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_outlineThis is Dr Mary Travelbest:
FAQ is: What about immunizations other than Covid? Where can I go for good medical advice?
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Today’s Destination is: Little Rock, Arkansas
Today’s Mistake- Taking too much luggage
Travel Advice: Tips for Wildlife Watching: photos and using binoculars
FAQ: Do I need other immunizations besides Covid, such as Typhoid fever immunization?
Answer: Are you traveling to countries that are known for having diseases? Find out. This makes a big difference when solo, especially in Steps 4 and 5 travel.
RSV, Covid, Flu? Triple whammy.
Typhoid is bad in what countries?
Hepatitis is bad. Malaria is where?
Tetanus shots? Every ten years?
Polio?
Ask your doctor. What immunizations do you need? Get your official International Certificate of Immunization that contains a record of your vaccinations and immunizations for you to keep with your passport.
There are at least 10 recommended immunizations you may need.
Go to a health seminar for travelers, and search for the best ones. You will likely be paying out of pocket for all of the services, including immunizations, so choose wisely. In most cases, health insurance does not cover these visits, generally speaking.
Today’s destination: Little Rock, Arkansas
200,000 people live here. It’s a step one or two trip, in the 5 Steps to Solo Travel.
Best time to visit is the summer, even though it’s muggy hot. Long days and short nights make for some fun in the sun, shade, and breezes along the river. The hospitality is wonderful in Arkansas.
Clinton Presidential Museum is one of the highlights of downtown.
Indians influenced the river and are honored at Riverfront Park. Carve time to enjoy this park, free and easy to navigate.
If you’re coming from the east, it’s an easy drive from Memphis, Tennessee.
Bright parts:
Greenery is abundant here.
Plenty of water is available for walks on the paths, along the shore, and exploring solo as a Step 1 or Step 2 traveler.
Riverfront park has concerts, events, and plenty to entertain and amuse.
Check the calendar when you are visiting.
There’s plenty to do here, just find what makes you tick.
zoo, river, parks, museums, and history, including a lof of Arkansas history.
Don’t forget to sample some of the local home-style cooking and local favorite dishes.
Do pack the bug repellent and watch for poison ivy.
Today’s Mistake- Too much luggage
Today’s Travel Advice-Tips for Wildlife Discovery: photo tips and using binoculars
First: Wildlife Watching Tips: Your car serves as a good “blind” for watching wildlife, protecting you and the animals from one another. Pull all the way off the road, turn off the motor and the lights. Keep young children and pets quiet and inside the car. Don’t trespass on private property and, when in the national park or national forest, observe posted signs.
Next: Photo Tips: Use a telephoto lens and tripod. Respect the safety and welfare of your subject, aiming for photos of calm, dignified, unstressed animals. Morning and afternoon lights are best, with the sun at your back. If you don’t have a telephoto lens, show the animal in its natural surroundings rather than trying to move in too close. You could lose the shot altogether by spooking the subject.
Last: Binocular Tips: First find the subject with the unaided eye and, bringing the eyepieces just under your eyes, sight the subject over the tips of the eyepieces. Slowly bring the binoculars to your eyes and focus. I like binocs that are small and compact. What do you like?
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