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Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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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 Water Bottle - $12–$15
CamelBak Eddy+ Water Bottle - $14–$18
Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle - $19–$25
Collapsible Nomader Water Bottle - $25–$30
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle - $32–$45
S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle - $35–$45
Klean Kanteen Insulated Classic Water Bottle - $30–$40
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle - $39.95
GRAYL Geopress Purifier - $89.95
Top rated 3 are:
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Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle
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Features: Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours. Available in multiple sizes.
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Concerns: Bulkier due to insulation and slightly heavier.
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LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
Features: Comes with a built-in two-stage water filter, which filters out bacteria and parasites, ideal for travel in areas with questionable water quality.
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Concerns: Filtering process takes some effort, and it’s only suitable for freshwater sources.
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GRAYL Geopress Purifier
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Features: Purifies water by removing viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Great for international travel where tap water might be unsafe.
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Concerns: Pricey, and filtering requires pushing the water through, which can be tiring.
Not on the top list, but I use a BEAM. It makes a well-regarded water bottle called the BEAM Self-Cleaning UV Water Bottle.
Price: Around $50–$70, depending on size and retailer.
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Features: This bottle is equipped with a UV-C light in the cap, which self-cleans and purifies the water by neutralizing bacteria and viruses. This makes it excellent for international travel or areas where water quality might be uncertain. It also keeps water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.
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Concerns: It requires charging for the UV feature, so you’ll need access to power, and it’s a bit pricier than standard bottles.
The BEAM bottle is great if you prefer a high-tech solution for water purification and want to reduce odors and bacteria without a filter. If this sounds ideal, it could be a great choice for you as a solo traveler. I am not compensated for this product but I use it.
https://www.amazon.com/UVBrite-Beam-Self-Cleaning-Water-Bottle/dp/B09RQSHV36?th=1
Today’s destination: Phu Quoc, Vietnam
When I arrived, I felt like I had landed in Hawaii. First, I’ll tell you why to visit and then about my trip here. It’s a tropical paradise in Vietnam.
Why Phu Quoc is recommended for a Solo Traveler in their Prime:
https://vietnam.travel/places-to-go/southern-vietnam/phu-quoc
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Safety and Hospitality: Phu Quoc is safe and welcoming, with friendly locals accustomed to tourists. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
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Relaxed Atmosphere: It’s more peaceful than other beach destinations in Vietnam, and it is ideal for relaxation.
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Easy Navigation: The island is small, and it’s easy to get around by taxis, organized tours, or with a private driver.
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Well-Developed Amenities: Phu Quoc has a variety of resorts, hotels, and spas that cater to international travelers, offering comfortable facilities and excellent service.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam, is a beautiful, laid-back island destination that offers serene beaches, cultural sites, and relaxing experiences ideal for senior solo travelers. Here’s a list of the main attractions and reasons why Phu Quoc is worth visiting.
The beaches include Long Beach, which has calm, golden sand and clear waters that are perfect for gentle strolls on the shore. There are many resorts, restaurants, and cafes. Sunsets are stunning. Find a beachfront restaurant and enjoy your visit. Also, Sao Beach is similar, but with white sand, turquoise waters, and a great place to read a book and relax.
On my next visit here, I’ll see these attractions:
2. Duong Dong or Dinh Cau Night Markets
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This bustling night market is perfect for sampling local seafood and Vietnamese street food, shopping for souvenirs, and immersing yourself in local life. Local food specialties include grilled scallops or fresh tropical fruit. It’s a safe, lively place to explore in the evening.
3. Phu Quoc National Park
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This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a beautiful escape into nature. Its trails are suitable for all fitness levels and feature tropical plants and wildlife.
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Consider joining a tour if you prefer exploring with others; \
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Vinpearl Safari
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This is Vietnam’s largest wildlife park, home to a range of animals worldwide. It’s well-maintained and offers a safe, comfortable way to see animals in spacious enclosures.
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Tip: Ideal for a half-day visit, with shuttle buses from most hotels.
5. Ho Quoc Pagoda
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A Buddhist pagoda with ocean views is located on a hilltop. It’s peaceful and an excellent place for a quiet moment of reflection.
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Tip: Morning visits are lovely, with cooler temperatures and fewer people.
6. Fish Sauce Factories and Pepper farms
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Phu Quoc is famous for its fish sauce, which is used throughout Vietnam. Visiting a fish sauce factory offers an interesting glimpse into this traditional process. The town is also known for its Pepper Farms.
7. Phu Quoc Cable Car
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This record-breaking cable car ride connects An Thoi and Hon Thom Island, offering spectacular aerial views of the coastline and nearby islands.
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This is a great way to see the islands from above, and Hon Thom has quiet beaches for a relaxed visit after the cable car ride.
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/vietnam/articles/guide-mekong-delta-vietnam
Today’s Misstep: Booked a hotel room under construction
Today’s Travel Advice- Take a small risk
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