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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Medellin, Colombia Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Medellin, Colombia 60-second confidence challenge: The confidence challenge is to meet someone new today. You might stop by the mailbox to say “hi,” or visit a park where people are less in a hurry. Start a conversation with someone new today. If you like, then get their name and phone number and give them a call. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapters of my book dive deeper into how to build confidence using it—link in description.” See Book A for addressing the challenge of meeting new people Find it on our website at or on...
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Galapagos, Ecuador
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Here is the episode on Galapagos, Ecuador 60 second confidence challenge Check your passport. Do you have at least six months left until it expires? Do you have at least four blank pages? Then your passport is in good shape. You’re ready to travel, as long as you check for any Visa entries you may need. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper—link in description.” See Book A for addressing all of these items like preparing for travel. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: Galapagos, Ecuador Galapagos means nature to most...
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Haarlem, Netherlands
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
this episode is about Haarlem, Netherlands. See Book A for addressing the challenges of solo travel in your prime. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Destination: Haarlem, Netherlands. It’s a Dutch city that’s often overshadowed by Amsterdam, but has just as much charm—and far fewer crowds. I’m talking about Haarlem, Netherlands. Haarlem is only 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, making it an easy and quiet alternative for solo travelers over 50. What you’ll love is its slower pace, historic streets, and safe, flat, walkable...
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Toronto Canada Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This episode is about Toronto, Canada. See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Toronto is another example of Step 3 travel, advanced solo travel. Other step 3 destinations in my Part B book include Banff, Whistler, and Vancouver. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is: Toronto, Canada, part two of two You may arrive at Pearson airport, like I did, which was a lovely airport ranked high among international airports. I had the opportunity to experience the Priority Pass lounge...
info_outlineSpecial Title: San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks Part 2 of 2
Today’s Special issue is on : San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks Part 2
Today’s Mistake-Bodysurfing when the waves are too strong.
In this episode: FAQ
Destination: Part 2 of 2 San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks is a conservation organization under the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and is a Step 1 or Step 2 destination.
The Wildlife Alliance is trying to create A world where all life thrives. They have two front doors. In this episode, we focus on the Safari Park, formerly known as the Wild Animal Park.
https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/
https://sdzsafaripark.org/tickets
Ambassadors are all around.
Saving, protecting and preserving all around the world.
Safari Park in Escondido, CA has been my favorite animal enclosure for decades. It’s nestled in the San Pasqual Valley, north of San Diego by 30 miles and is part of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance. It’s a bit of a drive from any large commercial airport, but even if you can get here for a few hours, you will be rewarded.
Why should you go there?
Go for a change of your routine and for exploration beyond your current experience. Gain new perspectives and learn something fresh about our world that you did not already know.
What can you expect when you arrive?
Parking fee. Yes, there is a fee at this location. If you ask about the fee, they will tell you it costs a lot to run the park and feed the animals. The only way to avoid the fee is to have someone drop you off or carpool and split that fee.
You get to the entrance and find kiosks to get tickets. If you purchase your ticket online, you save the wait.
Walking around the park solo is easy to do. Get the app on your phone, so you will always be able to find your way around. If you prefer, get a paper map. There are ambassadors all over the park, wearing red shirts. Ask any one of them any relative question and you will be glad you did.
There is a tram that takes you to several places that are unwalkable. It’s comfortable and free. You can pay extra to skip the line. The park is broken out by continents, so you will find certain species in specific locations.
How much time should you spend here? A full day if you can. Take plenty of breaks and be sure to see the different parts of the park if you can, because 1800 acres is a lot of trail. Half of that is conservation trains, so off limits to walk. There are plenty of options to get around and see the full experience.
It’s full of some of the rarest of species. for example, the only place outside of Australia where you will see platypuses is here. There are two here, and you can observe them in a cave-like experience, while they swim around.
The Wildlife alliance is laser focused on conservation, so they are trying to maintain high standards of sustainability as well as protecting the environment.
Kangaroos, and koalas are some of the best exhibits, so head to the Aussie side of the park, where you may find smaller crowds even on a busy day.
Me: Someday, I’d like to be a volunteer ambassador for the Safari park and join the hundreds of retirees who help out with hospitality and education. I have two friends here doing this now. They pick their available days and are regulars. I’m a current member and visit several times a year. It never gets boring.
Do: The elephants are easy to spot, and you see them pretty close up! This is one of my favorite exhibits.
Don’t: forget to layer for the changing weather conditions, for it is usually hotter or colder than you’d expect in this San Pasqual Valley.
Today’s Mistake: Bodysurfing when the waves are too strong.
I was in the Pacific Ocean yesterday and got excited because it was such a beautiful day. However, my readiness was tempered by a huge wave that I did not anticipate, knocking me off my feet and swirling around in the surf with my boogie board pulled from me. My bathing suit was stretched out, sand all inside it and my ears felt like they got a sinus cleanout. That shook me hard. Don’t swim without the lifeguard and watch of big waves.
Today’s Travel Advice: Check out the Eastern Sierra’s for colors in the fall.
The forests of maple stress look like lava flows. The aspens look like orange cotton candy. The snow capped peaks look like the perfect contrast to the bright colors with the black and white tundra in the distance.
Connect to like minded women and get inspiration from them through your journeys, big and small. Discover the many talents of others by asking meaningful questions about philosophy and not just the weather.
I want to bring meaning to your travels. Send a question or travel tip to info@drmarytravelbest.com. 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 book series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect.
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email: info@drmarytravelbest.com