Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? Today’s Destination is Acadia National Park Today’s Mistake- My own car crash in parking garage Travel Advice: Travel pillows FOR SLEEPING on planes FAQ: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? AARP is offering some airline travel tips that may answer this question. First, some facts. In 2019, the FAA reported 146 cases of bad behavior on planes, but in 2021, that number grew to more than 1,000. That was out of nearly 6,000 cases of unruly...
info_outline Special Edition: London, England Airports RankedDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Special Edition: London, England Airports In this episode, the FAQ is: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Today’s Destination is: London Airports Today’s Misstep- Wearing the wrong shoes Travel Advice: When buying an airline ticket, pause. FAQ: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Expect more opportunities for local immersion, where you can experience the daily life of local communities through homestays, service projects, and interactive cultural programs for seniors. Solo female travel is on the rise, with women...
info_outline Delhi, India Part 2Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 2 In this episode, your FAQ is: Safety in India for solo travelers Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India. Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Cellphone issues that were my fault and more Travel Advice: Safety tips for travel in Delhi. FAQ: Let’s talk about safety in India. My friend Kathryn is going to Delhi and is worried about being a solo woman. Can I talk to her about what she can expect? The short answer is that Kathryn is already back home, and she had a great trip, but she was nervous and needed confirmation that all would be well. Today’s destination: Delhi, India Part 2...
info_outline Delhi, India Part 1Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 1 In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going? Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast: Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. For more local alerts, sign up for location-based apps on Google...
info_outline Phu Quoc VietnamDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Phu Quok, Vietnam In this episode, the FAQ is: What’s the best water bottle for travel? Today’s Destination is: Phu Quoc, Vietnam Today’s Misstep- I Booked a room under construction and How I upgraded. Travel Advice: Take a small risk, not always a big one in Vietnam FAQ: What’s the best water bottle for travel? The top 10 water bottles for a solo senior female traveler will be on this list, including price, from the least to most expensive in the show notes. They range from $11 to $90. Vapur Anti-Bottle Collapsible Water Bottle - $11–$14 Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free...
info_outline Edinburgh, ScotlandDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Edinburgh, Scotland Today’s Misstep- Too much of a good thing Travel Advice: Eat early, rest early FAQ: How do I remember to stretch while on the road? Answer: Tips for Remembering to Stretch: Set Phone Reminders: Schedule gentle reminders on your phone for morning and evening stretches. This way, it’s a built-in routine, just like brushing your teeth. Tie it to Daily Activities: Stretch after sitting for long periods, like after a meal or a bus/train ride. This helps to break up stiffness and becomes part of your rhythm. Use Cues...
info_outline Coventry, EnglandDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is Coventry, England Today’s Misstep- Manila Airport was a disaster Travel Advice: Bring the thing you usually forget FAQ: What are some simple exercises for travelers, especially solo females in their prime? Here are five I recommend: Walking: Aim for a daily walk to explore your surroundings. It's an easy way to keep your body moving and enjoy the local sights. Leg and Ankle Stretches: Sitting stretches are perfect for waiting in lines or resting. Flex and extend your ankles, or gently lift and lower your legs. Back and Shoulderstretches: Do these to...
info_outline Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibilityDr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: How do I best enjoy the Cabrillo Park? Today’s Destination is Cabrillo National Monument Accessibility Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Don’t forget to stretch like I did. Travel Advice: Swimming? Watch your valuables. FAQ: My friends ask me how do I enjoy the Cabrillo Park. I love this question. First, you have to plan for it, so bring your National Park Pass and try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the slow days. Park at the top and see the lighthouse. It’s iconic. Then visit the overlook to the city of San Diego and see the boats go in and out...
info_outline Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guidesDr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: Can AI really help me travel? Today’s Destination: Cabrillo National Monument Experience Part 1 Today’s Misstep- Mark Twain jokes about European tour guides in his travel books. Travel Advice: If you are interested in travel and do as you listen here, why not purchase a guide that answers most of your questions in one place? FAQ: Can really AI help me travel? Answer: AI is a great tool kit for travel. Yes, but be sure to check for accuracy and hallucinations. You will also find bias. But you can start...
info_outline Best of Denali National Park, AlaskaDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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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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