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_outlineWelcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest: In this episode: FAQ is: What is the best mobile phone to get for a traveler? I’m not sure which will suit me for the price and the needs?
Today’s Destination is: Normandy, France
Today’s Mistake- Bringing too many heavy books
Travel Advice: Write your Thank you’s in snail mail.
Today’s destination: Normandy, France
Located in the northern part of France, you will find Normandy the place to see WW2 beachheads, including Omaha Beach, the site of the D-Day landing. One warning here is don’t try to get to this destination on a Sunday, as public transportation is not running. That’s what happened to me. My backup plan was to hire a taxi and that worked out fine as I found another couple of travelers who had the same issue join my cab.
Seeing the cemetery at Omaha Beach is breathtaking, and the museum on the grounds is worth it. This part of France belongs to the US.
You'll find other beaches and museums in the region also. The area is tourist friendly and most people speak several languages.
What movies show Normandy and this time in history?
Saving Private Ryan, D-Day, Band of Brothers, The Longest Day and The Battle of Normandy, 85 Days in Hell are movies that bring this WW2 history to life.
If time allows, Normandy has a rocky island of Mont Saint Michel, with a soaring Gothic abbey on top. One other find is the city of Rouen, with a beautiful cathedral where Catholic saint Joan of Arc was executed in 1431.
I stayed in a nearby city called Caen, which is a port city and capital of Calvados department in this region. In the city, I explored the Chateau de Caen, a castle that had been built in the eleventh century, by William the Conqueror.
You may spend several hours exploring this vibrant city, which is not on the main tourist routes.
Today’s Mistake- Bringing too many heavy books
Don’t carry heavy books, including travel books. Use apps whenever you can.
Today’s Travel Advice-Write your Thank you’s in snail mail.
Send thank you’s to those who treat you well. It’s always good practice, even if it’s not so
timely. Here is a way to make your appreciation count. First, express something specific that you remember, such as a meal or activity. Then offer to reciprocate, if you can. Lastly, Wrap up with a closing sentence.
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