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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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...
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.