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
info_outlineDr. travel best helps women travel solo.
In this episode: FAQ is: What is the best phone to get for a traveler? I’m not sure which will suit me for the price and the needs?
Today’s Destination is: Normandy, France
Today’s Mistake- Bringing too many heavy books
Travel Advice: Don’t eat the airport food if possible
FAQ: What is the best phone to get for a traveler? I’m not sure which will suit me for the price and the needs?
Answer:
I’ve owned nearly every kind of phone over the years. Samsung, HTC, Apple and others. They all have advantages and some disadvantages. Your carrier (like T-Mobile, Verizon or other) may have an offer for you to purchase or upgrade your current device. That’s the first place to check.
Many carriers now offer unlimited global phone calling, with some restrictions. You may switch carriers and get a free phone, too. Consider your options. A low cost alternative may cost you more in the long run. travelers should consider a second phone when they are in a Step 5 foreign country, so you don’t mix pleasure with your work. Burner phones are cheap and convenient if you need one.
Today’s destination: Normandy, France
Unless you have a car, the D-Day beaches in Northern France are best to be seen from a tour from a nearby town such as Bayeax. There are public buses, but they don’t run on Sundays. From Bayeax (pronounced Bai-oo), I took a taxi to Omaha Beach and the American cemetery in the summer. I also stayed in an airbnb in Caen. The trains there were easy to navigate. The city of “KAH” spelled C a e n is modern and commercialized. The Caen Memorial is a good place to see WW2 D Day history from the French perspective without going to the beaches. In town you will see the ruins of the chateau, which was William the Conqueror’s fortress, built in 1060 and restored. The Memorial was a must see for many visitors to the Normandy region. You may like to mix with locals at the flea market that I found in town, so check it out. Omaha Beach is where you will find the Monument to the Normandy Landings, and the Memorial d’Omaha Beach. It looks like a shed, big tanks and photography from the war. The outdoor hilltop at Omaha Beach, and yes, it is a beach, has the American Cemetery and Memorial. It is a stunning reminder of the price paid in human lives only decades ago.
Omaha Beach is a breathtaking experience.
The cemetery is huge and filled with dead soldiers.
This part of France belongs to the USA
If you have time and interest, you may also want to see Utah Beach and Gold Beach, plus Juno Beach, all along the English Channel. Another part of Normandy you may see is Mont-St Michel, a tidal island and commune. I did not get to visit and I want to arrive at high tide, when the water races across the sand. I hope to see that spectacular abbey on my next visit to Normandy.
The D-Day military invasion that helped to end World War II was one the most ambitious and consequential military campaigns in human history. In its strategy and scope—and its enormous stakes for the future of the free world—historians regard it among the greatest military achievements ever.
Today’s Mistake- Bringing too many heavy books
Today’s Travel Advice-Skip the airport food if possible.
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