Oslo, Norway Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo, Norway, Part 2. Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few months ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Tabitha, who complained and then asked a question: I don’t want to share a room because I use a sleeping device that makes a lot of noise. How can I save money on my travel without putting someone else out of their sleep? Answer: Sharing a room is a blunt instrument for saving money....
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Oslo, Norway Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo Part 1 Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I had my second solo 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Amara, who wants to travel more. She asked: How can I plan a trip like you do, Dr. Travelbest? Would I love to take some of the trips you have been on? I’m not sure where to start. I hear a lot from YOU, but how do I do it? Answer: Getting started is like this. Take small trips until you build up your travel muscles. I...
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Milwaukee, Wisconsin episode I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself the Best Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, a book series found on Amazon. Please rate this podcast and the book! The FAQ is “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or suddenly can’t continue my trip alone?” Today’s Mistake- Staying in a destination too long because leaving feels like failure Travel Advice: Organize your apps FAQ: “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or...
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Krakow, Poland and Selecting Accomodations
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Krakow . Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. Today, we will discuss Krakow, Poland, and when to admit you are not ready for a trip. We will discuss passports and then my travel mistakes. Get ready now, as we are starting. The FAQ is: Marcia, who recently returned from a solo trip to Antarctica, asked: “At what point does a destination become a bad match for my solo senior travel — and how do I admit...
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Gdansk, Poland and Why Travel to Poland?
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today's Episode is about Gdansk, Poland The FAQ is: Why visit Poland? Answer: Poland is one of the places that Chicagoans love to talk about. It’s home to many people of Polish descent. If you enjoyed today’s Confidence Challenge on your essential documents, my book series Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Gdansk, Poland Connect with Dr. Travelbest on YouTube
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Bergen, Norway and solo travel in your prime
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today, we'll talk about Bergen, Norway. The FAQ is: Julie asked: How can I pack for several seasons in the same small pack? Answer: It’s going to be a challenge if you are moving to different zones in your trip. When I was in South Africa in June, the winter weather was a challenge, as there was no heat in the homes where I stayed. I used hot water bottles in bed at night. I also wore all of my clothes. A week later, I was in Greece and gave away the warm clothes to a new friend from England. She was a South Korean, grateful. You can experiment with what you need right away and then...
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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
info_outlineSpecial Episode Servas Travel
Here is your FAQ: Have you done any couch surfing? My followers asked me this question.
Special Episode topic: Servas travel
Travel mistakes: Making the age limit in a restaurant
Travel Tips: Daily schedule for exercise
FAQ response:
Have you done any couch surfing? My followers asked me this question.
Answer:
No, but I have been using SERVAS for three years as a member. I stayed in 6 homes and did a day host in one country, too. Listen here for more on that.
Special episode on SERVAS
I’m planning another around-the-world trip in 2025 and will contact hosts in South America, Africa, Europe, and Canada. I will email them, introduce myself, and tell them my travel dates. If they respond, we may have a match. If you happen to be a SERVAS host, please let me know.
The countries where I did make great matches were the Philippines (day host), India (Kerala and Agra for 1-2 nights), Israel (Tel Aviv 2 nights), Italy (Naples 2 nights), Ireland (Dublin 2 nights), and Scotland (Glasgow, three homes, 5 nights total). The irony is that some of the Scottish hosts also hosted Dick this year. Small world.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servas_International
SERVAS International was founded in 1949 by Bob Luitweiler, a pacifist and peace activist. Here are some of the organization's history and how it can benefit solo women travelers. I’ll share the history, the goals, and the benefits for travelers, especially women and especially solo women.
History
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Origins: SERVAS was established after World War II to promote peace through cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
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Vision: The name "SERVAS" means "to serve" in Esperanto, reflecting its commitment to building bridges between cultures and fostering mutual respect.
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Global Reach: It operates in over 100 countries and territories, creating a worldwide network of travelers and hosts dedicated to peace and goodwill.
Goals
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Promoting Peace: SERVAS encourages cultural exchange and understanding to combat prejudice and conflict.
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Fostering Dialogue: Hosts and travelers engage in meaningful conversations about their lives, cultures, and beliefs, promoting mutual understanding.
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Sustainability: The organization values eco-friendly and low-impact travel, aligning with global efforts to protect the planet.
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Empowering Women Travelers: SERVAS provides a safe and supportive environment for women, including solo travelers, by connecting them with verified and trustworthy hosts.
Benefits for Solo Female Travelers
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Safe Accommodation: SERVAS connects travelers with hosts who have undergone a screening process, adding a layer of security for solo women.
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Cultural Immersion: Staying with local hosts allows you to experience the authentic culture of your destination, often away from tourist hubs.
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Cost-Effective Travel: Accommodation with SERVAS hosts is free, reducing travel expenses.
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Community and Connection: Emphasizing meaningful conversations provides opportunities for enriching educational experiences.
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Supportive Network: For solo travelers, especially women, SERVAS offers a built-in community of like-minded individuals who value safety, trust, and connection.
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Flexible and Global: The network spans various countries, offering unlimited travel opportunities.
How SERVAS Works
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You must apply for SERVAS membership, which involves an interview process to ensure alignment with the organization’s values.
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Members receive a document that introduces them to hosts and verifies their commitment to SERVAS principles.
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SERVAS provides a directory of hosts in participating countries, detailing their interests, location, and availability.
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Travelers arrange stays with hosts in advance, typically for 1-2 nights, to encourage meaningful interaction rather than transient lodging.
Tips for Using SERVAS as a Solo Woman
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Choose hosts with detailed profiles and positive reviews to ensure compatibility.
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Discuss expectations, house rules, and interests with your host before your visit via email.
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SERVAS is built on trust, so always trust your instincts and prioritize your safety.
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Keep in touch with someone back home and share your itinerary and host details.
As a solo female traveler who values meaningful travel experiences and cultural exchange, SERVAS aligns perfectly with my interests. It offered me a unique way to connect with real locals, experience destinations authentically, and travel safely. The organization’s commitment to peace and sustainability adds a deeper purpose to my journeys. I would recommend this to any of our listeners
Travel mistakes: Making the age limit in a restaurant
Travel Tips: Daily schedule for exercise
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group