Oslo, Norway Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo, Norway, Part 2. Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few months ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Tabitha, who complained and then asked a question: I don’t want to share a room because I use a sleeping device that makes a lot of noise. How can I save money on my travel without putting someone else out of their sleep? Answer: Sharing a room is a blunt instrument for saving money....
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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
info_outlineIn this episode:
FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like?
Destination: San Francisco Airport "Wings and Wanderlust: Solo Female Traveler's Guide to SFO"
Today’s Mistake- I left my phone on the airline counter at the SFO airport.
Travel Advice: Relax in the Airport Yoga Room, if in SFO anyway….
FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like?
Answers 1 or 2
1. Ask the right questions if you want to get good responses to your questions about others' travels. Instead of “How was it?” ask something new and unique.
“Would you like to revisit those places or any other part of the country?" would be an excellent question.
OR
2. If you could only re-live five minutes of the trip, which 5 minutes would it be?
https://thewanderbug.com/how-was-it-10-better-questions-to-ask-a-traveller/
Today’s destination: San Francisco Airport
I began my around-the-world journey at the San Francisco airport, SFO, which was the first stop on my journey. I’ve been a fan of this airport for many years, as it has been the gateway to Asian countries I have visited for many years.
You can fly to 130 destinations on 50 airlines from SFO.
It’s always been welcoming from the minute that I landed. There’s just something special about it. Maybe it’s the excitement of being in San Francisco, one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s so much to see and do here. It’s also effortless to get to and from the airport via BART. I’ve flown there many times for domestic flights, too. Often, my flights take off at night, so I’ve been able to enjoy an extra day in and around the area of Northern California and then can sleep on the plane. Traveling west is more manageable due to jetlag than going east.
When in the airport, I always look to explore the Art Exhibits: SFO has a renowned art collection scattered throughout its terminals. Take a stroll to admire various sculptures, paintings, and installations. You may find one on history, even if it’s just of the SFO airport itself. Check the show notes for links to the current and upcoming exhibits.
https://www.sfomuseum.org/exhibitions
https://www.sfomuseum.org/exhibitions/upcoming
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I like to visit the SFO Aviation Museum and Library at the International Terminal, which features fascinating aviation history and cultural exhibits, such as early pilots and planes. If you are a solo female, you can browse here without feeling alone and explore flight history.
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Enjoy a Meal or Snack: SFO has the spectrum, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. Since you should arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic flight, you will be likely to find time to eat something while here.
If you need to take a nap, there’s a place to do that, or shower, or just freshen up, for a fee.
https://www.airporttravelagency.org/freshen-up/
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Shop for Souvenirs: Browse the shops and boutiques at SFO to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or gifts for loved ones. I especially like walking in airport bookstores and the magazine sections of convenience stores.
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Take in the Views of the airport: Find a comfortable spot near a big glass window to enjoy panoramic views of the airport runways and the surrounding landscape. I also enjoy people-watching. It’s a place to see all kinds of reunions, babies, and seniors who need or give a smile.
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Get Pampered at the SFO Spa: Treat yourself to a spa or massage at one of the airport's wellness centers. Relax and rejuvenate before continuing your journey.
https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/travel-tips
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Read or Relax in a Lounge: If you can access airport lounges through your airline or a membership program, enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, and Wi-Fi access. It's an excellent way to unwind in a quiet environment.
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Stay Connected: SFO provides free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, allowing travelers to stay connected with family and friends or catch up on emails, social media, movies, or TV shows.
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Stay Active: Take a walk around the terminal to stretch your legs and get some exercise. SFO's terminals are spacious, with plenty of walking paths and seating areas to explore.
Today’s Mistake- I left my phone on the counter in SFO.
I was on my way around the world and left my phone on the airline counter after my first flight. Was that ever a scary moment! Don’t do what I did. Hold your phone all the time, or tie a string to it!
Today’s Travel Advice-Yoga for travelers in SFO
Solo travelers can Relax in the Yoga Rooms: SFO offers designated yoga rooms in multiple terminals where travelers can unwind, stretch, and find inner peace before or after their flights. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and meditation. Sunday to Saturday, it’s open from 4 am to 11 pm and free of charge in terminals 2 and 3.
https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/shop-dine-relax/yoga-room
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