Best of Beaches of Oahu and Honolulu Hawaii and getting safe water to drink
Release Date: 04/01/2023
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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: The FAQ is How do I filter my drinking water? I want to be sure that I drink clean water when traveling remote.
Today’s Destination is: Best of beaches of Honolulu, Hawaii. Today’s Mistake- Losing a High School Ring. Travel Advice- Scorpions: Be aware in hot weather.
FAQ: Tamara asks about safe water to drink. How should I filter my drinking water? I want to be sure that I drink clean water when traveling remote.
Answer: Tamara that’s a good question for Dr Travelbest, who likes to be reminding women to drink and stay hydrated. Waterborne illness is caused by invisible-to-the-eye pathogens. The difference between a filter and a purifier is that only a purifier is effective against the smallest threats—viruses.
Caused by animal or human contamination of water sources, three things to know are these:
Protozoa and cysts, like cryptosporidium and giardia lamblia
Bacteria, like E. coli, salmonella and campylobacter
Viruses, like hepatitis A, rotavirus and norovirus
There are four ways to purify your water for travel, Pump purifiers, UV light purifiers, water purifier bottles and chemical purification.
You need to remove the pathogens. Filters will not do as good as purifiers, but better than nothing.
https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/water-treatment-international.html
Today’s Episode is the Destination: Best of beaches of Oahu and Honolulu Hawaii
Oahu's beaches are in one of four locations. Here is a summary of the four: North, South, West and East.
The famous North Shore has surfing beaches, like Waimea Bay and Ehukai (Eh-Hu, KI) Beach, home of the Banzai Pipeline.
The South Shore is for Waikiki and city beaches, and fun snorkeling for free. These huge, wide beaches are bordered with tall palm trees and luxury resort hotels.
The Westside's beaches are Leeward Coast beaches, which means the island protects them from the wind. This is where you'll find peaceful beaches with gentle surf, like Ko Olina and Turtle Bay.
On the Eastside, referred to as the Windward Coast, you'll find popular yet unspoiled beaches, like Waimanalo and Makapuu (MA KA PU-U).
Makapuu Beach
This beach is only 30 minutes outside Waikiki, delivers epic sunrise views, lots of cool lava rocks for IG backgrounds, and some great waves. The beach is especially famous for body surfing; the waves are consistently good. The water is dangerous and there can be strong rip currents, so this spot is best for expert body surfers. It's body for surfing only - no surfboards are permitted here.
The beach is next to Makapuu (MAK a Poo oo) Point, the most eastward part of Oahu. There's a lighthouse on the point and some cool sea caves in the rocks beneath it.
The 1,000-foot-long beach is bright white with powder-soft sand. The white sand creates an image that gives the water a light turquoise color. The beach is wider during the summertime, and a lot of the sand erodes due to winter waves.
After enjoying the beach, it is recommended to take a hike along the adjacent Point Lighthouse Trail. The hike is about three miles round-trip to and from the lighthouse and provides some seriously jaw-dropping ocean views along the way.
Waimea Bay is a famous surfing spot, but the beach here is always a great place to visit, even for non-surfers. With all the surfers, there's always something to see.
Keep in mind, the monster waves Waimea is famous for only happen during the winter; the surf is almost gentle during the summer, making it great for swimming and even snorkeling. During the winter, the beach can see waves as high as 20 to 30 feet, some of the largest in the world.
Waimea Bay has good facilities (public restrooms and outdoor showers) and is well-guarded with lifeguards. The sand is powder smooth, and the beach is wide.
After a day of water sports, get a bite with the locals at one of the many food trucks that line the Kamehameha (Kamehameha) Highway near all the popular surf breaks.
The best time to visit Waikiki is Early Sunday morning little traffic.
Las Vegas like hotels (Iliki, (ill- ik kai) Hilton Hawaii Village, etc) with shops like Beverly Hills retail, including Harry Winston, Gucci, Coach
Swimming can be dangerous at times.
Catamarans land on the shore. Beep their boats as they approach shore to tell the swimmer to get out of the way.
Snorkeling: Waikiki area, Sans Souci (san, so sea) Beach, Queens Beach.
Bring a facemask, snorkel, and fins. Plenty of coral and fish that are translucent, jelly-like, colorful, and polka dot.
For non-swimmers:
-
Bishop Museum https://www.bishopmuseum.org/
which includes 5 buildings. Planetarium, interactive exhibits.
2) Diamond Head hiking
USS Arizona, a 3-minute walk from USS Bowfin Sub Museum. Be sure to make your reservations well in advance.
4) The island's Polynesian Cultural Center in the northeast part has a beautiful setup, so get your tickets in advance. The buffet, the evening show, and the experience are one of a kind. I feel the culture here more than in other places on the islands. It’s for tourists and may be worth it if you have a car, as it’s a ways from the main parts of the island.
5) Shopping
The downtown mall has free parking and 400+ stores plus a food court. You can walk to the beach from here, too.
Kuleana” (Cool e ana). Take wisdom, make it deep
Be good to nature. Respect the land https://www.ponopledge.com/
Travel Advice-Scorpions: When and where do they appear and how do you treat the bite?
Scorpions are generally active during the early dusk and during the night as they are nocturnal. They are found in Arizona, southeastern Nevada, California, New Mexico, Western Texas and Utah. They have a venom that can be dangerous, with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, muscle twitching, unusual head, neck, and eye movements, drooling, sweating, nausea and vomiting, high blood pressure and accelerated heart rate. Some home remedies are to clean the wound with mild soap and water, apply a cool compress to reduce pain, and take an over-the-counter pain reliever as needed. Don’t consume liquid or food if you are having difficulty swallowing. I’m not a medical doctor, so please get advice from your provider.
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scorpion-stings/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353865
Connect with Dr Travelbest
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group