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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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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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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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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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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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 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 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 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 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_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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email: [email protected]