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
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In this episode: FAQ is: What should you bring on an airplane?
Today’s Destination is: Hawaii’s Big Island
Today’s Mistake- Not taking responsibility for my actions
Travel Advice: Eating Mana musibi and Spam in Hawaii
FAQ: What should you bring on an airplane, asks Carole?
Answer: Bring your small luggage and place that overhead if you can. Put your small bag by your feet and in that you will have the things to use on the flight.
What should be in your small bag? Your sweater, a small snack, water bottle, phone, earbuds, and phone charger, toothbrush and floss, and something to read. You should have warm socks in case you feel cold feet. Airlines don’t always have blankets and pillows anymore. Noise canceling headphones may be the best device you invest in for a long flight. And consider eye covers and a pillow for your neck if you want to sleep. Even If you did check your bag, you still may want to have a change of underwear and t-shirt in case the luggage gets misplaced.
Bring your food on the airplane to be sure you get what you want and when you want it. What works well may be fruit and a sandwich. On Southwest Airlines, they no longer give out peanuts. Today, as I am writing this, I was given a choice of Ritz Cheese crackers, Oreos, and corn chips. These are not very healthy options, especially on a five hour cross country flight.
Be sure to stay hydrated. You lose water when you fly. It’s dry, even if you don’t feel it. The longer your flight, the more water intake you need.
Today's destination: Hawaii’s Big Island
https://www.hawaiitours.com/to-do/evening-volcano-explorer/
Island Insiders know the best sunrise views.You can take a helicopter tour, or a zipline experience if you wish. I stayed in Kona, on the west side of the island, and drove my rental car to the southernmost point of the USA and then to the eastern area of Hilo. From there, I drove to the Mauna Loa and Mauna Kea Volcano areas, where I saw snow at the peak. I did not hike up there, but had a good view from the Visitor’s Center. Driving around the island, you are going to need to rent a car to really see the most of this island.
Shave ice is a popular beverage here. Another drink that is unique is Awa. It’s also known as kava kava. Relaxing, good for anxiety and depression. Very earthy. Milky, minty. Feel a tingle in your mouth. Tongue gets numb. Check for side effects.
https://fruitstand.com/blogs/experiences/how-to-drink-awa
Kava Kava Root Supplements: Benefits, Effects, Use, Dosage, & More
Marine tourism is very big in Hawaii. 60% of marine animals can’t be seen anywhere else in the world. Get up close and personal with snorkeling or scuba diving. You may need to drive a bit to find what you want, including shark swimming. You will often find spinner dolphins, sea turtles, endangered Hawaian monk seals. Be relaxed when swimming with the sharks…hammerheads…and more. They are revered in Hawaiian culture.
https://www.realhawaiitours.com/oahu/shark-tours/
Parasailing
This brings you about 20 stories up, and it is a thrill to be pulled by a boat and then brought back to the ship. Have someone on the boat take your photo for free, instead of the official photographer. Do it if you can for some outstanding views and memories. Make your reservation upon arrival and then show up for a fun adventure. You will need to sign a health waiver for this activity.
https://ufoparasail.net/kona-activities/hawaii-parasailing/
Find a hidden place in Hawaii. You can explore and find many to call your own.
Today’s Mistake- Not taking responsibility for my actions
We all need to be better at taking responsibility for our actions. In my younger years, I often was guilty of wasteful actions and littering from my car window. I regret that now.
Kuleana has this meaning: “Responsibility.” Other messages that I learned were: “Take wisdom, make it deep. Be good to nature. Respect the land.”
Don’t litter in any way and be kind to the land.
Today’s Travel Advice-Eating Mana musibi and Spam in Hawaii
Looking for some food, try this. Mana musibi is a snack of rice and nori, a seaweed wrap, with Spam inside. Yes, more Spam is in Hawaii than anywhere else.
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