Estes Park, Colorado
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, FAQ is: What are etias visas, and when are they required? Today’s Destination is: Estes Park, Colorado Today’s Mistake- I am not a foodie, but I love learning about new foods. I need to be braver. Travel Advice: check your loyalty points and miles frequently for errors FAQ: What are etias documents and when are they required? Let’s make it simple: it’s not a visa. It’s a visa waiver. Starting in 2025, the ETIAS will be required for Americans traveling to Europe. US citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. From 2025 on,...
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Akureyri and Northern Iceland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Akureyri and Northern Iceland Today’s Misstep- My hostel was self-service, and someone was in my bed. Travel Advice: Be on time if you are on a tour. FAQ: How do I navigate the city bus system when I don’t speak the language? Response: I traveled around the world for 90 days, and most of the time, I did not speak the language of that country. I had some challenges riding the bus in some cities; for example, Reykjavik, Iceland, was a minor disaster. You can use travel apps like Rome to Rio for bus or train travel guidance. You'll be able to get to the...
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Louisville, and the Kentucky Derby
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ: How do I make small talk when you are on the road with a stranger? Destination: Louisville, Ky Today’s Mistake-Getting lost in Louisville Travel Advice: Pack half your suitcase with giveaways and gifts. FAQ: How do I make small talk with a stranger when you are on the road? Start small with a question or comment about the weather, date, location, or event you are both at or have just attended. Do they seem to have something in common with you? You can gently ask how they are doing today. Today’s destination: Louisville, KY Derby is on the...
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"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….”
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….” Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide for women like you who need extra support traveling the world (slowly), one woman at a time. Please rate this podcast and the Amazon book series, especially Part B on Destinations! I’ve been traveling solo since 1972 and writing about it since 1993. Now you can experience the Top Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, a Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, found on Amazon. I recently...
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"Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers"
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
"Savoring Solitude: Women's Guide to Eating Out Alone While Traveling" "Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers" You have three meals a day, and you are solo. What do you do to enjoy these meals by yourself? You can have some great times if you follow these tips, or maybe you can add more tips for other travelers. Eating out alone can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for solo travelers, including women aged 60 and above. Here are some tips to make dining alone more comfortable and enjoyable: Choose the Right Restaurant: Choose restaurants...
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San Francisco Airport "Wings and Wanderlust"
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode: FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like? Destination: San Francisco Airport "Wings and Wanderlust: Solo Female Traveler's Guide to SFO" Today’s Mistake- I left my phone on the airline counter at the SFO airport. Travel Advice: Relax in the Airport Yoga Room, if in SFO anyway…. FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like? Answers 1 or 2 1. Ask the right questions if you want to get good responses to your questions about others' travels. Instead of “How was...
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Osaka Japan
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode: FAQ: What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel? Destination: Osaka, Japan Today’s Mistake- My global entry card has my name wrong. Travel Advice: Use AI when planning your next trip FAQ: A Facebook group member asked us, “What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?” Answer: Unexpected weather changes are not uncommon, but they can still pose a challenge when traveling, especially when solo. If I were faced with a sudden shift from sunny and warm to rainy and cold weather while on a trip, I...
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National Park Service and Foundation
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Mistake- I was a stunt woman at Universal Studios and ended up in the hospital. Travel Advice: Always pack a bathing suit. Today’s destination: National Park Foundation and Service I support the National Park Service in the USA by purchasing a yearly wall calendar. The images are beautiful. I also have a Senior Pass, which you can get for your lifetime, starting at age 62. Buy it at any park or online. Don’t lose it. It’s worth a lot for your traveling. Membership has its perks! That includes free admission. Have you been to Yosemite? Yellowstone? Are...
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Best of Cairns Australia
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
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South Goa India Plus masking up, losing my credit card, getting massages
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, FAQ is: When do I need a mask? Today’s Destination is: South Goa, India Today’s Misstep- I left my credit card behind. Travel Advice: Get a massage FAQ: When do I need a mask in 2024 Guidelines for wearing face masks vary depending on the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic and local regulations. It's essential to stay informed about the latest guidance from health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other relevant local health departments. The need to wear a face mask can depend on factors...
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 [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 book series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect.
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