Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ is: I’m going on a long trip, but I’m only allowed to bring one small carry-on. How can I manage? Today’s Destination is Las Vegas. Part 2 outdoors. Today’s Misstep- I forgot the tent. Travel Advice: Protect yourself. FAQ: I’m going on a long trip but can only bring one small carry-on. The airline rules and my trip leaders limit the baggage. How can I manage? Las Vegas. Part 2 outdoors Connect with Dr. Travelbest
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FAQ: A good friend who doesn’t want to be named asked me how not to try to do it all. The point of the question was to limit the fear of missing out. How do I reduce my FOMO and add more JOMO (the Joy of missing out) when I travel? Today’s Destination is Las Vegas. Part 1 Indoor activities for travelers Today’s Misstep- I Spilled the candle wax at my airbnb and made a mess. Travel Advice: Look for adventure close to home. FAQ: How do I reduce my FOMO and add more JOMO (the Joy of missing out) when I travel? Las Vegas. Part 1 ? Today’s...
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FAQ: Should I go out at night when on a solo trip? Mistake in travel: Check the connection, battery and power bank Today’s Travel Advice- Travel in one direction, in a circle I see some bright spots, but it will be a while before LA returns as a major travel destination, so pay attention and use the Watch Duty App. Mistake in travel: Check the connection, battery life, and power bank So often, my laptop is not connected to electricity, or my battery runs out of juice. One more thing to remember is power. If you have a portable battery, remember to...
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In this episode: The FAQ is: What is your purpose for traveling? Today’s Special episode: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Part 1 Today’s Mistake- Time zone mayhem Travel Advice: Prioritize Flexibility In this episode: FAQ What is your purpose for travel? Answer: My purpose for traveling and especially solo travel, is to reach into places that may not be the most populated and to connect with women where they are to help bridge the culture gap. World peace is the ultimate goal for seeing this through. If I can reach 1,000,000 women and help 1000 of them travel solo, that...
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In this episode: The FAQ is: A reader asks, I recently booked a trip, and the airfare included no carry-on bag. How can I manage to travel without a carry-on? Today’s Destination: NAPLES, FLA Today’s Mistake- I lost my horse. Travel Advice: MAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S DAY Answer: Destination: Naples, FL Today’s Mistake: I lost my horse. Today’s Travel Advice: MAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S DAY Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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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 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 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 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 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...
info_outlineIn this episode, The Venice Episode,
FAQ’s are:
1. What about the possibility that the museums and galleries may not accurately represent the true history and experiences of these famous individuals?
2. Have you considered tourism's impact on preserving historical landmarks and artifacts and is it sinking?
3. How would you address those who argue that the cultural significance of these figures is exaggerated or overemphasized in the tourism industry?
The answers: Yes, it’s sinking, but slowly. Some of the historical figures may have been misrepresented. You still have time to explore the city. Is tourism here overrated? Listen for more following.
Today’s Destination is Venice, Italy
Today’s Mistake- TSA found squash in my suitcase
Travel Advice: Border crossing into Mexico
Today’s destination: Venice, Italy
Venice is a cultural center of Italy with 117 islands, 400 bridges, and 150 canals. The Grand Canal is the city's main artery and a must-see. While taking a gondola ride may seem corny, expensive, and embarrassing, there are plenty of other ways to explore the city. Fewer people live in Venice nowadays due to the city's sinking and high prices, but the region still attracts many tourists, Hollywood royalty, and artists.
A trip to Venice is incomplete without trying the seafood and espresso and visiting St Mark's Cathedral. The city's history is also rich with connections to famous figures such as Marco Polo, Casanova, and Vivaldi. I did not visit the museums, but I did see many of the churches here. There’s always next time, and I have seen museums in many other Italian cities. I wanted to be outside in the fresh air.
If you want to escape the crowds, venture out at dawn and get lost in the back alleys to discover magnificent churches and smelly canals. The Merchant of Venice, by Shakespeare, is another cultural treasure that can be enjoyed here.
While some private swim clubs charge 50 euros to swim, you can visit Saint Elena and Saint Mary Elizabeth at the end of the ferry’s Line 1 for a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea for free, as I did.
The Lido, St Nicholas of Tolentine Mass, and the train station are other notable destinations to visit. Be sure to bring an umbrella for shade and learn some Italian words to immerse yourself fully in the local culture.
Lastly, take the ferries everywhere to get around the city and enjoy the relaxed vibe of patient tourists walking and waiting. The Anda hostel near the train station is a recommended place to stay. While tickets to the Opera House may not be available at the last minute, this beautiful city has plenty of other cultural experiences. A day ticket on the ferries is cheap. Trains are all with AC
Today’s Mistake- TSA found squash in my suitcase
I grow vegetables and wanted to share the fruit of my crop with a friend. It was a surprise when TSA asked me to open my luggage to show them my squash. Oh well, that was just an unusual object for someone to carry in their bag.
Today’s Travel Advice- Border crossing into Mexico
If you are crossing the US border into Mexico, consider that the experience is always changing. Some days, the line will be long; other times, it could be shorter.
The last time I was there, it took 4 hours in the car to cross back to the USA. That is ideal if you all have a Global Entry and your car is registered. The wait will be short. You can also drop passengers off, and they walk across while you drive your Sentri-cleared vehicle across.
There could also be a long wait going to Mexico, so be prepared by checking in advance and getting auto insurance before you leave.
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