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:
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Milan Italy
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: How do I manage increasing technology and security for travel? Today’s Destination is: Milan, Italy Today’s Misstep- I almost took a train to Switzerland at the Milan station Travel Advice: Bring a handheld portable fan for the heat. It can be oppressive. FAQ: The level of technology and security has stepped up for travel and entertainment. How do I manage it as a senior citizen in a very busy world? Answer: There is a growing level of distrust in today’s environment. For some venues, you can no longer use a...
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Best of Hawaii's Big Island
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Best of Hawaii's Big Island Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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Lake Como, Italy
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: What should I tell people who think I can’t travel solo? Today’s Destination is Lake Como, Italy Today’s Misstep: Sometimes, you don’t love your roommates when you share a room. Here’s why. Travel Advice: Don’t buy another timeshare. If you have one, it’s really hard to sell it. FAQ: What do I tell people who think I can’t travel solo? Answer: Ask them why not. Then listen. Then, address each one of their questions or comments if you like. No one says you need permission to travel solo, but it would be good to tell them...
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Belfast, Northern Ireland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: Using QR Codes. Are they safe? Today’s Destination is: Belfast, Northern Ireland Today’s Misstep: My leaky water bottle was in the overhead bin on the airplane. Travel Advice: Secondhand stores in Belfast are good deals. FAQ: Using QR Codes. Are they safe? Answer: When you open a QR code, pay attention to the context and the brand because it could contain a virus or even worse. Be careful when accessing websites on your desktop, laptop, tablet, watch, or phone. Preview the destination before you go there. A QR code...
info_outlineTravel best Special Episode on Sustainable Travel
This is Dr. Travelbest
Think in years…
If you think you’ll live to be 120, you will take better care of the planet.
You will take better care of your friendships and your health, too.
Even if you don’t live to 120, what’s the harm? I care about being energy aware when I fly and conserving resources. Flying Atlanta to Seattle to San Diego was a waste of many resources, but that was the routing on Alaska Airlines. They have since changed it, but I flew this route several times.
Dr Travelbest’s Episode #103 was on Climate Change and travel, and now, at episode #250, it’s time to revisit this. World peace is the goal, and getting there sustainably will help us all.
What can solo travelers and all travelers do to help improve the planet?
Here are 9 ways to minimize your environmental impact
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Be responsible for your actions and considerate of others.
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Use reusable water containers and fill them up after you empty them. Avoid single-use plastics, such as straws and plastic bags.
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Hydrate, but don’t use more plastic than you need to.
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Carry less stuff.
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Take only memories; leave only footprints. Plant trees or participate in reforestation efforts to combat deforestation and promote biodiversity.
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Ride a bike instead of driving if you can, or walk.
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Use public transportation when you can.
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Drive a hybrid or, even better, an electric vehicle.
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Re-use your towels in a hotel if they are not dirty. Support companies that prioritize sustainability and eco-friendly practices.
My biggest mistakes in climate change:
Mistake 1: I drove solo for 5000 miles in the summer of 2020 during Covid. That’s a lot of fuel for one person. This summer, I planned to drive solo around Iceland, but I canceled my rental car, partially to help conserve energy, and took public transportation and bus tours instead. Try to waste less gas when you can.
Mistake 2: Years ago, I wasted water while running the shower all night long to get the wrinkles out of a dress I had to wear the next day for a job interview. I thought the mist would remove the wrinkles, but it didn’t, and I wasted a lot of water. I should have had a steamer instead.
Airlines and climate change:
When you fly, try to bring the minimum of items to save on weight and overall energy. Consider carbon emissions from air travel and how they can be reduced or offset.
You may argue that bringing a reusable water bottle may not significantly impact the overall issue of climate change. You may be correct, but what if you’re not? What if you do that every day for 10 years? Does it make a difference?
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