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...
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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...
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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 ...
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Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
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Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
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Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
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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...
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Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
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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...
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