Phu Quoc Vietnam
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Phu Quok, Vietnam In this episode, the FAQ is: What’s the best water bottle for travel? Today’s Destination is: Phu Quoc, Vietnam Today’s Misstep- I Booked a room under construction and How I upgraded. Travel Advice: Take a small risk, not always a big one in Vietnam FAQ: What’s the best water bottle for travel? The top 10 water bottles for a solo senior female traveler will be on this list, including price, from the least to most expensive in the show notes. They range from $11 to $90. Vapur Anti-Bottle Collapsible Water Bottle - $11–$14 Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free...
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Edinburgh, Scotland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Edinburgh, Scotland Today’s Misstep- Too much of a good thing Travel Advice: Eat early, rest early FAQ: How do I remember to stretch while on the road? Answer: Tips for Remembering to Stretch: Set Phone Reminders: Schedule gentle reminders on your phone for morning and evening stretches. This way, it’s a built-in routine, just like brushing your teeth. Tie it to Daily Activities: Stretch after sitting for long periods, like after a meal or a bus/train ride. This helps to break up stiffness and becomes part of your rhythm. Use Cues...
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Coventry, England
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is Coventry, England Today’s Misstep- Manila Airport was a disaster Travel Advice: Bring the thing you usually forget FAQ: What are some simple exercises for travelers, especially solo females in their prime? Here are five I recommend: Walking: Aim for a daily walk to explore your surroundings. It's an easy way to keep your body moving and enjoy the local sights. Leg and Ankle Stretches: Sitting stretches are perfect for waiting in lines or resting. Flex and extend your ankles, or gently lift and lower your legs. Back and Shoulderstretches: Do these to...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibility
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: How do I best enjoy the Cabrillo Park? Today’s Destination is Cabrillo National Monument Accessibility Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Don’t forget to stretch like I did. Travel Advice: Swimming? Watch your valuables. FAQ: My friends ask me how do I enjoy the Cabrillo Park. I love this question. First, you have to plan for it, so bring your National Park Pass and try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the slow days. Park at the top and see the lighthouse. It’s iconic. Then visit the overlook to the city of San Diego and see the boats go in and out...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guides
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: Can AI really help me travel? Today’s Destination: Cabrillo National Monument Experience Part 1 Today’s Misstep- Mark Twain jokes about European tour guides in his travel books. Travel Advice: If you are interested in travel and do as you listen here, why not purchase a guide that answers most of your questions in one place? FAQ: Can really AI help me travel? Answer: AI is a great tool kit for travel. Yes, but be sure to check for accuracy and hallucinations. You will also find bias. But you can start...
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Best of Denali National Park, Alaska
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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Milan Italy
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: How do I manage increasing technology and security for travel? Today’s Destination is: Milan, Italy Today’s Misstep- I almost took a train to Switzerland at the Milan station Travel Advice: Bring a handheld portable fan for the heat. It can be oppressive. FAQ: The level of technology and security has stepped up for travel and entertainment. How do I manage it as a senior citizen in a very busy world? Answer: There is a growing level of distrust in today’s environment. For some venues, you can no longer use a...
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Best of Hawaii's Big Island
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Best of Hawaii's Big Island Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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Lake Como, Italy
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: What should I tell people who think I can’t travel solo? Today’s Destination is Lake Como, Italy Today’s Misstep: Sometimes, you don’t love your roommates when you share a room. Here’s why. Travel Advice: Don’t buy another timeshare. If you have one, it’s really hard to sell it. FAQ: What do I tell people who think I can’t travel solo? Answer: Ask them why not. Then listen. Then, address each one of their questions or comments if you like. No one says you need permission to travel solo, but it would be good to tell them...
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Belfast, Northern Ireland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: Using QR Codes. Are they safe? Today’s Destination is: Belfast, Northern Ireland Today’s Misstep: My leaky water bottle was in the overhead bin on the airplane. Travel Advice: Secondhand stores in Belfast are good deals. FAQ: Using QR Codes. Are they safe? Answer: When you open a QR code, pay attention to the context and the brand because it could contain a virus or even worse. Be careful when accessing websites on your desktop, laptop, tablet, watch, or phone. Preview the destination before you go there. A QR code...
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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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