Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

You can travel at your age, level, status, and interest. Wherever you are in your journey through life, take a minute to consider where you want to travel and our tips will help you get there and our mistakes will make you smile, knowing you got this! Dr Mary Travelbest wrote "5 Steps to Solo Travel", and knows what you need to get going, one woman at a time.

Lincoln Square, Chicago, using AI on the road and staying healthy tips 11/14/2025

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada 11/07/2025

Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada 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 on what they know about solo travel, how they learned about it, and what facts support their knowledge. Do not be confrontive, but do ask for some examples so that you can diffuse the situation. In the long run, they want what's best for you. Remember, they don't have any ulterior motive; they just want to be helpful. When you tell them where you are going, how prepared you are, and that you have a sound system of backups, they will wish you well. 60-second confidence challenge Your challenge is to use your MAP App at night. It's not the same as daytime so that you will face some additional challenges, but once you do it, you will gain confidence. In future episodes, we will discuss walking at night in more detail. If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into using maps and how to build confidence using them—link in description." See Book A for addressing this challenge. You can find it on our website at or on Amazon. It's a several-part series. Destination Deep‑Dive Today's special destination is: Cape Breton, Canada, and the Cabot Trail. Today, I'm taking you along one of the most breathtaking drives in the world — the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. The sheer beauty of this place will leave you in awe. Cape Breton Highlands National Park anchors this famous loop, which you can drive either from Chéticamp on the west or Ingonish Beach on the east — about 104 kilometers apart. I suggest starting counterclockwise, from east to west, for the best morning vistas on the right side of the road, and later, sunset views along the coast. Before you go — fill your gas tank! There are only a few gas stations along the way. This area is all about the outdoors. For hikers, the Skyline Trail is a 6.5-kilometer loop, approximately two hours long, offering sweeping ocean views — one of the most popular hikes in Canada, with possible moose sightings and breathtaking cliffs. If you prefer a shorter option, try Broad Cove Mountain. Alternatively, head east to the Coastal Trail or west to the Fishing Cove Trail or Corney Brook Trail, which passes by the waterfalls. If you don't have camping gear, you can rent ready-pitched cabin tents called oTENTiks — a great option to experience the park overnight. Seafood lovers, you're in luck! There are numerous small, local restaurants serving lobster, scallops, and fresh fish. And if you want a local experience, stop by a whale museum or take a whale and seal cruise — both are worth the time. Where to stay: For budget stays, CabotTrailHostel.com offers beds with good value. I stayed at the Bear on the Lake, located in Whycocomagh on the Bras d'Or Lake, which is centrally situated for exploring the Cabot Trail. Vibe: Welcoming, social, clean, and safe for solo women travelers; shared kitchen and lake-view deck for relaxing evenings. Now back to the travel sights: Outside the park, stop in Baddeck, home of the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, and don't miss their famous lobster suppers. In Sydney and North Sydney, you can explore a miners' museum, local parks, and even take a ghost tour. One morning, I left my hostel before seven, snacks packed and spirits high. The drive was pure joy — no traffic lights, sunshine, and that incredible Celtic charm everywhere. Next time, I will visit the Gaelic College in St. Ann's (Ceilidh trail music and crafts). My Irish roots would be smiling. I even met a 70-year-old postmaster who invited me for a private swim in a local lake with a private entrance. Hidden from view, I took a spontaneous dip with permission from the owner-and yes, it was a nude swim in nature! I did lose my glasses, which I will mention later on, but it was worth it for that moment of freedom. I even met a 70-year-old postmaster who invited me for a private swim in a local lake with a private entrance. Hidden from view, I took a spontaneous dip with permission from the owner— and yes, it was a nude swim in nature! I did lose my glasses, which I will mention later on, but it was worth it for that moment of freedom. Cape Breton surprised me with its strong Celtic culture — there's even a school for the Gaelic language. By the end of the day, I had driven nearly 600 kilometers, my heart full and my camera full of beauty. Other stops you can make if you stay longer: Stop by Glenora Distillery in Glenville for a quick visit or coffee (optional whisky tasting is available if you wish!). Continue to Margaree Harbour — stop at the beach for photos of where the river meets the sea. Visit the AcadianChéticampVillage of Chéticamp, known for rug hooking and vibrant cChéticamp Lunch in Chéticamp: The Doryman Pub & Grill or Harbour Restaurant (seafood and great view). Continue north to Pleasant Bay and visit the Whale Interpretive Centre. On the east side of the Trail, you can find Breakfast: Coffee and a bagel at the hostel or in Baddeck (try High Wheeler Café). 💡 Travel Tips for a 60-something Solo Woman Driving: Roads are well-maintained; allow extra time for scenic stops. Avoid driving after dark on the Trail. If you're not comfortable driving, consider joining a guided tour for a stress-free experience. Packing essentials: Layers (for quick weather changes), a light rain jacket, walking shoes, and a refillable water bottle. Safety: Cape Breton is a haven for solo women travelers. The locals are not only friendly but also incredibly helpful, making it one of the safest places to visit. Timing: The ideal time to visit Cape Breton is from early June to October. Planning your trip during these months will ensure you don't miss out on the stunning fall colors in September! Connectivity: Cell service can be spotty — download maps in advance. Smart Move and Slip-up pairings Lost my reading glasses while in Cape Breton, on the Cabot Trail. I needed them for many reading activities, so that was a first on the trip after 10 weeks of solo travel. They must have fallen out of my pocket when I was going swimming in the Lake. I had a spare pair and was able to buy another one in a shop a few days later in Peggy's Cove. This experience taught me the importance of securing personal items, especially when engaging in outdoor activities. Resources Roundup What are the ten best drives? Pacific Highway, California, Route 93 Canada and USA, Highway 362 Quebec, Dalton Highway, Alaska, Kancamagus Highway, New Hampshire, Route 100 Vermont, Northern Spain, Rhine River, Southern Hills of Italy, and The Ring of Kerry, Ireland. According to the book "10 Best of Everything," those are the top 10. I would add this as #11, Cabot Trail. See show notes. on YouTube /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/38863625

Machu Picchu, Peru including lessons learned about Step 5 travel 10/31/2025

Machu Picchu, Peru including lessons learned about Step 5 travel 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 today's Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into safety and security while traveling solo—link in description"” See Book A for addressing this challenge. You can find it on our website at or on Amazon; it's a several-part series. Today's special destination is: Machu Picchu, Peru. I finally got there, after so many years of wanting to visit. And I had a great time. I hope the same goes for you. Peru is a wonderful place, but you do need to be prepared, and I was. I t'ss almost always a good time to book your ticket to Machu Picchu. So book it now if you are planning it. There is a daily cap of 5600 people. Once you get there, it will be too late to reserve a ticket. You could get lucky, so if you're in an emergency, you may be able to obtain one from a broker, but that will incur an additional cost. I was delaying the purchase for a few weeks, and I'm glad I booked my tour three months in advance. The tickets are not expensive, but it may be a challenge to afford them. I found a travel agency, but they wouldn't accept my credit card over the phone, and when I tried to set up a Western Union money transfer, it was a terrible experience. I'll share that in my mistakes later on. Machu Picchu tips and insights on the travel for you. Step What to do Tips & costs 1. Tickets (book now!) Buy on Tuboleto.c ultura .pe – choose Circuit 2B (Classic Lower Terrace) for the iconic postcard view with moderate stairs. Cost 172 PEN ≈ US $45. Sales for 2025 opened on 19 Dec 2024; the daily cap is 5,600, so June slots sell out early. 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. 3. Bus up Buy a Consettur round-trip ticket (US$24) at the kiosk the night before; the first buses roll at 05:30, with a 25-minute ride. 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. My ticket was in the afternoon, and for that it was great. It was hazy that morning, I was told. 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. 7. Lunch & return Picnic outside the gate (no food inside), stamp passport, bus down, 16:20 train back to Cusco (arr. 20:30), or stay one more night at Aguas Calientes if you prefer a slower pace. Packing checklist: passport, printed tickets, layers (for 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). Quick Tips for a Smooth Trip Book everything online in advance, including flights, trains, Machu Picchu tickets, and buses, to avoid lines and secure cheaper fares. Cash is still king in small villages—carry small bills; ATMs are plentiful in Cusco. 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—then you'll be perfectly primed for Brazil's beaches a few days later. ¡Buen viaje! Hard to use Western Union for a payment to my travel expert. Very challenging. It didn't happen; I brought it in person to Cusco. Paid by CC in person, but not to the travel agent. She had to find someone willing to accept the credit card payment in another shop. It was both a great deal and a great pain. The total cost was only $275.Here's a breakdown of my trip to Machu Picchu Machu Picchu: My One-Day Experience (start/finish in Cusco) Timeline & logistics 03:00 woke up; 03:30 ready; 04:00 pickup. Bus from Cusco → Ollantaytambo, then train to Aguas Calientes (Machu Picchu Pueblo)—you even shared the carriage with a few actors. Reached town around 08:30 in the rain; explored, then rented a bathing suit and towel and relaxed at the hot springs (20 soles entry; 5 soles suit; 5 soles towel). Met Eduardo, my English-speaking guide from Cusco (now living locally). I treated him to tea before we got started. Noon: lined up for Machu Picchu entry; private tour from ~12:00–16:30. You tipped 50 soles—he was excellent. The weather shifted from rain to cloudy to sunny, perfect for walking among the ruins. Stats: ~48 flights of stairs and 6.4 miles walked; lots of steps. Afterward, enjoy a massage (~$20), a chocolate bar, and plenty of water before heading back to Cusco at around 11 pm. It was a long, but so valued day. What I saw & felt The town is small: church (Virgen del Carmen, where I said prayers), district offices, train stations, and police clustered together. Wildlife moments: five llamas, including a 3-day-old nursing and another 3-month-old—adorable. The scenery felt grand and expansive—it reminded you of Yosemite for its scale, but with open, terraced mountains rather than dense trees. Photos turned out great. You loved the entire experience and happily checked off another of the Seven Wonders of the World. Language tidbit from your guide:"'ach'= old, 'icch'= mountain. You noticed so many other peaks around the citadel. What I learned….. The tour weaved together the Incas' worship, daily life, food, farming practices (especially corn/maize), and burial customs—you noted that mostly women's skeletons were found in the areas you discussed with your guide. Inca history (brief context): The Inca civilization flourished in the 15th–early 16th centuries across the Andes, constructing extraordinary stone architecture and terraced agriculture without the use of iron or the wheel. Machu Picchu itself sat hidden in the mountains for centuries, its location contributing to its preservation until its 20th-century reintroduction to global attention. The expansive mountain range around the site made it feel concealed and sacred, “hidden for centuries,” much like the aura people describe with Angkor Wat (your comparison). Small moments that mattered Tea with Eduardo (my treat) set a relaxed rhythm for the afternoon, and since it was raining, it gave me a chance to dry out. Hot springs soak before the ruins helped counter the early start and altitude. I loved that I could rent a bathing suit for the morning. That was a first. The hot springs were soothing and an unexpected pleasure. Bring your suit if you remember. Private guiding made the history feel personal and clear. I thought I would be in a group, but this was a private tour. One-line takeaway A long, early start bloomed into a perfectly paced day—rain to sun, hot springs to high terraces—guided insight, baby llamas, countless stairs, and a deep, peaceful sense of awe among the Incas’"“old mountain” Connect with Dr. Travelbest on YouTube /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/38863465

