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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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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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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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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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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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...
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FAQ: Should I go out at night when on a solo trip? Mistake in travel: Check the connection, battery and power bank Today’s Travel Advice- Travel in one direction, in a circle I see some bright spots, but it will be a while before LA returns as a major travel destination, so pay attention and use the Watch Duty App. Mistake in travel: Check the connection, battery life, and power bank So often, my laptop is not connected to electricity, or my battery runs out of juice. One more thing to remember is power. If you have a portable battery, remember to...
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In this episode: The FAQ is: What is your purpose for traveling? Today’s Special episode: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Part 1 Today’s Mistake- Time zone mayhem Travel Advice: Prioritize Flexibility In this episode: FAQ What is your purpose for travel? Answer: My purpose for traveling and especially solo travel, is to reach into places that may not be the most populated and to connect with women where they are to help bridge the culture gap. World peace is the ultimate goal for seeing this through. If I can reach 1,000,000 women and help 1000 of them travel solo, that...
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In this episode: The FAQ is: A reader asks, I recently booked a trip, and the airfare included no carry-on bag. How can I manage to travel without a carry-on? Today’s Destination: NAPLES, FLA Today’s Mistake- I lost my horse. Travel Advice: MAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S DAY Answer: Destination: Naples, FL Today’s Mistake: I lost my horse. Today’s Travel Advice: MAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S DAY Connect with Dr Travelbest email:
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In this episode, the FAQ is: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? Today’s Destination is Acadia National Park Today’s Mistake- My own car crash in parking garage Travel Advice: Travel pillows FOR SLEEPING on planes FAQ: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? AARP is offering some airline travel tips that may answer this question. First, some facts. In 2019, the FAA reported 146 cases of bad behavior on planes, but in 2021, that number grew to more than 1,000. That was out of nearly 6,000 cases of unruly...
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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