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: .The FAQ is: What is the best way to test out the van life for me?
Today’s Destination : Durango Part 1
Today’s Mistake- Toll Booth mishap
Travel Advice: Tell a joke to someone you meet
In this episode: FAQ What is the best way to test out van life for me? My friend Victoria is testing out vans for a possible retirement.
Answer:
If you want to retire and live in a van, I encourage you to practice with some friends who already do this kind of travel. Ask them to set you up with a trip and help you navigate the way to become a van life person. You need to tell them about your experience if you have any, or not. Be frank and clear on your expectations and your needs.
Then when it comes to getting the van, they will be on board, and you will be able to learn from them what this takes. It’s about the experience. You will find several reasons to go and others NOT to join the van life experience, but you’ll never know if you like it until you try it out yourself. The show notes have a link to the not so pretty side of van life. This person would rather stay in a fancy hotel, so be warned. Not everyone wants the van life.
https://www.nytimes.com/2022/04/20/magazine/van-life-dwelling.html
Destination: Durango Part 1
There’s a new Pedestrian bridge in Durango. That’s a big deal for the locals, like my friends Deb and Ken, who live here. . It’s a small town in the southern and western part of Colorado. I drove there from Phoenix this spring. When asked if they had a lot of snow, the answer was:
“I used my snow blowers 4 x last winter” so no.
Locals will discuss that the Mining industry is big
The Smelter processes ore from Silverton.
The history includes facts like “The Town Marshall got gunned down in town.”
For a more recent history, I learned about a neighborhood called Tupperware Heights, built in the 50’s
I had the experience of Yoga Durango, Flying Fish open on Fridays, driving the Loop around Fort Lewis College and seeing Activities: ski hill and skate rink
There are plenty of Cyclists, which is why Orthopedic surgeons do very well here because of these sports enthusiasts
https://www.durango.org/things-to-do/
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g33397-Activities-Durango_Colorado.html
Historic downtown shows well, including 3rd Avenue Churches and houses.
Next episode will be the drive from Durango to Phoenix
Today’s Mistake Toll Booth mishap
Today’s Travel Advice: Tell a joke to someone you like
When you travel solo, you meet a lot of people that you may never see again. Try telling a joke to a person you meet and make them smile. That will make their day, too. The show notes have a list of clean adult jokes you can find easily. Here’s one: What do dentists call their x rays? Tooth Pics.
https://parade.com/1041830/marynliles/clean-jokes/
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