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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
"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...
info_outline
"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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
Best of Cairns Australia
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
info_outline
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_outlineDestination: Newport Beach, California
In this episode: Should I check my bag or carry-on?
Today’s Destination is: Newport Beach
Today’s Mistake-Time zone mayhem
Travel Advice: See the Sherpa travel website.
FAQ: This question gets asked a lot: Should I check my luggage or carry-on?
Answer: Short flights, no.
Long flights, it depends on the time you are willing to wait for baggage, the size of your suitcase, if the plane has space for more bags, and personal preference.
Now, personal items are allowed, but you may need to pay for your carry-on bag. Always check with the airline before you head out to the airport. You may be happy you asked.
Today’s destination: Newport Beach, California
Newport Beach, south of Los Angeles, is famous for its boats. The harbor has thousands of them. Balboa Peninsula has two piers, the Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, plus the Balboa Fun Zone. The Orange County Museum of Art exhibits modern and contemporary pieces.
The Wedge surfing spot is known and even famous for big waves.
I recently saw an RC surfer here. Made by ProBro from South Africa. See show notes for some videos from Radio Controlled surfing here. It’s so close to the beach you can really enjoy it.
https://www.visitnewportbeach.com/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=24te24Rnlgk
At the wedge, waves were 8 feet tall on my recent visit, but can be 20 feet. When the waves are very high, there are a lot of visitors, so parking is hard to find.
There is no fee to park in the neighborhood. Bring your picnic lunch and hang out.
Balboa Peninsula Point has a lot of nice homes and a beautiful quiet beach near the wedge inlet. Streets are named after Alphabet letters, so it’s easy to navigate.
Today’s Mistake: Time zone mayhem
I’ve struggled with the right time zones for meetings and travel. Synching devices and software don’t work. If you frequently change time zones, you know how challenging it is. I arrived late for a big meeting. I arrived an hour ahead of time on another day. Remember to adjust for the time difference. Don’t be like me and get the right time.
Today’s Travel Advice- See the Sherpa travel website.
Yes, a sherpa is a name for a guide or a porter. It’s also a travel website that has been recommended to me by other travel experts. I’m looking forward to doing a more in depth review of the services they offer for eVisas and for ESTA cards. They are a virtual company, based in Canada.
Sherpa is a website that gives you detailed government information about travel.
Look up what’s open. Look up what’s required by country.
What restrictions would there be?
For example, I’ll be traveling in 2023, so I will be checking this website to make sure I will be able to visit these countries.
Connect with Dr Travelbest
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group
email: [email protected]