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...
info_outline Edinburgh, ScotlandDr 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...
info_outline Coventry, EnglandDr 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...
info_outline Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibilityDr 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...
info_outline Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guidesDr 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...
info_outline Best of Denali National Park, AlaskaDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
info_outline Milan ItalyDr 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...
info_outline Best of Hawaii's Big IslandDr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Best of Hawaii's Big Island Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
info_outline Lake Como, ItalyDr 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...
info_outline Belfast, Northern IrelandDr 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...
info_outlineIn this episode: FAQ is: Boston or New York?
Today’s Destination is: Coronado island, California
Today’s Mistake-Underestimating time required for security.
Travel Advice: How to swim without losing your valuables.
FAQ: Boston or New York?
If you have to choose, decide which is more relevant, the larger city with three airports or one large airport, Boston.
If you plan to see a broadway play, that’s easy, New York.
If you want to ride the T, visit cemeteries from the Revolutionary War, then Boston.
In New York, you may want to see some of Central Park. Think of rhe TV show, Friends, based in New York, or Seinfeld. Then think of the show Cheers and that is Boston. Both are good choices. Since I’m born and raised in New York, I will go there with my choice.
I pick New York. What about you?
Today’s destination: Coronado, California
It’s not really a complete island, because it’s connected by land. It’s just south of San Diego and north of Mexico. Most people arrive from the scenic Coronado bridge, which is spectacular and free to cross in your vehicle.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego%E2%80%93Coronado_Bridge
Others arrive via a narrow piece of land called, Silver Strand. It’s also a California state beach. The busiest time to visit is Christmas Time, so you can see the huge tree in the hotel Del lobby, the ice skaters, the seashore, and the beautiful hotel grounds, where the movie Some Like it Hot was filmed in the 1950’s with Marilyn Monroe. I went there yesterday and caught up in the holiday spirit with the tree in the lobby, sandcastles built to welcome in the new year and igloos on the sand that could be rented by the hour.
My favorite parts of the island are the public library and parks where the town congregages, the swimming pool, where I’ve attended many swim events, and great restaurants.
I also took a lot of sailing and Coast Guard training in the nautical part of this island paradise. I learned how to tie knots among other things and got certified to rent a boat.
In recent years, they have had some spillover of sewage from the Tijuana estuary. This has closed the beaches in some regions. This should be fixed soon, thanks to awareness and legislation of civic leaders.
What to do? why not a beach walking tour, by yourself?
Coronado is a Pet friendly town with very high real estate prices, in case you are thinking of moving here.
https://coronadovisitorcenter.com/
https://coronadovisitorcenter.com/listings/coronado-beach-walking-tour-by-emerald-keepers/
Today’s Mistake: Underestimating time required for airport security.
I got to the airport at an early time, so I thought. then I looked at the line for the TSA. That had about 1000 people in it, so this would be a rough start.
If the security line is long, go directly to the gate quickly. Don’t delay. If you have TSA pre-check or CLEAR, you are in luck. Otherwise, you need to make sure you’re in the right line so you don’t waste valued time. Tell the people in front of you that you have a flight soon. I did not do that. I missed my flight, so I have learned my lesson. Get there early. Don’t try to push the time it takes to get through security.
Today’s Travel Advice- How to swim without losing your valuables.
For solo travelers who want to smim, while making sure their valuables are safe. Leave most valued things in your hotel or room.
Here are four tips to keep the things you need safe while you swim.
- befriend a group or a couple on the beach or pool and ask them to watch your stuff
- bring a waterproof bag with you and swim or paddle with it.
- bury your valued items in ziplock bags under the sand or hide them.
- put the phone and keys in an empty soft drink container, like a McDonald’s cup and maybe no one will suspect that diverstion.