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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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_outlineIn this episode, the FAQ is: How do I keep track of travel memories so I don’t forget them?
Today’s Destination is: Venice, Italy Part 3
Today’s Misstep: Tickets to the Opera in Venice were sold out
Travel Advice: Stick to the outskirts for fewer tourists
FAQ: How do I keep track of travel memories so I don’t forget them?
Answer: Our memories may not be as sharp as we age, so recording our best thoughts in writing may be more critical. I use the Notes app on my phone, my audio recording app, and take lots of photos and videos while I travel. I do not post to social media while I travel, but wait until later most of the time to curate my memories in blogs and podcasts like this one.
How you record and save your memories is really up to you. Whatever your process is, make sure you have enough memory and battery and that you capture the essence of your travel, whether it’s a person you met, a place you want to return to, or a special meal you ate.
Today’s destination: Venice, Italy Part 3
To really enjoy Venice, Italy, as a tourist, you have to learn to get in synch with the city's vibe. It would be best if you had a lot of patience.
My experiences were as a solo female, and yours may differ depending on your adventure step. It’s a Step 5 destination.
If you visit Venice now, you will pay a daily fee. Show notes have more on this.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-entry-fee-explained/index.html
The highlights were on the water, where I spent almost all of my time.
https://en.venezia.net/venice-vaporetto-tickets.html
Study your transportation options ahead of time, if possible.
Patience.
https://www.parrocchiecavallinocavio.it/ancient-church-of-saint-mary-elizabeth/
Saint Elena and Saint Mary Elizabeth are at the end of line 1. I'm heading to the beach here for a swim. Swimming 🏊♂️ free was good. Private clubs charged 50 euros to swim. I had to walk a bit, but it was free. The water was pretty clear and refreshing.
I had breakfast with a German young man from Bonn. He will serve in the NY area this fall, but until then, he will tour Europe solo. He is a nice guy.
I took bus 3x in Lido ferries Saturday (6), to Murano, all over…
Sunday thru Grand Canal to Lido 1: then another to Lido SME. train 2x plus paid 1x 1.50 euro. I got good value for 24 hours.
I needed a shower after that beach swim in Lido Santa Maria Elizabeth. For the first time, my name was a neighborhood/church.
Prep for the rest of the trip. Figure out texting, airalo, bank.
This morning, bus #2 to Venice was packed and hot. The train now has AC, and that’s great!
Loved the ferries. Took them all day, often.
Met Matteo, who helped me find the train station. Nice and humble. Maybe 25 years old. Runs the ferry for tourists each day. It must be stressful at times.
Strikes are possible here. They are announced in advance.
Today’s Misstep: Tickets to the Opera in Venice were sold out
I thought I could get a ticket to the Opera on the day of, but that was wrong. Book your tickets in advance.
Today’s Travel Advice- Stick to the outskirts for fewer tourists
You don’t need to be amid the traffic, so arrive early, siesta mid-day, and relax with your shade umbrella in Venice. Cool down in advance.
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.
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