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
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
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
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 "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
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
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
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
info_outlineWelcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest:
In this episode: The FAQs are: Which route did you take and how long did it take you? The destination is Florida Keys. The Mistake-.Deleting the important apps for travel. Travel Advice- Gargle with diluted to 1% hydrogen peroxide for fresh breath and reduce sore throat.
FAQs: These are asked by many who want to travel. They see a destination and they ask someone who’s been there.
“Which route did you take and how long did it take you?”
Have you asked these questions before? I have.
It’s always a good idea to ask about others’ travels before you go, so you can gather important details and educate yourself on the options available. That’s why Dr Travelbest has this guide for you. It’s a data point that you need before you make your dream trips come true. For example, I’m looking at a woman who just arrived at Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s tallest mountain and the world’s largest free-standing mountain.
She’s fulfilling a lifetime dream. Other women want to know, how did she get there? They ask because someday, perhaps, they will also make that journey. Whatever your dream destination is, Dr Travelbest will be a guidepost for your travels. Keep listening and asking these questions.
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/kilimanjaro/
Today’s Episode Destination: Florida Keys
Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the USA, Florida Keys are a world of their own. The flight from the mainland, drive from Miami or the ferryboat from Naples, Florida are three common ways to arrive and depart. I chose to drive so I would have a car to explore while there. My favorite swimming spot was the middle key, Isla Morada.
My favorite kayaking spot was John Pennekamp State Park, with a beautiful coral reef to see as a snorkeler, too. Check out the mangroves here. I hope to return here soon.
If you’re thinking about the Florida Keys for a visit, go ahead and make your plans. One great logistics piece is you won’t get lost here, since there is only one way in and one way out and all roads lead to Key West.
https://www.keywesttravelguide.com/5-tourist-traps-to-avoid-on-your-key-west-vacation/
https://keywestattractions.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/KWAA-new-map.pdf
Key West was full of tourists and not my favorite part of the trip, but you should stop in for some historical perspective and flavor of the largest of the islands. Duval Street is the place to be seen, with restaurants, bars, and galleries in abundance, plus pickpockets. Hemmingway used to live here, and there are some stories still to be told, about the beautiful sunsets and southernmost location on the mainland of the USA. If staying in Key West, be prepared to pay more than double or triple a room than the other keys. It’s economics of supply and demand.
https://www.visitflorida.com/en-us/cities/florida-keys.html
Bahia Honda State Park is known to be the nicest beach on the keys. Sandspur Beach is also worth a visit as is Big Pine Key for snorkeling and seeing tiny key deer. When you come, be sure to order a Cuban sandwich and key lime pie.
If you like swimming, fishing or scuba, there’s plenty to do here.
Today’s Travel Advice-Gargle with hydrogen peroxide
Rinse your mouth. Use a 1% diluted amount and be sure not to swallow any of it. You will find your breath is better, your teeth are cleaner and whiter, and your sore throat may be feeling relieved.
https://www.healthline.com/health/gargling-hydrogen-peroxide#benefits
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