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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
Best of Denali National Park, Alaska
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Destination is: Denali National Park, Alaska Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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:
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlinePhu 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 Water Bottle - $12–$15
CamelBak Eddy+ Water Bottle - $14–$18
Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle - $19–$25
Collapsible Nomader Water Bottle - $25–$30
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle - $32–$45
S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle - $35–$45
Klean Kanteen Insulated Classic Water Bottle - $30–$40
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle - $39.95
GRAYL Geopress Purifier - $89.95
Top rated 3 are:
-
Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle
-
Features: Double-wall vacuum insulation keeps drinks cold for up to 24 hours or hot for up to 12 hours. Available in multiple sizes.
-
Concerns: Bulkier due to insulation and slightly heavier.
-
LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle
Features: Comes with a built-in two-stage water filter, which filters out bacteria and parasites, ideal for travel in areas with questionable water quality.
-
Concerns: Filtering process takes some effort, and it’s only suitable for freshwater sources.
-
GRAYL Geopress Purifier
-
Features: Purifies water by removing viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Great for international travel where tap water might be unsafe.
-
Concerns: Pricey, and filtering requires pushing the water through, which can be tiring.
Not on the top list, but I use a BEAM. It makes a well-regarded water bottle called the BEAM Self-Cleaning UV Water Bottle.
Price: Around $50–$70, depending on size and retailer.
-
Features: This bottle is equipped with a UV-C light in the cap, which self-cleans and purifies the water by neutralizing bacteria and viruses. This makes it excellent for international travel or areas where water quality might be uncertain. It also keeps water cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 hours.
-
Concerns: It requires charging for the UV feature, so you’ll need access to power, and it’s a bit pricier than standard bottles.
The BEAM bottle is great if you prefer a high-tech solution for water purification and want to reduce odors and bacteria without a filter. If this sounds ideal, it could be a great choice for you as a solo traveler. I am not compensated for this product but I use it.
https://www.amazon.com/UVBrite-Beam-Self-Cleaning-Water-Bottle/dp/B09RQSHV36?th=1
Today’s destination: Phu Quoc, Vietnam
When I arrived, I felt like I had landed in Hawaii. First, I’ll tell you why to visit and then about my trip here. It’s a tropical paradise in Vietnam.
Why Phu Quoc is recommended for a Solo Traveler in their Prime:
https://vietnam.travel/places-to-go/southern-vietnam/phu-quoc
-
Safety and Hospitality: Phu Quoc is safe and welcoming, with friendly locals accustomed to tourists. English is commonly spoken in tourist areas.
-
Relaxed Atmosphere: It’s more peaceful than other beach destinations in Vietnam, and it is ideal for relaxation.
-
Easy Navigation: The island is small, and it’s easy to get around by taxis, organized tours, or with a private driver.
-
Well-Developed Amenities: Phu Quoc has a variety of resorts, hotels, and spas that cater to international travelers, offering comfortable facilities and excellent service.
Phu Quoc, Vietnam, is a beautiful, laid-back island destination that offers serene beaches, cultural sites, and relaxing experiences ideal for senior solo travelers. Here’s a list of the main attractions and reasons why Phu Quoc is worth visiting.
The beaches include Long Beach, which has calm, golden sand and clear waters that are perfect for gentle strolls on the shore. There are many resorts, restaurants, and cafes. Sunsets are stunning. Find a beachfront restaurant and enjoy your visit. Also, Sao Beach is similar, but with white sand, turquoise waters, and a great place to read a book and relax.
On my next visit here, I’ll see these attractions:
2. Duong Dong or Dinh Cau Night Markets
-
This bustling night market is perfect for sampling local seafood and Vietnamese street food, shopping for souvenirs, and immersing yourself in local life. Local food specialties include grilled scallops or fresh tropical fruit. It’s a safe, lively place to explore in the evening.
3. Phu Quoc National Park
-
This UNESCO Biosphere Reserve is a beautiful escape into nature. Its trails are suitable for all fitness levels and feature tropical plants and wildlife.
-
Consider joining a tour if you prefer exploring with others; \
-
Vinpearl Safari
-
This is Vietnam’s largest wildlife park, home to a range of animals worldwide. It’s well-maintained and offers a safe, comfortable way to see animals in spacious enclosures.
-
Tip: Ideal for a half-day visit, with shuttle buses from most hotels.
5. Ho Quoc Pagoda
-
A Buddhist pagoda with ocean views is located on a hilltop. It’s peaceful and an excellent place for a quiet moment of reflection.
-
Tip: Morning visits are lovely, with cooler temperatures and fewer people.
6. Fish Sauce Factories and Pepper farms
-
Phu Quoc is famous for its fish sauce, which is used throughout Vietnam. Visiting a fish sauce factory offers an interesting glimpse into this traditional process. The town is also known for its Pepper Farms.
7. Phu Quoc Cable Car
-
This record-breaking cable car ride connects An Thoi and Hon Thom Island, offering spectacular aerial views of the coastline and nearby islands.
-
This is a great way to see the islands from above, and Hon Thom has quiet beaches for a relaxed visit after the cable car ride.
https://theculturetrip.com/asia/vietnam/articles/guide-mekong-delta-vietnam
Today’s Misstep: Booked a hotel room under construction
Today’s Travel Advice- Take a small risk
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page