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: How do I visit my family members in the military?
Today’s Destination is: Sunnyvale, CA
Today’s Mistake- Losing my airline rewards
Travel Advice: Join my clubhouse rooms for travel tips
FAQ: Nadia asked, How do I visit my family members in the military? My son is graduating from military training and I want to see him in Korea. Are there any discounts I can tap into for travel?
Answer:
Depending on the training center location, and security screening you may be able to visit him. When you do visit, you may want to check out some of the military benefits and see if they apply to family members, such as shopping in the commisary or other attractions.
It’s possible that you can ask the airlines for assistance in this, because they have likely had this question answered also. This question was from a recent clubhouse room. I’ll mention Clubhouse at the end of the podcast again.
Today’s destination: Sunnyvale, California
You’ll find Sunnyvale in the Santa Clara Valley in northwest Santa Clara County, California. It’s located along the famous Highway 101 and El Camino Real. San Jose borders to the north. Mountain View is Northwest and Los Altos is southwest. Cupertino is to the south. Santa Clara, home of the Mission and University was reviewed in episode 160 and is located to the east. The population is about 150,000, which is next to San Jose, the second most populous city in the county.
It’s part of Silicon Valley. It’s the birthplace of the video game industry, where Atari was founded.
https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/recreation-and-community/community-centers/senior-center
https://www.sunnyvale.ca.gov/recreation-and-community/parks-and-trails/baylands-park
https://heritageparkmuseum.org/
Here are a few suggestions for Sunnyvale.
Heritage Park Museum is open three days a week and does not charge admission.
There is also pottery and other activities at the local community center. The senior center may be of interest to you, so look in the show notes for these and other links.
Consider visiting Baylands Park for hiking or picnics.
Sunnyvale was known for having orchards and some still remain here. But most notably lately it is known as the home of several tech giants. The big industry here is the technology and information headquarters of many computer tech companies. Some of these large firms started here in garages and in high schools. Google, Apple, Facebook, now Meta and others have a presence here. Venture-capital seems to be flowing through the water. Sunnyvale is known for the home of many future technology projects.
In Mountain View, you’ll find the Computer History Museum, open Wed-Sun.
I visited Sunnyvale several times over the past 40 years living in California and most recently in January 2022 and stayed with my cousin, Jane Halligan. I flew into San Jose airport, rented a car and explored the area with several local residents to get insights to guide you to the best travel activities. Jane and I walked around an area that is reserved for seniors and community minded individuals and around what remains of the orchard groves.
Do - Visit the Community Center and Museum. Go hiking and visit the Senior Center.
Don't - Get stuck in traffic on the freeways if possible.
Today’s Mistake - Losing my airline rewards
I’ve lost more airline points than I’d like to admit. It’s probably hundreds of thousands of miles that were not recovered over 50 years of traveling solo. I’ve had special status on several airlines that no longer exist and I never did follow up to find out where my points went. I assume they just disappeared. Now, my credit card gives me rewards that I can turn into cash, no matter what airline I travel on. I would like to keep my points on dozens of airlines that I fly, but it seems that to do so requires a lot of extra work that doesn’t add up. My advice is to keep track of your rewards better than I do. You can make them work for you.
Today’s Travel Advice-Join my clubhouse rooms for travel tips. No makeup needed.
Join “Clubhouse” and the club called “ Women Travel Best.” There are hundreds of women like you who travel in the group and I hold about one room per week. Please join us. You don’t need an invitation to join. It’s open to anyone with a phone. It’s still early days with this social audio media. You don’t need to dress up or put on makeup to come to a room. Just download the app, entter your phone number and some basic information and you are in.
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