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...
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Best of the Outback, Ayers Rock, Australia
In this episode: The FAQ is on how to use packing cubes. The destination is the Outback and Ayers Rock, Australia.
The lesson learned is Don’t give up too easily.
The tip is We May Never Pass This way Again, by Seals & Crofts, back from the memory banks.
FAQ: What are the advantages of Packing Organizers or travel compression bags? How can I pack a suitcase best using cubes?
The best way to pack a smaller suitcase, that is one you want to carry on, is using cubes. Many airlines limit your size of carry on, so find out the exact dimensions and get a suitcase small enough to bring. The advantages are efficiency, saving space, keeping clothes clean and dry and prevent you from overpacking.
The cubes are zippered fabric containers, which fit into small spaces so that you are not only more organized, you can bring more. I use four cubes, and they are rectangular in shape, lightweight and have strong zippers. Although the compression bags are good, the cubes don’t need to release air, are more durable and stack neatly. Plus, there will be fewer creases in your clothes. The best way to use them is to lineup everything you want to bring and then organize on how you best want to travel. One cube could be for day 2 of your trip, so everything is easy to access. One cube could be your toiletries and cords. One cube could be a pair of shoes and surround that with smaller items. You’ll notice the fabrics, the shapes of your items and the weight will make a difference. I prefer folding instead of rolling, but you can do a combination so it’s more compact. It may take you several tries to get everything into the cubes, but once you do, you’re all set for your trip.
https://www.neverendingvoyage.com/how-to-use-packing-cubes-carry-on-travel/
Today’s Episode is about the Outback and Ayers Rock, Australia
It is a six-hour drive through bush country from Alice Springs to Ayers Rock. Depending on the amount of rain, this can look very barren or colorful. I stayed at a motel not far from The Olgas, which are 12 miles southwest of Ayers Rock. I walked through the gorge with new friends from New South Wales, Australia. From Sunset Strip, I watched Ayers Rock change color, with about 250 viewers at that spot. It’s one of the most photographed rocks in the world. I watched a slide show about the area, and then went out for a moonlight drive to see the rock under the stars. The area has no pollution, clouds or competing light, so they are the most brilliant I’ve ever seen. The culture here is all about the Uluru, the native people from the area. Their folk music is worth a listen. You’ll need to see the sunrise, even if it’s freezing cold. When I visited, you could still climb Ayers Rock, although you no longer can do this, because it’s sacred to the native people.
It was one of the most exciting and fun adventures of my lifetime. From the top of the rock, we had such a clear view to the horizon and further. To get to the top, I followed a white dotted line, and along the way, I sang songs that made my heart light and the journey easy. Even if you can’t climb the rock, you can still become inspired and awed at the colorful palate of nature who changes cues throughout the day at this rock. From light to dark and every color in between, I found much peace at this spot.
Back in Alice Springs, I found a desert-like town and a global village of travelers. It was a bit like Las Vegas, only much smaller. Yes, there were casinos and I went to them. Aboriginal artifacts like boomerangs and weapons were found here, too. This is the Outback.
Today’s Mistake-Don’t give up too easily, for example on windsurfing.
It took me nearly 40 tries to learn how to windsurf in Fiji. It was on the 40th try that I finally learned how to make the sail sing. So don’t get discouraged, because it may take you a long time, but once you get it and learn the basics, you’ll be sailing.
Today’s Travel Advice- We may never pass this way again.
The Seals & Crofts song makes me smile. Think of all the things you do when you travel and all the memories you store. Remember that you may not get back to this place again, so do what you like, even if it’s just resting and relaxing. Enjoy your time on the road and seeing or resting for the next day!
Life, love and fun is just begun. See the show notes for the link to the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvyDKkMYEZ0
Today I want to bring meaning to your travel. Send me your travel tip. You can send it to my Facebook page, group, or Instagram. You can send to my Twitter, blog, and maybe you’ll see your tips in my next travel book on independent destinations.
What’s on your bucket list?
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