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
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Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide, for women like you who need extra support traveling (slowly) one woman at a time. Please share this podcast with your mom, aunts, and friends. I appreciate your feedback.
I’ve returned from a 90-day trip around the globe to every time zone on the planet. My mission is world peace through cultural exchange. I was sustainable when I could by using local transportation, buses, and trains. I was solo, carrying a small backpack, called a “personal item” that fit under the seat in front of me on a plane.
In this episode, FAQ is: Where was your next favorite place on your 90-day trip?
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Today’s Destination is: Special Episode: Hotels in Del Mar
Today’s Mistake- I booked a hotel that was really a hostel in Manila
Travel Advice: Book at the source when you can and pay less plus control more.
FAQ: Where was your next favorite place on your 90-day trip?
Answer: For Iceland, the favorite place was Akureri, in the deep north of the country. It was a town of 20,000 residents, nestled in beautiful mountain areas. During my stay, there was an event for long-distance runners. The town came out to cheer them across the finish line after 100 miles of running, all the way from Godafoss. They had 43, 28 and 19 kilometer races, too. That was a powerful message to residents about getting and staying in shape.
I’ll do a podcast about this town soon, but for now, just say A-Ku-Rare-E, accent on the first syllable. That’s how they speak in Iceland.
https://www.visitakureyri.is/en/see-and-do/events-festivals/sulur-vertical
Today’s destination: Hotels in Del Mar, CA
Suppose you’ve been to San Diego, California, a small beach town north of the city called Del Mar. “In Spanish, Of the Sea” literally. The town's size is small, less than 4000 people. You know that the tourists take up a big portion of the traffic in summer and during the horse racing seasons at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, 6 weeks in summer and 4 weeks in November.
L’Auberge, part of the Noble House Hotel Chain, is the highest-priced and most luxurious property of those near the beach. I met Taylor Webber, the Guest Experience Coordinator.
Hotel Indigo, Del Mar, and next door to…
Premiere Best Western, also called Hotel Del Mar
Del Mar Hotel upgraded from being the Del Mar Motel for many years. I met with the GM, Leslie Chavez.
Del Mar Hilton, near the Racetrack, is the lowest-priced one listed. the Yelp Reviews are less than favorable here.
You can google this and find hotels priced at $2500 a night at resorts like La Valencia. The price is not listed here for the Fairmont, Del Mar, which is in a different zip code several miles away. If you really want to stay IN Del Mar, you should consider one of these hotels, and I’ve been to each of them recently. If you have visitors this fall or winter, you may be in luck to score a room for them.
One of the best things I like to do in Del Mar is walk on the beach. You can also bring your dog to the beach during certain seasons on a leash. Tomorrow, I am going to a dog surfing contest in Del Mar. Seriously fun. The link is in the show notes if you want in next year.
https://www.visitdelmarvillage.com/all-events/18th-annual-surf-dog-surf-a-thon
https://www.tmz.com/2023/05/19/bill-gates-mansion-bachelor-pad-completed-complaints-neighbors-noise/
One famous local resident is Bill Gates. He has a bachelor pad, recently upgraded, although purchased in 2020 for $43 million.
Today’s Mistake- I booked a hotel that was really a hostel.
It was called the White Banana but changed its name. It was The Connector.
The ad said, “kitchenette, deluxe new room,”
It was old, broken, and dirty, and cash payment was due upon arrival—no money back for no-shows. Reviews were 7/10. I was stuck to pay for my stay or lose my reservation while I tried to find somewhere else.
Loud street noise. Blocked out windows. Not a good part of town.
The repairman entered my room without even knocking. He apologized, but that should NEVER happen. The kitchenette had a refrigerator and a sink. There is no electrical outlet or even any silverware or dish. All was dirty. AC was broken. I caution if it seems too good online.
Today’s Travel Advice-Book at the source when you can and pay less plus control more.
Search out listings on websites like Expedia and Booking.com, and check reviews on reputable websites. THEN book directly with the properties and airlines when you can. That will give you more control as the middleman is removed, and the transaction should be less expensive, usually.
I want to bring meaning to your travels. Send a question or travel tip to [email protected]. Sign up for the mailing list here. We can connect on my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Subscribe to YouTube, Twitter, or other social channels. Find the 5 Steps to Solo Travel series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect. Support this podcast with a review, please.
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