Medellin Colombia Part 2 10/24/2025

Medellin Colombia Part 2 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 the moisture. Use strong airflow and ventilation, such as fans or dehumidifiers, and space clothes out for even evaporative drying indoors. If safe, place clothes near a heater or radiator, but not directly on it, for fire safety. Use a dryer if possible. Store thoroughly dried clothes in airtight containers or use moisture absorbers if needed. Sometimes, you will have to pack a wet garment, but you have some control over it if you are solo. 60-second confidence challenge: Travel Navigation apps 2025 Travel apps to use regularly before you leave: Make your own list of about 5 of them. My favorites are Google Maps and Rome to Rio. Apple has a map, and several others are decent. Select a destination and research the transportation options and associated costs. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, an entire Chapter on Maps of my A book dives deeper into how to build confidence using maps—link in description.” See Book A for addressing this challenge of using travel apps for directions. Find it on the website at 5StepsToSoloT or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is Medellin, Colombia. Part 2 This is part 2 of my visit to Medellin, Colombia. Colombia was the first country on my trip, and I really enjoyed Medellin, even though it was raining a lot of the time I was there. For the most part, I felt safe. Part 1 discussed the changes since the 1990s and a few of the attractions I suggested. There have also been some problems. Drug Trafficking Today Colombia remains the world’s leading cocaine producer, and armed groups and organized crime still participate in the trade, . While the infamous Medellín Cartel no longer operates, its historical legacy persists. In neighborhoods with tourist traffic, drugs may still be present—but such activity tends to occur behind the scenes. Where should you stay? Try the Poblano neighborhood. I swam in the rooftop pool at the Los Patios Suites hostel, which provided a relaxing soak, and it offered views of the surrounding neighborhoods. It rained a lot in this city in May, which was during the fall season. One of the drawbacks of the rain and humidity was the presence of mosquitoes. My shoes got wet and never really dried. Final Thoughts on Medellin Safety: Medellín is significantly safer than it was in the past, but it's still advisable to avoid risky situations, such as unplanned nightlife excursions or meetups through dating apps. Drug Trafficking: Still present at broader levels, but doesn't dominate everyday tourist life—unless one seeks it out. Itinerary Picks: For women over 50, I'd highlight coffee tours, Comuna 13 storytelling, parks like Arví, cultural sites like Nutibara and Palacio de la Cultura, and the bike-share system—each offering memorable, relaxed experiences with minimal risk. Smart Move and Slip-up pairing: I got hit by the caffeine in Colombia. Too much. I had a hard time falling asleep. So don’t order a full cup, or only drink half. I had trouble sleeping due to the coffee I had at noon. Hyped up all day! Cut out caffeine if you’re not accustomed to the buzz and want to sleep well. Take away mantra and goodbye. In Medellin, I got lost and turned around to go back, frustrated and weary. It was raining. I was soaked. Dejected and upset, I was mad at myself and felt bad. But then something changed. The next thing I saw was a Christian church that was just about to start its service, so I stayed for two hours. God was with me on that journey. A woman in the church had her Uber driver drop me off near the metro, so I could then continue on my journey. The day turned out better than expected. I’m leaving you today with the hope that your next trip will have a positive impact on you and others as well. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/38560225

Medellin, Colombia Part 1 10/17/2025

Medellin, Colombia Part 1 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 Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is Medellin, Colombia, part 1 of 2 Let’s start by discussing the history and some ideas on what to see. Part 2 will focus on what else you can experience. We’ve all heard stories about drug trafficking in Medellín, in Colombia. I’ve found that the homicide rate has dropped from 1991, when it was around 400 per 100,000, to 15 in 2022. That’s even below the average for Colombia, which is 23 per 100,000. Crime has decreased by 80% since 1991, and poverty has dropped by over 96%, indicating significant improvements in social and safety conditions. Medellín is considered safe for tourists. Police are present in popular areas. That said, petty crime—including pickpocketing, armed robberies, and drugging-related scams—still occurs, especially targeting visitors . Look for places like El Poblado, Laureles, and Envigado—great for planning your visit! That’s what I did. . . Current Safety Landscape Medellín is generally seen as safe and welcoming for tourists, with a noticeable increase in police presence in popular areas. . Stay away from drugs, dating, and risky situations.. Serious incidents and tourism-related risks have occurred. In recent years, there has been a disturbing rise in violent crimes against tourists, notably involving drug-facilitated robberies or worse, often after meetings via dating apps. Some American tourists were killed after being drugged. . There’s also an uptick in sex trafficking and exploitation, particularly affecting local women and migrants. . While Medellín is much safer than it once was, you should remain vigilant—especially in nightlife areas and when meeting strangers through apps. Comuna 13 Graffiti Tour I took a day to explore Comuna 13. It’s known for street art. I’d recommend you take this powerful cultural experience that highlights Medellín’s rebirth through street art. . My experience at Comuna 13. I took a bus from the San Javier Metro station. It was a very crowded intersection where I got off. It was busy at about 5 pm. Two young women helped me with the right exit from the bus, and even shared their food with me. They wanted me to try a special local dish, so I did. On the way home, I again took Bus 95 back to San Javier metro station. Parque Arví via Metrocable Another idea for a solo female traveler is this park. Enjoy fresh air and scenic views in this ecological park. Accessible via gondola, it offers hiking, nature trails, food markets, and the chance to immerse yourself in the region’s flora and history . My experience with Mother Nature included fresh air and a visit to the park. This trip through the jungle, AND part of the public transportation, is part of the Amazon experience. It’s not called that while on the gondola, but that’s what I believe. Arvi Park Metrocable was the longest gondola/cable car I have seen or been on. Trust the cable. Listen to the sounds of the city. Dogs, roosters, kids, music, it’s all a delight as I ride down. I made two recordings in the cable car/soundbooth. The experience on this gondola is a must-do. Bring a picnic lunch. 6. Bolívar Park & Sunday Concerts Relax in this historic urban park, stroll through its green spaces, and enjoy the open-air plaza. Smart Move and Slip-up pairing: With safety a concern on my first visit to Medellin, I took a taxi to my hostel from the airport. I accepted a ride from the first driver I saw, and he was nice, but the fare was expensive, around $30 plus tip. My hostel cost that much for the night, which was over my budget, but it was an experience. Back at the airport, I was able to take a bus for only $2.00. If I had known how easy it was to do that, I wouldn't have taken the taxi. The driver was a professional and he gave good service. He even offered me a better rate if I hired him again. So, which would I take next time? The bus was a good experience, but the taxi was even better when I first arrived and was not confident of my surroundings. I am passing this on to my listeners like you. Here's my tip for you. Read your boarding pass very carefully for the “boarding time.” Can you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before your flight? Sometimes, airlines expect you to arrive at the gate ready to board 50 minutes before departure. So my challenge is to cut down on the stress and anxiety. Resources Roundup Find my Instagram or TikTok. I regularly update solo female content on that site. Please let me know if you find this resource helpful, especially if you’re in your prime. Take away facts on travel and goodbye. Good news: Motorists killed fewer pedestrians last year compared to 2023, marking the second consecutive year of declines. Drivers killed 7,148 People in 2024, down 4.3% vs 2023. This statistic is still higher than in 2016, by 19.2%. Fewer people overall died in traffic crashes in 2024. Still, it was 40,000 people. Pedestrian deaths are rising at a faster rate than overall traffic deaths. From 2009 to 2023, pedestrian deaths rose 80% while all other traffic deaths increased 13%—source: Kiplinger Washington Editors. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/38560155

Galapagos, Ecuador 10/03/2025

Haarlem, Netherlands 09/26/2025

Haarlem, Netherlands 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 layout, making it ideal for mobility challenges with a big square. Haarlem’s Train station is brick and historic. A block away, you will find double-decker . That is genius and a growing trend. Check the link for a video on how this works. (The address is: Jansstraat 402011, Haarlem, TX. ) They had two exhibitions: "Printers of Value," a historic printing lab, I learned about , the purported inventor of the printing press. At the heart of Haarlem is the Grote Markt, the main square. Here, you’ll find St. Bavo’s Cathedral, famous for its massive organ, once played by Mozart and Handel. And a few steps away from the Grote (gro-ta) Markt (marked), find the in Haarlem. This former home has now been converted into a museum, about which I’ve heard for four years. I’ve been hoping to get here, and God is making that possible, so I went in and met the people in the store. I also met a family from Norway who wanted to tour today, and they were pleased that I told them there would be a possibility for them to see the tour. For those with mobility issues, please visit the virtual tour, as the house is relatively small and not wheelchair accessible. Take the virtual tour with the link here. More: Where are you going? Let me know if I helped you travel. Connect with Dr Travelbest email: /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/38190935

Toronto Canada Part 2 of 2 09/19/2025

Toronto Canada Part 2 of 2 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 both upon arrival and departure. If you have access, you'll likely enjoy it, even though the lounge was under construction. The city has a diverse mix of people from all around the world, along with a variety of flavors that come with it. Keep your eyes peeled and your nose smelling these scents. Before I arrived, I booked my tour to . Here are a few facts about Niagara Falls and why you might find it of interest I registered in my hostel, got all of my bedding, food, and bag storage set up, and then took a nap since I had been up since about 5 AM. Afterward, I went down to the , where there was almost no line late in the afternoon. Smart Move and Slip-up pairings So here I was in Toronto, and believe it or not, I lost my phone for the second time. Here's what happened. I went for a swim at the local community pool and changed back into my street clothes. I left the phone in the changing room at the pool. About 30 minutes after getting home, I realized I had left it there. So I went back and got it, but there was a little bit of panic in my life, so this was the end of my trip of 90 days, and I wasn't really as concerned as I would've been at the beginning of the journey, but it was concerning that I let my defenses down. I slipped up twice within a few days. Don't do what I did; keep your focus on the things that are most important to you. For me, that was my phone and my passport. Where are you going? Let me know if I helped you travel. Connect with Dr Travelbest email: /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/38190735

