Best of Mexico (From the Archives)
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This podcast series helped launch the now famous book series, Five Steps to Solo Travel. Now you are able to listen to one of the eariest versions of the show, and it's still relevant today. This episode takes you to Baja, Mexico. You will learn to drive to Ensenada, the Valle de Guadalupe and other destinations. Find your confidence through the FAQ's and also my mistakes and errors, so you won't make the same ones. This is snackable, without any filters, just a great listen for you now. Follow Dr. Travelbest here on your favorite channel, on TikTok, on IG and FB. We have an...
info_outline
Quito, Ecuador and packing for South America
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ:” Let’s quickly address how to pack for South America. If you are in the winter, it's summer, so you don’t need many clothes; pack light. I only took a personal item, but I had to wash it often, and I had only one pair of sneakers. No laptop. It helped me travel quickly and efficiently on planes, trains, and buses. In their winter, our summer, you should have many layers and a raincoat. I was able to buy what I needed or forgot while I was there, and the dollar was strong. On my first trip to South America, about 30 years ago, I went skiing in Chile, and I had to bring...
info_outline
Niagara Falls, Canada
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is Dr. Mary Travelbest, and we'll be talking about Niagara Falls, Canada. See Book A for guidance on saving money on airline tickets and more. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: “A Day at Niagara Falls – Solo, Soaked & Spectacular” Today, we're diving into the thundering wonder that is Niagara Falls, from a solo female traveler’s lens — and yes, I got a little wet. On the Road to the Falls I took the FlixBus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The ride is scenic and comfortable, even with a bit of drama—my Toronto Metro train broke down this morning. I had to get...
info_outline
Best of Dr. Mary Travelbest - Dr. Travelbest History plus solo vs group travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This episode aired in 2022, so if you missed it, find out more about the origins of the Dr. Mary Travelbest story. We are now on episode 350 and counting, so let us hear from you. @drmarytravelbest Give a gift of solo travel to a loved one. Find out more.... Thanks for Connecting further with Dr. Travelbest
info_outline
Lima Peru and airport luxury lounges
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is Dr. Mary Travelbest. I help you travel. The 60-second confidence challenge is on getting access to the airport lounges. It will take some experience, but it’s worth it. Check the fine print, too. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into best practices while traveling solo—link in description.” See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Lima, Peru. Hello, solo travelers—especially my sisters 50 and up. Today I’m...
info_outline
Cartagena, Colombia and safety in South America
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Cartagena, Colombia. Today, we're heading to Cartagena, Colombia —a vibrant and touristy Caribbean city bursting with color, music, and history. It's one of the most popular destinations on South America's northern coast — and I'll share my experiences and a few lessons learned for solo travelers like you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a culture that's as lively as it is rich. Let's start with the setting. Cartagena's Walled City — La Ciudad Amurallada — is the heart of it all. I recommend exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. You...
info_outline
Lincoln Square, Chicago, using AI on the road and staying healthy tips
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Lincoln Square, Chicago. The FAQ is about using AI while traveling. How do I get the best responses to my prompts when I have a question? Is there a platform you recommend? There are thousands of platforms, and new ones are popping up every day. For travelers seeking the most current answers to their travel questions, you are in luck. You can navigate the territory solo better today than ever because you can ask the right questions. Practice is the best way to use them. 60-second confidence challenge If you like today’s...
info_outline
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego today, talking about Cape Breton, Canada . Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, world traveler, professor, marketing expert, and all-around fun person. And I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences. Quick-fire FAQ: Your mom, grandmother, or even your daughter told you to be careful when traveling solo. But did they ever do it? You are on your way. The question I get asked is: What should I tell someone who discourages me from traveling? Answer: You can turn it around and ask for specific information...
info_outline
Machu Picchu, Peru including lessons learned about Step 5 travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Machu Picchu Are there any tips to help me avoid being cheated or robbed while traveling? Yes, you can take precautions like removing your expensive jewelry before traveling and not carrying expensive purses or shoes. Don't look like a target. Look like you belong, and try not to stand out from the usual crowd. Check reviews of any Airbnb or turo car rentals you book. Be careful not to walk alone in the dark at night, as much as possible. Think of the odds whenever you go out. Please put them in your favor, not a criminal. If you like...
info_outline
Medellin Colombia Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Medellin, Colombia.Part 2 Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Quick-Fire FAQ: Drying Out Wet Clothing. How do you do that on the road? How do you dry your wet belongings while traveling, especially when you're solo? Especially in a humid area, it’s hard to get things dry. When you solo travel, you have more control over your time constraints, so plan to let things dry. When it’s damp, the best way to dry your clothes is by maximizing water removal before drying. Try the towel roll trick. First, lay the clothes flat on a towel, roll them up, and twist to ring out...
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: info@drmarytravelbest.com