Oslo, Norway Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo, Norway, Part 2. Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few months ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Tabitha, who complained and then asked a question: I don’t want to share a room because I use a sleeping device that makes a lot of noise. How can I save money on my travel without putting someone else out of their sleep? Answer: Sharing a room is a blunt instrument for saving money....
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Oslo, Norway Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo Part 1 Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I had my second solo 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Amara, who wants to travel more. She asked: How can I plan a trip like you do, Dr. Travelbest? Would I love to take some of the trips you have been on? I’m not sure where to start. I hear a lot from YOU, but how do I do it? Answer: Getting started is like this. Take small trips until you build up your travel muscles. I...
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Milwaukee, Wisconsin episode I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself the Best Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, a book series found on Amazon. Please rate this podcast and the book! The FAQ is “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or suddenly can’t continue my trip alone?” Today’s Mistake- Staying in a destination too long because leaving feels like failure Travel Advice: Organize your apps FAQ: “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or...
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Krakow, Poland and Selecting Accomodations
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Krakow . Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. Today, we will discuss Krakow, Poland, and when to admit you are not ready for a trip. We will discuss passports and then my travel mistakes. Get ready now, as we are starting. The FAQ is: Marcia, who recently returned from a solo trip to Antarctica, asked: “At what point does a destination become a bad match for my solo senior travel — and how do I admit...
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Gdansk, Poland and Why Travel to Poland?
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today's Episode is about Gdansk, Poland The FAQ is: Why visit Poland? Answer: Poland is one of the places that Chicagoans love to talk about. It’s home to many people of Polish descent. If you enjoyed today’s Confidence Challenge on your essential documents, my book series Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Gdansk, Poland Connect with Dr. Travelbest on YouTube
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Bergen, Norway and solo travel in your prime
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today, we'll talk about Bergen, Norway. The FAQ is: Julie asked: How can I pack for several seasons in the same small pack? Answer: It’s going to be a challenge if you are moving to different zones in your trip. When I was in South Africa in June, the winter weather was a challenge, as there was no heat in the homes where I stayed. I used hot water bottles in bed at night. I also wore all of my clothes. A week later, I was in Greece and gave away the warm clothes to a new friend from England. She was a South Korean, grateful. You can experiment with what you need right away and then...
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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
info_outlineToday’s Destination is: Rotorua, New Zealand
Today’s Lesson Learned- Losing my reading glasses
Travel Advice: Maps offline can help you find your way solo.
FAQ: Annie asks Dr. Travelbest; I’m so worried about traveling alone. I must build my confidence to go on a trip, even with another person. If I was to go alone, What would be the biggest concern for solo travel safety?
Answer: Annie, you should be aware but not worry unnecessarily. Travel at the step you feel comfortable.
You will be safer in many ways if you follow specific simple guidelines.
Always ask for help before you go solo when you need it. Others want to help you out. I’ve made a quick list here for you to follow.
5 Quick Safety Answers for Solo Travel Safety
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Stay Connected. ...Keep Others Apprised of Your Itinerary. ...
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Stash Money, Credit Cards, and Passport in Separate Places. ...
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Ensure Your Lodgings Are Safe. ...
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Stay Healthy. ...
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Pray for a safe trip.
Today’s destination: Rotorua, New Zealand
If you like discussing the climate, you will want to learn about geothermal, including geysers and mud pools.
One place to explore is on the North Island of New Zealand, in a small town called Rotorua. It’s a volcanic wonder space with unique geothermal attractions and landscapes. There are rare flora, fauna, and history of the Maori. The region has one of the world’s most active geothermal fields. Five minutes from the city, you will see a geyser called Pohutu. This erupts to a height of 100 feet and does it up to 20 times per day. You can’t escape the smell of sulfur, the clouds of steam, and the volcanic bubbling.
Besides this fantastic spectacle, what else is there worth seeing? Visit the shopping markets in the central city and then the free thermal reserve, which features beautiful public gardens, bubbling mud pools, colorful hot lakes, and free thermal foot pools.
Then consider a bike ride past four major geothermal attractions on the Thermal bike trail. Stop along the way for a dip in a natural hot river.
Visit a Maori village where the people live amongst the geothermal activity and use the boiling water for cooking, bathing, and warming their homes. I watched a dance of the Maori warriors and was entertained by the cultural experience. I recommend it.
Depending on the weather, you can float in a thermally heated public swimming pool or one of many luxurious thermal spas.
https://www.newzealand.com/us/rotorua-geothermal/
Today’s Lesson Learned- Losing my reading glasses.
I lost my reading glasses and struggled with not having great vision. I was struggling with seeing the small print on my phone.
Don’t lose your glasses; if you do, have a spare pair handy
If you wear contacts, bring your eyeglasses as a backup when traveling.
Today’s Travel Advice-Maps offline can help you find your way solo. Free.
Check out the map dot me app, where you don’t need to have data, just GPS.
It will help you route yourself, even without an online connection.
They have offline maps of the whole world.
Search and discover travel maps, tourist guides, and navigation offline.
they have a web version, too.
Maps.me works with no Wi-Fi or cellular internet and is free. All it needs is your phone's GPS! It gets its data from OpenStreetMap. OpenStreetMap is an app you can download to your phone.
Find attractions, monuments, churches, viewpoints, museums, businesses, hairdressers, dentists, and cafes.
They have 140 million customers in 190 countries
and 1.5 million app store reviews and are based in Switzerland.