Toronto Canada Part 1 09/13/2025

Toronto Canada Part 1 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. 📱 APPS TO DOWNLOAD: PRESTO App (to manage your fare/pass balance) Transit App (real-time TTC arrivals) TTC Official App (for alerts and maps) If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into public transportation and how to build confidence using it—link in description.” See Book A, page 24, for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is: Toronto, Canada, part one of two. I'll suggest some things to do in Toronto for your next trip in part one. In part two, I'll share some of the experiences I had during my trip. All of these activities will depend on the weather, so if you are in the summer, fall, or spring, these are going to be good, but not necessarily for the winter. Toronto Islands Day Trip Why: Scenic, safe, and relaxing — perfect for walking, biking, or just enjoying the waterfront views of the skyline. Tip: Take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Ward’s Island or Centre Island early to avoid crowds. Harbourfront Centre & Waterfront Trail Why: Great for leisurely walks with lake views, public art, and cultural performances. Safety: Well-lit, busy in the summer, and easy to navigate solo. Extra: You can join a short boat cruise from nearby. Kensington Market & Chinatown Why: Vibrant street scenes, global foods, and quirky shops. Solo-Friendly: Busy and colorful, with plenty of daytime activity. Tip: Visit mid-morning for fewer crowds but still lively energy. I stayed in Kensington for my first two nights in Toronto. The streets were easy to navigate, and if you kept your eyes up, you could see the CN Tower from here, which made me more confident despite my directional challenges. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO) I did not get here, but I would go next time. I had already visited 30 art galleries on my trip. Sorry. Why next time? A rich collection of Canadian and international art in a comfortable, modern space. Summer Bonus: Often has free Wednesday night admission (check schedule). St. Lawrence Market Why: Famous for gourmet foods, fresh produce, and Canadian treats. Solo-Friendly: Easy to browse at your own pace, great for lunch. Outdoor Summer Festivals Why: Toronto in summer is full of music, food, and cultural events. You’ll find these all over town in the best seasons, so search for one on your visit. 💡 Extra Comfort & Safety Notes for a Senior Solo Traveler Toronto’s public transit (TTC) is reliable, as mentioned earlier, but in summer, walking and biking (with rentals) are popular options. Neighborhoods like the Annex, Yorkville, and the Beaches are especially solo-friendly. Stay hydrated — Toronto summers can be humid. Smart Move and Slip-up pairings A slip-up occurred when I got a ticket in South Africa and then did all the research to find out what it was for. After several weeks of trying to figure it out, I got a note from Avis saying that the traffic fine was waived. I still don’t know what it was for, but it was from Plettenberg, on the Garden Route, where there were almost no cars, and it was a beautiful place. I’d go back there in a minute. If you get a traffic ticket in a foreign country, I hope you find the same outcome. 60-second confidence challenge. Here's my challenge for you. Try to rise early and get out of your comfort zone as the sun is rising. See the sunrise if you can. That’s a challenge if you stayed up late the night before. If you can get to bed early, the challenge is to keep this schedule and make it a habit. I’m still trying to make this my habit. Resources Roundup Toronto is generally safe, and most areas are lively and well-lit. Still: Travel during daylight when possible Avoid empty train cars late at night Keep your bag in front of you on busy streetcars Read my travel books for advice and confidence builders. Keep one foot in front of the other. Every step you take is one closer to the destination, and it could even be HOME, as it was for me after 90 days away. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/38190675

Around the World Travel Summary Part 2 08/29/2025

Around the World Travel Summary Part 2 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 Travel experiences and business conferences. She has been an active traveler for many decades. I tip my head to you, Sandi, and thank you for helping out in Toronto. Quick-fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: about Single Supplements. These are extra fees that are essentially doubled when part of a package group tour. Refer to the notes for further information on this topic. When do I want to pay for them or not? Look at this There may be times you will pay for this, but the practice is getting attention with cruise ship business, and the more successful ones are eliminating the fees or reducing them dramatically. I had to pay for a whole room on my cruise from Helsinki to Stockholm for one night. It was a tiny room on one of the lower levels, with no window. I’ll address this issue again in future episodes, but I’d like to hear from you on the topic, too. 60-second confidence challenge Find a world map, whether it is a flat map, a round map, or an atlas. Get one and explore the map as if you lived in the world. You do. I challenge you to know your geography a little better than you did yesterday. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 3 of my book dives deeper—link in description.” See Book A for addressing all of these items. Find it on our website at or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is: A summary of my 90-day trip. Part Two I ended Part One of this summary with my visit to South Africa, specifically Johannesburg. Let's move forward now on the second half. I flew on the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere, June 21, to the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere on June 22, when I landed in Athens, Greece, flying through and stopping off in Qatar overnight. Qatar's airport was immense.e I was shocked at how large it was. It was actually like a little city and quite the Commerce capital of the world from my perspective. You could stay there for weeks without going outside if you wanted to. There was just so much going on at any time of the day. I tried to access the airport lounge as I had a very long layover. Still, they insisted I couldn't check in until three hours before my flight or something like that, so I had to shop and come back. When I did go to the airport lounge, it was delightful, even at two in the morning. My credit card for this trip allowed me to use the Priority Pass lounges and even bring a guest, so I took advantage of that benefit and passed it on to others who became friends along the way. Now back to Greece. I didn't have a clear plan for what I was going to do in Athens. I stayed at a hostel located in a not-so-great area of the city. It was on the fringe, and by that I mean the only stores nearby were small markets that primarily sold take-out groceries. No other stores, such as dry cleaners or dog grooming shops, were in the neighborhood. The residents here were mainly short-termers, not people planning to stay for very long, hence markets that sold convenience goods. However, they were not called 7-11’s or chain stores, and inside, they had a small selection because the stores were small for the most part. There were many intersecting streets, and not all of them had well-marked names. I also had some struggles with Google Maps on this trip, but I enjoyed the visit nonetheless. I went to an island called Hydra. The locals called Ira, and then I also went and visited an island called Paris. I stayed overnight on the island and had a pleasant visit, spending time swimming in the ocean, hiking along the shore, and exploring its natural beauty. The next day, when I returned to Athens, I checked back into the hostel, more for convenience and budget, and stayed one more night. I did feel a bit more secure. I remember it being so hot that even several stores and shops had closed. I took a taxi to the Acropolis Museum and enjoyed the air conditioning inside before heading back to my Hostel. The next day, I took a train to Thessaloniki, a five-hour ride, and stayed there for two nights to explore the outskirts of other cities beyond Athens. I returned to Athens a few days later and visited the Acropolis, the architectural museum, as well as several other local places of interest. I flew to Krakow, Poland, and then to Warsaw, Poland. I then returned to Dansk for another night. These cities hold significant historical importance for World War II. However, when I arrived at Dansk, I saw the World War II museum and realized that it had many artifacts well displayed for the public. If you're in Dansk, Poland I recommend this museum. Some of the things I did in Dansk, such as getting a haircut and having a massage, were important for self-care. After, I flew to Finland and then took a ferry to Estonia for a few days. Then I went back to Helsinki and stayed some time there before going to Stockholm, Sweden, and then going to Oslo and then to Bergen, Norway for a few days, I went back to Oslo and then went to Copenhagen for a few days and then I went to our house denmark, and then back to Copenhagen before going to the Netherlands. I had a friend in the Netherlands. I visited Melvin, who lived in Amsterdam, but I also visited Haarlem, Rotterdam, and Harlem while I was there. Afterwards, I flew to Edinburgh, Scotland, and took a train to North Berwick, where I spent a wonderful day exploring, swimming, and getting to know the town. I left Edinburgh for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on July 27 and spent the next two weeks in Canada. I enjoyed the Eastern Canadian hospitality, the Celtic culture, and the nature I saw throughout the 1,500 kilometers I drove. I finished my week in Toronto, exploring Niagara Falls, the city, and its suburbs, and swam three times during my stay. It was hot before I came home to San Diego. Smart Move and Slip-up pairings My slip-up in Edinburgh was dropping my iPad on my tiny toe at 5 AM in the dark. I was hurt, but I didn't know how badly it had broken. Four other people were sleeping in my hostel room at the time. I was getting ready to leave for the airport when this happened. Still, three weeks later, my toe is sensitive, but I think it will be okay. My lesson for you is this: when you're packing your bags, turn the light on so you can see what won't fall on your foot. 60-second confidence challenge Here's my challenge for you. My travel challenge for you is to get to know your apps on your phone. Download at least three travel apps, including Google Maps, Rome2Rio, and consider moving it. You might have some other good apps that you would recommend, so please let me know what they are. You need these to help you navigate your way in a new city or a new country. Always download your city's Google map so that you have it if you're not in a Wi-Fi area. Download it in advance. Resources Roundup One of my favorite apps is called Currency. I can look at the currency of my current location and compare it to another currency, such as the US dollar or the currency of a destination I may be traveling to. This Currency App is a valuable resource that does not require Wi-Fi to use. Take away mantra and goodbye. Today's takeaway is about not trying to see everything on your first visit; save something for later. Be kind to yourself and don't try to overextend; just do what you can. Thanks for listening. Be encouraged to travel with confidence. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/37943050

