Oslo, Norway Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo Part 1 Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I had my second solo 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Amara, who wants to travel more. She asked: How can I plan a trip like you do, Dr. Travelbest? Would I love to take some of the trips you have been on? I’m not sure where to start. I hear a lot from YOU, but how do I do it? Answer: Getting started is like this. Take small trips until you build up your travel muscles. I...
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Milwaukee, Wisconsin episode I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself the Best Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, a book series found on Amazon. Please rate this podcast and the book! The FAQ is “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or suddenly can’t continue my trip alone?” Today’s Mistake- Staying in a destination too long because leaving feels like failure Travel Advice: Organize your apps FAQ: “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or...
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Krakow, Poland and Selecting Accomodations
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Krakow . Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. Today, we will discuss Krakow, Poland, and when to admit you are not ready for a trip. We will discuss passports and then my travel mistakes. Get ready now, as we are starting. The FAQ is: Marcia, who recently returned from a solo trip to Antarctica, asked: “At what point does a destination become a bad match for my solo senior travel — and how do I admit...
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Gdansk, Poland and Why Travel to Poland?
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today's Episode is about Gdansk, Poland The FAQ is: Why visit Poland? Answer: Poland is one of the places that Chicagoans love to talk about. It’s home to many people of Polish descent. If you enjoyed today’s Confidence Challenge on your essential documents, my book series Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Gdansk, Poland Connect with Dr. Travelbest on YouTube
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Bergen, Norway and solo travel in your prime
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today, we'll talk about Bergen, Norway. The FAQ is: Julie asked: How can I pack for several seasons in the same small pack? Answer: It’s going to be a challenge if you are moving to different zones in your trip. When I was in South Africa in June, the winter weather was a challenge, as there was no heat in the homes where I stayed. I used hot water bottles in bed at night. I also wore all of my clothes. A week later, I was in Greece and gave away the warm clothes to a new friend from England. She was a South Korean, grateful. You can experiment with what you need right away and then...
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Best of Mexico (From the Archives)
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This podcast series helped launch the now famous book series, Five Steps to Solo Travel. Now you are able to listen to one of the eariest versions of the show, and it's still relevant today. This episode takes you to Baja, Mexico. You will learn to drive to Ensenada, the Valle de Guadalupe and other destinations. Find your confidence through the FAQ's and also my mistakes and errors, so you won't make the same ones. This is snackable, without any filters, just a great listen for you now. Follow Dr. Travelbest here on your favorite channel, on TikTok, on IG and FB. We have an...
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Quito, Ecuador and packing for South America
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ:” Let’s quickly address how to pack for South America. If you are in the winter, it's summer, so you don’t need many clothes; pack light. I only took a personal item, but I had to wash it often, and I had only one pair of sneakers. No laptop. It helped me travel quickly and efficiently on planes, trains, and buses. In their winter, our summer, you should have many layers and a raincoat. I was able to buy what I needed or forgot while I was there, and the dollar was strong. On my first trip to South America, about 30 years ago, I went skiing in Chile, and I had to bring...
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Niagara Falls, Canada
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is Dr. Mary Travelbest, and we'll be talking about Niagara Falls, Canada. See Book A for guidance on saving money on airline tickets and more. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: “A Day at Niagara Falls – Solo, Soaked & Spectacular” Today, we're diving into the thundering wonder that is Niagara Falls, from a solo female traveler’s lens — and yes, I got a little wet. On the Road to the Falls I took the FlixBus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The ride is scenic and comfortable, even with a bit of drama—my Toronto Metro train broke down this morning. I had to get...
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Best of Dr. Mary Travelbest - Dr. Travelbest History plus solo vs group travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This episode aired in 2022, so if you missed it, find out more about the origins of the Dr. Mary Travelbest story. We are now on episode 350 and counting, so let us hear from you. @drmarytravelbest Give a gift of solo travel to a loved one. Find out more.... Thanks for Connecting further with Dr. Travelbest
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Lima Peru and airport luxury lounges
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is Dr. Mary Travelbest. I help you travel. The 60-second confidence challenge is on getting access to the airport lounges. It will take some experience, but it’s worth it. Check the fine print, too. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into best practices while traveling solo—link in description.” See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Lima, Peru. Hello, solo travelers—especially my sisters 50 and up. Today I’m...
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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