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_outlineIn this episode: FAQ is: What are my favorite travel apps?
Today’s Destination is: Duluth, Georgia
Today’s Mistake- Broken ear buds
Travel Advice: Sit in an exit row on the plane for more leg room.
FAQ: What are my favorite travel apps?
Answer: My favorite travel apps are the airline that I am traveling on that day, rideshare apps like Uber/Lyft, public transportation apps wherever I am. When in Atlanta, it’s MARTA, in San Diego, it’s PRONTO, Expedia, plus Turo.
Expedia and Booking are basically the same type of booking engine. Turo is like AirBNB, but for cars.
Today’s destination: Duluth, Georgia
I had not heard of Duluth, Georgia before this year. This is NOT in Minnesota.
My brother was doing some outdoor painting there, so we took a drive to scout the scenery one afternoon. I learned a lot about the town and so you may want to consider visiting this delightful off the beaten trip destination near Atlanta, Georgia. It’s a suburb with many charming aspects to explore, including the downtown area. Downtown Duluth has a small footprint, easily walkable and plenty of greenspace. There is plenty of space for gathering for events or just to play frisbee. There’s a large fountain and Hudgens Center for the Arts with changing exhibitions and a sculpture garden. Abundance of benches and decorative architecture.
Painting scenery, including barns and farmhouses, bridges, town center, farmers markets, etc. in this small town.
This past weekend, there was a Plein air contest for my brother, John.
The Southeastern Railway Museum has a few artifacts like Pullman cars, locomotives and cabooses. Northeast of town, you will find Lake Lanier, which is known for beaches and parks. It is know for the Infinite Energy Center Arena and many malls, Art Galleries, Concerts, and a choice of Restaurants
Today’s Mistake-Breaking my ear bud
I have graduated from the headsets with strings that always get tangled. Now I use earbuds. However, they have some downsides too. The ear bud falls out of my ear and breaks on the sidewalk. Not a good day. Avoid the cheap earbuds that fall out. Use good quality earbuds.
Today’s Travel Advice- Sit in an exit row on the plane for more leg room.
If you can select an exit row, you will be able to stretch your legs more. Ask to sit in one of these rows. Seats in the exit row are among the most coveted seats on an airplane. Featuring extra legroom and in some cases limitless legroom, they are known as the most valuable real estate in coach class to frequent flyers.
They may not recline and they may be less wide than other seats, so be aware.
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