Around the World Travel Summary Part 1 08/25/2025

Around the World Travel Summary Part 1 Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, coming to you from a recent trip, on a 90-day solo journey around the world. Listener Story Spotlight Alina, whom I met in Toronto and who hosted me for my final four nights, is trying to travel to Seattle this week, but she’s been affected by the Air Canada airline strike. She’s a great traveler who has visited Japan, Spain, and many European countries. She was an excellent Servas host. Look up if you want to encourage world peace with cultural exchange. Quick-fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: What was my favorite place during my 90-day journey? It’s what I get asked nearly every day. I don’t want to leave anyone out, so I usually say, 'Right here is my favorite place.' Right now, I’m home, so that’s my favorite place. It’s usually the NEXT trip that I’ll be taking. My next trip is for work, to Las Vegas, so that’s not a favorite. I can stay here for up to two nights, and then I need to get out. However, after that, it's off to Chicago soon. That will be a favorite this fall. 60-second Travelbest confidence challenge Walk outside. Close your eyes and stop where you are. Listen to the sounds you hear. Did you catch every sound? Make a list in your mind. Continue walking and focus on what you hear. The sounds of nature or the city are there, but maybe you haven’t been listening. Go ahead and do this once a week. That’s your challenge. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 1 of my 5 Steps series book A dives deeper—link in description.” See Book A for addressing all of these items. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is: A summary of my 90-day trip. Part One I began my trip in South America on May 13, 2025. I charted a course to go around the world from north to south. I flew to Chicago to begin my trip and then went to Bogota, Colombia, Cartagena, and finally Medellin. I spent a total of four weeks in South America, traveling through four countries, each for one week. Some of the highlights of South America would include fantastic artwork in downtown Medellin and riding on their very sophisticated tram system. In Cartagena, I had the opportunity to explore the old town and the city walls, as well as spend a day at Isla Blanca, a resort. My second week was spent in Ecuador, where I spent several days on the island of in the Galapagos. I saw many natural wonders here on this small island. I explored the tunnels and had the opportunity to swim with sea turtles during this trip. I also saw many lizards and other unusual creatures. After arriving in Peru, I landed in Lima and then traveled to Cusco by plane, where I spent a few days acclimating to the high altitude. I spent one 19-hour day in Machu Picchu, leaving at 3 AM and arriving at about 11 PM. That was quite an adventure, and it was a beautiful day at that. I felt that I got to know the city of Lima after visiting it for the second time at the end of May, when I spent a week in Brazil. I first arrived in Rio de Janeiro and visited the Christ the Redeemer statue. I then spent several days exploring the city before heading to the sister city across the bay in Nero, where I enjoyed the locals and the beaches. I then flew to São Paulo. I explored this vast metropolis, one of the largest cities I've ever seen. From there I flew to South Africa via Angola, and when I arrived in Cape Town, I rented a car and drove on the left side of the road for the first time. I explored the Garden Route for several days before returning to Cape Town, situated at the southernmost tip of Africa. After Cape Town, I flew to Johannesburg on another airline. I was fortunate to visit the Apartheid Museum and the homes of two Nobel Peace Prize winners, all in the same neighborhood. This is my second trip to Africa, so I was glad to see a different part of it this time. I'll finish up my summary in the next episode, so stay tuned. Smart Move and Slip-up pairings One of my slip-ups on this trip was losing my phone. I lost it while I was entering the CN Tower in Toronto, one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. I was going through the X-ray machine, and they asked me to take off my vest. They also asked me to remove items from the pockets in the vest. They removed my phone from my pocket and dropped it in the basket when I was collecting my vest. I forgot to put the phone back in my pocket and proceeded to enter the exhibit for about five minutes. When I went to take a photo of an item on the tour, I couldn't find my phone I knew where it was so I turned around retrace my steps, made sure that they were gonna give me a reentry went into their highly secure staffing room and retrieved my phone immediately so don't slip up like I did and leave your phone behind when you're going through security, even if you seem to be a little bit nervous when you're going through there take a minute and make sure you have all your things. The smart move is to take a breath whenever you are going through a security situation. 60-second confidence challenge Here's my challenge for you. Can you pack all of your toiletries and one small cube that will help build your confidence in many ways? Don't forget to zip up any items that could leak, especially if you have bug or mosquito protection, such as which should be double-bagged. Resources Roundup One of the good places to find resources is with your government agencies, such as the . Don't hesitate to check those out before you take a big trip. Take away mantra and goodbye. My takeaway for today is that traveling in means that you don't have to double back and return to the same destination. Making a loop is a more efficient way to travel, draw a circle, and see where you can go on that journey, instead of just coming back. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/37942945

Flashback 2020 Covid travel South Dakota 08/08/2025

Travel Planning: Peru 07/25/2025

Travel Planning: Peru 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 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. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36449555

Travel Planning: Brazil 06/28/2025

Travel Planning: Brazil Where in the world am I? Brazil 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 Juliana who is from Brazil. She was a student of mine and now she works with me. She gave me a list of all the places in Brazil that I should be going to.She and I have known each other for 3 years. She’s so beautiful and full of life. I’m so grateful for. Quick fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: Should I carry books with me to read on the trip? I recommend you download them from your local or cloud library. Then you read on the go. Don’t carry more than you need. 3 things: neighborhood selection, daylight itineraries, scam avoidance Select neighborhoods that are walkable and have public transportation nearby if you don't drive. Read reviews on the AirBNB website before you select. When booking a flight or train, be sure it arrives at a daylight time, which can differ in winter months. If it comes after dark, it will be more of a challenge for you. To avoid scams, be cautious when choosing passwords, logging out of websites, and making online purchases. These are very typical scams. If you are suspicious, you may be right to avoid that vendor and choose another. Don’t look like a target, either Today’s destination is: Brazil. Optimized for a budget‑minded solo woman in her 60s who loves beaches, nature, and a relaxed—but organized—pace. Date Overnight Key plans How to get around Budget tips & cautions Rio de Janeiro (Leme / Copacabana) • Easy sunset stroll along Copacabana & watch locals at Arpoador point. • For a light dinner, try a fresh‑juice “sucos” bar and a tapioca crêpe. Take a taxi or Uber from GIG airport (≈ R$75). Choose a sea‑view “quarto feminine” at Selina Copacabana (~US $45 priv.). Keep valuables hidden on the beach. Wed 4 Jun Rio • Christ the Redeemer early (08:00 train from Cosme Velho). • Ride the Santa Teresa Tram then lunch in a colonial café. • Late afternoon cable car up Sugarloaf for golden‑hour photos. Day‑pass on RioCard metro + tram; cable/Uber for Sugarloaf. Buy Sugarloaf ticket online to skip queue; take a light jacket—windy on top. Rio Choose your mini‑escape ① Nature: half‑day to Prainha & Grumari wild beaches (shared van tour). ② Culture: ferry to Niterói for Niemeyer‑designed MAC museum & quiet Itacoatiara beach. ③ History: cool mountain air in imperial Petrópolis (bus 2 h). Tours or local buses; all safe in daylight. Pack reef‑safe sunscreen—Rio’s winter sun still strong. Foz do Iguaçu Morning flight RIO → IGU (1 h 45 m; promo fares from US $68 one‑way) Drop bags, then spend the afternoon on the Brazilian side catwalks for sweeping views of Iguazu Falls (entry R$199 ≈ US $39) iguazufalls.com End day at Parque das Aves bird sanctuary (1 hr) iguazufalls.com Bus 120 links airport ↔ falls ↔ downtown. Taxi to hotel after dark. Stay at Tarobá Express (single en‑suite ~US $40, rooftop pool). Foz do Iguaçu Full‑day hop into Argentina’s Iguazú National Park for the Devil’s Throat boardwalk & eco‑train (passport needed, no visa/fee for US). Evening option: Itaipu Dam illumination tour. Shared shuttle (~US $25 rt) handles border formalities. Bring ARS pesos or pay by card for Arg. park ticket (US $45) iguazufalls.com .São Paulo Morning nonstop IGU → GRU (1 h 35 m; fares from US $56) KAYAK . Walk tree‑lined Paulista Avenue, pop into MASP art museum (free Sun mornings), coffee in Vila Madalena murals. Airport bus to Paulista (R$55) or Uber. Metro is clean & safe in daytime. Base yourself in Ibis Paulista or female pod at Selina Aurora (~US $50). São Paulo • Morning in Ibirapuera Park—rent a bike or visit Afro‑Brasil Museum (opens 10 am) Tripadvisor . • Afternoon at Municipal Market (pastel de bacalhau!) & nearby Pinacoteca gallery. Metro Brigadeiro ↔ Luz. Watch bags on busy Linha 3 Red line; pickpockets work in crowds. São Paulo Relaxed day‑trip choices: ① Santos coast: historic coffee port + beach promenade (1 h 30 m bus). ② Embu das Artes craft town (45 min EMTU bus). Buy a round‑trip bus ticket; depart before dusk. Wed 11 Jun — Free morning for souvenir shopping on Paulista, then head to GRU airport for onward flight. Allow 3 hours pre‑international departure. Essential Practicalities E‑visa now required for U.S. visitors entering Brazil from 10 Apr 2025; online application fee US $80.90 and proof of ≈ US $2 000 funds (3 bank statements) are needed. Apply at least 3 weeks ahead. VFSE Visa New York Post Weather: Early June is Brazil’s mild winter—pleasant 72 °F / 22 °C in Rio & São Paulo, warmer at Iguazu (upper 70s °F) with possible mist; pack a light rain shell for the falls. Money: ATMs are plentiful. Withdraw in R$ and use cards where possible. Carry small notes for kiosks, buses, and street food. Health & safety: No yellow fever shot is demanded for the coast, but it is recommended for the Iguazu region. Wear non‑slip shoes on Iguazu catwalks (spray makes surfaces slick). Use registered taxis or ride‑share at night; avoid deserted beach stretches after dark. Language: Basic Portuguese greetings go a long way; Spanish is understood in Iguazu. Learn “Obrigado” (thank you from a woman). Hand‑Picked Stays (private room prices, low‑season) City Comfortable & friendly Approx. US $ Why you’ll like it Rio Selina Copacabana (female dorm or priv.), Ibis Budget Botafogo 35–60 24 h desk, beach steps away, rooftop bar. Foz Tarobá Express, Che Lagarto Hostel 35–45 Central, free shuttle to falls stop, tour desk. SP Ibis Paulista, Soul Hostel (single) $45–60. It is Walkable to the metro and lively but safe at night. Quick Activity Bucket‑List Region Must‑do Nice extra Rio Watch sunrise from Leme end of Copacabana; Sugarloaf cable car; caipirinha & bossa‑nova in Lapa. Short jungle hike to Mirante Dois Irmãos for postcard view. Iguazu “Devil’s Throat” platform roar; boat‑ride under the falls (waterproof bag!). Evening jungle moon‑bow walk (full‑moon nights only). São Paulo MASP’s suspended concrete gallery; bike Ibirapuera lagoon; coffee tasting at Octavio Café. Live samba at Bar Brahma or vinyl jazz in Vila Madalena. Approximate Trip Budget (USD) Category Rio (3 nts) Iguazu (2 nts) São Paulo (3 nts) Total Lodging $150 $80 $150 $380 Flights (internal) — RIO→IGU $68 IGU→GRU $64 $132 Inter‑city buses / ferries $20 $25 (Arg. shuttle) $25 (Santos) $70 Sight tickets & tours $65 $110 $40 $215 Meals & local transit $30/day × 8 $240 Grand estimate ≈ $1 040 (Budget assumes dorm‑style breakfast included and a few splurges; private rooms or extra tours will raise totals.) Enjoy Brazil’s unbeatable mix of beach life, rainforest thundering waterfalls, and South America’s most cosmopolitan metropolis—at a tempo that feels adventurous yet comfortable. Boa viagem! Smart Move and Slip up pairings Brazil slip ups, are that there’s no way I can see all of the country in a week. So I have to be very picky about only going to the Rio and Sao Paolo regions, and possibly Iguazu Falls, if that works out and I am able physically and mentally. Can you figure out A RAH LO Local, regional, and global esims Local towers and networks in that country. Anticipate which eSim you need. Whole wide world 90 days $59 for me. My first time in India, I thought it was part of Asia. I found out that I missed out the night before I was leaving. Supported countries. Read that carefully. It helps you make a decision. My code to get $3.00 off is MARY2856. You get the discount, and I get the credit. Timer won’t start counting down until you get to the country you are traveling to, and once it connects, the plan will start—for example, 30 days and 5 Gig. Validity starts when you get there. Refill as needed. 5G devices Watch this video for instructions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi1Cb1tEeSI Resources Roundup How do you travel if you don’t know anyone who can go with you, and maybe you want to see some unique places that no one you know cares about? Maybe you want to travel because you never saw these places while you raised your children and supported the family. You may want to visit where you were born and want to do it on your own. You may want to lie on a beach in Tahiti and have a long nap. How does one get to do this? We will help you with instruction, guidance, and good stories. This book must be published now because 14.8% of women are over 65, and most outlive their spouses. Another large chunk of women are in their 50s and early 60s and have years of activity to go. Plus, there are 38 million members of AARP, many looking for active choices on how they live and travel. Gone are the days of your travel agent booking your paper airline ticket. You will not likely contact a travel agent for your trip. The more we understand others and their cultures, the more we can get along with them. Dr. Mary Travelbest is like Rick Steves for Women adventure travelers who are seasoned in years but have yet to gain travel experience. My daughter, my co-author, Tina, and I have been traveling since she was born 22 years ago. She’s also made many solo trips, including visiting her sister in China for a month this year. She’s completed her degree in Business, working on a Master’s degree, and living/working in the San Francisco area. This book needs to be published so the Golden Years can be just that for those who like active travel. The take away mantra is to go and find peace where you rest and bring good to others You can travel solo and never be alone. Dr. Travelbest. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36449365

