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_outlineIn this episode: FAQ: How can I avoid getting counterfeit money?
Today’s Special Edition is about Subscription Travel
Today’s Mistake- Putting on a wet bathing suit
Travel Advice: Stay alert when driving
In this episode: FAQ How can I avoid getting counterfeit money?
Answer: You don’t want to exchange your money outside of a reputable money exchange, such as a bank or a hotel or an airport. If you suspect that the currency is a fake, you should report it as soon as you can and not try to use it. Show notes have tips on how to spot counterfeit money.
https://losspreventionmedia.com/8-ways-to-spot-counterfeit-money/
Special Edition topic: Subscription Travel
Quick: Name 3 things you subscribe to. I’ll give you ten seconds.
Not one of them is likely travel-related, is it?
But you likely do subscribe to a travel item, and maybe don’t think of it much.
The special edition topic today will be subscription travel. Subscription travel has been around for many years but we just have not noticed it. I want to thank Elaine Glusac and the New York Times on May 6, 2022 for inspiring this episode.
You may already subscribe to several travel products including TSA global entry, free luggage on airplanes from your airline, awards programs, and other items like CLEAR, a fast way to clear airport security, which I describe in my book and earlier episodes.
You may already have TSA pre-check. I have that for 5 years which comes with Global Entry for another $15, total is $100 and well worth it.
Will subscription travel be in your future? It could become more popular in the future, experts say. Some other examples of subscriptions you have purchased could include Amazon account and Amazon product subscriptions like soap, Netflix, cable TV, and even magazines. Why not have a travel subscription?
The most expensive card I found in my research was for bragging rights, the Centurion Card or Black Card from American Express, which costs $5,000 per year. In order to get this you must spend at least $100,000 per year.
https://wallethub.com/most-exclusive-credit-cards
If you want a coworking space where you can, you have more choices. Selina offers lodgings and workspaces in many countries. Selina CoLIVE has deals for under $500 a month subscription. Users can stay for 30 days at up to three locations. Participants can pay month by month. The link in show notes is for a place in Panama. I found rooms there from $45 to $267 per night. In San Diego, I found places from $67 to 90 a night under the ITH branding, which seems a lot like a hostel.
https://www.selina.com/panama/
Today’s Mistake Putting on a wet bathing suit leads to yeast infections
https://www.livescience.com/63015-wet-bathing-suit-yeast-infection.html
Today’s Travel Advice: Stay alert when driving
If you think you may need to rest, stop the car. Rest. That is the safest way to find out if you need to rest. Do it. Find a safe area, pull over, and take a snooze.
You don’t want to fall asleep at the wheel.
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