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_outlineSpecial 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 another around-the-world trip in 2025 and will contact hosts in South America, Africa, Europe, and Canada. I will email them, introduce myself, and tell them my travel dates. If they respond, we may have a match. If you happen to be a SERVAS host, please let me know.
The countries where I did make great matches were the Philippines (day host), India (Kerala and Agra for 1-2 nights), Israel (Tel Aviv 2 nights), Italy (Naples 2 nights), Ireland (Dublin 2 nights), and Scotland (Glasgow, three homes, 5 nights total). The irony is that some of the Scottish hosts also hosted Dick this year. Small world.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Servas_International
SERVAS International was founded in 1949 by Bob Luitweiler, a pacifist and peace activist. Here are some of the organization's history and how it can benefit solo women travelers. I’ll share the history, the goals, and the benefits for travelers, especially women and especially solo women.
History
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Origins: SERVAS was established after World War II to promote peace through cross-cultural understanding and dialogue.
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Vision: The name "SERVAS" means "to serve" in Esperanto, reflecting its commitment to building bridges between cultures and fostering mutual respect.
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Global Reach: It operates in over 100 countries and territories, creating a worldwide network of travelers and hosts dedicated to peace and goodwill.
Goals
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Promoting Peace: SERVAS encourages cultural exchange and understanding to combat prejudice and conflict.
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Fostering Dialogue: Hosts and travelers engage in meaningful conversations about their lives, cultures, and beliefs, promoting mutual understanding.
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Sustainability: The organization values eco-friendly and low-impact travel, aligning with global efforts to protect the planet.
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Empowering Women Travelers: SERVAS provides a safe and supportive environment for women, including solo travelers, by connecting them with verified and trustworthy hosts.
Benefits for Solo Female Travelers
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Safe Accommodation: SERVAS connects travelers with hosts who have undergone a screening process, adding a layer of security for solo women.
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Cultural Immersion: Staying with local hosts allows you to experience the authentic culture of your destination, often away from tourist hubs.
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Cost-Effective Travel: Accommodation with SERVAS hosts is free, reducing travel expenses.
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Community and Connection: Emphasizing meaningful conversations provides opportunities for enriching educational experiences.
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Supportive Network: For solo travelers, especially women, SERVAS offers a built-in community of like-minded individuals who value safety, trust, and connection.
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Flexible and Global: The network spans various countries, offering unlimited travel opportunities.
How SERVAS Works
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You must apply for SERVAS membership, which involves an interview process to ensure alignment with the organization’s values.
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Members receive a document that introduces them to hosts and verifies their commitment to SERVAS principles.
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SERVAS provides a directory of hosts in participating countries, detailing their interests, location, and availability.
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Travelers arrange stays with hosts in advance, typically for 1-2 nights, to encourage meaningful interaction rather than transient lodging.
Tips for Using SERVAS as a Solo Woman
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Choose hosts with detailed profiles and positive reviews to ensure compatibility.
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Discuss expectations, house rules, and interests with your host before your visit via email.
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SERVAS is built on trust, so always trust your instincts and prioritize your safety.
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Keep in touch with someone back home and share your itinerary and host details.
As a solo female traveler who values meaningful travel experiences and cultural exchange, SERVAS aligns perfectly with my interests. It offered me a unique way to connect with real locals, experience destinations authentically, and travel safely. The organization’s commitment to peace and sustainability adds a deeper purpose to my journeys. I would recommend this to any of our listeners
Travel mistakes: Making the age limit in a restaurant
Travel Tips: Daily schedule for exercise
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group