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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
Medellin Colombia Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Medellin, Colombia.Part 2 Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Quick-Fire FAQ: Drying Out Wet Clothing. How do you do that on the road? How do you dry your wet belongings while traveling, especially when you're solo? Especially in a humid area, it’s hard to get things dry. When you solo travel, you have more control over your time constraints, so plan to let things dry. When it’s damp, the best way to dry your clothes is by maximizing water removal before drying. Try the towel roll trick. First, lay the clothes flat on a towel, roll them up, and twist to ring out...
info_outline
Medellin, Colombia Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Medellin, Colombia 60-second confidence challenge: The confidence challenge is to meet someone new today. You might stop by the mailbox to say “hi,” or visit a park where people are less in a hurry. Start a conversation with someone new today. If you like, then get their name and phone number and give them a call. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapters of my book dive deeper into how to build confidence using it—link in description.” See Book A for addressing the challenge of meeting new people Find it on our website at or on...
info_outline
Galapagos, Ecuador
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Here is the episode on Galapagos, Ecuador 60 second confidence challenge Check your passport. Do you have at least six months left until it expires? Do you have at least four blank pages? Then your passport is in good shape. You’re ready to travel, as long as you check for any Visa entries you may need. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper—link in description.” See Book A for addressing all of these items like preparing for travel. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: Galapagos, Ecuador Galapagos means nature to most...
info_outline
Haarlem, Netherlands
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
this episode is about Haarlem, Netherlands. See Book A for addressing the challenges of solo travel in your prime. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Destination: Haarlem, Netherlands. It’s a Dutch city that’s often overshadowed by Amsterdam, but has just as much charm—and far fewer crowds. I’m talking about Haarlem, Netherlands. Haarlem is only 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, making it an easy and quiet alternative for solo travelers over 50. What you’ll love is its slower pace, historic streets, and safe, flat, walkable...
info_outline
Toronto Canada Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This episode is about Toronto, Canada. See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Toronto is another example of Step 3 travel, advanced solo travel. Other step 3 destinations in my Part B book include Banff, Whistler, and Vancouver. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is: Toronto, Canada, part two of two You may arrive at Pearson airport, like I did, which was a lovely airport ranked high among international airports. I had the opportunity to experience the Priority Pass lounge...
info_outline
Toronto Canada Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Toronto Part 1 of 2 FAQ: Do you travel on public transport? Let’s explore one city. The FAQ for today is: How would I travel around Toronto on public transport, if needed? Here are a few facts about their public transit. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is your central transit system—includes: Subway Streetcars (trams) Buses PRESTO Card is the smart fare card you'll want to use. It gives discounted fares for seniors (65+). Ask ChatGPT about the best travel options for you, whether it's the subway or any other mode of transportation. It will provide detailed information instantly....
info_outline
Around the World Travel Summary Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego today. Trip Summary 2 Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, recently on a 90-day journey around the world, excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences. Listener Story Spotlight Today's listener story is about 79 year old Sandi Biback who I met in Toronto and helped organize an afternoon with women from the JourneyWoman organization. She was called in to help and rose to the occasion. She is traveling to Bhutan in October and has shared several tips with me for purchasing Travel insurance. She's seasoned in...
info_outlineEpisode Naples, Italy Part 1
In this episode, the FAQ is: How do I get to and from the airport? I am an inexperienced flyer and need to know how to get there and back if I don’t take a taxi or Uber/Lyft, which can be very expensive.
Today’s Destination is Naples, Italy Part 1
Today’s Misstep- I took the Subway in the wrong direction.
Travel Advice: Use Chat GPT for travel ideas, but verify the results
Today’s destination: Naples, Italy Part 1
Naples, Napoli is about an hour from Rome by train.
It’s an Under-rated city. Some rough edges may exist, but give it a chance.
It’s a city not to be missed. It’s a Step 5 trip because you need to be experienced as a traveler to be here solo.
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/italy/campania/naples
My new Servas friend Rossana has lived in the Vomero neighborhood for 20 years.
Here’s some more background. The third-largest city in Italy is full of history, art, architecture, and delicious food, yet it gets a bad rap for its crime and grime. While these blemishes are a reality for residents, they're far from ubiquitous, especially where tourism concerns them. Find higher ground at places like Certosa e Museo di San Martino, and you'll be rewarded with spectacular views. Stroll the Via Caracciolo e Lungomare di Napoli as I did for a full day, or chat with friendly locals like Rossana, and you'll experience some of the magic this port city holds. And, of course, you can't forget the joy that comes from that first bite of Neapolitan pizza (in the city credited with inventing the pizza), nor that perfect gelato.
https://www.amoitaly.com/napoli/vomero.html
The Art Stations, distributed along Metro lines 1 and 6, include more than 180 pieces of art created by 90 international authors and local architects, allowing them to combine different architectural styles. I often used the Quattro Giordano metro stop. If you don’t ride the subway, you miss all of these.
Mappatella Beach is where I went swimming along the coast.
Via Chiaia (Vee-ya, Kaya heeya) district is a high-end and strolling area.
https://www.visititaly.eu/places-and-tours/district-chiaia-naples
Art Museum with Toledo.
Beautiful old and pop art.
Rossana is retired, volunteers with kids, and lives with two cats.
https://www.classicfm.com/discover-music/o-sole-mio-lyrics/
https://sscnapoli.it/en/league-standings/
.
https://www.italia.it/en/campania/naples/posillipo
Today’s Misstep: I took the Subway in the wrong direction because I did not realize there were three levels instead of two. Don’t make my mistake. Ask if there’s another level before you board the wrong train. And if you are wrong, you can always go back the other direction.
Today’s Travel Advice- Use Chat GPT for travel ideas, but verify the results
In previous podcasts, I mentioned how to use Chat GPT for travel. If you’re not using it, you could miss out on some great hidden gems for your travel. I bet your tour guides use this tool to learn some secrets and factoids for their upcoming tours. So why keep yourself in the dark? Use Perplexity or whatever AI program you like best, and explore before you leave home. However, do check the responses for hallucinations.
I want to bring meaning to your future travels. Sign up for the Dr. Travelbest newsletter. We can connect on my websites, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Find the 5 Steps to Solo Travel series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect. Please support this podcast with a review. We need your help to help others.
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group