Best of Mexico (From the Archives)
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This podcast series helped launch the now famous book series, Five Steps to Solo Travel. Now you are able to listen to one of the eariest versions of the show, and it's still relevant today. This episode takes you to Baja, Mexico. You will learn to drive to Ensenada, the Valle de Guadalupe and other destinations. Find your confidence through the FAQ's and also my mistakes and errors, so you won't make the same ones. This is snackable, without any filters, just a great listen for you now. Follow Dr. Travelbest here on your favorite channel, on TikTok, on IG and FB. We have an...
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Quito, Ecuador and packing for South America
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
FAQ:” Let’s quickly address how to pack for South America. If you are in the winter, it's summer, so you don’t need many clothes; pack light. I only took a personal item, but I had to wash it often, and I had only one pair of sneakers. No laptop. It helped me travel quickly and efficiently on planes, trains, and buses. In their winter, our summer, you should have many layers and a raincoat. I was able to buy what I needed or forgot while I was there, and the dollar was strong. On my first trip to South America, about 30 years ago, I went skiing in Chile, and I had to bring...
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Niagara Falls, Canada
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is Dr. Mary Travelbest, and we'll be talking about Niagara Falls, Canada. See Book A for guidance on saving money on airline tickets and more. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: “A Day at Niagara Falls – Solo, Soaked & Spectacular” Today, we're diving into the thundering wonder that is Niagara Falls, from a solo female traveler’s lens — and yes, I got a little wet. On the Road to the Falls I took the FlixBus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The ride is scenic and comfortable, even with a bit of drama—my Toronto Metro train broke down this morning. I had to get...
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Best of Dr. Mary Travelbest - Dr. Travelbest History plus solo vs group travel
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This episode aired in 2022, so if you missed it, find out more about the origins of the Dr. Mary Travelbest story. We are now on episode 350 and counting, so let us hear from you. @drmarytravelbest Give a gift of solo travel to a loved one. Find out more.... Thanks for Connecting further with Dr. Travelbest
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Lima Peru and airport luxury lounges
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is Dr. Mary Travelbest. I help you travel. The 60-second confidence challenge is on getting access to the airport lounges. It will take some experience, but it’s worth it. Check the fine print, too. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into best practices while traveling solo—link in description.” See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Lima, Peru. Hello, solo travelers—especially my sisters 50 and up. Today I’m...
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Cartagena, Colombia and safety in South America
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Cartagena, Colombia. Today, we're heading to Cartagena, Colombia —a vibrant and touristy Caribbean city bursting with color, music, and history. It's one of the most popular destinations on South America's northern coast — and I'll share my experiences and a few lessons learned for solo travelers like you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a culture that's as lively as it is rich. Let's start with the setting. Cartagena's Walled City — La Ciudad Amurallada — is the heart of it all. I recommend exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. You...
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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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Where in the world am I? Peru planning
Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, returning from a recent trip to Asia. I'm in San Diego now, sharing my best travel ideas and working on another book for you to enjoy: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, Part C. I'm about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world.
Listener Story Spotlight
I want to tell you about a listener named Raquel from Peru.
She has been a friend for 40 years and has encouraged me to travel to Lima since then. She created all the images and designs for my first published travel book in 1993. She's been a friend for swimming in the ocean, concerts, joint baby showers, the funeral for her eldest son, and many shared life experiences. She's an awesome traveler and has a lot of advice for me.
Where am I headed? Peru
Lima Daytime: Stroll the clifftop Malecón in Miraflores for Pacific views, then relax on Playa Waikiki (the closest swimmable stretch).
Evening – Barranco bohemian district (street art, safe pedestrian areas).
Airport → MA iraflores taxi ≈ Ucosts S $20. The Etropolitano bus is cheaper but busy. Keep valuables close . Lima is generally safe but practices big‑city vigilance.
The next day, Cusco Early Sky Airline or LATAM flight (1 hr 15 min; from ~US $31 one‑way) to acclimate gradually. Light walking tour of Plaza de Armas, San Blas artisans, coca‑tea stops. Book a morning flight so you can nap on arrival.
Day 3 Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) Shared van tour Pisac market & terraces → Ollantaytambo ruins. Stay here to cut altitude (2 800 m vs Cusco 3 400 m) and be close to the train. Hostel examples: Mama Simona (~US $25 private).
Day 4 Aguas Calientes PeruRail Expedition train 07:45 or 10:32 (~1 h 40 min). Check‑in, soak in town hot springs, early bed. Expedition seats run ~US $65–75 each way.
Peru Rail
Day 5 – MACHU PICCHU DAY Cusco (late) or Aguas Calientes (optional 2nd night)
Cusco Free day: San Pedro market breakfast, Qorikancha, café break, optional half‑day Moray & Maras salt ponds tour.
