2025 Eurail Travel Planning Guide and sinus relief
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? Eurail Travel planning Hi there, I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest. I’m in San Diego now, sharing my best travel ideas and working on another book for you to enjoy: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, Part C. I’m about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world. Listener Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener named Kristen. Kristen loves to travel. She recently received a Fullbright Scholarship and took a trip with her husband and sons to a foreign country, Portugal, for several months. She’s full of great travel ideas and will be helpful as I continue to...
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Best of D. C. Smithsonian Museums
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is a Best of..... Have any questions? Please ask. The photo was taken by me on the grounds of one of the many museums of the Smithsonian.
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Train Travel: SLO to San Diego and Gluten Free Travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Episode title: SLO to San Diego by Train, GF Diets, and a Confidence Challenge Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, a world traveler who has traveled solo for over 50 years. I'm coming to you after a recent trip to Asia. I visited Taiwan and South Korea for 10 days. I’m here to share my best travel ideas and work on solo travel. I’m about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world solo again. The aim is world peace through cultural exchange. I’m about to travel the world for 90 days. Listener Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener who recently retired as a...
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Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan FAQ Should I use public transportation abroad? Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan Lesson Learned: Don’t schedule everything Day 1 Travel Tip: Trust your gut instincts, if unsure, pivot fast. FAQ Response: Should I use public transportation abroad? Yes, you should try it at the least, but not in rush hour with all of your luggage. One way to test it out is to try it early in the morning, before rush-hour workers arrive, but while it’s still light outside. Most of the time, you only need a card to swipe, and you...
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Seoul, South Korea and travel insurance comparisons
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Seoul, Korea episode Listener Story Spotlight A friend and a listener named Lois recently went to Hawaii. She told me she spent much 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 worth it for her peace of mind. The FAQ for today is: Where to find the best travel insurance for a long trip abroad. 1. Start with a neutral comparison engine; you can see this in the show notes. Why use it first? Where to click ...
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Travel Planning: Ecuador
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Ecuador: planning Listener Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener named Pat who loves to take 40-minute walks. She does one every day. We have traveled together to Spain and have been ski buddies for over 10 years. She's a superb figure skater and loves cats. Maybe you even know my friend. Her last name is Brown, inspiring me to go to the Galapagos Islands this year. Thanks, Pat, for that encouragement. The FAQ for today is: How do you choose your outfits for weather conditions that constantly change? The answer is more straightforward than you think: It's basic...
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Travel Planning: Colombia
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Travel Planning: Part 1 Colombia In this episode: Where an I heading series: Part 1 Today’s Mistake- avoiding potholes and buying new tires Travel Advice: Safety and security tip FAQ: How do you use SERVAS? I use Servas International to help me plan my trips. You sign up on the website, and a representative will contact you and interview you. They will make sure you are a real person and check references. Then, you get a Letter of Engagement, and you can contact hosts and day hosts. Today’s destination: Planning my trip to Colombia Friends to meet in...
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Boulder, CO
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Boulder, Colorado FAQ: Isn’t it awkward to eat alone? Step 1 question Destination episode: Boulder, CO. Lesson Learned: Got on the wrong train line. Travel Tip: Screenshot your map before leaving Wifi FAQ Response to Isn’t it awkward to eat alone? Yes, it is the first few times. No doubt. But it gets easier with every time you do it. Soon, you’ll just walk in a restaurant and not even think about it. I can relate to the woman who has never done it, because I remember my first time. I was scared. I told the hostess: “I’ve never eaten solo in a...
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Blue Zone Travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Special Episode Blue Zone Travel The five "Blue Zones" in the world, which are regions identified as having a high concentration of people living to a very old age, are: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California, USA. Notably, four of these Blue Zones are located near oceans, making them easily accessible by sea travel. Ocean proximity: Blue Zones like Costa Rica and California are situated not too far from coastlines, making them ideal destinations for those interested in combining a...
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5 Steps to Solo Travel for the Woman on the Go: What are the 5 Steps?
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Are you traveling? Tell me why or why not. Need a confidence boost? Here are the 5 Steps to Solo travel, summarized and a link to the book on Amazon. Step 1: Local Solo Travel. Close to home local travel. Step 2: Domestic solo trips, familiar with the territory. Maybe cross country. Step 3: National travel with more complexity, such as Alaska or Hawaii Step 4: International travel in familiar cultures Step 5: Fully independent, adventurous international solo travel. I’ve been creating this podcast weekly since 2018. I’m on my way to helping more than 100,000 women travel...
info_outlineThis episode's FAQ is: I have no vacation time and want to travel. What would you suggest?
Today’s Destination is Julian, CA
Today’s Mistake- Not carrying a second payment option
Travel Advice: Bring earplugs
FAQ: I have no vacation time, and I want to travel. What would you suggest?
Answers: I have felt this way often. You should find a job with more flexibility and rewards results, not just for being present and punching the clock. If you want to do both, consider a job requiring you to travel, and then add a weekend day before your trip and one at the end. That way, you can do your work and get the job done. You can get travel in on your days before and after. You could always negotiate with the boss for more vacation time.
Here are two alternative questions for the travel dreamers listening. What about taking shorter trips throughout the year instead of one long vacation? Have you considered volunteering abroad to gain travel experience while making a positive impact?
Comment: Some may say that travel is a luxury, not a necessity, and you should prioritize saving money. I spent the same or less on my around-the-world trip than I would have at home in 2023. If you budget well, you could do the same.
Today’s destination: Julian, Ca
As a solo female traveler, Julian, California, a quaint town of 2000 residents northeast of San Diego by 60 miles, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in history and culture. The population is small, but it grows when tourists arrive. Safety is a top priority, and plenty of accommodations include camping or glamping in the Cuyamaca Mountains, cozy bed and breakfasts, and inns.
Artists, photographers, writers, and musicians flock to Julian.
If you're a fan of apple pie, you'll definitely want to try it here! But there's also much more to do, from hiking and exploring art galleries to shopping, stopping for tea, getting a massage, and even stargazing in this officially designated Dark Sky city.
For the adventurous traveler, you can explore the tunnels of a gold mine with a guided tour of secluded mines or try your hand at gold panning. And if you have a car, stop by Dudley's Bakery in Santa Ysabel on your way home for a delicious treat.
If you're traveling in the winter after the season's first snowfall, be aware of potential traffic and challenges. It may be best to wait until the end of the season when the crowds are fewer. But overall, Julian is a welcoming and charming destination for solo female travelers looking for a taste of history and adventure.
https://visitjulian.com/to-see-do/
https://visitjulian.com/plan-your-trip/road-conditions-map/
https://www.dudleysbakery.com/
Today’s Mistake- Not carrying a second payment option
My credit card was not accepted, and I did not have money to pay the bill. I was embarrassed. I did not have a second card, so I had to get an IOU and pay as soon as possible. Always have a backup plan if one credit card is not accepted. Today, you have new options, including Apple Pay, Google Pay, and apps like Venmo, so it’s easier. Not all businesses accept digital payments, so cash may be the best backup in those instances.
Today’s Travel Advice-Bring earplugs
You never know when you will be surrounded by a loud noise or unable to concentrate. The earplugs will help at a concert, especially if your seat is by the speaker. They pack small and can save your ear from permanent damage. They may distort the sound quality of the concert, diminish your enjoyment of the experience, and defeat the purpose of a live performance, but the health of your hearing is important for long-term sound quality.
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