Libsyn Directory

Denali National Park, Alaska

Release Date: 08/05/2022

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

Medellin, Colombia Part 1

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

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...

Galapagos, Ecuador

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

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...

Haarlem, Netherlands

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

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...

Toronto Canada Part 2 of 2

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

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...

More Episodes

In this episode: FAQ is: Should I join a frequent flier program tied in with my airline?

Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska

Today’s Mistake- Carrying a paper bag down the departure hallway and spilling the starbucks coffee

Travel Advice: Jetlag tips

FAQ: Should I join a frequent flier program tied in with my airline?

Answer: That depends on the cost and if she will get any value back from this. I have been a member of American Airlines since 1982, and in the early days, there were some good perks. Later, United had some very good loyalty programs that I liked. Today, you may need to pay the fee for a basic credit card, somewhere near $75. Annually. So, if that seems reasonable, you may invest in it.

Alaska Airlines is affiliated with Bank of America. They offer a companion ticket, but you still need to pay $99 plus the taxes and fees. They have set the bar even higher, because you need to spend a certain amount of money within the first few months of owning the card. So, in essence, you are working for the card, while B of A gets to keep your data and spending information, along with your travel preferences. It may take 6 months to get your credentials. Then you can book a ticket with a companion. Do you want to wait 6 months? When you purchase your tickets, you can only buy them 300 days in advance, and the pricing is not always the best available. So consider all of the factors.

Today’s destination: Denali National Park, Alaska

(formerly Mt McKinley)

The park was built in the 1920’s and 1930’s. If you’re going to the park, consider the summer Solstice, hike at midnight.

You can sit outside at 2am and it’s still not dark.

I’ve been here twice on the Denali tour bus; inside the park they use basic school buses for your choice of tour length. This is my recommendation that you take the longest tour you can take so you see as much of the park as possible on the bus, with multiple stops for rest and photo breaks.

Private vehicles belong to the park rangers or wildlife biologists who have a permit in the windshield that allows them in. The campground is at mile 29 in the road and as far as you can drive, to the Savage River. With reservations, you can drive your cars into camp. You need to stay at least three nights, and you can only drive in on the first day and out the last day. I saw some RV’s and campers, but mostly park buses. It can be dusty out there in the summer.

Today’s Mistake- I was a sandy mess

I’ve been buried at the beach by my friends, but what a sandy mess that was. If your friends plan to bury you at the beach, be sure you wrap your body in a towel or something that will protect you from the sand. After getting out of the ocean, I still had sand almost all over my body, especially in my ear and hair. Don’t do this.

Today’s Travel Advice- Jet Lag tips

Get on the schedule of where you are going a couple of days early. Need a way to limit your jetlag? How about an app? Here are some suggested ones.

Timeshifter. Timeshifter is an app that helps resynchronize your circadian clock with your new time zone through a unique sleep, light and caffeine schedule. ...