Best of Sedona Arizona
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: How can I travel solo while in a “group”? Today’s Destination is: Sedona, AZ Today’s Mistake- I bought the wrong ticket online Travel Advice: Gas up when half full. FAQ: How can I travel solo while still in a “group”? Answer: Before or after your group trip, plan some solo time, for just you. That way, when you do get to the arranged activities, you will be ready and prepared. Some people like to warm up by going with just one friend, before they join the group. That’s ok, too. After your group tour, you may...
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Best of Northwest Suburbs Chicago
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode: Best of Northwest Suburbs, Chicago The FAQ is: What are some good travel questions to ask other travelers? Today’s Destination : Best of northwest suburbs of Chicago Today’s Mistake: Getting stuck under the Coronado Bay Bridge Travel Advice: Record your travel stories Destination: Northwest suburbs, Chicago For outdoor art, athenaeum-international-sculpture park, in Schaumburg. If you want to go exploring in the woods I would recommend Busse Woods, in Rolling Meadows, for Fishing and boating and their nature center. Today’s...
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Best of San Luis Obispo, California
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Best of San Luis Obispo Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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Bremerton, Washington and getting unstuck in travel planning
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode: FAQ is: I get lost all the time, so how can I travel without getting frustrated and upset? I want to have fun and not fear making a mistake. Today’s Destination is: Bremerton, WA Today’s Mistake- Mixing up my cities in Washington State Travel Advice: Stuck in your planning? FAQ: I always get lost, so how can I travel without getting frustrated and upset? I want to have fun and not fear making a mistake. Answer: Like you, I get lost all the time. I’ve got a terrible sense of direction. How bad? If I leave a hotel room, I usually walk the wrong way out...
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Chickamauga National Park: Part 2 of Chattanooga Guide
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination: Chickamauga National Park: Part 2 of Chattanooga episode. Today’s Misstep- Driving over hills, a tire came at us Travel Advice: What exercises should I do when I travel? FAQ: What do you wish you knew before booking your flight? Response: A few more questions you can ask someone before you plan your trip are: Did you experience any frustrations related to the destination or the actual traveling? If so, what should people be aware of to avoid those frustrations, hopefully? What websites or services were the most helpful for planning/booking...
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode, the FAQ is: Should I travel while I am still working or wait until retirement?
Today’s Destination is Suva, Fiji.
Today’s Mistake- Eating expired food.
Travel Advice: travel in a circle for the best time management.
FAQ: Should I travel while still working or wait until retirement?
Both options have their benefits. If you are currently employed and have a steady income, it might be a good idea to travel now as you would be able to manage the expenses of traveling. Additionally, your company’s health insurance plan may provide coverage regardless of where you travel.
There are some counterarguments to the idea of traveling while still employed. For example, if you are in a high-pressure job, taking time off to travel might be difficult, and the stress of your job may make it difficult to enjoy your trip. Also, leaving them for an extended period might not be ideal if you have a family.
On the other hand, waiting until retirement to travel might mean you miss out on specific experiences better enjoyed while you are young and physically active.
Additionally, if you wait too long, you might not have the same level of energy and enthusiasm that you would have had when you were younger.
I traveled while still working, but I took 90 days off when I traveled around the world this summer. However, you may regret not starting earlier if you wait until retirement. I want you to know that the decision depends on your ambition and the available time.
Today’s destination: Suva, Fiji.
Bula, or cheers, to a beautiful trip!
Today’s Mistake- Eating expired food
I made pancakes without checking the label. I got awfully sick about 20 minutes later. I had what they call the two-bucket problem. You can figure it out.
When I looked at the label on the ingredients, it expired 8 years ago, so that was my problem for not checking the expiration date. Don’t cook food that is expired like I did.
Today’s Travel Advice: Travel in a circle for the best time management.
I flew in a circle around the world and got to see a lot. Like me, you can look at the map and circle the places you plan to visit. With a pen or using stickers, Map out the most circular route and stick to it so you don’t need to backtrack if possible. If you foresee that happening, try to move that other item to another day or save it for the next time you are nearby. I always try to leave something for the “next time” I visit a region.
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