Athens, Greece Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Welcome to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast for 5 Steps to Solo Travel. The FAQ is: What is going on with the number of cars on the road these days? Is traffic increasing, and why? Answer: Americans are sitting in traffic longer than ever. Last year, commuters lost an average of 63 hours, or almost 8 workdays, stuck in traffic, according to a Texas A&M study reported by Kiplinger. It is a 16% increase in national congestion costs from 2099 to 2024. Truck congestion rose 19%. A shift in traffic patterns has contributed to overall increased traffic times. Delays are no longer...
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Best of Archives. Japan
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Japan is one of the most visited places by those from the USA. Listen to this archived episode from years' past about Japan. It's still relevant today. It's a Step 5 Destination, and you can travel there solo. Find out more from the book series: The Five Steps to Solo Travel. And if you leave a review, you will make Dr. Travelbest so happy. Happy 2026 to you. Read what others say and then make your own words. It's an authentic voice, and it's really me!
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The Garden Route, South Africa
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Episode: The Garden Route, South Africa Today's episode is an FAQ on what the Garden Route is, a bit about the route, and my mistakes on it. The FAQ is: What is the Garden Route? It sounds lovely, but what is it actually? Answer: The Garden Route is a re-branded name for a region in Africa. It's a 190-mile stretch of South Africa's southeastern coast, stretching from Mossel Bay to the Storms River. It is a popular tourist road trip known for lush forests, dramatic mountain scenery, lakes, and sandy beaches. The area features a mild, year-round temperate climate, making it a premier, safe...
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Part 2)
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Podcast, Part 2 of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The FAQ is: How to carry toiletries on a long trip? Answer: For traveling solo, especially on longer journeys, toiletries can quietly become the heaviest, messiest, and most annoying part of your bag. I use cubes, just packing cubes like for my other travel items. So before you toss everything into a pouch, ask yourself: Do I really need this much? Will this leak at 35,000 feet? Can I replace it at my destination? Here are four smart, confidence-building tips for carrying toiletries on a long...
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Rio de Janeiro Brazil Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is part 1 of 2. . Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is: What are three phrases to learn for Brazil? Answer: Language Insights: Your Spanish will help tremendously. While English is less commonly spoken outside tourist hotspots, learning a few key Portuguese phrases can enhance your experience: Bom dia (Good morning) Obrigada (Thank you – from women) Quanto custa? (How much?) These should help...
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Thessaloniki Greece Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Thessoloniki Greece, Part 2 of 2. Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I recently returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. This episode covers driving and navigating at the same time, Thessoloniki, Greece, and my mistakes of not hydrating enough in Greece. The FAQ is: "I need help finding my way while driving." What advice can you provide me as I try to navigate while I drive? Answer: Here are three driving safety tips...
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Thessaloniki Greece Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Thessoloniki Greece, Part 1 Welcome to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences for world peace. Here is an FAQ about plane or train travel, Thessoloniki Greece, Part 1, and also about a health issue you don’t want when you travel. Give a listen. I guide you to solo travel experiences to bring out your best. The FAQ is: If you could take a plane or a train, which would it be and why? Answer: If I have the...
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Best of South Korea
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego today. Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, coming to you from a recent trip to South Korea, now sharing my best travel ideas. I’m about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world. Listener Story Spotlight A friend and a listener named Lois recently went to Hawaii. She told me about how she spent a lot of time getting travel insurance for herself and her partner. She had to pay more than she expected as her partner was having a birthday between the day she bought the service and the day of the trip. But she said it was well...
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Mojave Desert Southwestern USA
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Destination: Mojave Desert Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5-Step Guide to Solo Travel for women like you who need a little extra support as they travel the world (slowly), one woman at a time. I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself in the Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, found on Amazon. Yes, it has been a best seller in its category for some time! Please rate this podcast and the book! In this episode: Mojave Desert FAQ: loneliness on the road and how to...
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Warsaw, Poland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Warsaw, Poland The FAQ is: “How do I decide when it’s time to pay more for comfort or safety instead of pushing myself?” Budget travel advice is common; guidance on when frugality stops being smart for aging bodies is not. This is a silent tension for senior solo travelers. Answer: Here’s the truth: saving money is never worth arriving exhausted, stressed, or injured. As we get older, comfort becomes a strategy, not a luxury. I ask myself one simple question: Will this choice give me more energy tomorrow? If the answer...
info_outlineDestination: Wickenberg, Arizona
In this episode: FAQ is: What are the five steps to Solo Travel?.
Today’s Destination is: Wittenberg, Arizona
Today’s Mistake- Forgetting my sunglasses
Travel Advice: If you are going on a cruise, consider using a travel agent.
FAQ: What are the five steps to Travel?
Answer: They are steps from near to far in distance and in risk. It is a path to confidence and courage for your travel. You will improve your trip with each journey step if you are curious.
Start with accessible destinations and then more difficult ones. This guide gets you safely there and back home with a new confidence level. You’ll be ready for the next step in the next trip.
Today’s destination: Wickenburg, Arizona
Team roping capital of the world. What is team roping? One guy gets the head and the other the heel. Four arenas here, and anyone can watch.
Cowboys roping steers starts at the end of April and ends in April, except for some Gold Rush Days.
Jackie works at the Ranch Dressing Store.
There is a Caballero Western Museum by the one traffic light in town. The museum will take 1-2 hours to visit. Memberships are available. You may volunteer as a guide for those who want to immerse themselves in art and history at one of the top Western Art Museums in the country.
Historic Wickenberg.
Rodeo Grounds, Hassayampa River Walk & Wishing Well Park, Henry Wickenburg Historic House, Desert Caballeros Western Museum, Town Hall, Coffinger Park, Sunset Park/Splash Pad
It’s about an hour’s drive from Phoenix (65 miles)/
Bikers like it here. I noticed BC Jeep tours,
For culture, there is the Webb Center for the performing arts.
I noticed hardware stores and car-related businesses.
When I looked further, they have Ghost town toys, Vulture City Ghost Town Tours, 12 miles south of Wickenburg. It reminds me of a small town like Williams, AZ.
Travelbest: I had a buffet lunch on a Sunday afternoon in October, after driving from Phoenix. It was a beautiful day, and the convertible was the best mode of transportation to get there. It’s not clear on the map. I got a little lost but finally found it. Yelp and other recommendations were right. It was delicious food and great service. Plus, the gift store had a lot of cowboy stuff to enjoy. It’s a dude ranch, and they have groups who ride horses daily here. They close in May for the summer and open again in the fall. It’s too hot in the summer here.
Rancho Baballeros, locals call it, Los Cab. It’s a resort, saloon, restaurant, golf course,
Do visit a dude ranch.
Don’t plan to visit in the summer. It’s too hot.
Today’s Mistake- Forgetting sunglasses.
I went on a trip through the desert and forgot to bring my good sunglasses.
In the meantime, I wore a brimmed hat. I bought new sunglasses as soon as possible. My eyes can get sunburned, like my skin. Protect them.
Today’s Travel Advice-If you are going on a cruise, consider using a travel agent.
The industry compensates the travel agent for booking your cruise. They will be your advocate in case of a problem or if you need extra support before, during, or after your cruise. It costs you no extra to use a travel agent to book your trip. You could save money if they give you good advice on navigating the journey.
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