Morning flight Cusco → Lima; same‑ticket connection onward to Brazil (buffer at least three hours in Lima).
Don't-Miss Beach Breaks
If you'd like another ocean fix before Brazil, dedicate half a day to a Punta Hermosa day trip (1 hr south‑bound bus/Colectivo, US $4‑5). Choose calm Playa Caballeros for swimming or Playa Norte for quieter coves; eateries serve fresh ceviche on‑the‑sand.
Machu Picchu in Detail – 1 June
Step What to do Tips & costs.
1. Tickets (book now!) Buy on tuboleto. Culture.pe—choose Circuit 2B (Classic Lower Terrace) for the iconic postcard view with moderate stairs. It costs 172 PEN ≈ US $45. Sales for 2025 opened on 19 Dec 2024; the daily cap is 5,6000, so June slots sell out early.
Peru Rail
El País
2. Train 06:10 Inca Rail or 07:45 PeruRail Expedition from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; arrive 08:30‑09:30. Sit on the left‑hand side for Urubamba River views.
Peru Rail
3. Bus up. Buy a Consettur round‑trip ticket (US $24) at the kiosk the night before; the first buses roll at 05:30, and it's a 25-minute ride.
Ticket Machu Picchu
4. Entry window Aim for the 09:00–10:00 slot (good light, less 6 am crowd, still before midday haze). Passport + ticket & small day‑pack only.
5. Guided visit (≈ 2 h) Hire certified guide at gate (~US $15 pp shared) to explore: Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana, Three Windows.
6. Optional short hike Huchuy Picchu add‑on (easy 1 km, 30‑40 min, extra 48 PEN) – great summit photo without the steep drop of Huayna Picchu.
Ticket Machu Picchu
7. Lunch & return Picnic outside gate (no food inside), stamp passport, bus down, 16:20 train back to Cusco (arr. 20:30) or stay 1 more night at Aguas Calientes if you prefer a slower pace.
Packing checklist: passport, printed tickets, layers (cool mornings/hot sun), rain shell, 1 L refillable bottle (no disposables), DEET, sunblock, walking poles with rubber tips, cash for snacks & toilets (2 soles).
Altitude & health: Machu Picchu sits at 2 430 m—easier than Cusco, but you'll feel stairs. Hydrate, avoid alcohol the evening prior, and ask your doctor about acetazolamide if you've struggled with altitude before.
Budget Snapshot (USD per person)
Item Low Notes
Lima hostel (2 nts) 2 × $20 – $40 Pariwana or Selina Miraflores (female‑only dorm vs private).
LI‑CU round‑trip flights $70 – $120 Book early; Sky basic fare includes 8 kg carry‑on only.
Cusco/Ollanta/Aguas stays (5 nts) 5 × $18 – $35 Mix of hostels & guest‑houses with private bath options.
Trains (round‑trip) $130 – $150 Expedition or IncaRail Voyager class.
Machu Picchu entry and bus: $45 ticket + $24 bus + $15 guide. Add $13 for Huchuy Picchu.
Food & local transport $25/day × 7 ≈ $175 Menu del día lunches ~$4–6; airport shuttles, colectivos.
Approx. Total $600–$750. It leaves room for souvenirs or a Paracas day trip.
Safe & Comfortable Stays
City Budget‑friendly, mature‑traveler‑approved Approx. price (private, en‑suite)
Lima Ibis Budget Miraflores (hotel), Wasi Barranco (B&B) $40–60
Cusco Niños Hotel (supports local kids), Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi $38–55
Ollantaytambo El Albergue (historic hostel‑hotel blend) $65 (splurge), dorms $25
Aguas Calientes Supertramp Eco‑Hostel (quiet female dorm), Terrazas del Inca $22–50
Quick Tips for a Smooth Trip
Book everything online in advance, including flights, trains, Machu Picchu tickets, and buses, to beat lines and lock in cheaper fares.
Cash is still king in small villages—carry small sol notes; ATMs are plentiful in Lima & Cusco.
Stay seaside savvy: Lima's Pacific is cold (wetsuits for surfers). Swim only on signed "safe" sections and watch rip currents. Lifeguards patrol Punta Hermosa in peak daylight hours.
Solo safety basics: use registered taxis (Taxi Beat or Cabify apps), avoid isolated beach areas at night, and keep photocopies of your passport in separate bags.
Enjoy Peru's vibrant coast, Andean culture, and the wonder of Machu Picchu
If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 3 of my book dives deeper
https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com
My brother says, "Never run in an airport," and that's excellent advice.
My sister says, when you get to a new place, tell yourself it's the "first" time you will visit, but not the last.
If you are looking for more solo female resources, you can find several tips and ways to navigate the pitfalls with Rick Steves and Lonely Planet travel guides.
The takeaway mantra is to see where the world takes you.
You can travel solo and never be alone. Dr. Travelbest.