Oslo, Norway Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo Part 1 Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I had my second solo 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Amara, who wants to travel more. She asked: How can I plan a trip like you do, Dr. Travelbest? Would I love to take some of the trips you have been on? I’m not sure where to start. I hear a lot from YOU, but how do I do it? Answer: Getting started is like this. Take small trips until you build up your travel muscles. I...
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Milwaukee, Wisconsin episode I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself the Best Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, a book series found on Amazon. Please rate this podcast and the book! The FAQ is “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or suddenly can’t continue my trip alone?” Today’s Mistake- Staying in a destination too long because leaving feels like failure Travel Advice: Organize your apps FAQ: “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or...
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Krakow, Poland and Selecting Accomodations
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Krakow . Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. Today, we will discuss Krakow, Poland, and when to admit you are not ready for a trip. We will discuss passports and then my travel mistakes. Get ready now, as we are starting. The FAQ is: Marcia, who recently returned from a solo trip to Antarctica, asked: “At what point does a destination become a bad match for my solo senior travel — and how do I admit...
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Gdansk, Poland and Why Travel to Poland?
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today's Episode is about Gdansk, Poland The FAQ is: Why visit Poland? Answer: Poland is one of the places that Chicagoans love to talk about. It’s home to many people of Polish descent. If you enjoyed today’s Confidence Challenge on your essential documents, my book series Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Gdansk, Poland Connect with Dr. Travelbest on YouTube
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Bergen, Norway and solo travel in your prime
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today, we'll talk about Bergen, Norway. The FAQ is: Julie asked: How can I pack for several seasons in the same small pack? Answer: It’s going to be a challenge if you are moving to different zones in your trip. When I was in South Africa in June, the winter weather was a challenge, as there was no heat in the homes where I stayed. I used hot water bottles in bed at night. I also wore all of my clothes. A week later, I was in Greece and gave away the warm clothes to a new friend from England. She was a South Korean, grateful. You can experiment with what you need right away and then...
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Best of Mexico (From the Archives)
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This podcast series helped launch the now famous book series, Five Steps to Solo Travel. Now you are able to listen to one of the eariest versions of the show, and it's still relevant today. This episode takes you to Baja, Mexico. You will learn to drive to Ensenada, the Valle de Guadalupe and other destinations. Find your confidence through the FAQ's and also my mistakes and errors, so you won't make the same ones. This is snackable, without any filters, just a great listen for you now. Follow Dr. Travelbest here on your favorite channel, on TikTok, on IG and FB. We have an...
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Quito, Ecuador and packing for South America
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ:” Let’s quickly address how to pack for South America. If you are in the winter, it's summer, so you don’t need many clothes; pack light. I only took a personal item, but I had to wash it often, and I had only one pair of sneakers. No laptop. It helped me travel quickly and efficiently on planes, trains, and buses. In their winter, our summer, you should have many layers and a raincoat. I was able to buy what I needed or forgot while I was there, and the dollar was strong. On my first trip to South America, about 30 years ago, I went skiing in Chile, and I had to bring...
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Niagara Falls, Canada
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is Dr. Mary Travelbest, and we'll be talking about Niagara Falls, Canada. See Book A for guidance on saving money on airline tickets and more. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: “A Day at Niagara Falls – Solo, Soaked & Spectacular” Today, we're diving into the thundering wonder that is Niagara Falls, from a solo female traveler’s lens — and yes, I got a little wet. On the Road to the Falls I took the FlixBus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The ride is scenic and comfortable, even with a bit of drama—my Toronto Metro train broke down this morning. I had to get...
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Best of Dr. Mary Travelbest - Dr. Travelbest History plus solo vs group travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This episode aired in 2022, so if you missed it, find out more about the origins of the Dr. Mary Travelbest story. We are now on episode 350 and counting, so let us hear from you. @drmarytravelbest Give a gift of solo travel to a loved one. Find out more.... Thanks for Connecting further with Dr. Travelbest
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Lima Peru and airport luxury lounges
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is Dr. Mary Travelbest. I help you travel. The 60-second confidence challenge is on getting access to the airport lounges. It will take some experience, but it’s worth it. Check the fine print, too. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into best practices while traveling solo—link in description.” See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Lima, Peru. Hello, solo travelers—especially my sisters 50 and up. Today I’m...
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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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