loader from loading.io

South Goa India Plus masking up, losing my credit card, getting massages

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Release Date: 03/15/2024

Best of Mexico (From the Archives) show art 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...

info_outline
Quito, Ecuador and packing for South America show art 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...

info_outline
Niagara Falls, Canada show art 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...

info_outline
Best of Dr. Mary Travelbest - Dr. Travelbest History plus solo vs group travel show art 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  

info_outline
Lima Peru and airport luxury lounges show art 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_outline
Cartagena, Colombia and safety in South America show art Cartagena, Colombia and safety in South America

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Cartagena, Colombia. Today, we're heading to Cartagena, Colombia —a vibrant and touristy Caribbean city bursting with color, music, and history. It's one of the most popular destinations on South America's northern coast — and I'll share my experiences and a few lessons learned for solo travelers like you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a culture that's as lively as it is rich. Let's start with the setting. Cartagena's Walled City — La Ciudad Amurallada — is the heart of it all. I recommend exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. You...

info_outline
Lincoln Square, Chicago, using AI on the road and staying healthy tips show art Lincoln Square, Chicago, using AI on the road and staying healthy tips

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Lincoln Square, Chicago. The FAQ is about using AI while traveling. How do I get the best responses to my prompts when I have a question? Is there a platform you recommend? There are thousands of platforms, and new ones are popping up every day. For travelers seeking the most current answers to their travel questions, you are in luck. You can navigate the territory solo better today than ever because you can ask the right questions. Practice is the best way to use them.   60-second confidence challenge   If you like today’s...

info_outline
Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada show art Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Where in the world am I? In San Diego today, talking about Cape Breton, Canada   .  Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, world traveler, professor, marketing expert, and all-around fun person. And I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences. Quick-fire FAQ:   Your mom, grandmother, or even your daughter told you to be careful when traveling solo. But did they ever do it? You are on your way. The question I get asked is: What should I tell someone who discourages me from traveling?   Answer: You can turn it around and ask for specific information...

info_outline
Machu Picchu, Peru including lessons learned about Step 5 travel show art Machu Picchu, Peru including lessons learned about Step 5 travel

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

  Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Machu Picchu Are there any tips to help me avoid being cheated or robbed while traveling? Yes, you can take precautions like removing your expensive jewelry before traveling and not carrying expensive purses or shoes. Don't look like a target. Look like you belong, and try not to stand out from the usual crowd. Check reviews of any Airbnb or turo car rentals you book. Be careful not to walk alone in the dark at night, as much as possible. Think of the odds whenever you go out. Please put them in your favor, not a criminal. If you like...

info_outline
Medellin Colombia Part 2 show art Medellin Colombia Part 2

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

   Medellin, Colombia.Part 2  Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Quick-Fire FAQ: Drying Out Wet Clothing. How do you do that on the road? How do you dry your wet belongings while traveling, especially when you're solo? Especially in a humid area, it’s hard to get things dry. When you solo travel, you have more control over your time constraints, so plan to let things dry. When it’s damp, the best way to dry your clothes is by maximizing water removal before drying.  Try the towel roll trick. First, lay the clothes flat on a towel, roll them up, and twist to ring out...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

In this episode, FAQ is: When do I need a mask?

Today’s Destination is: South Goa, India

Today’s Misstep- I left my credit card behind.

Travel Advice: Get a massage

FAQ: When do I need a mask in 2024

Guidelines for wearing face masks vary depending on the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic and local regulations. It's essential to stay informed about the latest guidance from health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other relevant local health departments.

The need to wear a face mask can depend on factors like the prevalence of COVID-19 in your community, vaccination rates, and new variants. Additionally, guidelines may change in response to emerging data and public health considerations.

It's common for health authorities to recommend wearing face masks in crowded indoor settings, in hospitals and health care offices, on public transportation, and in places where social distancing may be challenging. However, these recommendations may change, so it's crucial to check for the most recent guidelines from reliable health sources.

 

Today’s destination: South Goa, India

  • South Goa generally has a tropical climate, with the peak tourist season being from November to March when the weather is more relaxed and dry.

  • Monsoon season, from June to September, brings heavy rainfall, and some beach activities may be limited; I was there in early June, about two weeks too late for ocean swimming. 

  • I stayed in an Airbnb, and my host was downstairs and ran a beauty shop. Her boyfriend ran the nearby restaurant. I walked to pretty much everywhere while I was visiting. It was a slow pace, but I liked that.

  • Beaches:

    • South Goa is known for its pristine and less crowded beaches than the northern part of the state. I found the beaches dirty, and it was monsoon season, so swimming was out of the question in June.

    • Famous beaches include Palolem, Agonda, Colva, and Benaulim. I stayed near Bogmalo Beach. It was laid back, had a local feel, and was close to the main Goa airport.

    • Careful of coconuts falling on you. The winds were strong, and palms plus coconuts were falling fast. I had to cover my head at times to make sure that I did not get hit.

  • Water Sports:

    • Based on the season, many South Goa beaches offer water sports such as parasailing, jet-skiing, and banana boat rides. Make sure the water is safe before you swim.

  • Cuisine:

    • South Goa offers diverse cuisine, including delicious seafood and traditional Goan dishes. I’m not a food expert, but I ate fresh fish and fruits daily.

 

South Goa, India, is known for its serene beaches, vibrant culture, and historical attractions. Here are some recommendations for things to see and do in South Goa besides the beach. See a wildlife sanctuary, waterfalls, basilica, churches, art museums, and the Naval Aviation Museum by the airport.

What is there to do for a solo traveler? My recs are Kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, yoga, and walking on the shore for sunsets.

I had a lovely massage from Ranjini, who owns the shop with her husband. I had hoped to swim in the resort pool on the beach, but that was also closed due to monsoons.

  • An aviation museum was one of my favorite places in South Goa. You can now discover the history of aviation in India at the Naval Aviation Museum, located adjacent to the Dabolim or main airport.  I viewed vintage aircraft and learned about Indian Naval Air history, where people asked me for selfies. The electricity went out, which meant the air conditioning, too. It did not go back on for the hour more that I was there. 

https://www.goa.gov.in/places/naval-aviation-museum/

https://www.deccanherald.com/india/now-goa-has-two-international-airports-located-50-km-apart-from-each-other-1170723.html



Remember to check the current status and accessibility of these attractions, as conditions may change. South Goa offers a perfect blend of relaxation, cultural exploration, and natural beauty.

 

Today’s Misstep- I left my credit card behind.

 

 

Today’s Travel Advice: Get a massage. 

 

Connect with Dr. Travelbest

5 Steps to Solo Travel website

Dr. Mary Travelbest X

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group

Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram

Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast

Dr. Travelbest on TikTok

Dr.Travelbest onYouTube

In the news