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Best of Ann Arbor, Michigan plus oversleeping and how to hide emergency cash

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Release Date: 04/15/2023

Chattanooga, Tennessee show art Chattanooga, Tennessee

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

  In this episode, the FAQ is: How can I take a walking tour when I arrive in a city? . Today’s Destination is: Chattanooga, Tennessee Today’s Misstep- Getting stopped by TSA security Travel Advice: Plan for the unexpected   FAQ:  How can I get the walking tour when I get to a city?   Response: A guided walking tour of a city is a treat for a solo traveler, especially for a woman who is interested in its history.   The more popular ones are through platforms like Viator, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, and FreeWalkingtoursbylocals.com, but there are many ways to score a tour...

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Estes Park, Colorado show art Estes Park, Colorado

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode, FAQ is: What are etias visas, and when are they required? Today’s Destination is: Estes Park, Colorado Today’s Mistake- I am not a foodie, but I love learning about new foods. I need to be braver. Travel Advice:  check your loyalty points and miles frequently for errors FAQ: What are etias documents and when are they required? Let’s make it simple: it’s not a visa. It’s a visa waiver. Starting in 2025, the ETIAS  will be required for Americans traveling to Europe. US citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. From 2025 on,...

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Akureyri and Northern Iceland show art Akureyri and Northern Iceland

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Today’s Destination is: Akureyri and Northern Iceland Today’s Misstep- My hostel was self-service, and someone was in my bed. Travel Advice: Be on time if you are on a tour.   FAQ: How do I navigate the city bus system when I don’t speak the language?   Response: I traveled around the world for 90 days, and most of the time, I did not speak the language of that country. I had some challenges riding the bus in some cities; for example, Reykjavik, Iceland, was a minor disaster. You can use travel apps like Rome to Rio for bus or train travel guidance. You'll be able to get to the...

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Louisville, and the Kentucky Derby show art Louisville, and the Kentucky Derby

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

FAQ: How do I make small talk when you are on the road with a stranger?   Destination: Louisville, Ky   Today’s Mistake-Getting lost in Louisville Travel Advice:  Pack half your suitcase with giveaways and gifts. FAQ:  How do I make small talk with a stranger when you are on the road?   Start small with a question or comment about the weather, date, location, or event you are both at or have just attended. Do they seem to have something in common with you? You can gently ask how they are doing today.   Today’s destination: Louisville, KY Derby is on the...

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"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….”

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….”   Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide for women like you who need extra support traveling the world (slowly), one woman at a time.   Please rate this podcast and the Amazon book series, especially Part B on Destinations!   I’ve been traveling solo since 1972 and writing about it since 1993. Now you can experience the Top Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, a Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, found on Amazon. I recently...

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"Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers"

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

  "Savoring Solitude: Women's Guide to Eating Out Alone While Traveling"   "Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers" You have three meals a day, and you are solo. What do you do to enjoy these meals by yourself? You can have some great times if you follow these tips, or maybe you can add more tips for other travelers. Eating out alone can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for solo travelers, including women aged 60 and above. Here are some tips to make dining alone more comfortable and enjoyable: Choose the Right Restaurant: Choose restaurants...

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San Francisco Airport San Francisco Airport "Wings and Wanderlust"

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode:  FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like? Destination: San Francisco Airport "Wings and Wanderlust: Solo Female Traveler's Guide to SFO" Today’s Mistake- I left my phone on the airline counter at the SFO airport. Travel Advice:  Relax in the Airport Yoga Room, if in SFO anyway…. FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like?    Answers 1 or 2   1. Ask the right questions if you want to get good responses to your questions about others' travels. Instead of “How was...

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Osaka Japan show art Osaka Japan

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode: FAQ: What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?   Destination: Osaka, Japan Today’s Mistake- My global entry card has my name wrong. Travel Advice:  Use AI when planning your next trip FAQ: A Facebook group member asked us, “What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?” Answer: Unexpected weather changes are not uncommon, but they can still pose a challenge when traveling, especially when solo. If I were faced with a sudden shift from sunny and warm to rainy and cold weather while on a trip, I...

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National Park Service and Foundation show art National Park Service and Foundation

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Today’s Mistake- I was a stunt woman at Universal Studios and ended up in the hospital. Travel Advice:  Always pack a bathing suit.   Today’s destination: National Park Foundation and Service   I support the National Park Service in the USA by purchasing a yearly wall calendar. The images are beautiful. I also have a Senior Pass, which you can get for your lifetime, starting at age 62. Buy it at any park or online. Don’t lose it. It’s worth a lot for your traveling. Membership has its perks! That includes free admission.   Have you been to Yosemite? Yellowstone? Are...

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Best of Cairns Australia show art Best of Cairns Australia

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

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More Episodes

In this episode: FAQ is: Do you have any advice on finding a safe place to sleep in a strange new city I’ll visit? I’m in my 60s and I have a challenge sleeping when I don’t know much about my surroundings.

 

Today’s Destination: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Today’s Mistake- Oversleeping

Travel Advice:  Hide some extra cash for emergencies

 

FAQ: Do you have any advice on finding a safe place to sleep in a strange new city I’ll visit? I’m in my 60’s and have difficulty sleeping when I don’t know much about my surroundings.

Answer:

When I get to a new city, I like to walk the neighborhood and feel the pulse of the area. I try to arrive as early in the day as possible, and especially not when it’s dark. That makes me more comfortable with the area and allows me to rest. Sometimes I take the red eye flight, because I will arrive early in the morning and can get around the city during the daylight. 

Before you travel, find your destination on google maps, and then make a path from your airline to your hotel or Airbnb virtually. Look for the main signposts, freeway exits and signposts. You can use the visual guide “street view” so you can anticipate what it will look like in advance for a safer feeling about the location. 

 

Today’s destination: Ann Arbor, Michigan

 

It’s a town that doesn’t change much over the years. If you’ve not been there, it’s worth a visit, even for a day or two. Slow down and enjoy the good things in Michigan. Summers and winters have weather, and fall leaves are colorful. Pick your season and make the most of it.

I visited in the 1970’s and again in 2021 and it’s a fresh and inspirational college town to me. Football rules as University of Michigan Blue is seen all over. Downtown is a walking city, with plenty of free parking for visitors. Do check out some of the culture, entertainment, and especially the art museum at the University. I enjoyed this museum that was the arts and culture museum in downtown Ann Arbor. Admission was no charge, and the tickets were available online. 

 

There are 14 farmers markets in the county of Washtenaw in spring and summer. There are plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, too. Argus Farm Stop and White Lotus Farms have good markets.

https://www.annarbor.org/

https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/museums/

 

Today’s Mistake- Oversleeping before a big trip

I did not set my alarm correctly, and it did not wake me up. I overslept for a 5 am drive to the airport as I woke then. I was out the door by 5:15am, but not really yet awake and the rest of the day followed poorly. Do make sure you have at least one if not two reliable alarms set if you are catching an early morning flight.

 

Today’s Travel Advice-Keep cash in hidden places. It’s a good idea to have an extra $20 somewhere you may need it. You may be running out of gas or need to get supplies. That $20 bill could be a big lifesaver for you when you travel independently. You could put it in your shoe, your money belt, or your inside pocket.

 

Today I want to bring meaning to your travel. Send me your travel tip. You can send it to my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. You can send to my Twitter, blog, and maybe you’ll see your tips in the next book, Steps to Independent Travel.



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