Cartagena, Colombia and safety in South America
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Cartagena, Colombia. Today, we're heading to Cartagena, Colombia —a vibrant and touristy Caribbean city bursting with color, music, and history. It's one of the most popular destinations on South America's northern coast — and I'll share my experiences and a few lessons learned for solo travelers like you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a culture that's as lively as it is rich. Let's start with the setting. Cartagena's Walled City — La Ciudad Amurallada — is the heart of it all. I recommend exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. You...
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Lincoln Square, Chicago, using AI on the road and staying healthy tips
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Lincoln Square, Chicago. The FAQ is about using AI while traveling. How do I get the best responses to my prompts when I have a question? Is there a platform you recommend? There are thousands of platforms, and new ones are popping up every day. For travelers seeking the most current answers to their travel questions, you are in luck. You can navigate the territory solo better today than ever because you can ask the right questions. Practice is the best way to use them. 60-second confidence challenge If you like today’s...
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Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego today, talking about Cape Breton, Canada . Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, world traveler, professor, marketing expert, and all-around fun person. And I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences. Quick-fire FAQ: Your mom, grandmother, or even your daughter told you to be careful when traveling solo. But did they ever do it? You are on your way. The question I get asked is: What should I tell someone who discourages me from traveling? Answer: You can turn it around and ask for specific information...
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Machu Picchu, Peru including lessons learned about Step 5 travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Machu Picchu Are there any tips to help me avoid being cheated or robbed while traveling? Yes, you can take precautions like removing your expensive jewelry before traveling and not carrying expensive purses or shoes. Don't look like a target. Look like you belong, and try not to stand out from the usual crowd. Check reviews of any Airbnb or turo car rentals you book. Be careful not to walk alone in the dark at night, as much as possible. Think of the odds whenever you go out. Please put them in your favor, not a criminal. If you like...
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Medellin Colombia Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Medellin, Colombia.Part 2 Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Quick-Fire FAQ: Drying Out Wet Clothing. How do you do that on the road? How do you dry your wet belongings while traveling, especially when you're solo? Especially in a humid area, it’s hard to get things dry. When you solo travel, you have more control over your time constraints, so plan to let things dry. When it’s damp, the best way to dry your clothes is by maximizing water removal before drying. Try the towel roll trick. First, lay the clothes flat on a towel, roll them up, and twist to ring out...
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Medellin, Colombia Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Medellin, Colombia 60-second confidence challenge: The confidence challenge is to meet someone new today. You might stop by the mailbox to say “hi,” or visit a park where people are less in a hurry. Start a conversation with someone new today. If you like, then get their name and phone number and give them a call. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapters of my book dive deeper into how to build confidence using it—link in description.” See Book A for addressing the challenge of meeting new people Find it on our website at or on...
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Galapagos, Ecuador
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Here is the episode on Galapagos, Ecuador 60 second confidence challenge Check your passport. Do you have at least six months left until it expires? Do you have at least four blank pages? Then your passport is in good shape. You’re ready to travel, as long as you check for any Visa entries you may need. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper—link in description.” See Book A for addressing all of these items like preparing for travel. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: Galapagos, Ecuador Galapagos means nature to most...
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Haarlem, Netherlands
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
this episode is about Haarlem, Netherlands. See Book A for addressing the challenges of solo travel in your prime. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Destination: Haarlem, Netherlands. It’s a Dutch city that’s often overshadowed by Amsterdam, but has just as much charm—and far fewer crowds. I’m talking about Haarlem, Netherlands. Haarlem is only 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, making it an easy and quiet alternative for solo travelers over 50. What you’ll love is its slower pace, historic streets, and safe, flat, walkable...
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Toronto Canada Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This episode is about Toronto, Canada. See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Toronto is another example of Step 3 travel, advanced solo travel. Other step 3 destinations in my Part B book include Banff, Whistler, and Vancouver. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is: Toronto, Canada, part two of two You may arrive at Pearson airport, like I did, which was a lovely airport ranked high among international airports. I had the opportunity to experience the Priority Pass lounge...
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Toronto Canada Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Toronto Part 1 of 2 FAQ: Do you travel on public transport? Let’s explore one city. The FAQ for today is: How would I travel around Toronto on public transport, if needed? Here are a few facts about their public transit. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is your central transit system—includes: Subway Streetcars (trams) Buses PRESTO Card is the smart fare card you'll want to use. It gives discounted fares for seniors (65+). Ask ChatGPT about the best travel options for you, whether it's the subway or any other mode of transportation. It will provide detailed information instantly....
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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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