2025 Eurail Travel Planning Guide and sinus relief 06/20/2025

2025 Eurail Travel Planning Guide and sinus relief Where in the world am I? Eurail Travel planning Hi there, I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest. 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 Kristen. Kristen loves to travel. She recently received a Fullbright Scholarship and took a trip with her husband and sons to a foreign country, Portugal, for several months. She’s full of great travel ideas and will be helpful as I continue to travel and make my adventures more mobile. She’s encouraging me to keep going in my travels and is a professor in Southern California. Quick fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: Do you find that air travel dries your sinuses? Do you get dry and scratchy throats afterward? Yes, it happens. Let’s talk about how to rid yourself of this in advance. How to avoid the dryness of airline flights? The answer: My solution is Saline Nasal Spray. I bought the 1.5-oz size for $4.00, which will last my entire trip. Before you get dry sinuses, squirt some in each nostril and then relax as it goes to work. What are the ingredients? Water, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate, benzyl alcohol, sodium phosphate, and benzalkonium chloride. Water and salt. There are three ways to use it: Squeeze twice in each nostril, and it delivers a spray, a stream, and a drop upside down. Take your pick. 60-second confidence challenge Advice for Active Seniors : “There is no shame in prioritizing and slowing down vs. overdoing. Most injuries happen when people are rushing. “Go slower, arrive sooner” is a helpful mantra.” (Ellen McCabe) If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper buy it on Amazon or See Book A for addressing all of these items. Today’s destination is Eurail Travel Planning I said: You are traveling in Europe in the Summer of 2025. You arrive in Athens, Greece, then go to Krakow, Warsaw, Poland, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and end in Edinburgh, Scotland, where you leave the EU. You will travel for five weeks. How many days will you want to use the Eurail pass for trains and ferries? Plan the trip, including seat fees and senior discounts with these countries, and suggest other places that would be a good stopping point or worth seeing. I am a solo woman in my prime. Include a mention of the low-cost airlines that I should take when not on the train or ferry. Answer: 1  Where a Eurail day genuinely saves you money Below is every leg: (a) scenic or pricey at full fare and (b) covered or discounted by the pass if the trip is a low-fare train, like under $10.regional hop, we skip the past day and just pay cash—why burn powder you might need later?  1  Day 3 Athens → Kalabaka  €3 IC seat  Sunset over Meteora cliffs—worth the four-hour train.  2  Day 5 Kalabaka → Thessaloníki  free (regional) No supplement, but one more travel day.  3  Day 9 Krakow → Oświęcim (return) free (regional) Auschwitz day trip; counts once.  4  Day 11 Krakow → Warsaw (EIP)  ~PLN 35 ≈ €8  High‑speed, mandatory seat.  5  Day 13 Warsaw → Gdańsk or Toruń (optional)  PLN 3 ≈ €0.70 Use if you “dive” north.  6  Day 16 Tallinn → Helsinki ferry  deck = free; cabin = ‑20 %  Tallink Silja It counts oas ne travel day.  7  Day 17 Helsinki → Tampere & back  €0–€6 VR seat  Eurail Pendolino; book in app.  8  Day 19 Helsinki o/night ferry → Stockholm  deck = free; cabin –20 % Same Tallink perk.  9  Day 21 Stockholm → Uppsala (return)  €0 (regional) Same‑day out‑and‑back.  10  Day 22 Stockholm → Gothenburg  ≈ €7 SJ seat  Eurail Community 3 h X2000.  11  Day 23 Gothenburg → Oslo  free No reservations.  12  Day 25 Oslo → Bergen  ≈ NOK 50 ≈ €4 seat Bergensbanen panorama.  13  Day 26 Bergen → Flåm train + Nærøyfjord boat  boat covered A rail‑and‑fjord combo.  14  Day 30 Copenhagen → Roskilde day‑trip  ≈ €9 seat  Eurail Vikings have & an easy return.  15  Day 32 Edinburgh → Inverness  £0–£5 seat UK still in the Eurail network. * Fees are 2ᵈ ‑class, summer 2025 published rates. Total Eurail travel days = 15 – the cap of the 15‑days‑in‑2‑months Senior Global Pass 2  What about the long, awkward gaps? Why wrestle with two‑day rail marathons when a 90‑minute hop costs less than your hostel? Segment Suggested airline(s) Typical July fare if bought 3 mo ahead Thessaloníki ✈ Krakow Ryanair, Aegean €55–€85 Warsaw ✈ Tallinn airBaltic, LOT, Ryanair €45–€90 Bergen ✈ Copenhagen Norwegian, SAS €65–€110 Copenhagen ✈ Edinburgh easyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian €40–€80 Question: could you train Thessaloníki→Krakow via Budapest? Yes—but it burns 2‑3 pass days plus €30‑€45 in night‑train supplements. The low‑cost flight is simply cheaper and quicker. 3  Five‑week skeleton itinerary Week Base & ideas Safety‑first extras for a 65‑yr‑old solo traveler  1 Athens 3 d – dawn Acropolis, Plaka food walk → train to Meteora 2 d (monastery sunsets) → Thessaloníki 2 d for Byzantine walls & waterfront. Central hotels near Syntagma & Aristotelous squares; use the eat taxi app after dark.  2 Fly to Krakow 3 d (+ Auschwitz) → Warsaw 2 d → optional day to Toruń or Gdańsk. Women‑only dorms at Greg & Tom (Krakow) and OkiDoki (Warsaw); trains arrive before dusk.  3 Fly to Tallinn 2 d → ferry to Helsinki 3 d with day‑trip to Tampere—Telliskivi creative city, Suomenlinna flat walks; Bolt taxis for late returns.  4 Night ferry to Stockholm 3 d (+ Uppsala) → train to Gothenburg 2 d → rail to Oslo 2 d. Stockholm hostel “City Backpackers” has curtained bunks; carry Rail Planner live‑trip link to share location.  5 Oslo‑Bergen rail & fjords 3 d → Fly to Copenhagen 3 d (+ Roskilde) → Fly to Edinburgh; finish with Highlands loop 4 d (Inverness, Aviemore hikes) before departure. Fjord cruise boats have good handrails; Scottish B&Bs offer single rooms beside stations. 4  Is the pass still worth it? That’s $200-250 saved, plus the flexibility to reroute if wildfires, strikes, or your whims intervene. 5  Quick checklist before you lock it in Buy the Senior Global Pass (15 days/2 months) before prices rise. Book the four trains with limited seats (EIP Poland, X2000 Sweden, Bergensbanen, Copenhagen reservations) as soon as reservations open—usually 60–90 days in advance. Use the Rail Planner app to activate travel days on the morning you board; keep two blanks until the very end in case you shuffle plans. Flights: watch Friday flash sales on Ryanair/Norwegian; they routinely drop < €30. Pack a light, wheeled 40‑L bag—no one checks size on regional trains, but lugging a 20 kg suitcase up ferry gangways is zero fun. Bottom line A skeptical eye shows the numbers add up: 15 Eurail travel days + four strategic low‑cost flights cover an ambitious five‑week arc for under-in rail/ferry costs and ~€250 in airfares. You keep maximum flexibility, minimize marathon journey fatigue, and “dive” into side trips whenever the mood strikes. Smart Move and Slip up pairings Pack the small bag. Try it. Don’t take the big suitcase. 60-second confidence challenge If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper—link in the description. I traveled to France for the first time on a budget over an extended weekend. She got a bargain airfare from San Diego to Paris, and a friend invited her to stay with her. Do you have a friend like this? Take them up on the offer. The author was a contestant in the Worldwide Competition of Beaujolais Wine Fest, held in Paris annually. The author represented the USA, and the team ranked second in this global competition. We created a short skit representing the colorful history of the USA, and our team performed this at 41 locations along The Avenue des Champs-Élysées. When you go to Paris, make your reservations in advance for the Eiffel Tower. We could only get a reservation at 11:15 pm, several weeks in advance. That is a don’t miss experience as an independent traveler. Resources Roundup Why should you go? Keep on saying “yes” because you know you should. Stepping out of your comfort zone allows you to enjoy life, innovate, explore, appreciate nature, and create your personal pleasure experience. You can make a confidence spike when you face your fear of going alone as it builds your independence. Facing your fears is a well-known method of building inner strength. (Source: ILSC You will naturally face some problems on your journey. For example, health problems, delays in traffic, oversleeping, money problems, and others. These kinds of issues help develop your skills in personal responsibilities and adaptability, according to an expert in travel education, India’s Kanako Imamoto. The skills of adaptability and responsibility are built through the process of dealing with problems. You will also have experiences, and that is important. One of these is about communications. We can’t travel without communicating with others because there are many people involved in travel and moving around, and sometimes, you’ll be on a trip with others. So you can develop the ability to cooperate with others. If you are looking for more solo female resources, you can find several tips and ways to navigate the pitfalls with Journey Woman or other great resources. The away mantra is to go and find peace where you rest and bring good to others. You can travel solo and never be alone. Dr. Travelbest. Thanks for listening. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36449830

