Las Vegas, Nevada Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ is: I’m going on a long trip, but I’m only allowed to bring one small carry-on. How can I manage? Today’s Destination is Las Vegas. Part 2 outdoors. Today’s Misstep- I forgot the tent. Travel Advice: Protect yourself. FAQ: I’m going on a long trip but can only bring one small carry-on. The airline rules and my trip leaders limit the baggage. How can I manage? Las Vegas. Part 2 outdoors Connect with Dr. Travelbest
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Las Vegas Nevada Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ: A good friend who doesn’t want to be named asked me how not to try to do it all. The point of the question was to limit the fear of missing out. How do I reduce my FOMO and add more JOMO (the Joy of missing out) when I travel? Today’s Destination is Las Vegas. Part 1 Indoor activities for travelers Today’s Misstep- I Spilled the candle wax at my airbnb and made a mess. Travel Advice: Look for adventure close to home. FAQ: How do I reduce my FOMO and add more JOMO (the Joy of missing out) when I travel? Las Vegas. Part 1 ? Today’s...
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Los Angeles Post Fires Travel, Power Check, and Circular Travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ: Should I go out at night when on a solo trip? Mistake in travel: Check the connection, battery and power bank Today’s Travel Advice- Travel in one direction, in a circle I see some bright spots, but it will be a while before LA returns as a major travel destination, so pay attention and use the Watch Duty App. Mistake in travel: Check the connection, battery life, and power bank So often, my laptop is not connected to electricity, or my battery runs out of juice. One more thing to remember is power. If you have a portable battery, remember to...
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Best of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode: The FAQ is: What is your purpose for traveling? Today’s Special episode: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Part 1 Today’s Mistake- Time zone mayhem Travel Advice: Prioritize Flexibility In this episode: FAQ What is your purpose for travel? Answer: My purpose for traveling and especially solo travel, is to reach into places that may not be the most populated and to connect with women where they are to help bridge the culture gap. World peace is the ultimate goal for seeing this through. If I can reach 1,000,000 women and help 1000 of them travel solo, that...
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Best of Naples Florida And Consolidating Luggage Into A Personal Item
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode: The FAQ is: A reader asks, I recently booked a trip, and the airfare included no carry-on bag. How can I manage to travel without a carry-on? Today’s Destination: NAPLES, FLA Today’s Mistake- I lost my horse. Travel Advice: MAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S DAY Answer: Destination: Naples, FL Today’s Mistake: I lost my horse. Today’s Travel Advice: MAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S DAY Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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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...
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.
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