"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….”
Release Date: 04/19/2024
Athens, Greece Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Welcome to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast for 5 Steps to Solo Travel. The FAQ is: What is going on with the number of cars on the road these days? Is traffic increasing, and why? Answer: Americans are sitting in traffic longer than ever. Last year, commuters lost an average of 63 hours, or almost 8 workdays, stuck in traffic, according to a Texas A&M study reported by Kiplinger. It is a 16% increase in national congestion costs from 2099 to 2024. Truck congestion rose 19%. A shift in traffic patterns has contributed to overall increased traffic times. Delays are no longer...
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Best of Archives. Japan
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Japan is one of the most visited places by those from the USA. Listen to this archived episode from years' past about Japan. It's still relevant today. It's a Step 5 Destination, and you can travel there solo. Find out more from the book series: The Five Steps to Solo Travel. And if you leave a review, you will make Dr. Travelbest so happy. Happy 2026 to you. Read what others say and then make your own words. It's an authentic voice, and it's really me!
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The Garden Route, South Africa
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Episode: The Garden Route, South Africa Today's episode is an FAQ on what the Garden Route is, a bit about the route, and my mistakes on it. The FAQ is: What is the Garden Route? It sounds lovely, but what is it actually? Answer: The Garden Route is a re-branded name for a region in Africa. It's a 190-mile stretch of South Africa's southeastern coast, stretching from Mossel Bay to the Storms River. It is a popular tourist road trip known for lush forests, dramatic mountain scenery, lakes, and sandy beaches. The area features a mild, year-round temperate climate, making it a premier, safe...
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Part 2)
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Podcast, Part 2 of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The FAQ is: How to carry toiletries on a long trip? Answer: For traveling solo, especially on longer journeys, toiletries can quietly become the heaviest, messiest, and most annoying part of your bag. I use cubes, just packing cubes like for my other travel items. So before you toss everything into a pouch, ask yourself: Do I really need this much? Will this leak at 35,000 feet? Can I replace it at my destination? Here are four smart, confidence-building tips for carrying toiletries on a long...
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Rio de Janeiro Brazil Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is part 1 of 2. . Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. 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: What are three phrases to learn for Brazil? Answer: Language Insights: Your Spanish will help tremendously. While English is less commonly spoken outside tourist hotspots, learning a few key Portuguese phrases can enhance your experience: Bom dia (Good morning) Obrigada (Thank you – from women) Quanto custa? (How much?) These should help...
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Thessaloniki Greece Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Thessoloniki Greece, Part 2 of 2. Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I recently returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. This episode covers driving and navigating at the same time, Thessoloniki, Greece, and my mistakes of not hydrating enough in Greece. The FAQ is: "I need help finding my way while driving." What advice can you provide me as I try to navigate while I drive? Answer: Here are three driving safety tips...
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Thessaloniki Greece Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Thessoloniki Greece, Part 1 Welcome to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences for world peace. Here is an FAQ about plane or train travel, Thessoloniki Greece, Part 1, and also about a health issue you don’t want when you travel. Give a listen. I guide you to solo travel experiences to bring out your best. The FAQ is: If you could take a plane or a train, which would it be and why? Answer: If I have the...
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Best of South Korea
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego today. Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, coming to you from a recent trip to South Korea, now sharing my best travel ideas. I’m about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world. Listener Story Spotlight A friend and a listener named Lois recently went to Hawaii. She told me about how she spent a lot of time getting travel insurance for herself and her partner. She had to pay more than she expected as her partner was having a birthday between the day she bought the service and the day of the trip. But she said it was well...
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Mojave Desert Southwestern USA
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Destination: Mojave Desert Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5-Step Guide to Solo Travel for women like you who need a little extra support as they travel the world (slowly), one woman at a time. I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself in the Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, found on Amazon. Yes, it has been a best seller in its category for some time! Please rate this podcast and the book! In this episode: Mojave Desert FAQ: loneliness on the road and how to...
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Warsaw, Poland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Warsaw, Poland The FAQ is: “How do I decide when it’s time to pay more for comfort or safety instead of pushing myself?” Budget travel advice is common; guidance on when frugality stops being smart for aging bodies is not. This is a silent tension for senior solo travelers. Answer: Here’s the truth: saving money is never worth arriving exhausted, stressed, or injured. As we get older, comfort becomes a strategy, not a luxury. I ask myself one simple question: Will this choice give me more energy tomorrow? If the answer...
info_outline"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….”
Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide for women like you who need extra support traveling the world (slowly), one woman at a time.
Please rate this podcast and the Amazon book series, especially Part B on Destinations!
I’ve been traveling solo since 1972 and writing about it since 1993. Now you can experience the Top Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, a Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, found on Amazon. I recently took a 90-day trip around the world, and this is a special episode on Indian transportation for the solo female.
What are the challenges faced by solo female travelers in India? How can they navigate the transportation system in India? What are the travel tips for exploring India's transport networks as a solo female traveler?
This particular podcast edition is about the "Roads Less Traveled, including a few Solo Female Travel Tips for Exploring India's Transport Networks"
There was a massive train crash while I was in India, and many people were tragically killed. The people I was staying with had friends on those trains, but they were ok. Many of my family members contacted me across the miles to see if I was ok, as it was world news. See the show notes for more on train accidents.
The world’s largest populated country has transportation challenges. Corruption, bureaucracy, and red tape are also issues. Corrupted officials leverage their control over permits to line their pockets. Income equality is massive. The wealthiest 10% makes up almost 60% of India's income. The future looks brighter.
One airline, Go First, went out of business after I bought my ticket in May 2023. I cannot get a refund because the airline is bankrupt and, therefore, will not honor any purchases of their flights, nor will the ticket agency through which I bought it.
I arrived in Chennai from a flight originating in Cambodia and transferred through Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I spent 8 hours in the airport, talking to people from all over the world. Here is a rundown of the travel I did over two weeks in six cities in India.
When going through airport security, you must be on an all-female line. Men and women are not allowed to go through together.
The same thing happened when I went to the Taj Majal. Separate security stations were established, and I even hit my head on that going through, as I am 5’ 10’, so I am taller than most other women.
Overall, I made many transportation mistakes, but they were all to help you make a better trip next time.
My travel mistakes in India: I was lied to by a taxi driver, had a driver with no shoes and no change, got scammed in the main Delhi train station, and had trouble finding a bus to Agra.
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