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...
info_outlineYou are listening to Dr Mary Travelbest guide. Here are the show notes.
In this episode: FAQ is: How can I travel solo while I am still in a “group”?
Today’s Destination is: Sedona, AZ
Today’s Mistake- Bought the wrong ticket online
Travel Advice: Gas up when half full.
FAQ: How can I travel solo while I am still in a “group”?
Answer: Before or after your group trip, plan some solo time, for just you. That way, when you do get to the arranged activities, you will be ready and prepared. Some people like to warm up by going with just one friend, before they join the group. That’s ok, too.
After your group tour, you may want to have a few days in the same region to purposefully explore other options, and see things that were left off the tour. Tourguides generally only show you the best parts of the region. To really experience, you need some solo trip time, too.
Today’s destination: Sedona, Arizona
Sedona, Arizona and the Verde Valley area is 1200 square miles big and is a traveler’s delight. It’s like an oasis in the desert, but lifelike and real. It’s known for spirituality and wellness, plus red rocks.
Sedona’s magic goes back to history and legend. Sedona may have been linked to early Aztec or Mayan occupation thousands of years ago. The earliest native artifacts—such as pottery and weavings—found in the area date back to as early as the 7th century. Later on, there are tribes that were here including Hopi, Navajo, and (YA- VA Pie) Yavapai.
Cliff houses are worth exploring such as Sedona’s (pal at kI) Palatki Heritage Site or nearby Montezuma Castle. Way back in the 16th century, the Spanish called the local in-dig in us) Indigenous people Sinagua, which means without water. Sedona is named after the wife of TC Schnebly, the founder in modern days of the area.
Arizona reminds me of a rusty color and rustic travel. You can take your hike or spiritual journey here. If driving through, please drive from north to south for the best views. Be aware of falling rocks.
It’s a two-hour drive from Phoenix and a getaway from the deserts surrounding the area. Every time I arrive here, I learn something new and so will you. I’ve never been to a spa here, but they seem outstanding. You’ll find plenty of New Age shops, spas, and art galleries. For nature, consider bird watching, hiking, or picnics.
My favorite activity in Sedona is hiking. You will need to find a good location and bring the right equipment. Don’t forget to bring a lot of water, too. Stay hydrated.
Today’s Mistake- I bought the wrong ticket online.
I was looking for a trip, and bought the wrong ticket. I realized my error afterwards. I went in and cancelled that trip and then bought the right trip. I had to double check that my airline gave me the credit for the cancelled ticket. In the USA, they have to give you a refund if it’s within 24 hours of purchase. Other countries have different rules.
Today’s Travel Advice-Gas up when half full
Check the gas gauge when you get in the car. Make sure you have enough. It’s best to fill up early in the day if you can. I try to fill up whenever I am halfway full.
Gas prices have been dropping lately. Use the GasBuddy app or similar method of finding the cheapest gas in your neigbhorhood.
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