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Level 5 Independent Travel

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Release Date: 01/18/2021

"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….”

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes….”   Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide for women like you who need extra support traveling the world (slowly), one woman at a time.   Please rate this podcast and the Amazon book series, especially Part B on Destinations!   I’ve been traveling solo since 1972 and writing about it since 1993. Now you can experience the Top Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, a Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, found on Amazon. I recently...

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"Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers"

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

  "Savoring Solitude: Women's Guide to Eating Out Alone While Traveling"   "Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers" You have three meals a day, and you are solo. What do you do to enjoy these meals by yourself? You can have some great times if you follow these tips, or maybe you can add more tips for other travelers. Eating out alone can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for solo travelers, including women aged 60 and above. Here are some tips to make dining alone more comfortable and enjoyable: Choose the Right Restaurant: Choose restaurants...

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San Francisco Airport San Francisco Airport "Wings and Wanderlust"

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode:  FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like? Destination: San Francisco Airport "Wings and Wanderlust: Solo Female Traveler's Guide to SFO" Today’s Mistake- I left my phone on the airline counter at the SFO airport. Travel Advice:  Relax in the Airport Yoga Room, if in SFO anyway…. FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like?    Answers 1 or 2   1. Ask the right questions if you want to get good responses to your questions about others' travels. Instead of “How was...

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Osaka Japan show art Osaka Japan

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode: FAQ: What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?   Destination: Osaka, Japan Today’s Mistake- My global entry card has my name wrong. Travel Advice:  Use AI when planning your next trip FAQ: A Facebook group member asked us, “What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?” Answer: Unexpected weather changes are not uncommon, but they can still pose a challenge when traveling, especially when solo. If I were faced with a sudden shift from sunny and warm to rainy and cold weather while on a trip, I...

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National Park Service and Foundation show art National Park Service and Foundation

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Today’s Mistake- I was a stunt woman at Universal Studios and ended up in the hospital. Travel Advice:  Always pack a bathing suit.   Today’s destination: National Park Foundation and Service   I support the National Park Service in the USA by purchasing a yearly wall calendar. The images are beautiful. I also have a Senior Pass, which you can get for your lifetime, starting at age 62. Buy it at any park or online. Don’t lose it. It’s worth a lot for your traveling. Membership has its perks! That includes free admission.   Have you been to Yosemite? Yellowstone? Are...

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Best of Cairns Australia show art Best of Cairns Australia

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

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South Goa India Plus masking up, losing my credit card, getting massages show art South Goa India Plus masking up, losing my credit card, getting massages

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode, FAQ is: When do I need a mask? Today’s Destination is: South Goa, India Today’s Misstep- I left my credit card behind. Travel Advice: Get a massage FAQ: When do I need a mask in 2024 Guidelines for wearing face masks vary depending on the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic and local regulations. It's essential to stay informed about the latest guidance from health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other relevant local health departments. The need to wear a face mask can depend on factors...

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North Goa, India Plus increasing brain power, my missteps show art North Goa, India Plus increasing brain power, my missteps

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode, FAQ is: Amanda asked me, How can I increase my brain power, mental memory and travel better?   Today’s Destination is: North Goa, India Today’s Misstep- Tripped on a curb going up. FAQ: Response For solo travelers, Improving brain power, memory, and cognitive capacity while traveling involves a combination of lifestyle habits, mental exercises, and proper nutrition. Here are some tips that enhanced my cognitive abilities on the go: Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can impair cognitive function, so drink enough water throughout the day. Healthy Nutrition: Consume...

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Masada and Red Sea, Israel Plus eSIM cards, screenshot your map, money belts show art Masada and Red Sea, Israel Plus eSIM cards, screenshot your map, money belts

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

This episode's FAQ is: Do I need a local SIM card? Today’s Destination is The Dead Sea and Masada, Israel Today’s Misstep- Screenshot your MAP before you travel Travel Advice: Wear a money belt. FAQ: Do I need a local SIM card? Response: When you travel abroad, you don’t need a local SIM card anymore. It’s found in nearly every airport and is expensive, but you get your own phone number. It does involve opening your phone up.   Read the show notes if you want to try an esim and need help. I’ve been using an esim called Airalo for a year, and I have a referral code for you to...

