Lincoln Square, Chicago, using AI on the road and staying healthy tips
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Lincoln Square, Chicago. The FAQ is about using AI while traveling. How do I get the best responses to my prompts when I have a question? Is there a platform you recommend? There are thousands of platforms, and new ones are popping up every day. For travelers seeking the most current answers to their travel questions, you are in luck. You can navigate the territory solo better today than ever because you can ask the right questions. Practice is the best way to use them. 60-second confidence challenge If you like today’s...
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Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego today, talking about Cape Breton, Canada . Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, world traveler, professor, marketing expert, and all-around fun person. And I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences. Quick-fire FAQ: Your mom, grandmother, or even your daughter told you to be careful when traveling solo. But did they ever do it? You are on your way. The question I get asked is: What should I tell someone who discourages me from traveling? Answer: You can turn it around and ask for specific information...
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Machu Picchu, Peru including lessons learned about Step 5 travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Machu Picchu Are there any tips to help me avoid being cheated or robbed while traveling? Yes, you can take precautions like removing your expensive jewelry before traveling and not carrying expensive purses or shoes. Don't look like a target. Look like you belong, and try not to stand out from the usual crowd. Check reviews of any Airbnb or turo car rentals you book. Be careful not to walk alone in the dark at night, as much as possible. Think of the odds whenever you go out. Please put them in your favor, not a criminal. If you like...
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Medellin Colombia Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Medellin, Colombia.Part 2 Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Quick-Fire FAQ: Drying Out Wet Clothing. How do you do that on the road? How do you dry your wet belongings while traveling, especially when you're solo? Especially in a humid area, it’s hard to get things dry. When you solo travel, you have more control over your time constraints, so plan to let things dry. When it’s damp, the best way to dry your clothes is by maximizing water removal before drying. Try the towel roll trick. First, lay the clothes flat on a towel, roll them up, and twist to ring out...
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Medellin, Colombia Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Medellin, Colombia 60-second confidence challenge: The confidence challenge is to meet someone new today. You might stop by the mailbox to say “hi,” or visit a park where people are less in a hurry. Start a conversation with someone new today. If you like, then get their name and phone number and give them a call. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapters of my book dive deeper into how to build confidence using it—link in description.” See Book A for addressing the challenge of meeting new people Find it on our website at or on...
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Galapagos, Ecuador
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Here is the episode on Galapagos, Ecuador 60 second confidence challenge Check your passport. Do you have at least six months left until it expires? Do you have at least four blank pages? Then your passport is in good shape. You’re ready to travel, as long as you check for any Visa entries you may need. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper—link in description.” See Book A for addressing all of these items like preparing for travel. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: Galapagos, Ecuador Galapagos means nature to most...
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Haarlem, Netherlands
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
this episode is about Haarlem, Netherlands. See Book A for addressing the challenges of solo travel in your prime. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Destination: Haarlem, Netherlands. It’s a Dutch city that’s often overshadowed by Amsterdam, but has just as much charm—and far fewer crowds. I’m talking about Haarlem, Netherlands. Haarlem is only 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, making it an easy and quiet alternative for solo travelers over 50. What you’ll love is its slower pace, historic streets, and safe, flat, walkable...
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Toronto Canada Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This episode is about Toronto, Canada. See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Toronto is another example of Step 3 travel, advanced solo travel. Other step 3 destinations in my Part B book include Banff, Whistler, and Vancouver. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is: Toronto, Canada, part two of two You may arrive at Pearson airport, like I did, which was a lovely airport ranked high among international airports. I had the opportunity to experience the Priority Pass lounge...
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Toronto Canada Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Toronto Part 1 of 2 FAQ: Do you travel on public transport? Let’s explore one city. The FAQ for today is: How would I travel around Toronto on public transport, if needed? Here are a few facts about their public transit. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is your central transit system—includes: Subway Streetcars (trams) Buses PRESTO Card is the smart fare card you'll want to use. It gives discounted fares for seniors (65+). Ask ChatGPT about the best travel options for you, whether it's the subway or any other mode of transportation. It will provide detailed information instantly....
