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
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Marietta, Georgia and the best seat on the plane
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In this episode, the FAQ says that one of our followers does not fly much. She asked me, “What’s the best seat on the plane?” . Today’s Destination is: Marietta, GA Today’s Misstep- On Southwest, I paid twice for the Internet. Travel Advice: Get a good night’s sleep on the road with a clear head in bed. FAQ: What’s the best seat on the plane? That was the question asked by someone who doesn’t fly much. Response: I think the best seat is a window seat, but you may prefer the aisle if you want to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin. On Southwest...
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Dr. Mary Travelbest - Venice Italy Part 3 of 3
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
In 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...
info_outlineIn 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 have the franchise behind you to almost guarantee you a good visit. Prepare ahead of time with any needs you have for accommodations. My friend Ron was in a wheelchair there recently and agreed that the multi-generation experience was good for him. Listen to some of my previous podcasts about Disneyland and California Adventure.
Today’s destination: Istanbul, Turkey
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293974-Istanbul-Vacations.html
Turkey was a different type of experience, and I highly recommend you go there if you want to see some variety of culture. It is different from most places I have been to in my life. Yes, I did find someone selling carpets, so I will share that later in the episode.
I was in Turkey for 7 nights.
First, it is centrally located near Taxsim Square at the Wabi Sabi Hostel for four nights, then the Second Home for two nights, plus the Airbnb with “Miss” for one night. With all my travel, I managed a budget one-hour massage, which I highly recommend here.
Here’s a Carpet store tale: I was asking for directions and encountered a man named Burak Solak who worked at the Red Apple Carpet store. He sells carpets, purses, and jewelry at his uncle's store. I told him to put an apple sign out front, but he disagreed. What do you think?
If you are solo like me, I recommend the day Tours: Try one of the Hop-on-hop-off $40 for 24 hours. Stretch that over two days so you can do a half trip in the PM and the rest in the next AM.
Museums: The Cistern Museum was an underground water system where you could see all the remnants from centuries ago. It cost $22 to explore and was cooler than the outside baking heat of the day, so it was refreshing.
Today’s Misstep: Ask for specific directions, listen better, and exchange rates.
My missteps in Turkey
Missing the pickup point:
I was getting off the hop-on-hop off the bus and should have been more specific about the pickup point. The driver pointed, but I did not pay attention. That caused me a lot of confusion. It was probably the busiest part of the city and under construction. I was dangerously lost and finally found someone to help me out after walking back and forth for a long time. It was maybe 30 minutes, but the heat was strong, so I was stressed.
Next time, ask for the pickup point.
Second mistake: Don’t try to exchange your cash in any Turkish currency exchange in Istanbul. I got 12 euros for $20 US, which is not a good exchange rate. I should have brought my debit card. Don’t make my mistake.
Today’s Travel Advice- Money Exchange Woes
Don’t try to exchange your cash in any Turkish currency exchange. I got 12 euros for $20, not a good exchange rate. I should have brought my debit card. Don’t make my mistake.
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