Best of Acadia National Park and Bar Harbor Maine
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? Today’s Destination is Acadia National Park Today’s Mistake- My own car crash in parking garage Travel Advice: Travel pillows FOR SLEEPING on planes FAQ: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? AARP is offering some airline travel tips that may answer this question. First, some facts. In 2019, the FAA reported 146 cases of bad behavior on planes, but in 2021, that number grew to more than 1,000. That was out of nearly 6,000 cases of unruly...
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Special Edition: London, England Airports Ranked
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Special Edition: London, England Airports In this episode, the FAQ is: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Today’s Destination is: London Airports Today’s Misstep- Wearing the wrong shoes Travel Advice: When buying an airline ticket, pause. FAQ: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Expect more opportunities for local immersion, where you can experience the daily life of local communities through homestays, service projects, and interactive cultural programs for seniors. Solo female travel is on the rise, with women...
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Delhi, India Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 2 In this episode, your FAQ is: Safety in India for solo travelers Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India. Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Cellphone issues that were my fault and more Travel Advice: Safety tips for travel in Delhi. FAQ: Let’s talk about safety in India. My friend Kathryn is going to Delhi and is worried about being a solo woman. Can I talk to her about what she can expect? The short answer is that Kathryn is already back home, and she had a great trip, but she was nervous and needed confirmation that all would be well. Today’s destination: Delhi, India Part 2...
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Delhi, India Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Delhi, India Part 1 In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going? Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast: Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. For more local alerts, sign up for location-based apps on Google...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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Best of Denali National Park, Alaska
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
info_outlineIn this episode, FAQ is: What are etias visas, and when are they required?
Today’s Destination is: Estes Park, Colorado
Today’s Mistake- I am not a foodie, but I love learning about new foods. I need to be braver.
Travel Advice: check your loyalty points and miles frequently for errors
FAQ: What are etias documents and when are they required?
Let’s make it simple: it’s not a visa. It’s a visa waiver. Starting in 2025, the ETIAS will be required for Americans traveling to Europe. US citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. From 2025 on, visa-exempt non-EU nationals, including Americans, will be able to register with ETIAS before departure. This is not a visa but a visa waiver for travelers. It does require registration, not a visa.
https://etias.com/etias-launch-pushed-to-2025
The ETIAS visa waiver for Americans is a multiple-entry travel authorization valid for three years. During this period, U.S. travelers can enter any Schengen zone European countries that apply to the travel authorization as many times as necessary.
The total stay allowed in a Schengen country with each entry with ETIAS is 90 days within every 180 days. ETIAS permits travel to Schengen countries for short stays for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit purposes. To stay for more extended periods or other purposes, American citizens must apply for a visa from an embassy or consulate.
https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-requirements/americans
Today’s destination is Estes Park, Colorado
Drive to Estes Park from wherever you are in Colorado as it’s the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance. I’ve been coming here since the 1970’s, and it’s consistently delightful.
Try the Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the US, and the most famous scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park—a day trip not to miss through high alpine tundra panoramas! Even driving up to Estes Park from Colorado's Front Range is scenic.
https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/estes-park
If you want to get to Estes Park from Denver or vice versa, you can take the Bustang from Denver's Union Station. From there, it stops at Westminster at U.S. 36 and Sheridan Boulevard before ending at the Estes Park Visitor Center. Check the show notes for fares and schedules, especially seasonally.
https://ridebustang.com/fares/
I’ve been there in the spring and the fall for the best leafy color and excellent weather.
If you like hiking, you will want to try it out here. Three words to describe are Beautiful, Colorful, and Rustic.
From boating on Lake Estes to soaring up the aerial tram, touring historical sites, to savoring sips at local breweries and distilleries, this small mountain town doesn't disappoint. While summer is the prime season, there are special events, concerts, and festivals.
Camping is accessible from your car, or you can hike more remotely. I’ve been camping and hiking here in spring, summer, and fall. It’s a Hiking paradise, so let me know if you do. Don’t forget to look for the State flower: (name it) Columbine, it’s purple.
https://www.visitestespark.com/
Today’s Mistake- I am not a foodie but love learning about new foods. I need to be braver.
Trying to eat like a local. I have not tried too many new foods. This year, I plan to be more adventurous with my eating, within reason. I don’t want a lousy meal to ruin a good day. I will eat some foods, but not turtle blood. What someone else likes may not be for me.
Today’s Travel Advice-check your points and miles frequently for errors
Do you have many saved points or miles? Look them over and book your next trip now while you can. You can also donate them to a friend or a charity. You can also use them. Book a standard room on points, get a suite upgrade, and pay a bit extra.
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