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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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.? ...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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!
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outlineMilwaukee, Wisconsin episode
I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself the Best Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, a book series found on Amazon. Please rate this podcast and the book!
The FAQ is “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or suddenly can’t continue my trip alone?”
Today’s Mistake- Staying in a destination too long because leaving feels like failure
Travel Advice: Organize your apps
FAQ: “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or suddenly can’t continue my trip alone?”
You talk confidence and preparation, but many women want a realistic breakdown of escalation: minor illness vs. hospital vs. trip-ending events, and who steps in when independence temporarily fails.
Answer: As a solo senior traveler, confidence doesn’t mean pretending nothing will go wrong. It means knowing exactly what you’ll do if it does.
Before every trip, I decide three things: where I would go for medical care, how I would get there, and who would help me make decisions if I wasn’t at my best. I carry travel medical insurance, keep my medications and health information accessible, and I don’t hesitate to slow the trip or stop it if my body tells me to. Independence includes knowing when to accept help—and planning for it before you need it.
Today’s destination: Milwaukee, WI
Milwaukee is 92 miles from Chicago and is a place I visited while I lived in the Midwest. I’ve been planning this episode for years and love my Wisconsin friends.
Some fond memories include Summerfest in July for seeing great music, like Elvin Bishop, and watching Brewers baseball, with the mascot Bernie Brewer sliding when they hit a home run or win a game. The mascot used to slide into a 20-foot-high beer mug, but now they slide into the dugout.
Another memory is visiting Marquette University and the surrounding student areas. Take a stroll to the East Side and see the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee. Go to a sports event if you can. I’m a fan of college basketball, so take in a game for me.
You should check out the college scene, with at least a dozen higher education institutions here. There are about 70,000 college students here, the largest in Wisconsin, and the 6th largest in the US and Canada, with a high number of college students per capita.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Colleges_and_universities_of_Milwaukee
The Third Ward of Milwaukee is buzzing these days. It’s a historic area with boutique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and a public market. For a rainy day, you may check out one of the museums, like the Art Museum, known for its “Wings” of the Quadracci Pavilion, or the Georgia O’Keeffe exhibits. There’s also a Harley-Davidson Museum and a Pabst Mansion.
If you want to see more beer artifacts, visit the Lakefront Brewery and consider a tour.
On the Lakefront, you will find Discovery World, another museum with science, tech, and maritime exhibits.
I enjoy walking the Lake Michigan Shoreline. You can find a bench and relax while people-watching. The riverwalk features public art and a bronze statue of The Fonz.
If you travel in the winter, you will be chilled. Bone-chilling winds can be felt on Lake Michigan, so dress for that. In summer, it’s a delight, but be aware of the changing weather conditions at all times.
Stick to the main tourist attractions and don’t wander far away. Be cautious if alone at night. Guided tours may be a good idea if you want company as a solo traveler.
Don’t Miss
-
Food Scene: Try local specialties like cheese curds, bratwurst, and craft beers.
-
Milwaukee Public Market: A foodie haven with a variety of vendors.
-
Jazz in the Park: If visiting during the summer, Cathedral Square Park offers free outdoor concerts.
Tips for Solo Travelers
-
Stay in centrally located accommodations, such as the Downtown or the Historic Third Ward, for easy access to attractions.
-
Join a guided tour for a fun way to explore with others (walking, brewery, or riverboat tours).
Today’s Mistake- Staying in a destination too long
Dr. Travelbest discusses choosing destinations wisely and the emotional trap of staying put when it’s clearly not working—due to loneliness, stress, health concerns, or safety concerns.
The mistake is prioritizing the plan over personal well-being. I stayed too long in the heat of Palm Springs in the summer. That was too hot, so I suggest finding a cooler spot in the middle of summer.
Today’s Travel Advice-Organized APPS save time
Connect with Dr Travelbest
5 Steps to Solo Travel website
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page
Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group