Best of Ann Arbor, Michigan plus oversleeping and how to hide emergency cash
Release Date: 04/15/2023
Best of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor Maine
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? Today’s Destination is Acadia National Park Today’s Mistake- My own car crash in parking garage Travel Advice: Travel pillows FOR SLEEPING on planes FAQ: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? AARP is offering some airline travel tips that may answer this question. First, some facts. In 2019, the FAA reported 146 cases of bad behavior on planes, but in 2021, that number grew to more than 1,000. That was out of nearly 6,000 cases of unruly...
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Special Edition: London, England Airports Ranked
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Special Edition: London, England Airports In this episode, the FAQ is: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Today’s Destination is: London Airports Today’s Misstep- Wearing the wrong shoes Travel Advice: When buying an airline ticket, pause. FAQ: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Expect more opportunities for local immersion, where you can experience the daily life of local communities through homestays, service projects, and interactive cultural programs for seniors. Solo female travel is on the rise, with women...
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Delhi, India Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 2 In this episode, your FAQ is: Safety in India for solo travelers Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India. Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Cellphone issues that were my fault and more Travel Advice: Safety tips for travel in Delhi. FAQ: Let’s talk about safety in India. My friend Kathryn is going to Delhi and is worried about being a solo woman. Can I talk to her about what she can expect? The short answer is that Kathryn is already back home, and she had a great trip, but she was nervous and needed confirmation that all would be well. Today’s destination: Delhi, India Part 2...
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Delhi, India Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 1 In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going? Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast: Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. For more local alerts, sign up for location-based apps on Google...
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Phu Quoc Vietnam
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...
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Edinburgh, Scotland
Dr 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...
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Coventry, England
Dr 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...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibility
Dr 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...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guides
Dr 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...
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Best of Denali National Park, Alaska
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
info_outlineIn 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/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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