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Around the World Travel Summary Part 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego today. Trip Summary 2 Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, recently on a 90-day journey around the world, excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences. Listener Story Spotlight Today's listener story is about 79 year old Sandi Biback who I met in Toronto and helped organize an afternoon with women from the JourneyWoman organization. She was called in to help and rose to the occasion. She is traveling to Bhutan in October and has shared several tips with me for purchasing Travel insurance. She's seasoned in...
info_outlineEpisode: 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 can add money to the card when you need to. Your first care purchase is often at a self-service kiosk, and usually there is English translations here. Go for it and try.
Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
This scenic region reminded me of Lake Tahoe, California.
If you are coming you will Arrive in Taoyuan airport and take the train to the Taipei Main Station and take the HSR train to Taichung City which comes about every 30 minutes and takes about an hour.
Bus to Sun Moon Lake, which comes at least hourly.
The total cost to get there is about $25, and it takes about 3 hours. To drive, you would take about 2.5 hours and save a few dollars.
🏨 Where to Stay?
There are several hotels and resorts. My room at the Harbor Resort was not ready when I arrived, so I walked around the lake in the meantime. Here are a few other places, listed from most expensive to least expensive.
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Luxury/Comfort: Fleur de Chine Hotel – thermal spa access, lakeside views, wellness focus
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Midrange/Solo-Friendly: The Crystal Resort or Hotel Del Lago – walking distance to bike paths and pier
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Budget/Unique: Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center – traditional wooden lodge vibes
🌅 Sun Moon Lake Itinerary (4 Days)
Day 1 –
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Afternoon:
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Arrive via bus to the (Shoe-is-he) Shuishe Pier area
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Check in + light walk along the Shuishe Lakeside Trail (flat, peaceful)
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Evening:
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Early dinner of local fish and mountain vegetables at Full House Resort Restaurant or a local restaurant nearby.
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Sunset viewing from Wenwu Temple stairs (lit up at night)
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local tea tasting at Sun Moon Lake Antique Assam Tea Farm
Day 2 – Biking the Lake & Culture
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Morning:
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Rent an e-bike or mountain bike and ride the Sun Moon Lake Cycle Route — voted one of the top cycling paths globally
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Stop at: Ci'en Pagoda, Xiangshan Visitor Center, and (May-he) Meihe Garden
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The full loop is approximately 18 miles; consider a half-loop if you're feeling leisurely. There are places where you need to dismount and walk it. Some days, you may not be able to go the full distance, so ask.
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Afternoon:
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Take the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (cable car) to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village.
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Learn about the Thao, spelled T-H-A-O) and other cultural groups
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Optional: garden strolls
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Return via cable car or ferry.
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Evening:
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Relaxing soak at your hotel’s onsen-style hot springs
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Dinner at The Lalu’s Moon Pavilion Restaurant for lakeside fine dining (worth it solo!)
Day 3 – Hiking + Temples
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Morning:
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Hike the Maolan Mountain Trail or Tsen Pagoda Trail for panoramic lake views and forest immersion
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Easy to moderate; solo-safe and well-marked
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Afternoon:
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Visit Xuanzang Temple – peaceful with Buddhist relics.
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Snack on local tea eggs and tofu pudding from lakeside stalls
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Evening:
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Night market (seasonal, usually in Shuishe or Ita Thao area) – solo-friendly and fun for grazing
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Optional: Boat cruise at dusk (join a group tour or private hire)
Day 4 – Tea + Departure
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Optional walk in Xiangshan Forest Trail for one last quiet moment
Safety, Solo Vibes & Tips
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Taiwan is ranked one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers (source: Global Peace Index)
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English signage is plentiful in Sun Moon Lake; locals are helpful but modest.
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Google Translate, and Pleco app help with communication. I used the Line app for texting here.
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Public bathrooms are clean and common
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Tap water is not typically drunk directly — use filtered water.
Lesson Learned: Don’t schedule everything on Day 1
Travel Tip: Trust your gut instincts, if unsure, pivot fast.
Connect with Dr. Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group