The Garden Route, South Africa
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Episode: The Garden Route, South Africa Today's episode is an FAQ on what the Garden Route is, a bit about the route, and my mistakes on it. The FAQ is: What is the Garden Route? It sounds lovely, but what is it actually? Answer: The Garden Route is a re-branded name for a region in Africa. It's a 190-mile stretch of South Africa's southeastern coast, stretching from Mossel Bay to the Storms River. It is a popular tourist road trip known for lush forests, dramatic mountain scenery, lakes, and sandy beaches. The area features a mild, year-round temperate climate, making it a premier, safe...
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Part 2)
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Podcast, Part 2 of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The FAQ is: How to carry toiletries on a long trip? Answer: For traveling solo, especially on longer journeys, toiletries can quietly become the heaviest, messiest, and most annoying part of your bag. I use cubes, just packing cubes like for my other travel items. So before you toss everything into a pouch, ask yourself: Do I really need this much? Will this leak at 35,000 feet? Can I replace it at my destination? Here are four smart, confidence-building tips for carrying toiletries on a long...
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Rio de Janeiro Brazil Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is part 1 of 2. . Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is: What are three phrases to learn for Brazil? Answer: Language Insights: Your Spanish will help tremendously. While English is less commonly spoken outside tourist hotspots, learning a few key Portuguese phrases can enhance your experience: Bom dia (Good morning) Obrigada (Thank you – from women) Quanto custa? (How much?) These should help...
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Thessaloniki Greece Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Thessoloniki Greece, Part 2 of 2. Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I recently returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. This episode covers driving and navigating at the same time, Thessoloniki, Greece, and my mistakes of not hydrating enough in Greece. The FAQ is: "I need help finding my way while driving." What advice can you provide me as I try to navigate while I drive? Answer: Here are three driving safety tips...
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Thessaloniki Greece Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Thessoloniki Greece, Part 1 Welcome to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences for world peace. Here is an FAQ about plane or train travel, Thessoloniki Greece, Part 1, and also about a health issue you don’t want when you travel. Give a listen. I guide you to solo travel experiences to bring out your best. The FAQ is: If you could take a plane or a train, which would it be and why? Answer: If I have the...
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Best of South Korea
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego today. Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, coming to you from a recent trip to South Korea, now sharing my best travel ideas. I’m about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world. Listener Story Spotlight A friend and a listener named Lois recently went to Hawaii. She told me about how she spent a lot of time getting travel insurance for herself and her partner. She had to pay more than she expected as her partner was having a birthday between the day she bought the service and the day of the trip. But she said it was well...
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Mojave Desert Southwestern USA
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Destination: Mojave Desert Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5-Step Guide to Solo Travel for women like you who need a little extra support as they travel the world (slowly), one woman at a time. I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself in the Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, found on Amazon. Yes, it has been a best seller in its category for some time! Please rate this podcast and the book! In this episode: Mojave Desert FAQ: loneliness on the road and how to...
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Warsaw, Poland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Warsaw, Poland The FAQ is: “How do I decide when it’s time to pay more for comfort or safety instead of pushing myself?” Budget travel advice is common; guidance on when frugality stops being smart for aging bodies is not. This is a silent tension for senior solo travelers. Answer: Here’s the truth: saving money is never worth arriving exhausted, stressed, or injured. As we get older, comfort becomes a strategy, not a luxury. I ask myself one simple question: Will this choice give me more energy tomorrow? If the answer...
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Oslo, Norway Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo, Norway, Part 2. Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few months ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Tabitha, who complained and then asked a question: I don’t want to share a room because I use a sleeping device that makes a lot of noise. How can I save money on my travel without putting someone else out of their sleep? Answer: Sharing a room is a blunt instrument for saving money....
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Oslo, Norway Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo Part 1 Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I had my second solo 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Amara, who wants to travel more. She asked: How can I plan a trip like you do, Dr. Travelbest? Would I love to take some of the trips you have been on? I’m not sure where to start. I hear a lot from YOU, but how do I do it? Answer: Getting started is like this. Take small trips until you build up your travel muscles. I...
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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