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: Yuli asked, Where can I travel pretty far and well on a smaller budget?
Today’s Destination is: Philadelphia
Today’s Mistake- Getting in the wrong line
Travel Advice: Let’s both win through travel.
FAQ: Where can I travel pretty far and well on a smaller budget?
Answer:
Traveling a long distance should not be the end goal, but if you are looking for a Step 5 travel experience, here’s an idea good for a smaller budget.
You can see a lot in Thailand on a shoestring budget. It’s got plenty of airlines serving the country plus you can get around in the main cities via public transportation. So consider going here for your next trip.
It is a tropical island, so consider that it will be humid and rainy often. You may need to cool off in a beachy resort, and know that you can find great deals. You can get an awesome massage for a small fee here, so that will be my suggestion. You could afford one every day you visit. Pamper yourself here.
Today’s destination is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The city of Brotherly Love is what Philly is known for, the 6th largest US city. And cheestakes. You as a traveler will want to see the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and where the Declaration of Independence and US Constitution were signed. You will also like the American Revolutionary sites. It’s a step 1 or step 2 city of the 5 steps to solo travel.
More recent fame is for the run to the top of the staircase where in the movie “Rocky”, the movie is, with Sylvester Stallone working out, which is the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The theme music still rings in my head for that great film. Da da da da ….
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZCO40Zwt00
The region not only has American history and arts, but also a lot of traditional foods and activities. Philly has the most outdoor sculptures and murals than any other US city per capita. find them in all parts of town. Fairmount Park, Wissa hickon Valley Park are two examples of parks in the city.
How many tourists visit? 42 million in 2016 who spent nearly $7 Billion that year.
Phillies, Eagles, 76ers and plenty of other sports keep fans hoping for winning seasons here. Catch a game if you are in town.
Some neighborhoods are best during the daytime, because there can be danger at nighttime if you’re not familiar with the inner city areas. Some are less safe than others, like any large city.
Some travelers combine Philadelphia with Amish Country, which was episode 136. Other people combine Philly with a visit to Washington, DC, episode 177 and even New York, episodes 100 and 101.
I spoke to Chrissy Watts, who is a Phily tour guide. She helps organize events such as: bar crawls. You can find her info in show notes:
(@215experiences
She organizes Five star black mural tours, wellness sessions, themed party buses for locals and visitors.
IG @phillyexperiences)
Don’t travel in the inner city at night alone
Do enjoy some of the history, art and sports.
Today’s Mistake- Getting in the wrong line
If you are solo, it’s not so easy to lineup like if you have a partner. If you have a partner, one can stand in line and the other can find out if it’s the right line by asking someone in charge. Once I waited in line at the airport for an airline ticket, but could have easily ordered it on my phone. Just because everyone is lining up doesn’t meet you should. If you can, consider how you can navigate the situation on your phone with an app. If you are lining up in person and can’t use the app, they ask someone in front of you to save your place in line and get agreement.
Today’s Travel Advice-.Let’s both win!
When you have a successful trip, I win. Let me know where you traveled, where you had the best time and what to look forward to next.