Best of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor Maine
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? Today’s Destination is Acadia National Park Today’s Mistake- My own car crash in parking garage Travel Advice: Travel pillows FOR SLEEPING on planes FAQ: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? AARP is offering some airline travel tips that may answer this question. First, some facts. In 2019, the FAA reported 146 cases of bad behavior on planes, but in 2021, that number grew to more than 1,000. That was out of nearly 6,000 cases of unruly...
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Special Edition: London, England Airports Ranked
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Special Edition: London, England Airports In this episode, the FAQ is: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Today’s Destination is: London Airports Today’s Misstep- Wearing the wrong shoes Travel Advice: When buying an airline ticket, pause. FAQ: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Expect more opportunities for local immersion, where you can experience the daily life of local communities through homestays, service projects, and interactive cultural programs for seniors. Solo female travel is on the rise, with women...
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Delhi, India Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 2 In this episode, your FAQ is: Safety in India for solo travelers Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India. Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Cellphone issues that were my fault and more Travel Advice: Safety tips for travel in Delhi. FAQ: Let’s talk about safety in India. My friend Kathryn is going to Delhi and is worried about being a solo woman. Can I talk to her about what she can expect? The short answer is that Kathryn is already back home, and she had a great trip, but she was nervous and needed confirmation that all would be well. Today’s destination: Delhi, India Part 2...
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Delhi, India Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 1 In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going? Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast: Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. For more local alerts, sign up for location-based apps on Google...
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Phu Quoc Vietnam
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Phu Quok, Vietnam In this episode, the FAQ is: What’s the best water bottle for travel? Today’s Destination is: Phu Quoc, Vietnam Today’s Misstep- I Booked a room under construction and How I upgraded. Travel Advice: Take a small risk, not always a big one in Vietnam FAQ: What’s the best water bottle for travel? The top 10 water bottles for a solo senior female traveler will be on this list, including price, from the least to most expensive in the show notes. They range from $11 to $90. Vapur Anti-Bottle Collapsible Water Bottle - $11–$14 Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free...
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Edinburgh, Scotland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Edinburgh, Scotland Today’s Misstep- Too much of a good thing Travel Advice: Eat early, rest early FAQ: How do I remember to stretch while on the road? Answer: Tips for Remembering to Stretch: Set Phone Reminders: Schedule gentle reminders on your phone for morning and evening stretches. This way, it’s a built-in routine, just like brushing your teeth. Tie it to Daily Activities: Stretch after sitting for long periods, like after a meal or a bus/train ride. This helps to break up stiffness and becomes part of your rhythm. Use Cues...
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Coventry, England
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is Coventry, England Today’s Misstep- Manila Airport was a disaster Travel Advice: Bring the thing you usually forget FAQ: What are some simple exercises for travelers, especially solo females in their prime? Here are five I recommend: Walking: Aim for a daily walk to explore your surroundings. It's an easy way to keep your body moving and enjoy the local sights. Leg and Ankle Stretches: Sitting stretches are perfect for waiting in lines or resting. Flex and extend your ankles, or gently lift and lower your legs. Back and Shoulderstretches: Do these to...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibility
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: How do I best enjoy the Cabrillo Park? Today’s Destination is Cabrillo National Monument Accessibility Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Don’t forget to stretch like I did. Travel Advice: Swimming? Watch your valuables. FAQ: My friends ask me how do I enjoy the Cabrillo Park. I love this question. First, you have to plan for it, so bring your National Park Pass and try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the slow days. Park at the top and see the lighthouse. It’s iconic. Then visit the overlook to the city of San Diego and see the boats go in and out...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guides
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: Can AI really help me travel? Today’s Destination: Cabrillo National Monument Experience Part 1 Today’s Misstep- Mark Twain jokes about European tour guides in his travel books. Travel Advice: If you are interested in travel and do as you listen here, why not purchase a guide that answers most of your questions in one place? FAQ: Can really AI help me travel? Answer: AI is a great tool kit for travel. Yes, but be sure to check for accuracy and hallucinations. You will also find bias. But you can start...
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Best of Denali National Park, Alaska
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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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.