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
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Lima Peru and airport luxury lounges
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is Dr. Mary Travelbest. I help you travel. The 60-second confidence challenge is on getting access to the airport lounges. It will take some experience, but it’s worth it. Check the fine print, too. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into best practices while traveling solo—link in description.” See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Lima, Peru. Hello, solo travelers—especially my sisters 50 and up. Today I’m...
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Cartagena, Colombia and safety in South America
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Cartagena, Colombia. Today, we're heading to Cartagena, Colombia —a vibrant and touristy Caribbean city bursting with color, music, and history. It's one of the most popular destinations on South America's northern coast — and I'll share my experiences and a few lessons learned for solo travelers like you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a culture that's as lively as it is rich. Let's start with the setting. Cartagena's Walled City — La Ciudad Amurallada — is the heart of it all. I recommend exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. You...
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Lincoln Square, Chicago, using AI on the road and staying healthy tips
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Lincoln Square, Chicago. The FAQ is about using AI while traveling. How do I get the best responses to my prompts when I have a question? Is there a platform you recommend? There are thousands of platforms, and new ones are popping up every day. For travelers seeking the most current answers to their travel questions, you are in luck. You can navigate the territory solo better today than ever because you can ask the right questions. Practice is the best way to use them. 60-second confidence challenge If you like today’s...
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Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego today, talking about Cape Breton, Canada . Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, world traveler, professor, marketing expert, and all-around fun person. And I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences. Quick-fire FAQ: Your mom, grandmother, or even your daughter told you to be careful when traveling solo. But did they ever do it? You are on your way. The question I get asked is: What should I tell someone who discourages me from traveling? Answer: You can turn it around and ask for specific information...
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Machu Picchu, Peru including lessons learned about Step 5 travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Machu Picchu Are there any tips to help me avoid being cheated or robbed while traveling? Yes, you can take precautions like removing your expensive jewelry before traveling and not carrying expensive purses or shoes. Don't look like a target. Look like you belong, and try not to stand out from the usual crowd. Check reviews of any Airbnb or turo car rentals you book. Be careful not to walk alone in the dark at night, as much as possible. Think of the odds whenever you go out. Please put them in your favor, not a criminal. If you like...
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In this episode, the FAQ is: How can I take a walking tour when I arrive in a city?
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Today’s Destination is: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Today’s Misstep- Getting stopped by TSA security
Travel Advice: Plan for the unexpected
FAQ: How can I get the walking tour when I get to a city?
Response: A guided walking tour of a city is a treat for a solo traveler, especially for a woman who is interested in its history.
The more popular ones are through platforms like Viator, TripAdvisor, Airbnb, and FreeWalkingtoursbylocals.com, but there are many ways to score a tour from someone who truly cares about the experience for you.
Be sure to read the reviews and book in advance during a busy season. Some are free, and suggest a tip at the end if you liked it. Your hotel could also gook you a tour. The Visitor Center or Tourism office can also give you guidance on this. You may also find a walking tour app for a self-guided tour, with maps and points of interest. You can GPS my city or check Detour. I found some walking tours on YouTube that were pretty fun to watch also.
https://freewalkingtoursbylocals.com/
Today’s destination: Chattanooga, Tennessee
My first visit here was in 1974, on a bus of young women heading to Florida. It was called Junior Trip. We were 80 women, two bus loads. I remember very little about Chattanooga from that visit.
I returned to see it in 2024, which made a more significant impression. This time, I was visiting the future Dr. Travelbest, who lives there now. We are currently working on a Planner for travel guidance, so look for that in the future.
It’s a central travel hub, especially for the railroads. A bridge crosses the railroad tracks, which are dozens of tracks wide. It may be one of the largest railroad hubs that I have experienced. You can see the city and the Moccasin Bend from the infamous Lookout Mountain.
Listen to the episode on Chickamauga to learn about President Abraham Lincoln's campaign to gain control of the South in the 1860s. It was a place of both Confederate and Union victories.
https://www.visitchattanooga.com/things-to-do/
https://www.visitchattanooga.com/plan/transportation/
The Zoo was a highlight, with a giraffe named George gladly accepting lunch from my hands to his 18-inch tongue. It seems that George loves romaine lettuce. Who would have guessed that? That experience was a treat. Kids like it, too. An assortment of other animals makes for a few hours of seeing wildlife at the Chattanooga Zoo.
Walk across the Pedestrian Bridge and the riverfront along the Tennessee River to get a flavor of the city. I walked the bridge at night, and it was a sparkling river with no watercraft because the weather was rainy and threatened winds. The Northshore District
has trendy boutiques, galleries, and food choices; you can walk everywhere. You can also learn much about the Civil War from an organized guided walking tour of the area.
I did get to see the historic train station, the Chattanooga Choo Choo. Parts of the terminal building were recently sold, so check the show notes for the latest.
I also enjoyed Ruby Falls and will create a special episode about that destination soon.
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On my next visit, I plan to Explore the Tennessee Aquarium and dive into the fascinating world of marine life at one of the top-rated aquariums in the country. From river otters to penguins, the Tennessee Aquarium showcases various aquatic animals.
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I did a few hikes on this trip, but most of the days, it rained, so I will return and hike more. Chattanooga is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go hiking on nearby trails like Stringers Ridge or Raccoon Mountain or try rock climbing at the Tennessee Wall, if you have that talent, or just go and watch the climbers.
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Next time I come, I may also Attend a Performance at the Tivoli Theatre: Catch a show at the beautifully restored Tivoli Theatre, which hosts concerts, Broadway shows, and ballets.
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My last item on the next time list is to Relax at Coolidge Park: Spend a leisurely afternoon at Coolidge Park, located along the riverfront. Picnic in the grass, ride the antique carousel, or simply enjoy the scenic views.
Today’s Misstep- Getting stopped by TSA security
How did I know that carrying a squash in my bag would keep me from getting through security the first time? It took an extra five minutes to get my bag checked. And then I did it again. I brought a squash on a second trip, and TSA stopped me for a short while Next time, don’t bring fresh squash on the trip in your carry on.
Today’s Travel Advice- Plan for the unexpected.
There’s no such thing as being fully prepared, so prepare for what could happen, and in your mind how you may deal with that.
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group