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...
info_outline Estes Park, ColoradoDr 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,...
info_outline Akureyri and Northern IcelandDr 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...
info_outline Louisville, and the Kentucky DerbyDr 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...
info_outline "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...
info_outline "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...
info_outline 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...
info_outline Osaka JapanDr 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...
info_outline National Park Service and FoundationDr 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...
info_outline Best of Cairns AustraliaDr Mary Travelbest Guide
info_outlineNacpan Beach, El Nido, Philippines
In this episode, the FAQ is: How should I celebrate my birthday when on a trip?
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Today’s Destination is El Nido, Philippines, Part 1, Nacpan Beach
Today’s Mistake- Getting a bug in my ear
Travel Advice: Renew that passport
FAQ: How should I celebrate my birthday when on a trip?
Answer: Happy Birthday. It would be best if you undoubtedly celebrated it, especially when you are traveling. Make sure you have plenty of drinks for free that day, from a 7-11 Slurpee to a Peet’s Coffee, Jamba Juice, and a shake from Sonic, Del Taco, and Arby’s. It’s a great day to eat at Denny’s, for the Grand Slam is free, too. The notes list lots of freebies for you, so celebrate the festivities solo or with friends.
https://www.rd.com/list/freebies-on-your-birthday/
Today’s destination: Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Philippines
El Nido is a Philippine municipality on Palawan Island. It’s known for its white-sand beaches and coral reefs and as the gateway to the Bacuit archipelago, a group of islands with cliffs.
One of those beaches was Nacpan. I took a ride from Mark on a trike. I brought snorkeling gear and spent the day swimming, lounging, and relaxing. Listen in a few minutes to hear my mistake about an ant.
The beach is well maintained and tourist-friendly, without being too commercial. There are resorts on the water and a restaurant/bar with decent food. They also have plenty of filtered, free drinking water for those who need hydration. The free showers are accessible to all, and the restrooms are clean. For all of this, there was a small entrance fee. In addition, we paid about $10. US to use a chaise lounge all day, which was acceptable for convenience and shaded.
I took several long walks along the beach, which was too hot to walk barefoot on the sand, except by the water. The waves were calm. The water was shallow and clear. It was ideal for a relaxing day at the beach.
Today’s Mistake-Getting a bug in my ear
While relaxing on a chaise lounge at Nacpan Beach, I enjoyed the shade of a tree and the chance to rest and doze a bit. Then, all of a sudden, I woke to a real scare. Something was in my ear, and I could not get it out. I’ve never felt this before, and it was a big deal. I was alone, and I got up and spoke loudly, so when I asked a stranger for help to look in my ear, he was patient and kind and said, It’s only an ant, and removed it. That was traumatic for just a few minutes, but I guess it happens often. I hope this never happens to you, but if it does, don’t worry. The ant does not want to be there, either.
Today’s Travel Advice-Renew that passport
Check your passport expiration date: If you have less than six months left, get it renewed now. Many countries will not allow you entrance, and it is best to get it done before you forget.
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