"Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers"
Release Date: 04/12/2024
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...
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Dr. Mary Travelbest - Buyacada, Turkey Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Buyacada, Turkey Today’s Misstep- My airline went bankrupt Travel Advice: Tips on visiting Turkey FAQ: This was an honest question from one of our fans: How do I share my senior status but not my age regarding travel discounts? Do they need to know my age, or can I make it up? Answer: Let’s get real here. Many of us want to save a few bucks and are willing to share that we are seniors, but maybe we don’t want to give away our age. Why or why not? It may be your personal decision, so let’s respect that. When you fly, you must give the...
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Dr. Mary Travelbest - Istanbul Turkey Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years? Today’s Destination is: Istanbul, Turkey (part 1 of 2) Today’s Misstep- Ask for specific directions and then listen better. Travel Advice: Get a better exchange rate than in a busy tourist city. FAQ: What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years? Answer: I think the best theme parks for adults are the Disney ones. They have been friendly for generations, and you can always find someone to answer your questions, i.e., a cast member. You will pay more than for other parks, but you...
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Jamestown Settlement, Virginia
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Jamestown Settlement, VA In this episode, the FAQ: How to budget while on your trip? Today’s Destination is Jamestown Settlement, VA Today’s Misstep- Too much caffeine on an empty stomach. Travel Advice: Get TSA Pre-check for every flight. Connect with Dr. Travelbest
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Marietta, Georgia and the best seat on the plane
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ says that one of our followers does not fly much. She asked me, “What’s the best seat on the plane?” . Today’s Destination is: Marietta, GA Today’s Misstep- On Southwest, I paid twice for the Internet. Travel Advice: Get a good night’s sleep on the road with a clear head in bed. FAQ: What’s the best seat on the plane? That was the question asked by someone who doesn’t fly much. Response: I think the best seat is a window seat, but you may prefer the aisle if you want to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. On Southwest...
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Dr. Mary Travelbest - Venice Italy Part 3 of 3
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: How do I keep track of travel memories so I don’t forget them? Today’s Destination is: Venice, Italy Part 3 Today’s Misstep: Tickets to the Opera in Venice were sold out Travel Advice: Stick to the outskirts for fewer tourists FAQ: How do I keep track of travel memories so I don’t forget them? Answer: Our memories may not be as sharp as we age, so recording our best thoughts in writing may be more critical. I use the Notes app on my phone, my audio recording app, and take lots of photos and videos while I travel. I do not post to...
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Dr. Mary Travelbest - Venice Italy Part 2 of 3
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
The first Venice episode was # 247. I came back and added more to that here and the following episode. In this episode, the FAQ is: Would I return to Venice? Today’s Destination is Venice, Italy Part 2 of 3 Today’s Misstep: Spend more time in the region of Northern Italy. Travel Advice: In Venice, Get Lost FAQ: Would I go back to Venice? Answer: The answer is yes because I hardly saw the main attractions the first time. I was in a crowd of tourists, and it was under construction. I think there will be better crowd control now that there's a fee. Today’s...
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Bucket List Travel #4 -The Garden Route of South Africa with Rose Kilian
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Bucket List Episode: The Garden Route of South Africa, by Rose Kilian Hi there, I'm Rose Kilian, and I'm thrilled to share the magic of the Garden Route in South Africa, a place that has been my home and my heart. Growing up here was a dream, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether you're planning a visit or just curious, I'm excited to take you on a journey through this enchanting region. The Garden Route stretches along the southern coast of South Africa, from Knysna in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. This coastal...
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Bucket List Travel #3 Crete, Greece from Kirsty Nunez
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
· Bucket List Travel Crete, Greece · · Script from Kirsty Nunez · · Introduce Crete (Creta) o Largest Greek island · Outline highlights o Ancient civilizations o Antiquities o Beautiful beaches o Stunning mountains in interior of island o Shopping o Food ...
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"Savoring Solitude: Women's Guide to Eating Out Alone While Traveling"
"Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers"
You have three meals a day, and you are solo. What do you do to enjoy these meals by yourself? You can have some great times if you follow these tips, or maybe you can add more tips for other travelers.
Eating out alone can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for solo travelers, including women aged 60 and above. Here are some tips to make dining alone more comfortable and enjoyable:
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Choose the Right Restaurant: Choose restaurants with a welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. Look for establishments that cater to solo diners and offer comfortable seating options. You can find them on websites before you go or make reservations. When I was in Florence, Italy, I asked the hostel for a recommendation for a pizza restaurant, and they said Gusta was the best. I got a pizza for myself and a second one to return to the hostel, and I was greeted with a massive hug
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Avoid busy or Peak Hours, so ask if you’re unsure which they are. Consider dining during off-peak hours to avoid crowds and long wait times. Lunchtime or early dinner hours are often quieter and more relaxed, making it easier to enjoy your meal in peace. I ate an early dinner in Chennai at a local diner. I asked for no chilis, but it was still spicy hot with chilis. I managed to eat it along with my peanut butter.
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Bring a Book or Electronic Device: Bring a book, e-reader, or smartphone to entertain yourself while waiting for your meal. Reading can help you feel more comfortable and confident dining alone. I listen with earbuds and enjoy podcasts and my recordings of conversations with my mom, who died years ago when I travel.
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Engage with the Staff: Discuss with the server or bartender if you feel comfortable doing so. They can provide recommendations, share local insights, and make you feel more at ease. A smile will get you started, and after that, just ask a question you may have about the food, the restaurant, or the city. In the Philippines, in El Nido, my server/bartender explained to me that he was a temp worker and he was finished with his shift. His pay included room and board.
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Sit at the Bar: Sitting at the bar can be an excellent option for solo diners, offering a more casual and interactive dining experience. You can chat with the bartender or fellow patrons and enjoy watching the action in the kitchen, which can be very entertaining to a solo traveler like me. One restaurant chain lets you sit in the kitchen to watch the meal preparation. See the show notes.
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Practice Self-Confidence: Remember that dining alone is nothing unusual or embarrassing. Hold your head high, exude confidence, and enjoy the freedom to choose where and what to eat without compromise. I sometimes talk to myself to build my confidence when solo eating.
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Stay Safe: Be mindful of your surroundings and trust your instincts when dining alone. Choose well-lit and populated restaurants, avoid sharing personal information with strangers, and secure your belongings. Don’t leave your purse on the back of your chair.
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Celebrate Solo Dining: View dining alone as an opportunity for self-care and empowerment. Treat yourself to a delicious meal, savor the experience, and celebrate your independence as a solo traveler.
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