Phu Quoc Vietnam
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Phu Quok, Vietnam In this episode, the FAQ is: What’s the best water bottle for travel? Today’s Destination is: Phu Quoc, Vietnam Today’s Misstep- I Booked a room under construction and How I upgraded. Travel Advice: Take a small risk, not always a big one in Vietnam FAQ: What’s the best water bottle for travel? The top 10 water bottles for a solo senior female traveler will be on this list, including price, from the least to most expensive in the show notes. They range from $11 to $90. Vapur Anti-Bottle Collapsible Water Bottle - $11–$14 Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free...
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Edinburgh, Scotland
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Edinburgh, Scotland Today’s Misstep- Too much of a good thing Travel Advice: Eat early, rest early FAQ: How do I remember to stretch while on the road? Answer: Tips for Remembering to Stretch: Set Phone Reminders: Schedule gentle reminders on your phone for morning and evening stretches. This way, it’s a built-in routine, just like brushing your teeth. Tie it to Daily Activities: Stretch after sitting for long periods, like after a meal or a bus/train ride. This helps to break up stiffness and becomes part of your rhythm. Use Cues...
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Coventry, England
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is Coventry, England Today’s Misstep- Manila Airport was a disaster Travel Advice: Bring the thing you usually forget FAQ: What are some simple exercises for travelers, especially solo females in their prime? Here are five I recommend: Walking: Aim for a daily walk to explore your surroundings. It's an easy way to keep your body moving and enjoy the local sights. Leg and Ankle Stretches: Sitting stretches are perfect for waiting in lines or resting. Flex and extend your ankles, or gently lift and lower your legs. Back and Shoulderstretches: Do these to...
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode, the FAQ is: How do I keep track of travel memories so I don’t forget them?
Today’s Destination is: Venice, Italy Part 3
Today’s Misstep: Tickets to the Opera in Venice were sold out
Travel Advice: Stick to the outskirts for fewer tourists
FAQ: How do I keep track of travel memories so I don’t forget them?
Answer: Our memories may not be as sharp as we age, so recording our best thoughts in writing may be more critical. I use the Notes app on my phone, my audio recording app, and take lots of photos and videos while I travel. I do not post to social media while I travel, but wait until later most of the time to curate my memories in blogs and podcasts like this one.
How you record and save your memories is really up to you. Whatever your process is, make sure you have enough memory and battery and that you capture the essence of your travel, whether it’s a person you met, a place you want to return to, or a special meal you ate.
Today’s destination: Venice, Italy Part 3
To really enjoy Venice, Italy, as a tourist, you have to learn to get in synch with the city's vibe. It would be best if you had a lot of patience.
My experiences were as a solo female, and yours may differ depending on your adventure step. It’s a Step 5 destination.
If you visit Venice now, you will pay a daily fee. Show notes have more on this.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-entry-fee-explained/index.html
The highlights were on the water, where I spent almost all of my time.
https://en.venezia.net/venice-vaporetto-tickets.html
Study your transportation options ahead of time, if possible.
Patience.
https://www.parrocchiecavallinocavio.it/ancient-church-of-saint-mary-elizabeth/
Saint Elena and Saint Mary Elizabeth are at the end of line 1. I'm heading to the beach here for a swim. Swimming 🏊♂️ free was good. Private clubs charged 50 euros to swim. I had to walk a bit, but it was free. The water was pretty clear and refreshing.
I had breakfast with a German young man from Bonn. He will serve in the NY area this fall, but until then, he will tour Europe solo. He is a nice guy.
I took bus 3x in Lido ferries Saturday (6), to Murano, all over…
Sunday thru Grand Canal to Lido 1: then another to Lido SME. train 2x plus paid 1x 1.50 euro. I got good value for 24 hours.
I needed a shower after that beach swim in Lido Santa Maria Elizabeth. For the first time, my name was a neighborhood/church.
Prep for the rest of the trip. Figure out texting, airalo, bank.
This morning, bus #2 to Venice was packed and hot. The train now has AC, and that’s great!
Loved the ferries. Took them all day, often.
Met Matteo, who helped me find the train station. Nice and humble. Maybe 25 years old. Runs the ferry for tourists each day. It must be stressful at times.
Strikes are possible here. They are announced in advance.
Today’s Misstep: Tickets to the Opera in Venice were sold out
I thought I could get a ticket to the Opera on the day of, but that was wrong. Book your tickets in advance.
Today’s Travel Advice- Stick to the outskirts for fewer tourists
You don’t need to be amid the traffic, so arrive early, siesta mid-day, and relax with your shade umbrella in Venice. Cool down in advance.
I want to bring meaning to your future travels. Sign up for the Dr. Travelbest newsletter. We can connect on my websites, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Find the 5 Steps to Solo Travel series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect. Please support this podcast with a review. We need your help to help others.
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