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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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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Toronto Part 1 of 2 FAQ: Do you travel on public transport? Let’s explore one city. The FAQ for today is: How would I travel around Toronto on public transport, if needed? Here are a few facts about their public transit. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is your central transit system—includes: Subway Streetcars (trams) Buses PRESTO Card is the smart fare card you'll want to use. It gives discounted fares for seniors (65+). Ask ChatGPT about the best travel options for you, whether it's the subway or any other mode of transportation. It will provide detailed information instantly....
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Where in the world am I? In San Diego today. Trip Summary 2 Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, recently on a 90-day journey around the world, excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences. Listener Story Spotlight Today's listener story is about 79 year old Sandi Biback who I met in Toronto and helped organize an afternoon with women from the JourneyWoman organization. She was called in to help and rose to the occasion. She is traveling to Bhutan in October and has shared several tips with me for purchasing Travel insurance. She's seasoned in...
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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