Best of D. C. Smithsonian Museums 06/13/2025

Train Travel: SLO to San Diego and Gluten Free Travel 06/06/2025

Train Travel: SLO to San Diego and Gluten Free Travel 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 dental hygienist. Her name is Cathy A. She’s been a big supporter of this podcast. She is traveling to Wisconsin to see her family and attend reunions. She’s enjoying her retirement by playing Marjan and. She recently sold her house and moved back into a condo she had bought decades before marriage. Her contractor husband fixed it up to her specs before they moved in, and she’s so happy. She’ll be traveling a lot more soon. Quick fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: How can I find the right foods when I travel? I am gluten-free, and I have a hard time finding the right foods. First, you can use trusten gluten-free apps, but don’t trust them completely. Find me gluten-free options. The GF scanner, Yuka, and Happy Cow are three to check out. Find Me Gluten Free is a restaurant review site for gluten-free diners, primarily focused on the US, but with some unreliable data. The second is a scanner for reading labels with gluten information. The third is mostly for vegans and vegetarians, but it also filters for gluten-free. Here are some more tips for GF travel. Learn Local Phrases, For example, Celiac Travel. Bring Printed translation cards Book accommodations with kitchens or fridges. Shop local Be wary of street food, buffets, and Gluten-friendly menus. These are not medically safe. Bring a stash of protein bars, GF crackers, or instant oats. Use Facebook or Reddit Gluten-Free Travel Groups. Check Airline and airport dining in advance. Red Flag countries' Awareness or Labeling Laws. 60-second confidence challenge 3 things: neighborhood selection, daylight itineraries, scam avoidance Select walkable neighborhoods with public transportation nearby if you don't drive. Read reviews on the AirBNB website before you select. When booking a flight or train, be sure it arrives during daylight hours, which can vary in winter months. If it comes after dark, it will be more challenging. To avoid scams, be cautious when choosing passwords, logging out of websites, and making online purchases. These are very typical scams. If you are suspicious, you may be right to avoid that vendor and choose another. Don’t look like a target, either. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper— See Book A on Amazon or my website for information on all of these items. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: “Amtrak Coastal Sampler: San Luis Obispo to San Diego” Do you love train travel? Have you considered Amtrak? I took one of the very best train trips on July 4. I started in San Luis Obispo, known as SLO to the locals. I was the only passenger in first class who picked me up at 5 pm. The porter greeted me happily and brought me snacks and drinks. The entire night was like a dream. I could see fireworks in hundreds of cities along the path to San Diego. I did transfer trains in Los Angeles, but even then, I could see a lot of fireworks. This was a treat. I was the only one in the car until we got close to San Diego, about a 5-hour trip. What is there to do in SLO? The beauty of the area will take your breath away. Your taste buds will be treated to incredible tastes from many choices. Your thirst will be quenched with fresh wine and beers from the local wineries and breweries. The weather is almost always great here, too. Slip-ups and smart moves One thing I messed up was not downloading the e-ticket before I reached the poor Wi-Fi zones on the train. But the fix is easy. Just download and take a screenshot of the ticket when you're preparing for the trip and have a good Wi-Fi connection. Practice: Test out your local commuter train and take a ride this weekend. 60-second confidence challenge Have you been on a train lately? Practice: Test your local commuter train and ride this weekend. Buy the ticket on your phone, then validate it before boarding the train. If your train requires a ticket screenshot, take that before you board. Resources Roundup: If you're looking for more female solo resources, you can find several tips and ways to navigate the pitfalls. Check out the 5 Steps to Solo Travel, Part A, the audiobook, or Part B. They are available in eBook and paperback formats on Amazon. The ebook is also available on my website. Take away mantra. You can travel solo and never be alone. Dr. Travelbest. Thanks for listening! Please send me your travel stories or questions. Listen for the next episode next week and the 320 plus episodes waiting for you to get going. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36449295

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan 05/30/2025

Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan 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 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. Luxury/Comfort: Fleur de Chine Hotel – thermal spa access, lakeside views, wellness focus Midrange/Solo-Friendly: The Crystal Resort or Hotel Del Lago – walking distance to bike paths and pier Budget/Unique: Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center – traditional wooden lodge vibes 🌅 Sun Moon Lake Itinerary (4 Days) Day 1 – Afternoon: Arrive via bus to the (Shoe-is-he) Shuishe Pier area Check in + light walk along the Shuishe Lakeside Trail (flat, peaceful) Evening: Early dinner of local fish and mountain vegetables at Full House Resort Restaurant or a local restaurant nearby. Sunset viewing from Wenwu Temple stairs (lit up at night) local tea tasting at Sun Moon Lake Antique Assam Tea Farm Day 2 – Biking the Lake & Culture Morning: Rent an e-bike or mountain bike and ride the Sun Moon Lake Cycle Route — voted one of the top cycling paths globally Stop at: Ci'en Pagoda, Xiangshan Visitor Center, and (May-he) Meihe Garden 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. Afternoon: Take the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (cable car) to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. Learn about the Thao, spelled T-H-A-O) and other cultural groups Optional: garden strolls Return via cable car or ferry. Evening: Relaxing soak at your hotel’s onsen-style hot springs Dinner at The Lalu’s Moon Pavilion Restaurant for lakeside fine dining (worth it solo!) Day 3 – Hiking + Temples Morning: Hike the Maolan Mountain Trail or Tsen Pagoda Trail for panoramic lake views and forest immersion Easy to moderate; solo-safe and well-marked Afternoon: Visit Xuanzang Temple – peaceful with Buddhist relics. Snack on local tea eggs and tofu pudding from lakeside stalls Evening: Night market (seasonal, usually in Shuishe or Ita Thao area) – solo-friendly and fun for grazing Optional: Boat cruise at dusk (join a group tour or private hire) Day 4 – Tea + Departure Optional walk in Xiangshan Forest Trail for one last quiet moment Safety, Solo Vibes & Tips Taiwan is ranked one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers (source: Global Peace Index) English signage is plentiful in Sun Moon Lake; locals are helpful but modest. Google Translate, and Pleco app help with communication. I used the Line app for texting here. Public bathrooms are clean and common 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 /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36274710

Seoul, South Korea and travel insurance comparisons 05/23/2025

Seoul, South Korea and travel insurance comparisons 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 Smart filters to enable It lets you price 30-day single-trip plans from dozens of underwriters side-by-side, then click through to the policy certificate in one step. Squaremouth (toggle "Comprehensive" or "Medical-only" to see apples-to-apples pricing). Medical ≥ $100k, Evac≥ $250k, "Cancel for Any Reason" if you want maximum flexibility. Gives you consumer-written claim reviews plus AM Best financial ratings in the results grid. InsureMyTrip (same data feed as Squaremouth but different sort logic). Add "PIf relevant, existing condition waiver" if rek "Adventure sports" if you'll hike or dive. Pulls quotes from some insurers that don't feed aggregators (e.g., Allianz's higher-tier plans) and lists A.M. Best scores. TravelInsurance.com Use the "24/7 assistance" toggle to see which plans outsource helplines. Skeptical check: All three make a commission, and none of them has every carrier. Run your trip through at least two engines and see if the so-called "cheapest" plan is available. 2. Cross-reference with an independent ranking list U.S. News "Best Travel Insurance Companies 2025" ranks plans by coverage and claim-paying history—not advertising spend. It's a fast way to see which names (Travelex, Allianz, Tin Leg, etc.) consistently show up in the top tier. 3. See what other solo women say SoloTravelerWorld.com keeps an updated "Best Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers" guide that spells out what to look for if you're traveling alone—single-supplement benefits, harassment coverage, and 24-hour crisis lines. AbsolutelyLucy.com lays out five red flags that matter disproportionately to women (e.g., personal-assault medical limits, emergency contraception exclusions). Read these before you fall for glossy Instagram ads that treat "female-friendly" as a slogan. 4. Kick the tires on the insurer's site If a plan looks good in a marketplace, open the policy certificate directly on the carrier's website (World Nomads, SafetyWing, Allianz, IMG, etc.). World Nomads publishes unfiltered claim reviews, which help sniff out chronic payout delays. 5. Verify what your government will—or won't—do The U.S. State Department's Insurance Coverage Overseas page makes it crystal-clear that Uncle Sam does not pay your hospital bill or med-evac. It also links to the embassy medical resources for every country, which tells you how far the nearest trauma center is from your trekking trail. 6. Double-check your credit-card benefits Cards in your wallet may cover trip delays, baggage loss, or secondary car rental insurance. The Points Guy keeps a running tally of cards whose built-in coverage is worth something and where the gaps are (e.g., no medical evacuation). How to use these resources efficiently Quote your exact dates (don't round your trip to a calendar month; excess days add cost). Filter for medical & Evac first; those two benefits can bankrupt you. Ignore marketing buzzwords like "explorer" or "adventure" until you've opened the PDF certificate and searched for the activity you plan to do. Run your final four shortlist past recent claim reviews (Squaremouth, Trustpilot, Reddit r/solotravel) to see if the carrier ghosted people during COVID or the Israel–Gaza cancellations. You can purchase directly from the insurer once you've chosen, which avoids aggregator change fees if you need to modify dates. Stay curious, question every "Top 10" list's methodology, and you'll land the coverage that fits your risk profile—nothing more, nothing less. 60-second confidence challenge 3 things: neighborhood selection, daylight itineraries, scam avoidance Select walkable neighborhoods with public transportation nearby if you don't drive. Read reviews on the AirBNB website before you select. When booking a flight or train, be sure it arrives at daylight, which can differ in winter months. If it comes after dark, it will be more challenging. To avoid scams, be cautious when choosing passwords, logging out of websites, and making online purchases. These are very typical scams. If you are suspicious, you may be right to avoid that vendor and choose another. Don't look like a target, either. If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 1 of my book dives deeper—https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com See Book A for addressing all of these items. Find it on the website or Amazon. It's a series. Today's destination is: South Korea I visited South Korea last month. I landed at Seoul's Inchon Airport. My Korean pronunciation is not good, so please understand that as I describe my trip. I was excited to see the city through the eyes of my friend Chris. We were whisked away to a hotpot dinner, then taken to the French neighborhood in Seoul, where we rested for the night. The next morning, we drove south to visit a town about 2 hours away and stayed in Wolbong-ro (Road), in Seobuk-gu, near SeongJeong. For example, the Seoul Noryyanglin Fisheries Wholesale Market is five stories tall and open to the public. It's worth seeing if you like seafood, and you can roam the aisles looking for your favorite fish delicacies. I visited the Vovo Bidet company and met with the director and some of his team. Have you seen the #1 Bidet firm in Korea? They have retail and wholesale offices in the Los Angeles area, too. I liked the tour of the offices here in Seoul. They even have a Bidet to go. Think about that for a minute. That was in Daebang-dong or Seocho4-dong. I visited retail stores such as Zara, one of my favorites for fashion. I had Chinese, Japanese, and Fusion foods. I took subways, busses, taxis, and Ubers plus trains. I went to Gwannghumun Square, the purple Station #9. I went to the shopping mall called The Hyundai. and found stores like Zanmang Loopy, the Hyundai Present, and a great coffee and tea shop. I learned about Hanguel, the Korean alphabet, and saw the statue of Sejong the Great. There was also another statue of Admiral YiSun Sin. The Bukchon Honok Village is a quiet residential area. Jogyasa Temple is where you will see Buddism. Hongdae is the neighborhood for independent artists. Yonsei University was a place I wanted to visit next time, as I was in the neighborhood and liked it a lot. Gangnam style, well, maybe next time. I tried new foods, such as mung bean pancakes and hotleok desserts. We had a wonderful dinner at Sushi-ya Shabu-ya, about an hour from Seoul, near Korea Nazarene University in Cheonan-si-Buldang1-dong. Recommended: Relax in a tea house. Smart Move and Slip up pairings In Korea, we were departing from the airport without enough money on our transit cards, so we could not enter the building. Instead, we had to see the office at the kiosk and pay for the train. It was not much, but it did take a few minutes. We arrived well ahead of the recommended 3 hours, so that was not an issue. 60 second confidence challenge Do you or don't you tip? Not in South Korea. But it's always smart to ask. Be confident when you know what the expectations are. Resources Roundup If you are looking for more solo female travel resources, you can find several tips and ways to navigate the pitfalls, such as paying the difference on the transit card when you go long distances or knowing when to tip. When you get lost, don't get upset. Get found. You will be better off if you cool down instead of heating your brain incorrectly. Chill, and you'll be found sooner. Dr. Travelbest’s tip #760. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36449735

