loader from loading.io

"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….”

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Release Date: 04/19/2024

Phu Quoc Vietnam show art Phu Quoc Vietnam

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Phu Quok, Vietnam  In this episode, the FAQ is: What’s the best water bottle for travel? Today’s Destination is: Phu Quoc, Vietnam Today’s Misstep- I Booked a room under construction and How I upgraded. Travel Advice: Take a small risk, not always a big one in Vietnam FAQ: What’s the best water bottle for travel? The top 10 water bottles for a solo senior female traveler will be on this list, including price, from the least to most expensive in the show notes. They range from $11 to $90. Vapur Anti-Bottle Collapsible Water Bottle - $11–$14 Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free...

info_outline
Edinburgh, Scotland show art Edinburgh, Scotland

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Today’s Destination is: Edinburgh, Scotland   Today’s Misstep- Too much of a good thing   Travel Advice: Eat early, rest early   FAQ: How do I remember to stretch while on the road?   Answer: Tips for Remembering to Stretch: Set Phone Reminders: Schedule gentle reminders on your phone for morning and evening stretches. This way, it’s a built-in routine, just like brushing your teeth. Tie it to Daily Activities: Stretch after sitting for long periods, like after a meal or a bus/train ride. This helps to break up stiffness and becomes part of your rhythm. Use Cues...

info_outline
Coventry, England show art Coventry, England

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Today’s Destination is Coventry, England Today’s Misstep- Manila Airport was a disaster Travel Advice: Bring the thing you usually forget   FAQ: What are some simple exercises for travelers, especially solo females in their prime? Here are five I recommend: Walking: Aim for a daily walk to explore your surroundings. It's an easy way to keep your body moving and enjoy the local sights. Leg and Ankle Stretches: Sitting stretches are perfect for waiting in lines or resting. Flex and extend your ankles, or gently lift and lower your legs. Back and Shoulderstretches: Do these to...

info_outline
Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibility show art Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibility

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode, the FAQ:  How do I best enjoy the Cabrillo Park?   Today’s Destination is Cabrillo National Monument Accessibility Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Don’t forget to stretch like I did.   Travel Advice: Swimming? Watch your valuables. FAQ: My friends ask me how do I enjoy the Cabrillo Park. I love this question. First, you have to plan for it, so bring your National Park Pass and try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the slow days. Park at the top and see the lighthouse. It’s iconic. Then visit the overlook to the city of San Diego and see the boats go in and out...

info_outline
Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guides show art Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guides

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode, the FAQ:  Can AI really help me travel?    Today’s Destination: Cabrillo National Monument Experience Part 1   Today’s Misstep- Mark Twain jokes about European tour guides in his travel books.   Travel Advice: If you are interested in travel and do as you listen here, why not purchase a guide that answers most of your questions in one place?    FAQ: Can really AI help me travel?    Answer: AI is a great tool kit for travel. Yes, but be sure to check for accuracy and hallucinations. You will also find bias. But you can start...

info_outline
Best of Denali National Park, Alaska show art Best of Denali National Park, Alaska

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

  Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska   Connect with Dr Travelbest email:

info_outline
Milan Italy show art Milan Italy

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode, the FAQ is: How do I manage increasing technology and security for travel?   Today’s Destination is: Milan, Italy   Today’s Misstep- I almost took a train to Switzerland at the Milan station   Travel Advice: Bring a handheld portable fan for the heat. It can be oppressive.   FAQ: The level of technology and security has stepped up for travel and entertainment. How do I manage it as a senior citizen in a very busy world?   Answer:    There is a growing level of distrust in today’s environment. For some venues, you can no longer use a...

info_outline
Best of Hawaii's Big Island show art Best of Hawaii's Big Island

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

  Today’s Destination is: Best of Hawaii's Big Island     Connect with Dr Travelbest email:

info_outline
Lake Como, Italy show art 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...

info_outline
Belfast, Northern Ireland show art 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...

info_outline
 
More Episodes

"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.

https://www.indiatvnews.com/news/india/yearender-2023-tragic-accidents-in-2023-road-rail-accidents-odisha-coromandel-express-andhra-pradesh-train-collision-tragedy-latest-updates-2023-12-22-908419

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. 

https://www.hindustantimes.com/business/go-first-gets-two-financial-bids-as-part-of-its-bankruptcy-process-101708754354934.html

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.

Connect with Dr Travelbest

Drmarytravelbest.com

Dr. Mary Travelbest Twitter

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page

Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group

Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram

email: [email protected]

Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast

Dr. Travelbest on TikTok

Dr.Travelbest onYouTube