Train Travel: SLO to San Diego and Gluten Free Travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Episode title: SLO to San Diego by Train, GF Diets, and a Confidence Challenge Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, a world traveler who has traveled solo for over 50 years. I'm coming to you after a recent trip to Asia. I visited Taiwan and South Korea for 10 days. I’m here to share my best travel ideas and work on solo travel. I’m about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world solo again. The aim is world peace through cultural exchange. I’m about to travel the world for 90 days. Listener Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener who recently retired as a...
info_outline
Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan FAQ Should I use public transportation abroad? Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan Lesson Learned: Don’t schedule everything Day 1 Travel Tip: Trust your gut instincts, if unsure, pivot fast. FAQ Response: Should I use public transportation abroad? Yes, you should try it at the least, but not in rush hour with all of your luggage. One way to test it out is to try it early in the morning, before rush-hour workers arrive, but while it’s still light outside. Most of the time, you only need a card to swipe, and you...
info_outline
Seoul, South Korea and travel insurance comparisons
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Seoul, Korea episode Listener Story Spotlight A friend and a listener named Lois recently went to Hawaii. She told me she spent much time getting travel insurance for herself and her partner. She had to pay more than she expected as her partner was having a birthday between the day she bought the service and the day of the trip. But she said it was well worth it for her peace of mind. The FAQ for today is: Where to find the best travel insurance for a long trip abroad. 1. Start with a neutral comparison engine; you can see this in the show notes. Why use it first? Where to click ...
info_outline
Travel Planning: Ecuador
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Ecuador: planning Listener Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener named Pat who loves to take 40-minute walks. She does one every day. We have traveled together to Spain and have been ski buddies for over 10 years. She's a superb figure skater and loves cats. Maybe you even know my friend. Her last name is Brown, inspiring me to go to the Galapagos Islands this year. Thanks, Pat, for that encouragement. The FAQ for today is: How do you choose your outfits for weather conditions that constantly change? The answer is more straightforward than you think: It's basic...
info_outline
Travel Planning: Colombia
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Travel Planning: Part 1 Colombia In this episode: Where an I heading series: Part 1 Today’s Mistake- avoiding potholes and buying new tires Travel Advice: Safety and security tip FAQ: How do you use SERVAS? I use Servas International to help me plan my trips. You sign up on the website, and a representative will contact you and interview you. They will make sure you are a real person and check references. Then, you get a Letter of Engagement, and you can contact hosts and day hosts. Today’s destination: Planning my trip to Colombia Friends to meet in...
info_outline
Boulder, CO
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Boulder, Colorado FAQ: Isn’t it awkward to eat alone? Step 1 question Destination episode: Boulder, CO. Lesson Learned: Got on the wrong train line. Travel Tip: Screenshot your map before leaving Wifi FAQ Response to Isn’t it awkward to eat alone? Yes, it is the first few times. No doubt. But it gets easier with every time you do it. Soon, you’ll just walk in a restaurant and not even think about it. I can relate to the woman who has never done it, because I remember my first time. I was scared. I told the hostess: “I’ve never eaten solo in a...
info_outline
Blue Zone Travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Special Episode Blue Zone Travel The five "Blue Zones" in the world, which are regions identified as having a high concentration of people living to a very old age, are: Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California, USA. Notably, four of these Blue Zones are located near oceans, making them easily accessible by sea travel. Ocean proximity: Blue Zones like Costa Rica and California are situated not too far from coastlines, making them ideal destinations for those interested in combining a...
info_outline
5 Steps to Solo Travel for the Woman on the Go: What are the 5 Steps?
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Are you traveling? Tell me why or why not. Need a confidence boost? Here are the 5 Steps to Solo travel, summarized and a link to the book on Amazon. Step 1: Local Solo Travel. Close to home local travel. Step 2: Domestic solo trips, familiar with the territory. Maybe cross country. Step 3: National travel with more complexity, such as Alaska or Hawaii Step 4: International travel in familiar cultures Step 5: Fully independent, adventurous international solo travel. I’ve been creating this podcast weekly since 2018. I’m on my way to helping more than 100,000 women travel...
info_outline
Best of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today’s Special issue is on San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks Part 2 Today’s Mistake-Bodysurfing when the waves are too strong. Destination: Part 2 of 2 San Diego Zoo and Safari Park San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks is a conservation organization under the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and is a Step 1 or Step 2 destination. The Wildlife Alliance is trying to create A world where all life thrives. They have two front doors. In this episode, we focus on the Safari Park, formerly the Wild Animal Park. Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
info_outline
Unscripted-Iceland Step 5 Travel-Final Destination 90 days Solo Female Travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is a test episode that I hope you will enjoy as it is unedited and on the go. Tell me you heard it and what you think. If you don't like it, I will remove it and go back to the regular format. I hope you enjoy the test. I'm here for helping you travel. That's my goal. I want to bring world peace one step closer to reality through female travel. This episode is not scripted. There is no intro dialog. You can hear the story about my final destination in Iceland on my 90 day trip around the world. This is not the usual pattern, so let me know what you think about the message. This is a peek...
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