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
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South Goa India Plus masking up, losing my credit card, getting massages
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, FAQ is: When do I need a mask? Today’s Destination is: South Goa, India Today’s Misstep- I left my credit card behind. Travel Advice: Get a massage FAQ: When do I need a mask in 2024 Guidelines for wearing face masks vary depending on the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic and local regulations. It's essential to stay informed about the latest guidance from health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other relevant local health departments. The need to wear a face mask can depend on factors...
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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.