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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
"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...
info_outline
"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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
Best of Cairns Australia
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
info_outline
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_outlineWelcome to Dr Travelbest and a Train Travel Special episode.
In this episode:
FAQ: What’s the difference between travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage?
Today’s Special TOPIC: Train travel
Today’s Mistake- Not sleeping on the plane to Europe and jet lag
Travel Advice: Tips on train travel
FAQ: What’s the difference between travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage?
Answer:
Travel medical insurance
This is important coverage for Step 3, 4, and 5 travelers going abroad, where your U.S. health plan may have limited glocal coverage or no coverage. Travel medical insurance usually pays for ambulance service, doctor and hospital bills and other medical expenses during your trip. You can find generous coverage limits of up to $500,000 per person, but depending on your trip you may not need that level of coverage. This can add up. I recently broke my wrist in a city where I don’t have coverage, and my insurance is paying. The costs have been HUGE. I would have been out about $10 thousand if I wasn’t insured, and I’ve seen the bills. All I had to pay was the deductible.
Medicare does not pay for health care outside the U.S., which is Step 4 and 5, and in some instances Step 3 in 5 Steps to Solo Travel. There may be a few exceptions in very limited circumstances. Some say travel medical insurance is essential for senior travelers.
If Covid is a concern, you can find travel insurance policies that cover Covid-related medical expenses if you contract the virus during your trip. Some who do cover this include: John Hancock, HTH Worldwide, GoReady, AXA, Nationwide, TravelSafe, USI and AIG.
Emergency medical evacuation coverage
This is also important coverage again for Step 3, 4 and 5 travelers, especially if you’re going to a remote area where quality medical care might be hard to find. Emergency medical evacuation insurance pays to get you to the nearest adequate medical facility. You can find coverage of $1 million per person from plenty of firms. If you have one you recommend, please let me know.
Topic: Special issue on Train Travel
Train travel is reliable ground transportation that is appealing to those who prefer not to fly or drive. As a passenger, you can do what you want. You may choose to enjoy the scenery, sleep, work, play, or make a friend.
My most recent train trip was from San Diego to San Luis Obispo the weekend of July 4. I took an Amtrak surf liner train from Solana Beach, California to Guadalupe, California on a busy Friday afternoon. We departed at 12:40 PM and I was able to get a seat on the top deck of a two deck train and stored my luggage above my seat. Many people were standing in the aisles for up to 20-30 minutes as it was a holiday weekend in a touristy area. The train stopped several times before going on a break in Los Angeles. The crew changed here.
The direction of my train car changed in Union Station, Lost Angeles. That was so strange for someone like me who is directionally challenged. I stayed in the same seat, but I felt like I was going in a different direction.
And from Los Angeles heading north we went to another several stops and the conductor also reminded us that we would be slowing down to 15 miles an hour in certain spots. This is due to recent accidents on the train involving pedestrians. So the train was a little slow in some areas. That did not matter to me. The view from the train car was outstanding along this journey. I had ocean views the entire way from Santa Barbara north to near San Luis Obispo.
We arrived in Guadalupe at 8:35 pm, 40 minutes after our scheduled arrival. It was late, and due to the lack of cell service in a remote area, it was hard to send messages that we’d be late. The train station was small, without even an office; it's a parking lot.
The return trip was so different from the way there. Instead of searching many cars for a seat, I was the only one in my “Business Class' ' car when I got aboard in Guadalupe. The operator greeted me with a smile and a welcome snack kit, including some goodies to drink and eat. A few people boarded during the journey, but mostly I had the cab to myself. When it gets dark on July 4 it’s spectacular for watching fireworks. I would suggest you book yourself on a train next July 4. Find a place where you can see a lot of fireworks and enjoy the moving show.
You may have traveled by train in several other countries, so tell me about your train travels. Train trips that I have taken include across the US plus in Japan the shincasen, China’s high-speed trains, Kenya, Chile, plus eurail travel throughout France and Germany.
Today’s Mistake - Not sleeping on the plane to Europe and jet lag
My first trip across the Atlantic Ocean was a jetlag disaster. It was a Step 4 trip. I arrived in London at 9am and was so tired I could not think straight. I got myself a hotel room and all I did was want to sleep. I put my head down and then was awoken by someone who wanted to paint the room. Of course, I said no, but he kept banging. He said he couldn’t get paid until he painted. So, eventually, I let him in to paint and he did and then he left. My mistake was not sleeping on the plane, and not adjusting my sleep cycle to be in a new time zone. Don’t do what I did. Get your time shifted before you get to the airport and sleep on the plane if at all possible.
Today’s Travel Advice: Tips on train travel:
Use trains as an alternative to other transportation, such as driving or flying commercial airlines. It's easier to board and unboard than on a plane with the challenges of airports. Most trains run on a regular schedule and are reliable and safe. I would recommend you take a trip on a train due to the convenience and embrace the relaxation. When you arrive at your destination, you will be more refreshed.
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group
email: [email protected]