Bergen, Norway and solo travel in your prime
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today, we'll talk about Bergen, Norway. The FAQ is: Julie asked: How can I pack for several seasons in the same small pack? Answer: It’s going to be a challenge if you are moving to different zones in your trip. When I was in South Africa in June, the winter weather was a challenge, as there was no heat in the homes where I stayed. I used hot water bottles in bed at night. I also wore all of my clothes. A week later, I was in Greece and gave away the warm clothes to a new friend from England. She was a South Korean, grateful. You can experiment with what you need right away and then...
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode: FAQ is: Are cruises safe from covid or not?
Today’s Destination is Long Island, New York
Today’s Mistake- Sailing on a Catamaran
Travel Advice: Use your airline points now or risk losing them
FAQ is: Are cruises safe from covid or not?
Answer: The CDC has lifted the restrictions, but that doesn’t mean it’s over. The reporting of additional outbreaks is still happening. Don’t let that keep you from your cruise. Check the color status of your ship before you embark. Show notes have links to some helpful tips on staying safe.
Follow the requirements before boarding which include vaccinations and testing protocol. These are all subject to change.
https://www.cdc.gov/quarantine/cruise/cruise-ship-color-status.html
https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2022/03/30/1089748769/cdc-cruise-travel-covid
Today’s Long Island, New York
I was raised on Long Island, New York and I had an accent back then. I’ve worked hard to lose it, but it comes back when I visit. I also say funny words, like Orange and Florida.
What’s it like on Long Island? It’s a step one or two destination. Here are some things you may know and may not know about it.
It’s the longest and the largest island in the contiguous United States, Long Island extends 118 miles (190 km) eastward from New York Harbor to Montauk Point.
Long Island is densely populated with 8 million people in all. Along its Atlantic coast are Jones Beach State Park, Fire Island and Montauk Point State Park, at the end of the fork.
As kids, my parents took us to these places often. My mom told a story about almost drowning in the ocean there, but all went fine.
Long Island is home to the late-1700s era Montauk Lighthouse. On the east end, the North Fork is home to wineries and the East, South, and West Hamptons, characterized by upscale homes, trendy restaurants and antiques shops. When I grew up there, I never knew it was trendy.
https://www.discoverlongisland.com/
On Long Island there are Kings or Brooklyn and Queens, plus Nassau and Suffolk counties, split into two forks. North and South Fork.
There are wineries, farm stands, theaters, country clubs and well known beaches like Jones Beach, Robert Moses and more.
Plan a day trip. Choose one central location. Then plan activities around it. See what you can and come back again.
Today’s Mistake- Sailing on a Catamaran
I rented a sailboat, a catamaran on Mission Bay for an afternoon. I thought I was a good sailor at the time. I had finished a sailing safety course and knew a lot of the theory. But in practice, I was lousy. I invited my friends to join me on the boat and I tipped it over and could not get it back up again. That was a disaster. Don’t do what I did with a sailboat. Know your sailing and winds before you go.
Today’s Travel Advice- Use your airline and hotel miles now
If you have travel points or miles on an airline, use them up. I believe that soon we will see these rewards change to a new type of value, called tokens. The token economy is heading our way, and loyalty will look much different. Donate miles to a charity if you can. Give them to your children and grandchildren now, while they still have some benefit. They are not “your” owned items, as they belong to the carrier. They have the right to change the rules anytime, with you missing out.
If you notice the long legal disclaimers on these programs give all rights to them, and there are no rights to members.
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