Dr. Mary Travelbest

Krakow .  Welcome back to the  Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences.   Today, we will discuss Krakow, Poland, and when to admit you are not ready for a trip. We will discuss passports and then my travel mistakes. Get ready now, as we are starting.   The FAQ is:  Marcia, who recently returned from a solo trip to Antarctica, asked: “At what point does a destination become a bad match for my solo senior travel — and how do I admit that early?”    Answer: I emphasize empowerment. I permit you to change course, leave early, or say “this isn’t for me” without framing it as failure. A destination isn’t “wrong” because it challenges you — but it is wrong if it consistently drains your energy, confidence, or sense of safety. If you find yourself constantly anxious, overly fatigued, or forcing yourself to “push throu...

Today's Episode is about Gdansk, Poland The FAQ is: Why visit Poland? Answer: Poland is one of the places that Chicagoans love to talk about. It’s home to many people of Polish descent.   If you enjoyed today’s Confidence Challenge on your essential documents, my book series  Find it on the website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Gdansk, Poland   https://www.ricksteves.com/europe/poland/gdansk   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OMkHw3WDNiY     Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest on YouTube In the news   Check out this episode!

Today, we'll talk about Bergen, Norway. The FAQ is:  Julie asked: How can I pack for several seasons in the same small pack? Answer: It’s going to be a challenge if you are moving to different zones in your trip. When I was in South Africa in June, the winter weather was a challenge, as there was no heat in the homes where I stayed. I used hot water bottles in bed at night. I also wore all of my clothes. A week later, I was in Greece and gave away the warm clothes to a new friend from England. She was a South Korean, grateful. You can experiment with what you need right away and then buy additional items later on, as I did.  Also, consider shipping a package with your warmer clothes to your destination.  If you need more professional clothing, you can check your bag on the plane, but I rarely do so because of the cost and the time you have to wait at the airport. 60-second confidence challenge Your challenge today Confidence Challenge in Bergen: The biggest cha...

This podcast series helped launch the now famous book series, Five Steps to Solo Travel . Now you are able to listen to one of the eariest versions of the show, and it's still relevant today. This episode takes you to Baja, Mexico . You will learn to drive to Ensenada, the Valle de Guadalupe and other destinations. Find your confidence through the FAQ's and also my mistakes and errors, so you won't make the same ones.  This is snackable, without any filters, just a great listen for you now.  Follow Dr. Travelbest here on your favorite channel, on TikTok, on IG and FB. We have an engaged audience of folks like you, who want to go places. This was episode #2 and now I am on episode 340 . I would love the feedback and your reviews. They mean a lot to me, so go ahead now. In advance, I am sending thanks. Check out this episode!

  FAQ:” Let’s quickly address how to pack for South America. If you are in the winter, it's summer, so you don’t need many clothes; pack light. I only took a personal item, but I had to wash it often, and I had only one pair of sneakers. No laptop. It helped me travel quickly and efficiently on planes, trains, and buses. In their winter, our summer, you should have many layers and a raincoat. I was able to buy what I needed or forgot while I was there, and the dollar was strong. On my first trip to South America, about 30 years ago, I went skiing in Chile, and I had to bring everything with me; I needed it all. If you are planning a snowy destination, be prepared. You can also buy it after you arrive, for the most part, should you forget something important.   60-second confidence challenge   If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into health and sickness while traveling solo—link in description.”  See Book A, for addressing thi...

This is Dr. Mary Travelbest, and we'll be talking about Niagara Falls, Canada. See Book A for guidance on saving money on airline tickets and more. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: “A Day at Niagara Falls – Solo, Soaked & Spectacular” Today, we're diving into the thundering wonder that is Niagara Falls, from a solo female traveler’s lens — and yes, I got a little wet. On the Road to the Falls I took the FlixBus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The ride is scenic and comfortable, even with a bit of drama—my Toronto Metro train broke down this morning. I had to get off and wait for a new train, adding 10 minutes of stress, but I made it to Union Station with 10 minutes to spare. Assigned seats on the FlixBus? Yes, but only six of us are aboard. Arrival and First Impressions Niagara Falls is hot, humid, and packed with tourists, but the moment you see those Horseshoe Falls, it’s all worth it. There are three waterfalls here: Horseshoe, American, and Bridal V...