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_outlinePhu 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 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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