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
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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