Cape Town, South Africa Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Today we'll talk about Cape Town, South Africa, Part 1 of 2 Welcome to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is: Carolyn asked me about traveling and how to improve her posture while traveling. I thought about all of the times I look down at my screens and slouch as a habit I want to break, too. So thanks for the question, Carolyn. To improve posture, here is my response. Answer: Here is a short routine for neck mobility and posture,...
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Best of Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Episode: Best of Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide for people like you who need extra support traveling (slowly) one at a time. We've been helping women find travel memories since 1993 and traveling solo since 1972. Please share the memories we create and tell a friend about them. I appreciate your feedback and travel questions. 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...
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Athens, Greece, Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Athens, Greece, Part 2 of 2 This is the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. The FAQ is: I'm currently taking 2 "high-risk" medications and will be traveling to Germany, Austria, and Czechia from the US in the fall (will be in each country less than 5 days). I know I'll need a doctor's note, keep everything in the original packaging, and declare them. What has your experience been traveling with prescription medication? Have you ever been pulled for extra questioning, had medication confiscated, or forgotten/skipped declaring, etc.? ...
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Athens, Greece Part 1 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Welcome to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast for 5 Steps to Solo Travel. The FAQ is: What is going on with the number of cars on the road these days? Is traffic increasing, and why? Answer: Americans are sitting in traffic longer than ever. Last year, commuters lost an average of 63 hours, or almost 8 workdays, stuck in traffic, according to a Texas A&M study reported by Kiplinger. It is a 16% increase in national congestion costs from 2099 to 2024. Truck congestion rose 19%. A shift in traffic patterns has contributed to overall increased traffic times. Delays are no longer...
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Best of Archives. Japan
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Japan is one of the most visited places by those from the USA. Listen to this archived episode from years' past about Japan. It's still relevant today. It's a Step 5 Destination, and you can travel there solo. Find out more from the book series: The Five Steps to Solo Travel. And if you leave a review, you will make Dr. Travelbest so happy. Happy 2026 to you. Read what others say and then make your own words. It's an authentic voice, and it's really me!
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The Garden Route, South Africa
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Episode: The Garden Route, South Africa Today's episode is an FAQ on what the Garden Route is, a bit about the route, and my mistakes on it. The FAQ is: What is the Garden Route? It sounds lovely, but what is it actually? Answer: The Garden Route is a re-branded name for a region in Africa. It's a 190-mile stretch of South Africa's southeastern coast, stretching from Mossel Bay to the Storms River. It is a popular tourist road trip known for lush forests, dramatic mountain scenery, lakes, and sandy beaches. The area features a mild, year-round temperate climate, making it a premier, safe...
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (Part 2)
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
This is the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Podcast, Part 2 of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil The FAQ is: How to carry toiletries on a long trip? Answer: For traveling solo, especially on longer journeys, toiletries can quietly become the heaviest, messiest, and most annoying part of your bag. I use cubes, just packing cubes like for my other travel items. So before you toss everything into a pouch, ask yourself: Do I really need this much? Will this leak at 35,000 feet? Can I replace it at my destination? Here are four smart, confidence-building tips for carrying toiletries on a long...
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Rio de Janeiro Brazil Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This is part 1 of 2. . Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is: What are three phrases to learn for Brazil? Answer: Language Insights: Your Spanish will help tremendously. While English is less commonly spoken outside tourist hotspots, learning a few key Portuguese phrases can enhance your experience: Bom dia (Good morning) Obrigada (Thank you – from women) Quanto custa? (How much?) These should help...
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Thessaloniki Greece Part 2 of 2
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Thessoloniki Greece, Part 2 of 2. Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I recently returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. This episode covers driving and navigating at the same time, Thessoloniki, Greece, and my mistakes of not hydrating enough in Greece. The FAQ is: "I need help finding my way while driving." What advice can you provide me as I try to navigate while I drive? Answer: Here are three driving safety tips...
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Thessaloniki Greece Part 1
Dr Mary Travelbest Guide
Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Thessoloniki Greece, Part 1 Welcome to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences for world peace. Here is an FAQ about plane or train travel, Thessoloniki Greece, Part 1, and also about a health issue you don’t want when you travel. Give a listen. I guide you to solo travel experiences to bring out your best. The FAQ is: If you could take a plane or a train, which would it be and why? Answer: If I have the...
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Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences.
Today, we will discuss Krakow, Poland, and when to admit you are not ready for a trip. We will discuss passports and then my travel mistakes. Get ready now, as we are starting.
The FAQ is: Marcia, who recently returned from a solo trip to Antarctica, asked: “At what point does a destination become a bad match for my solo senior travel — and how do I admit that early?”
Answer:
I emphasize empowerment. I permit you to change course, leave early, or say “this isn’t for me” without framing it as failure.
A destination isn’t “wrong” because it challenges you — but it is wrong if it consistently drains your energy, confidence, or sense of safety.
If you find yourself constantly anxious, overly fatigued, or forcing yourself to “push through,” just listen to your mind or body.
Changing plans, leaving early, or choosing a different destination next time is not failure — it’s wisdom. The goal of solo travel isn’t endurance; it’s fulfillment. And knowing when to pivot is one of the strongest travel skills you can develop. In Amsterdam, I had to change my destination frequently, which was challenging, but I managed to do so. One day, when I had some flexibility in my schedule, I scheduled a massage. I searched for “massage near me” and was delighted with the results. Sometimes that’s all it takes for a new perspective.
60-second confidence challenge
Your challenge today is to check your passport. That’s right, take it out and open it up.
Do you have at least six months left on your passport? If not, you need to renew it.
If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into passport documents and solo travel for women. You can find the series at the link in the description.
See Book A for addressing this concern..
Find it on the website at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It’s a multiple-part series.
Today’s special destination is Krakow, Poland
First, I’ll talk about the things to see as a tourist, and then I’ll share some ‘off the regular’ tourist ideas for you.
It's interesting to learn that Poland is roughly the size of Texas. Historical tensions persist among Polish communities in neighboring Kazakhstan, Russia, and Germany. I've also heard about soldiers being sent from Siberia to Ukraine. The country underwent a significant change in 1989 when the Solidarity movement overthrew the socialist government. I reflected on the historical gravity of Auschwitz, where many lives were lost.
Kraków, Poland, is one of Europe’s most enchanting cities, renowned for its history, charm, and culture. Kraków offers a welcoming mix of walkable streets, accessible attractions, and heartfelt hospitality.
Let's Explore the Old Town and Wawel Hill
https://krakow.travel/en/55-krakow-main-market-square
Start your morning in Rynek Główny, the Main Market Square — one of the largest medieval squares in Europe. It’s mostly flat with smooth pathways, though some cobblestones can be tricky; use a slower pace or roll along the outer edges, which are more level, for those with mobility issues.
In the center stands the Cloth Hall, filled with stalls selling amber jewelry, handmade crafts, and souvenirs. Elevators are available to reach the upper gallery, which houses the 19th-century Polish Art Museum.
Nearby, the St. Mary’s Basilica is famous for its hourly trumpet call from the tower. Inside, ramps and wide aisles make it accessible for most visitors.
https://visitkrakow.com/kazimierz/
https://visitkrakow.com/guide-to-oskar-schindlers-enamel-factory-museum/
https://www.catholicapostolatecenter.org/blog/st-faustina-and-the-catholic-heritage-of-poland?
Travel Mistake to Avoid in Kraków included Eurail reservations.
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