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Tel Aviv, Israel Plus how to rent an apartment abroad, transfer smootly, carry a pen show art Tel Aviv, Israel Plus how to rent an apartment abroad, transfer smootly, carry a pen

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

  Today’s Destination is: Tel Aviv, Israel Today’s Misstep- Missing a smooth transfer from one transportation mode to another Travel Advice: Carry a pen   FAQ: One of our Facebook group members asked for locations where she could live for 3-9 months in 2025. She wants tips on renting her condo, renting abroad past the AirBNB. She says she is open to anywhere, walkability, airport nearby, public transportation, and pools for swimming are her priorities. Can I help her?   Yes. Those are some great questions. First, where could you live? Next, rent the condo and then rent...

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More Episodes

Dr Mary Travelbest special Episode on Travel Independent Spectrum Level 5

 

In this episode: The Faq is: What’s the most challenging trip so far for Dr Travelbest?

This Special Episode is about Level 5 Travel, the most challenging.

Lesson learned getting a tow and the Tip is to Stay informed by tuning in to local news early

 

FAQ: The most challenging trip so far for Dr Travelbest has been not traveling during Covid (much travel that is).

I’m trying to flatten the curve in a small way. I’d like to be traveling every week, going somewhere new and what an adventure that will be. However, I’ve been patient and waiting until the bans are lifted and will have lots of travel ahead.

 

 

Today’s Independent Destination Travel Independent Spectrum Level 5 Difficult

 

This is travel to the countries that I’ve been to that would be considered Level 5 include these: Thailand, Taiwan, China, Korea, and Chile.

 

This is the peak level, or most difficult travel of all. Many of the listeners today will not make this kind of a trip, but it’s always a challenge to learn what’s available and dream about it.

I’ve been to different continents, all but Antarctica, and these Level 5 Difficult countries are not recommended for most US citizens to travel, for example regions of Asia or Africa, and can be impossible to visit some countries like North Korea. Level 5 difficult travel is about getting out and having unique experiences in nature, with countries you may not know how to spell, and to see people who are very different than you are.

 

If you are heading on a journey that is Level 5, I want you to be prepared for anything, including losing your passport, luggage, and cash. You want to have copies of everything important in a safe place and a backup ready for when you need it.

However, you may combine a level 5 with another level as well.

 

If you are heading to a country that is on this list, be sure to get all your documents prepared in advance, including birth certificate, passport and any vaccinations that are required or may be in the future. You may need a permit to visit the region, so ask.

In Tibet, only tour groups are allowed, and all tourism is currently closed during the pandemic. For travel to Mongolia, you will need a visa and a passport that has more than 6 months until it expires. Do keep checking the show notes to see any further news on vaccines.

 

http://mongolianembassy.us/mongolian-visa-information/

https://www.yowangdu.com/tibet-travel/visit-tibet.html

 

 

I’ve not been to places that take four days to get to from the USA, but they exist on our planet. This is level 5 planning at it’s best. My woman friend San-d is a scuba diver who goes on remote locations on small islands in the Indian Ocean. This takes time and energy to plan and to make a success. I would like to hear about your trip. Please share it with my travel group on Facebook, especially if it is a Level 5 trip.

 

 

Today’s lesson learned ----Getting a tow can be ok

 

Here’s the situation, I’m age 13, and in a canoe rowing the same stretch of water for what seems like hours. The current was too strong, and it was impossible to keep going in the same direction. This was a Girl Scout camp on Long Island, and it was a three-day canoe trip. Getting a tow from a nearby speedboat not only helped us move forward, it also gave us confidence we would finish our trip. In the long run, the lesson was healthy.

 

Today’s Travel Advice- stay ahead of local news

 

Read a local newspaper, even if it’s online, on where you’re going next. Here are three reasons to read a local paper

  1. Learn if there are any special events happening that you would not want to miss.
  2. In advance, find out if there is a crowd expected or a traffic alert that could prevent you from your activity.
  3. Be able to have a conversation with a local on things that are going on in the locale.