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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Toronto Canada Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Toronto Part 1 of 2 FAQ: Do you travel on public transport? Let’s explore one city. The FAQ for today is: How would I travel around Toronto on public transport, if needed? Here are a few facts about their public transit. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is your central transit system—includes: Subway Streetcars (trams) Buses PRESTO Card is the smart fare card you'll want to use. It gives discounted fares for seniors (65+). Ask ChatGPT about the best travel options for you, whether it's the subway or any other mode of transportation. It will provide detailed information instantly....
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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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