish are very good.
Some tips include:
Prepare for any weather year round.
Need a coat.
Lots of tourists.
Bhe glacier was aqua.
Language not a barrier
Make jewelry from lava
https://a-z-animals.com/animals/location/europe/iceland/
Iceland is on my bucket list.
Today’s Mistake -Allergies
My son forgot his allergy pills in Hawaii. We were outside almost the entire trip. I didn’t realize it for a few days, and he was miserable. I had never taken pills before, so I did not realize what a difference it can make for a trip. Don’t forget your allergy pills when you travel, especially if you will be outdoors. If you do forget them, be sure to pick some up when you arrive. That is a mistake you should not have to suffer through.
Today’s Travel Advice: Before you travel, get your finances in order.
Pay your bills ahead of leaving for a big trip. That makes your head clear and your desk clean when you return home. There’s no worries about people calling for their money, because the check is on the way already. Leave your concerns behind when you travel.
I want to bring meaning to your travels. Send a question or travel tip to [email protected]. We can connect on my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Subscribe to YouTube, Twitter, or other social channels. Find 5 Steps to Solo Travel book series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect.
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