Travel Planning: Ecuador 05/16/2025

Travel Planning: Ecuador Ecuador: planning Listener Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener named Pat who loves to take 40-minute walks. She does one every day. We have traveled together to Spain and have been ski buddies for over 10 years. She's a superb figure skater and loves cats. Maybe you even know my friend. Her last name is Brown, inspiring me to go to the Galapagos Islands this year. Thanks, Pat, for that encouragement. The FAQ for today is: How do you choose your outfits for weather conditions that constantly change? The answer is more straightforward than you think: It's basic colors, basic footwear, and layers, including a layer of insulated and waterproof clothing with a hat. You can also buy things along the journey, so if you don't have one now, you can get one later. What brings you more confidence? Is it knowing where you are going to sleep tonight? Is it knowing the language? Is it knowing you don't have to worry about anything? Let me know your thoughts. If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper—the link is in the description." See Book A for addressing all of these items. Destination Deep‑Dive Where am I headed? Ecuador Here's a personalized travel itinerary for your Ecuador and Galápagos trip, tailored for a solo female traveler who loves the ocean and beach swimming. It includes suggestions for activities, safety tips, and recommended accommodations. 📍 Quito Day 1 – Arrival in Quito Arrival: Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Casa Gardenia – The Boutique is in the historic center, a safe and walkable area. Budget option: Community Hostel Quito – Great for solo travelers, safe and sociable. Afternoon: Explore Quito's Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site): La Ronda, Plaza Grande, and San Francisco Church Evening: Dinner at Casa Gangotena Rooftop for views of colonial Quito Day 2 – Day Trip Option 1: Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo) and Intiñan Museum Option 2: TelefériQo Cable Car + short hike (go in the morning for clear skies) Evening: Pack and rest for early Galápagos flight 🐢 Galápagos Islands Flight: Early flight from Quito to Baltra Island (GPS), transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island Day 3 – Arrival and Beach Time Stay in Puerto Ayora: Mid-range: Hotel Fiesta Galápagos Budget-friendly: Hostal Gardner Galápagos Activity: Visit Tortuga Bay – a white sand beach suitable for swimming and kayaking (walk in or take a water taxi) Day 4 – Santa Cruz Exploration Morning: Visit Charles Darwin Research Station Afternoon: Swim/snorkel at Las Grietas (lava rock canyon) Evening: Enjoy seafood at La Garrapata or Il Giardino. Day 5 – Day Tour (Don't Miss!) Recommended Day Tour: Bartolomé Island (book ahead) Stunning views, snorkeling with sea lions, penguins, and tropical fish Tour provider recommendation: Galápagos Dreams Adventures or Nature Galápagos & Ecuador Day 6 – Another Island or Beach Day Option 1: Day trip to Isabela Island – visit flamingo lagoon, snorkel at Concha de Perla (more extended travel) Option 2: Playa El Garrapatero – quieter beach, ideal for relaxing and birdwatching 🛫 Return to Quito Day 7 – Quito City & Shopping Return flight from Baltra to Quito Hotel: Return to Hotel Casa Gardenia or Hostal El Arupo in La Mariscal Visit the La Floresta neighborhood – artsy, cafés, and murals. Shop for souvenirs at Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal Day 8 – Final Explorations & Departure Relax at Parque La Carolina or visit Museo del Banco Central Depart Quito 🌟 Don't Miss Highlights Tortuga Bay: Perfect for swimming and kayaking Bartolomé Island: Once-in-a-lifetime views and marine life Las Grietas: Safe, unique swim/snorkel spot Mitad del Mundo: Fun and educational photo stop ✅ Tips for Solo Female Travelers Stick to well-reviewed hostels or boutique hotels Use airport and hotel transfers through your accommodation when possible. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your snorkel gear if possible. Don't swim alone at isolated beaches—join a small group tour.s Smart Move and Slip up pairings Keep digital copies of travel documents and insurance. Don't forget to keep your passwords protected, too. If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper · Step out of your comfort zone · Enjoy your life · Innovate and explore · Self-Actualization · Pleasure · Emotional experience · Face your fear of going alone. It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn. Maybe that's enlightenment enough – to know there is no final resting place of the mind, no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom, at least for me, means realizing how small I am and unwise and how far I have yet to go. (Anthony Bourdain, travel expert) If you are looking for more solo female resources, you can find several tips and ways to navigate the pitfalls with Journey Woman or other great resources. The away mantra is to go and find peace where you rest and bring good to others. You can travel solo and never be alone. Dr. Travelbest. /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36449630

Travel Planning: Colombia 05/09/2025

Travel Planning: Colombia Travel Planning: Part 1 Colombia In this episode: Where an I heading series: Part 1 Today’s Mistake- avoiding potholes and buying new tires Travel Advice: Safety and security tip FAQ: How do you use SERVAS? I use Servas International to help me plan my trips. You sign up on the website, and a representative will contact you and interview you. They will make sure you are a real person and check references. Then, you get a Letter of Engagement, and you can contact hosts and day hosts. Today’s destination: Planning my trip to Colombia Friends to meet in Bogota. Peace Servas Secretary Colombia. She said YES! Reach out to her with my dates and any needs. I am friends with Fanny Vico. Flights: Given your preference for flying over driving, consider booking internal flights between major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. Airlines such as Avianca and LATAM offer frequent domestic routes. Accommodation: Opt for reputable hostels or budget hotels in safe neighborhoods. For instance, Selina offers locations in Bogotá's La Candelaria and Cartagena's Getsemaní, both known for their vibrant culture and relative safety. . 📍 Bogotá La Candelaria: Explore this historic district with its colonial architecture, museums, and street art. Gold Museum (Museo del Oro): Home to an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts. Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: Consider a guided tour to this unique underground cathedral carved within a salt mine. 2 days in : Cartagena Walled City: Stroll through the historic center with its colonial buildings, plazas, and cafes. Getsemaní: Experience the local art scene and vibrant nightlife in this bohemian neighborhood. Rosario Islands: Consider a boat tour to these nearby islands for a relaxing beach day. 3 days in Medellín Comuna 13: Join a guided tour to learn about the neighborhood's transformation and vibrant street art. El Peñol and Guatapé: Take a day trip to climb El Peñol for panoramic views and explore the colorful town of Guatapé . Pueblito Paisa: Visit this replica of a traditional Antioquian town for cultural insights and city views. Mid-episode promo: Where are you going? Let me know if I helped you travel. The show notes have ways to connect. Connect with Dr. Travelbest Colombia Tips for Solo Travelers Stay in centrally located accommodations like the Downtown or Historic areas 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- Potholes. When I’m driving, it’s hard to dodge potholes. I need to make sure that I drive on roads that are less like crater forests and more like smooth roads. I had to buy four new tires this week, and I think some of the damage was from potholes. Here’s some driving tips for you to get more from your tires. Assume every unexplained shadow could be a pothole, give yourself options by slowing and spacing out, and keep your tires healthy enough to bail you out when surprise strikes. A little skepticism goes a long way toward smoother, cheaper journeys. Today’s Travel Advice-Safety Tip: Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing. Connect with Dr Travelbest email: /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36449410

