Louisville, and the Kentucky Derby
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ: How do I make small talk when you are on the road with a stranger? Destination: Louisville, Ky Today’s Mistake-Getting lost in Louisville Travel Advice: Pack half your suitcase with giveaways and gifts. FAQ: How do I make small talk with a stranger when you are on the road? Start small with a question or comment about the weather, date, location, or event you are both at or have just attended. Do they seem to have something in common with you? You can gently ask how they are doing today. Today’s destination: Louisville, KY Derby is on the...
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"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 "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
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
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
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
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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
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
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...
info_outlineIn 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 it?” ask something new and unique.
“Would you like to revisit those places or any other part of the country?" would be an excellent question.
OR
2. If you could only re-live five minutes of the trip, which 5 minutes would it be?
https://thewanderbug.com/how-was-it-10-better-questions-to-ask-a-traveller/
Today’s destination: San Francisco Airport
I began my around-the-world journey at the San Francisco airport, SFO, which was the first stop on my journey. I’ve been a fan of this airport for many years, as it has been the gateway to Asian countries I have visited for many years.
You can fly to 130 destinations on 50 airlines from SFO.
It’s always been welcoming from the minute that I landed. There’s just something special about it. Maybe it’s the excitement of being in San Francisco, one of the most visited cities in the world. There’s so much to see and do here. It’s also effortless to get to and from the airport via BART. I’ve flown there many times for domestic flights, too. Often, my flights take off at night, so I’ve been able to enjoy an extra day in and around the area of Northern California and then can sleep on the plane. Traveling west is more manageable due to jetlag than going east.
When in the airport, I always look to explore the Art Exhibits: SFO has a renowned art collection scattered throughout its terminals. Take a stroll to admire various sculptures, paintings, and installations. You may find one on history, even if it’s just of the SFO airport itself. Check the show notes for links to the current and upcoming exhibits.
https://www.sfomuseum.org/exhibitions
https://www.sfomuseum.org/exhibitions/upcoming
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I like to visit the SFO Aviation Museum and Library at the International Terminal, which features fascinating aviation history and cultural exhibits, such as early pilots and planes. If you are a solo female, you can browse here without feeling alone and explore flight history.
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Enjoy a Meal or Snack: SFO has the spectrum, from casual cafes to fine dining establishments. Since you should arrive at least 3 hours before an international flight and 2 hours before a domestic flight, you will be likely to find time to eat something while here.
If you need to take a nap, there’s a place to do that, or shower, or just freshen up, for a fee.
https://www.airporttravelagency.org/freshen-up/
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Shop for Souvenirs: Browse the shops and boutiques at SFO to pick up some last-minute souvenirs or gifts for loved ones. I especially like walking in airport bookstores and the magazine sections of convenience stores.
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Take in the Views of the airport: Find a comfortable spot near a big glass window to enjoy panoramic views of the airport runways and the surrounding landscape. I also enjoy people-watching. It’s a place to see all kinds of reunions, babies, and seniors who need or give a smile.
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Get Pampered at the SFO Spa: Treat yourself to a spa or massage at one of the airport's wellness centers. Relax and rejuvenate before continuing your journey.
https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/travel-tips
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Read or Relax in a Lounge: If you can access airport lounges through your airline or a membership program, enjoy comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, and Wi-Fi access. It's an excellent way to unwind in a quiet environment.
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Stay Connected: SFO provides free Wi-Fi throughout the airport, allowing travelers to stay connected with family and friends or catch up on emails, social media, movies, or TV shows.
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Stay Active: Take a walk around the terminal to stretch your legs and get some exercise. SFO's terminals are spacious, with plenty of walking paths and seating areas to explore.
Today’s Mistake- I left my phone on the counter in SFO.
I was on my way around the world and left my phone on the airline counter after my first flight. Was that ever a scary moment! Don’t do what I did. Hold your phone all the time, or tie a string to it!
Today’s Travel Advice-Yoga for travelers in SFO
Solo travelers can Relax in the Yoga Rooms: SFO offers designated yoga rooms in multiple terminals where travelers can unwind, stretch, and find inner peace before or after their flights. It's a perfect spot for relaxation and meditation. Sunday to Saturday, it’s open from 4 am to 11 pm and free of charge in terminals 2 and 3.
https://www.flysfo.com/passengers/shop-dine-relax/yoga-room
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