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...
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Edinburgh, Scotland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Edinburgh, Scotland Today’s Misstep- Too much of a good thing Travel Advice: Eat early, rest early FAQ: How do I remember to stretch while on the road? Answer: Tips for Remembering to Stretch: Set Phone Reminders: Schedule gentle reminders on your phone for morning and evening stretches. This way, it’s a built-in routine, just like brushing your teeth. Tie it to Daily Activities: Stretch after sitting for long periods, like after a meal or a bus/train ride. This helps to break up stiffness and becomes part of your rhythm. Use Cues...
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Coventry, England
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is Coventry, England Today’s Misstep- Manila Airport was a disaster Travel Advice: Bring the thing you usually forget FAQ: What are some simple exercises for travelers, especially solo females in their prime? Here are five I recommend: Walking: Aim for a daily walk to explore your surroundings. It's an easy way to keep your body moving and enjoy the local sights. Leg and Ankle Stretches: Sitting stretches are perfect for waiting in lines or resting. Flex and extend your ankles, or gently lift and lower your legs. Back and Shoulderstretches: Do these to...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibility
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: How do I best enjoy the Cabrillo Park? Today’s Destination is Cabrillo National Monument Accessibility Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Don’t forget to stretch like I did. Travel Advice: Swimming? Watch your valuables. FAQ: My friends ask me how do I enjoy the Cabrillo Park. I love this question. First, you have to plan for it, so bring your National Park Pass and try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the slow days. Park at the top and see the lighthouse. It’s iconic. Then visit the overlook to the city of San Diego and see the boats go in and out...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guides
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: Can AI really help me travel? Today’s Destination: Cabrillo National Monument Experience Part 1 Today’s Misstep- Mark Twain jokes about European tour guides in his travel books. Travel Advice: If you are interested in travel and do as you listen here, why not purchase a guide that answers most of your questions in one place? FAQ: Can really AI help me travel? Answer: AI is a great tool kit for travel. Yes, but be sure to check for accuracy and hallucinations. You will also find bias. But you can start...
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Best of Denali National Park, Alaska
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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Milan Italy
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: How do I manage increasing technology and security for travel? Today’s Destination is: Milan, Italy Today’s Misstep- I almost took a train to Switzerland at the Milan station Travel Advice: Bring a handheld portable fan for the heat. It can be oppressive. FAQ: The level of technology and security has stepped up for travel and entertainment. How do I manage it as a senior citizen in a very busy world? Answer: There is a growing level of distrust in today’s environment. For some venues, you can no longer use a...
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Best of Hawaii's Big Island
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Best of Hawaii's Big Island Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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Lake Como, Italy
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: What should I tell people who think I can’t travel solo? Today’s Destination is Lake Como, Italy Today’s Misstep: Sometimes, you don’t love your roommates when you share a room. Here’s why. Travel Advice: Don’t buy another timeshare. If you have one, it’s really hard to sell it. FAQ: What do I tell people who think I can’t travel solo? Answer: Ask them why not. Then listen. Then, address each one of their questions or comments if you like. No one says you need permission to travel solo, but it would be good to tell them...
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Belfast, Northern Ireland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: Using QR Codes. Are they safe? Today’s Destination is: Belfast, Northern Ireland Today’s Misstep: My leaky water bottle was in the overhead bin on the airplane. Travel Advice: Secondhand stores in Belfast are good deals. FAQ: Using QR Codes. Are they safe? Answer: When you open a QR code, pay attention to the context and the brand because it could contain a virus or even worse. Be careful when accessing websites on your desktop, laptop, tablet, watch, or phone. Preview the destination before you go there. A QR code...
info_outlineIn this episode, the FAQ is: If I am a Step 2 traveler, how do I reach Step 3?
Today’s Destination is: Banff, Canada
Today’s Mistake- I rented a hotel room in Alaska without A/C
Travel Advice: Stoke your wanderlust
FAQ: If I am a Step 2 traveler, how do I reach Step 3?
Step 2 is for traveling in your same country and in a comfort zone that is familiar. Getting over that level takes some adventure. Ask yourself if you’re ready to see more diverse experiences now. Are you ready to make a move to a distant land, such as Hawaii, Alaska, or the Bahamas?
Get a travel guidebook and start researching the area for clues on how to get there, what to do and how to prepare. Then talk to people you know who have been there. Ask them questions about what they liked. Be curious. Eventually, you will have the courage and the savings to make the trip and enjoy the higher step to a more difficult and rewarding adventure.
Today’s destination: Banff, Canada
Banff was on my bucket list for a long time. It may be on yours, too.
You can get here by train, plane or automobile.
You’ll see the pure beauty of Canada’s outdoors, even if it’s rainy for part of the day. It’s scenic and green because it rains a lot here. The drive from Calgary to Banff is beautiful and it’s about 90 miles.
https://www.banfflakelouise.com/
https://www.banffjaspercollection.com/attractions/banff-gondola/
https://destinationlesstravel.com/calgary-to-banff/
Dr. Travelbest: I drove to Banff, Canada from Waterton, Canada after eating at the Prince of Wales Restaurant near the US/Canada border.
I had been in Glacier National Park and on the Canadian side to explore further into Canada. I liked the feel of the town of Banff immediately. It’s a European-like city. I took a strenuous hike to the top of the Sulfur Mountain Trail. 5.5 km, 655 m elevation gain (2.5-3 hours), and saw stunning views of the Bow (rhymes with throw) Valley. Follow a short trail up to the historic Cosmic Ray Station. There is also a 4-person gondola which in 8 minutes soars to the top of Sulphur Mountain for a bird's-eye view of six incredible mountain ranges.
Whether you walk or take the gondola, stroll along the ridgetop boardwalk where the views get better with every step. Outside is a 360-degree rooftop observation deck and inside a multi-sensory theatre with interactive exhibits, plus restaurants.
That Jacuzzi at the bottom of the mountain felt great after my hike. Banff is known for its hot springs. Take one or more.
Banff Springs Hotel (Fairmont) had a convention center and the best tea/coffee ever. Then I drove to Lake Louise Chateau (Fairmount) and had one of the best buffet breakfasts ever. Five-star quality and a high price to match, but I ate for the day here.
The weather was pouring rain, then sunny skies all within an hour, and the beauty was seen in the reflective turquoise water. Nearby is the grand Ice Fields Highway. 3-5 hours to a full-day drive, depending on how often you stop. There are tours you can hire, in the event you don’t have a car. You’ll see Bow (throw) Falls and Morraine Lake. I kept driving up to Jasper, so that may be on your list as well.
Do see the Ice Fields Highway.
Don’t get close to a moose.
Lesson learned- I rented a hotel room in Alaska without A/C
Most days in Alaska are cold. I’ve visited twice, and both times were in July. If you are going to Alaska in the summer, check to see if they have air conditioning.
I timed it to the hot days and there was no A/C to cool off. You may find a fan as I eventually did. You should expect extreme temperatures when in Alaska. Learn that lesson here.
Today’s Travel Advice-Stoke your wanderlust
If you are thinking of a trip you want to take, start a list of things you know about that country. Do you know anyone who’s been there? Do you know anyone else who may know about the region? Visit your local library, bookstore, and online search engine to find out more and satisfy your curiosity. Keep that list growing. It will soon become your bucket list for travel.
I want to bring meaning to your travels. Send a question or travel tip to [email protected]. We can connect on my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Subscribe to YouTube, Twitter, or other social channels. Find 5 Steps to Solo Travel series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect.
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