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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineDelhi, India Part 1
In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going?
Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India
Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus
Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions
FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast:
Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts.
For more local alerts, sign up for location-based apps on Google Weather or MyRadar.
Look for seasonal patterns that are already known. Goa, India has monsoons from June to September.
Wind and rain forecasts like windy.com will tell you the wind and wave conditions, especially to help with beach plans.
Check for Cyclone Warnings in places like coastal India.
Answer: Reliable Weather Apps and Websites: For accurate forecasts, use apps like AccuWeather, Weather.com, Windy, or local Indian weather services (like IMD). Many offer hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts.
Localized Alerts: Sign up for location-based alerts on apps like Google Weather or MyRadar, which provide real-time weather updates for your location. This can be especially helpful for any sudden coastal storms or cyclones.
Seasonal Patterns: Since you’re going to Goa or nearby coastal regions, familiarize yourself with local weather patterns. For example, Goa experiences the monsoon season from June to September, with dry and sunny weather from October to March.
Wind and Rain Forecasts: Coastal areas are affected by both rain and wind speed. Windy.com offers detailed wind and wave conditions, which can help with beach plans.
Check for Cyclone Warnings: Especially in coastal India, monitor IMD's cyclone warnings as they provide updates on tropical storms that may affect Goa. Lastly, social media can help by using WhatsApp groups to get firsthand information from locals.
Today’s destination: Delhi, India Part 1
My visit to Delhi, or New Delhi, India
Which is it?
New Delhi when referring to the specific district that serves as India’s capital. New Delhi is a planned city developed during British rule and officially designated as the capital in 1931.
Delhi refers to the larger metropolitan area, encompassing both New Delhi and other historical and residential parts like Old Delhi, which includes the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Delhi is the correct term when speaking broadly about the city and its culture, so we will use that one here.
After two weeks in India, visiting four southern cities, I flew north to Dehli from Goa, barely missing the seasonal monsoons. My flight had a Female co-pilot who Said hello to me with a big smile, which made me happy to see a woman pilot there.
The flight attendants checked my boarding tickets. Again, getting off the plane! That was a first. Who checks them getting off the plane?
Should I take a Bus, train, or taxi to Agra? Even after arriving, I could not decide. I was overwhelmed with the decisions, but I knew I had to get there.
A taxi costs at least $6000 rupees each way, maybe more. Although this sounded like a lot, it was only $72 USD.
Bus or train may be best.
However, the temperature is 💯 degrees, so think about heat stroke and how that will affect me.
Here are a few places that I would recommend in Dehli to visit over 3 days: Historic on Day 1 in Old Dehli; Day 2, consider Heritage and Spiritual; and Day 3, Museums, art and gardens
Day 1: Red Fort
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UNESCO World Heritage site, a symbol of Mughal (Moogal) power.
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Cost: about $6.00 for foreigners
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Time: 2-3 hours.
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Travel: 30 mins from central Delhi by metro or taxi.
Jama Masjid
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India’s largest mosque, rich in Mughal architecture.
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Cost: Free, nominal fee for photography.
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Time: 1-2 hours.
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Travel: Walking distance from Red Fort.
Chandni Chowk
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Historic market with traditional Indian shops and street food.
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Cost: Free; budget around 500-800 INR for food and shopping.
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Time: 2 hours.
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Travel: Walking distance from Jama Masjid.
Day 2
Qutub Minar
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UNESCO World Heritage site, India’s tallest minaret.
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Cost: 600 INR for foreigners. or $7.00
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Time: 1.5 hours.
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Travel: 30-45 mins from central Delhi by taxi or metro.
Lotus Temple
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Iconic Baháʼí House of Worship, open to all religions.
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Cost: Free.
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Time: 1 hour.
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Travel: 20 mins from Qutub Minar by taxi or metro.
India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan
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War memorial and President’s House, as well as significant colonial architecture.
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Cost: Free.
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Time: 1-2 hours for a stroll.
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Travel: 20-30 mins from Lotus Temple by taxi.
Day 3
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National Museum
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India’s largest museum, showcasing ancient artifacts.
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Cost: 650 INR for foreigners.
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Time: 2 hours.
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Travel: 20 mins from central Delhi by taxi.
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Humayun’s Tomb
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UNESCO site, inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
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Cost: 600 INR for foreigners.
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Time: 1.5 hours.
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Travel: 15 mins from the National Museum.
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Lodhi Gardens
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Tranquil gardens with Mughal tombs.
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Cost: Free.
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Time: 1-2 hours.
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Travel: 10 mins from Humayun’s Tomb.
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Today’s Misstep: Stuck in India and missed the bus
The traffic on the way to the Agra bus stop was halted that Monday morning. It meant I had to leave the car and walk to the station. Only it was not a station; it was near an underpass in a busy part of town, and the bus was hidden behind a bunch of trucks and left without me early. The family that was hosting me in Agra was so kind. They chased down the bus for me, and I was able to board! That was hairy.
Leave much earlier than you think you need to when in India.
Yes, I made many mistakes, but you don’t have to!
Today’s Travel Advice- Ask a group of people for directions
Don’t be afraid to ask for directions if you’re not certain. Make eye contact with one who may be in a group, then ask for help. If they can’t help you, maybe someone in the group can. Don’t be shy if you are not sure.
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
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