Cabrillo National Monument Part 2, accessibility
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: How do I best enjoy the Cabrillo Park? Today’s Destination is Cabrillo National Monument Accessibility Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Don’t forget to stretch like I did. Travel Advice: Swimming? Watch your valuables. FAQ: My friends ask me how do I enjoy the Cabrillo Park. I love this question. First, you have to plan for it, so bring your National Park Pass and try to visit on a Tuesday or Wednesday, the slow days. Park at the top and see the lighthouse. It’s iconic. Then visit the overlook to the city of San Diego and see the boats go in and out...
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Cabrillo National Monument Part 1, using AI for travel, advice on guides
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ: Can AI really help me travel? Today’s Destination: Cabrillo National Monument Experience Part 1 Today’s Misstep- Mark Twain jokes about European tour guides in his travel books. Travel Advice: If you are interested in travel and do as you listen here, why not purchase a guide that answers most of your questions in one place? FAQ: Can really AI help me travel? Answer: AI is a great tool kit for travel. Yes, but be sure to check for accuracy and hallucinations. You will also find bias. But you can start...
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Best of Denali National Park, Alaska
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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Milan Italy
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: How do I manage increasing technology and security for travel? Today’s Destination is: Milan, Italy Today’s Misstep- I almost took a train to Switzerland at the Milan station Travel Advice: Bring a handheld portable fan for the heat. It can be oppressive. FAQ: The level of technology and security has stepped up for travel and entertainment. How do I manage it as a senior citizen in a very busy world? Answer: There is a growing level of distrust in today’s environment. For some venues, you can no longer use a...
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Best of Hawaii's Big Island
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Best of Hawaii's Big Island Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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Lake Como, Italy
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: What should I tell people who think I can’t travel solo? Today’s Destination is Lake Como, Italy Today’s Misstep: Sometimes, you don’t love your roommates when you share a room. Here’s why. Travel Advice: Don’t buy another timeshare. If you have one, it’s really hard to sell it. FAQ: What do I tell people who think I can’t travel solo? Answer: Ask them why not. Then listen. Then, address each one of their questions or comments if you like. No one says you need permission to travel solo, but it would be good to tell them...
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Belfast, Northern Ireland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: Using QR Codes. Are they safe? Today’s Destination is: Belfast, Northern Ireland Today’s Misstep: My leaky water bottle was in the overhead bin on the airplane. Travel Advice: Secondhand stores in Belfast are good deals. FAQ: Using QR Codes. Are they safe? Answer: When you open a QR code, pay attention to the context and the brand because it could contain a virus or even worse. Be careful when accessing websites on your desktop, laptop, tablet, watch, or phone. Preview the destination before you go there. A QR code...
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Dr. Mary Travelbest - Buyacada, Turkey Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Buyacada, Turkey Today’s Misstep- My airline went bankrupt Travel Advice: Tips on visiting Turkey FAQ: This was an honest question from one of our fans: How do I share my senior status but not my age regarding travel discounts? Do they need to know my age, or can I make it up? Answer: Let’s get real here. Many of us want to save a few bucks and are willing to share that we are seniors, but maybe we don’t want to give away our age. Why or why not? It may be your personal decision, so let’s respect that. When you fly, you must give the...
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Dr. Mary Travelbest - Istanbul Turkey Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ is: What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years? Today’s Destination is: Istanbul, Turkey (part 1 of 2) Today’s Misstep- Ask for specific directions and then listen better. Travel Advice: Get a better exchange rate than in a busy tourist city. FAQ: What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years? Answer: I think the best theme parks for adults are the Disney ones. They have been friendly for generations, and you can always find someone to answer your questions, i.e., a cast member. You will pay more than for other parks, but you...
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Jamestown Settlement, Virginia
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Jamestown Settlement, VA In this episode, the FAQ: How to budget while on your trip? Today’s Destination is Jamestown Settlement, VA Today’s Misstep- Too much caffeine on an empty stomach. Travel Advice: Get TSA Pre-check for every flight. Connect with Dr. Travelbest
info_outlineIn this episode, FAQ is: What are etias visas, and when are they required?
Today’s Destination is: Estes Park, Colorado
Today’s Mistake- I am not a foodie, but I love learning about new foods. I need to be braver.
Travel Advice: check your loyalty points and miles frequently for errors
FAQ: What are etias documents and when are they required?
Let’s make it simple: it’s not a visa. It’s a visa waiver. Starting in 2025, the ETIAS will be required for Americans traveling to Europe. US citizens can travel to the Schengen Area for up to 90 days without a visa. From 2025 on, visa-exempt non-EU nationals, including Americans, will be able to register with ETIAS before departure. This is not a visa but a visa waiver for travelers. It does require registration, not a visa.
https://etias.com/etias-launch-pushed-to-2025
The ETIAS visa waiver for Americans is a multiple-entry travel authorization valid for three years. During this period, U.S. travelers can enter any Schengen zone European countries that apply to the travel authorization as many times as necessary.
The total stay allowed in a Schengen country with each entry with ETIAS is 90 days within every 180 days. ETIAS permits travel to Schengen countries for short stays for tourism, business, medical treatment, or transit purposes. To stay for more extended periods or other purposes, American citizens must apply for a visa from an embassy or consulate.
https://www.etiasvisa.com/etias-requirements/americans
Today’s destination is Estes Park, Colorado
Drive to Estes Park from wherever you are in Colorado as it’s the Rocky Mountain National Park entrance. I’ve been coming here since the 1970’s, and it’s consistently delightful.
Try the Trail Ridge Road, the highest paved road in the US, and the most famous scenic drive in Rocky Mountain National Park—a day trip not to miss through high alpine tundra panoramas! Even driving up to Estes Park from Colorado's Front Range is scenic.
https://www.colorado.com/cities-and-towns/estes-park
If you want to get to Estes Park from Denver or vice versa, you can take the Bustang from Denver's Union Station. From there, it stops at Westminster at U.S. 36 and Sheridan Boulevard before ending at the Estes Park Visitor Center. Check the show notes for fares and schedules, especially seasonally.
https://ridebustang.com/fares/
I’ve been there in the spring and the fall for the best leafy color and excellent weather.
If you like hiking, you will want to try it out here. Three words to describe are Beautiful, Colorful, and Rustic.
From boating on Lake Estes to soaring up the aerial tram, touring historical sites, to savoring sips at local breweries and distilleries, this small mountain town doesn't disappoint. While summer is the prime season, there are special events, concerts, and festivals.
Camping is accessible from your car, or you can hike more remotely. I’ve been camping and hiking here in spring, summer, and fall. It’s a Hiking paradise, so let me know if you do. Don’t forget to look for the State flower: (name it) Columbine, it’s purple.
https://www.visitestespark.com/
Today’s Mistake- I am not a foodie but love learning about new foods. I need to be braver.
Trying to eat like a local. I have not tried too many new foods. This year, I plan to be more adventurous with my eating, within reason. I don’t want a lousy meal to ruin a good day. I will eat some foods, but not turtle blood. What someone else likes may not be for me.
Today’s Travel Advice-check your points and miles frequently for errors
Do you have many saved points or miles? Look them over and book your next trip now while you can. You can also donate them to a friend or a charity. You can also use them. Book a standard room on points, get a suite upgrade, and pay a bit extra.
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