Best of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor Maine
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? Today’s Destination is Acadia National Park Today’s Mistake- My own car crash in parking garage Travel Advice: Travel pillows FOR SLEEPING on planes FAQ: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? AARP is offering some airline travel tips that may answer this question. First, some facts. In 2019, the FAA reported 146 cases of bad behavior on planes, but in 2021, that number grew to more than 1,000. That was out of nearly 6,000 cases of unruly...
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Special Edition: London, England Airports Ranked
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Special Edition: London, England Airports In this episode, the FAQ is: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Today’s Destination is: London Airports Today’s Misstep- Wearing the wrong shoes Travel Advice: When buying an airline ticket, pause. FAQ: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Expect more opportunities for local immersion, where you can experience the daily life of local communities through homestays, service projects, and interactive cultural programs for seniors. Solo female travel is on the rise, with women...
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Delhi, India Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 2 In this episode, your FAQ is: Safety in India for solo travelers Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India. Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Cellphone issues that were my fault and more Travel Advice: Safety tips for travel in Delhi. FAQ: Let’s talk about safety in India. My friend Kathryn is going to Delhi and is worried about being a solo woman. Can I talk to her about what she can expect? The short answer is that Kathryn is already back home, and she had a great trip, but she was nervous and needed confirmation that all would be well. Today’s destination: Delhi, India Part 2...
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Delhi, India Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 1 In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going? Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast: Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. For more local alerts, sign up for location-based apps on Google...
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Phu Quoc Vietnam
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Phu Quok, Vietnam In this episode, the FAQ is: What’s the best water bottle for travel? Today’s Destination is: Phu Quoc, Vietnam Today’s Misstep- I Booked a room under construction and How I upgraded. Travel Advice: Take a small risk, not always a big one in Vietnam FAQ: What’s the best water bottle for travel? The top 10 water bottles for a solo senior female traveler will be on this list, including price, from the least to most expensive in the show notes. They range from $11 to $90. Vapur Anti-Bottle Collapsible Water Bottle - $11–$14 Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free...
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Edinburgh, Scotland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Edinburgh, Scotland Today’s Misstep- Too much of a good thing Travel Advice: Eat early, rest early FAQ: How do I remember to stretch while on the road? Answer: Tips for Remembering to Stretch: Set Phone Reminders: Schedule gentle reminders on your phone for morning and evening stretches. This way, it’s a built-in routine, just like brushing your teeth. Tie it to Daily Activities: Stretch after sitting for long periods, like after a meal or a bus/train ride. This helps to break up stiffness and becomes part of your rhythm. Use Cues...
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Coventry, England
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is Coventry, England Today’s Misstep- Manila Airport was a disaster Travel Advice: Bring the thing you usually forget FAQ: What are some simple exercises for travelers, especially solo females in their prime? Here are five I recommend: Walking: Aim for a daily walk to explore your surroundings. It's an easy way to keep your body moving and enjoy the local sights. Leg and Ankle Stretches: Sitting stretches are perfect for waiting in lines or resting. Flex and extend your ankles, or gently lift and lower your legs. Back and Shoulderstretches: Do these to...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibility
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: How do I best enjoy the Cabrillo Park? Today’s Destination is Cabrillo National Monument Accessibility Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Don’t forget to stretch like I did. Travel Advice: Swimming? Watch your valuables. FAQ: My friends ask me how do I enjoy the Cabrillo Park. I love this question. First, you have to plan for it, so bring your National Park Pass and try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the slow days. Park at the top and see the lighthouse. It’s iconic. Then visit the overlook to the city of San Diego and see the boats go in and out...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guides
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: Can AI really help me travel? Today’s Destination: Cabrillo National Monument Experience Part 1 Today’s Misstep- Mark Twain jokes about European tour guides in his travel books. Travel Advice: If you are interested in travel and do as you listen here, why not purchase a guide that answers most of your questions in one place? FAQ: Can really AI help me travel? Answer: AI is a great tool kit for travel. Yes, but be sure to check for accuracy and hallucinations. You will also find bias. But you can start...
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Best of Denali National Park, Alaska
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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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