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...
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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:
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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...
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Border Crossings - USA Mexico
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Special Episode: Border Crossings: USA/ Mexico: FAQ: Can I fly to Mexico from the Tijuana airport? Travel misstep-Parking at CBX was full Lesson or tip of the day: More packing light tips A friend asked me if I could fly to Mexico from Tijuana airport. Mexico Border Crossing on land: For over fifty years, I’ve crossed borders countless times worldwide and in dozens of countries, traveling solo or with a friend. During the hours I waited in line, often for four or more hours, I was treated to many vendors selling food,...
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Servas Travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Special Episode Servas Travel Here is your FAQ: Have you done any couch surfing? My followers asked me this question. Special Episode topic: Servas travel Travel mistakes: Making the age limit in a restaurant Travel Tips: Daily schedule for exercise FAQ response: Have you done any couch surfing? My followers asked me this question. Answer: No, but I have been using SERVAS for three years as a member. I stayed in 6 homes and did a day host in one country, too. Listen here for more on that. Special episode on SERVAS I’m planning...
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Death Valley California Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This Episode is for you and about Death Valley Part 2 Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide, an empowering travel and life adventure with a personal approach to guiding women like you in your prime who might be a bit adventure-timid. My goal is for you to create memories with your travels. I want to expand the relationships you make in our groups into a supportive community with your needs at the center. In this episode, the FAQ is: How to pack a personal item to travel for 90 days. Today’s Destination is Death Valley, Part 2, Today’s...
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Death Valley California Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This Episode is for you and about Death Valley Part 1 Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide. Today’s story will share how to live on the road in your style. In this episode, the FAQ is: How to pack a personal item to travel for 90 days. Today’s Destination is Death Valley, Part 1, the planning and first stops Today’s Misstep- Blowing my hat off Travel Advice: Bring plenty of shade, more than you think. FAQ: How to pack a personal item to travel for 90 days. Today’s Misstep- Blowing my hat off...
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Solo Travel in Mexico
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ: When it comes to solo travel in Mexico, how can I feel safer, more prepared, and excited, not hesitant or fearful? Special episode: Confidence Builders for Solo Travel in Mexico Lesson Learned: Sunglasses lost in the sea! Travel Tip: Focus on your superpower, terms, travel, and power. I’ve volunteered to help at the Door of Faith Orphanage and encourage you to visit this, too. You can visit online for more information. Connect with Dr. Travelbest
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Las Vegas, Nevada Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ is: I’m going on a long trip, but I’m only allowed to bring one small carry-on. How can I manage? Today’s Destination is Las Vegas. Part 2 outdoors. Today’s Misstep- I forgot the tent. Travel Advice: Protect yourself. FAQ: I’m going on a long trip but can only bring one small carry-on. The airline rules and my trip leaders limit the baggage. How can I manage? Las Vegas. Part 2 outdoors Connect with Dr. Travelbest
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Las Vegas Nevada Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ: A good friend who doesn’t want to be named asked me how not to try to do it all. The point of the question was to limit the fear of missing out. How do I reduce my FOMO and add more JOMO (the Joy of missing out) when I travel? Today’s Destination is Las Vegas. Part 1 Indoor activities for travelers Today’s Misstep- I Spilled the candle wax at my airbnb and made a mess. Travel Advice: Look for adventure close to home. FAQ: How do I reduce my FOMO and add more JOMO (the Joy of missing out) when I travel? Las Vegas. Part 1 ? Today’s...
info_outlineDelhi, India Part 1
In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going?
Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India
Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus
Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions
FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast:
Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts.
For more local alerts, sign up for location-based apps on Google Weather or MyRadar.
Look for seasonal patterns that are already known. Goa, India has monsoons from June to September.
Wind and rain forecasts like windy.com will tell you the wind and wave conditions, especially to help with beach plans.
Check for Cyclone Warnings in places like coastal India.
Answer: Reliable Weather Apps and Websites: For accurate forecasts, use apps like AccuWeather, Weather.com, Windy, or local Indian weather services (like IMD). Many offer hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts.
Localized Alerts: Sign up for location-based alerts on apps like Google Weather or MyRadar, which provide real-time weather updates for your location. This can be especially helpful for any sudden coastal storms or cyclones.
Seasonal Patterns: Since you’re going to Goa or nearby coastal regions, familiarize yourself with local weather patterns. For example, Goa experiences the monsoon season from June to September, with dry and sunny weather from October to March.