Boulder, CO 05/02/2025

Boulder, CO Boulder, Colorado FAQ: Isn’t it awkward to eat alone? Step 1 question Destination episode: Boulder, CO. Lesson Learned: Got on the wrong train line. Travel Tip: Screenshot your map before leaving Wifi FAQ Response to Isn’t it awkward to eat alone? Yes, it is the first few times. No doubt. But it gets easier with every time you do it. Soon, you’ll just walk in a restaurant and not even think about it. I can relate to the woman who has never done it, because I remember my first time. I was scared. I told the hostess: “I’ve never eaten solo in a restaurant before, so put me in the corner, ok?” She did as I wished, and then came by to check on me a couple of times. My service was good. I had only good experiences since then. And I travel around the world solo now. Episode: Boulder, Colorado My time in Boulder, Colorado, was among the best. Do you know some people consider it the Happiest Place in the USA? Look out Disneyland. Great place for relaxing, culture, and outdoorsy hiking, but not too challenging. Plus, there’s biking. U of Colorado football and basketball games. Football games at high schools and other colleges in the area. Downtown Boulder would be my first stop. Pearl Street Mall lets you stroll along the pedestrian-friendly Pearl Street Mall, known for its local shops, art galleries, and street performers. Get the feel of the town here, especially in the early evening. Local Tips Transportation: Boulder is bike-friendly, and renting a bicycle can be a convenient way to explore. The city's public transportation, including buses with names like SKIP and HOP, is also reliable. Safety: Boulder is generally considered safe for solo travelers. However, always stay aware of your surroundings, especially when exploring less populated areas. Local Culture: Boulder has a history of counter-culture movements and is known for its progressive and health-conscious residents. The community values outdoor activities, environmental sustainability, and local arts. Dining: The city offers a range of dining options, focusing on organic and locally sourced ingredients. Exploring different neighborhoods can lead to delightful culinary discoveries. Let me know what you find and I may talk about it next time on an episode and thanks. Lesson Learned: Got on the wrong train line. Travel Tip: Screenshot your map before leaving Wifi Connect with Dr. Travelbest /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36274570

Blue Zone Travel 04/25/2025

Blue Zone Travel 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 healthy lifestyle exploration with beach vacations. Mediterranean Sea: The regions of Sardinia (Italy) and Ikaria (Greece) are located in the Mediterranean Sea, which can be easily accessed by cruise ships or ferries. Cultural immersion: Visiting a Blue Zone allows travelers to experience the local culture, cuisine, and lifestyle, which are often linked to longevity. My friend Kirsty mentioned this in January, so I’ve created a list of things to do for each. You are not guaranteed to have long life, or even a good time, but visiting one or more of the zones will require different types of travel. 1. Ikaria, Greece 🇬🇷 The island where people forget to die. It’s located off Athens, in the Icarian Sea. It’s on an island not fro from Mikonos or Patmos. Hike ancient trails to tiny stone chapels and mountain villages. Soak in natural hot springs in Therma. Join a panigiri (village festival)—you’ll eat, dance, and be pulled into the local scene, no invite needed. Try the local herbal teas and Mediterranean diet, rich in greens, olive oil, and goat’s milk. 🔍 Vibe: Rustic, serene, deeply communal. Great for introspection. 2. Okinawa, Japan 🇯🇵 Land of the world’s longest-living women. I’ve been to Japan, but not yet here. 3. Sardinia, Italy 🇮🇹 Mountain life, shepherds, and centenarians galore. I’ve been to Italy, but only the boot. This island is far from the mainland. It’s mountainous and has beaches. The cities are Cagliari to the south and Alghero to the north. 4. Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica 🇨🇷 Pura Vida in every breath. 5. Loma Linda, California, USA 🇺🇸 A health-conscious bubble in SoCal. I have been here, but I never really thought about living a long life. They do have an award-winning hospital here. It's not far from Big Bear Lake and San Bernadino Riverside area near Los Angeles. Skeptical Take: Are the Blue Zones Just Hype? Not every Blue Zone is “set up” for tourism, and longevity isn’t guaranteed to rub off on you after a week. Infrastructure, language barriers, and culture gaps can pose challenges. But if you’re looking for meaningful solo travel that reframes aging, fosters deep well-being, and introduces you to life lived at a different rhythm, these places are worth the trip. Just keep your expectations grounded—and your curiosity wide open. Today’s Travel Advice- Find a blue Zone near you that’s not on the list. Perhaps you can adjust your lifestyle to make the most of your years here. Let me know if you discover another Blue Zone in your travels. Connect with Dr. Travelbest /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36274520

5 Steps to Solo Travel for the Woman on the Go: What are the 5 Steps? 04/18/2025

5 Steps to Solo Travel for the Woman on the Go: What are the 5 Steps? Are you traveling? Tell me why or why not. Need a confidence boost? Here are the 5 Steps to Solo travel, summarized and a link to the book on Amazon. Step 1: Local Solo Travel. Close to home local travel. Step 2: Domestic solo trips, familiar with the territory. Maybe cross country. Step 3: National travel with more complexity, such as Alaska or Hawaii Step 4: International travel in familiar cultures Step 5: Fully independent, adventurous international solo travel. I’ve been creating this podcast weekly since 2018. I’m on my way to helping more than 100,000 women travel solo. Are you one of us? FAQ: You asked? Where am I traveling this summer? Here is your FAQ response: I start in Colombia, then Ecuador for Galapagos, then Peru for Machu Pichu, and then Brazil for some beach life in Salvador and near Rio. I will finish in Argentina’s Iguazu Falls, then return to Sao Paulo for my Cape Town, South Africa flight. I’ll be there for several days and depart from Johannesburg to Athens, Greece. After being there for a week, I’ll explore other parts of Europe, including Poland and Scandinavia. I’ll be there for a while, and then across to travel in Canada, hopefully Halifax and PEI, before I go home 90 days later via Toronto. That’s the plan for the summer trip. I’ll be staying with families via Servas (World Peace) and at lower-budget hotels. I’ll book local activities where I can. I’ll have a small footprint and carry a pack that weighs less than 15 lbs. Lessons learned from my 90-day trip in 2023 Most of them were about the wrong direction or the wrong destination. This time, I know that I may make similar mistakes, but I hope to make fewer of them. I have a hard time with remembering which way I came in, such as a hotel room. I need to be more aware of the physical presence, and take notes in my brain about them. Today’s Travel Advice- I’m planning the trip daily now, and most of my decisions can be made from Europe. However, if I want to get a Eurail pass, I should do so before I leave the USA. I am concerned about how the world sees the USA these days. I will never be alone. I’ll always have God with me. I’ll be praying every minute, as best I can. Connect with Dr. Travelbest /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/36154835

Best of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance - Part 2 04/18/2025

Unscripted-Iceland Step 5 Travel-Final Destination 90 days Solo Female Travel 04/11/2025

Border Crossings - USA Mexico 04/04/2025

Servas Travel 03/28/2025

Servas Travel Special Episode Servas Travel Here is your FAQ: Have you done any couch surfing? My followers asked me this question. Special Episode topic: Servas travel Travel mistakes: Making the age limit in a restaurant Travel Tips: Daily schedule for exercise FAQ response: Have you done any couch surfing? My followers asked me this question. Answer: No, but I have been using SERVAS for three years as a member. I stayed in 6 homes and did a day host in one country, too. Listen here for more on that. Special episode on SERVAS I’m planning another around-the-world trip in 2025 and will contact hosts in South America, Africa, Europe, and Canada. I will email them, introduce myself, and tell them my travel dates. If they respond, we may have a match. If you happen to be a SERVAS host, please let me know. The countries where I did make great matches were the Philippines (day host), India (Kerala and Agra for 1-2 nights), Israel (Tel Aviv 2 nights), Italy (Naples 2 nights), Ireland (Dublin 2 nights), and Scotland (Glasgow, three homes, 5 nights total). The irony is that some of the Scottish hosts also hosted Dick this year. Small world. SERVAS International was founded in 1949 by Bob Luitweiler, a pacifist and peace activist. Here are some of the organization's history and how it can benefit solo women travelers. I’ll share the history, the goals, and the benefits for travelers, especially women and especially solo women. History Origins: SERVAS was established after World War II to promote peace through cross-cultural understanding and dialogue. Vision: The name "SERVAS" means "to serve" in Esperanto, reflecting its commitment to building bridges between cultures and fostering mutual respect. Global Reach: It operates in over 100 countries and territories, creating a worldwide network of travelers and hosts dedicated to peace and goodwill. Goals Promoting Peace: SERVAS encourages cultural exchange and understanding to combat prejudice and conflict. Fostering Dialogue: Hosts and travelers engage in meaningful conversations about their lives, cultures, and beliefs, promoting mutual understanding. Sustainability: The organization values eco-friendly and low-impact travel, aligning with global efforts to protect the planet. Empowering Women Travelers: SERVAS provides a safe and supportive environment for women, including solo travelers, by connecting them with verified and trustworthy hosts. Benefits for Solo Female Travelers Safe Accommodation: SERVAS connects travelers with hosts who have undergone a screening process, adding a layer of security for solo women. Cultural Immersion: Staying with local hosts allows you to experience the authentic culture of your destination, often away from tourist hubs. Cost-Effective Travel: Accommodation with SERVAS hosts is free, reducing travel expenses. Community and Connection: Emphasizing meaningful conversations provides opportunities for enriching educational experiences. Supportive Network: For solo travelers, especially women, SERVAS offers a built-in community of like-minded individuals who value safety, trust, and connection. Flexible and Global: The network spans various countries, offering unlimited travel opportunities. How SERVAS Works You must apply for SERVAS membership, which involves an interview process to ensure alignment with the organization’s values. Members receive a document that introduces them to hosts and verifies their commitment to SERVAS principles. SERVAS provides a directory of hosts in participating countries, detailing their interests, location, and availability. Travelers arrange stays with hosts in advance, typically for 1-2 nights, to encourage meaningful interaction rather than transient lodging. Tips for Using SERVAS as a Solo Woman Choose hosts with detailed profiles and positive reviews to ensure compatibility. Discuss expectations, house rules, and interests with your host before your visit via email. SERVAS is built on trust, so always trust your instincts and prioritize your safety. Keep in touch with someone back home and share your itinerary and host details. As a solo female traveler who values meaningful travel experiences and cultural exchange, SERVAS aligns perfectly with my interests. It offered me a unique way to connect with real locals, experience destinations authentically, and travel safely. The organization’s commitment to peace and sustainability adds a deeper purpose to my journeys. I would recommend this to any of our listeners Travel mistakes: Making the age limit in a restaurant Travel Tips: Daily schedule for exercise Connect with Dr. Travelbest /episode/index/show/drmarytravelbest/id/35712970

Death Valley California Part 2 of 2 03/21/2025

Death Valley California Part 1 of 2 03/16/2025

Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

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