Wind and Rain Forecasts: Coastal areas are affected by both rain and wind speed. Windy.com offers detailed wind and wave conditions, which can help with beach plans.
Check for Cyclone Warnings: Especially in coastal India, monitor IMD's cyclone warnings as they provide updates on tropical storms that may affect Goa. Lastly, social media can help by using WhatsApp groups to get firsthand information from locals.
Today’s destination: Delhi, India Part 1
My visit to Delhi, or New Delhi, India
Which is it?
New Delhi when referring to the specific district that serves as India’s capital. New Delhi is a planned city developed during British rule and officially designated as the capital in 1931.
Delhi refers to the larger metropolitan area, encompassing both New Delhi and other historical and residential parts like Old Delhi, which includes the Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Delhi is the correct term when speaking broadly about the city and its culture, so we will use that one here.
After two weeks in India, visiting four southern cities, I flew north to Dehli from Goa, barely missing the seasonal monsoons. My flight had a Female co-pilot who Said hello to me with a big smile, which made me happy to see a woman pilot there.
The flight attendants checked my boarding tickets. Again, getting off the plane! That was a first. Who checks them getting off the plane?
Should I take a Bus, train, or taxi to Agra? Even after arriving, I could not decide. I was overwhelmed with the decisions, but I knew I had to get there.
A taxi costs at least $6000 rupees each way, maybe more. Although this sounded like a lot, it was only $72 USD.
Bus or train may be best.
However, the temperature is 💯 degrees, so think about heat stroke and how that will affect me.
Here are a few places that I would recommend in Dehli to visit over 3 days: Historic on Day 1 in Old Dehli; Day 2, consider Heritage and Spiritual; and Day 3, Museums, art and gardens
Day 1: Red Fort
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UNESCO World Heritage site, a symbol of Mughal (Moogal) power.
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Cost: about $6.00 for foreigners
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Time: 2-3 hours.
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Travel: 30 mins from central Delhi by metro or taxi.
Jama Masjid
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India’s largest mosque, rich in Mughal architecture.
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Cost: Free, nominal fee for photography.
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Time: 1-2 hours.
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Travel: Walking distance from Red Fort.
Chandni Chowk
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Historic market with traditional Indian shops and street food.
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Cost: Free; budget around 500-800 INR for food and shopping.
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Time: 2 hours.
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Travel: Walking distance from Jama Masjid.
Day 2
Qutub Minar
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UNESCO World Heritage site, India’s tallest minaret.
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Cost: 600 INR for foreigners. or $7.00
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Time: 1.5 hours.
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Travel: 30-45 mins from central Delhi by taxi or metro.
Lotus Temple
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Iconic Baháʼí House of Worship, open to all religions.
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Cost: Free.
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Time: 1 hour.
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Travel: 20 mins from Qutub Minar by taxi or metro.
India Gate and Rashtrapati Bhavan
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War memorial and President’s House, as well as significant colonial architecture.
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Cost: Free.
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Time: 1-2 hours for a stroll.
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Travel: 20-30 mins from Lotus Temple by taxi.
Day 3
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National Museum
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India’s largest museum, showcasing ancient artifacts.
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Cost: 650 INR for foreigners.
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Time: 2 hours.
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Travel: 20 mins from central Delhi by taxi.
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Humayun’s Tomb
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UNESCO site, inspiration for the Taj Mahal.
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Cost: 600 INR for foreigners.
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Time: 1.5 hours.
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Travel: 15 mins from the National Museum.
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Lodhi Gardens
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Tranquil gardens with Mughal tombs.
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Cost: Free.
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Time: 1-2 hours.
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Travel: 10 mins from Humayun’s Tomb.
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Today’s Misstep: Stuck in India and missed the bus
The traffic on the way to the Agra bus stop was halted that Monday morning. It meant I had to leave the car and walk to the station. Only it was not a station; it was near an underpass in a busy part of town, and the bus was hidden behind a bunch of trucks and left without me early. The family that was hosting me in Agra was so kind. They chased down the bus for me, and I was able to board! That was hairy.
Leave much earlier than you think you need to when in India.
Yes, I made many mistakes, but you don’t have to!
Today’s Travel Advice- Ask a group of people for directions
Don’t be afraid to ask for directions if you’re not certain. Make eye contact with one who may be in a group, then ask for help. If they can’t help you, maybe someone in the group can. Don’t be shy if you are not sure.
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group