Dr. Mary Travelbest

Special Edition: London, England Airports   In this episode, the FAQ is: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025?   Today’s Destination is: London Airports   Today’s Misstep- Wearing the wrong shoes   Travel Advice: When buying an airline ticket, pause.   FAQ: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Expect more opportunities for local immersion, where you can experience the daily life of local communities through homestays, service projects, and interactive cultural programs for seniors. Solo female travel is on the rise, with women comprising 71% of solo travelers. Many travel companies now offer solo-friendly options, such as cruises without single supplements and women-only trips to destinations like Saudi Arabia, where my parents almost moved in 1980, when it was very different for women. Decision Fatigue The solo traveler is solely responsible for all decisions, from choosing accommodations and dining spots to ...

Delhi, India Part 2 In this episode, your FAQ is: Safety in India for solo travelers Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India. Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Cellphone issues that were my fault and more Travel Advice: Safety tips for travel in Delhi. FAQ: Let’s talk about safety in India. My friend Kathryn is going to Delhi and is worried about being a solo woman. Can I talk to her about what she can expect? The short answer is that Kathryn is already back home, and she had a great trip, but she was nervous and needed confirmation that all would be well. Today’s destination: Delhi, India Part 2 One of the best parts of India…and Aero City Let’s discuss a region of Delhi called Aero City.  It’s really close, just minutes from the airport. Indira Gandhi International Airport, that is. It’s well connected to the rest of the city through the Airport Metro Line. And you can get to places in the center of Delhi, like Connaught Place, in about 25 minutes. Aerocity is a top priority for ...

Dehli, India Part 1   In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going?    Today’s Destination is: Dehli, India   Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus   Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions   FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast:   Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. for more local alerts, sign up for location-based apps on Google Weather or MyRadar.  Look for seasonal patterns that are already known. Goa, India has monsoons from June to September. Wind and rain forecasts like windy.com will tell you the wind and wave conditions, especially to help with beach plans. Check for Cyclone Warnings in places like coastal India.   Answer: Reliable Weather Apps and Websites: For accurate forecasts, use apps like...

Phu Quok, Vietnam   In this episode, the FAQ is: What’s the best water bottle for travel? Today’s Destination is: Phu Quoc, Vietnam Today’s Misstep- I Booked a room under construction and How I upgraded. Travel Advice: Take a small risk, not always a big one in Vietnam FAQ: What’s the best water bottle for travel? The top 10 water bottles for a solo senior female traveler will be on this list, including price, from the least to most expensive in the show notes. They range from $11 to $90. Vapur Anti-Bottle Collapsible Water Bottle - $11–$14 Nalgene Tritan Wide Mouth BPA-Free Water Bottle - $12–$15 CamelBak Eddy+ Water Bottle - $14–$18 Brita Premium Filtering Water Bottle - $19–$25 Collapsible Nomader Water Bottle - $25–$30 Hydro Flask Standard Mouth Water Bottle - $32–$45 S'well Stainless Steel Water Bottle - $35–$45 Klean Kanteen Insulated Classic Water Bottle - $30–$40 LifeStraw Go Water Filter Bottle - $39.95 GRAYL Geopress Purifier - $89.95 Top rated 3 are: ...

Today’s Destination is: Edinburgh, Scotland   Today’s Misstep- Too much of a good thing   Travel Advice: Eat early, rest early   FAQ: How do I remember to stretch while on the road?   Answer: Tips for Remembering to Stretch: Set Phone Reminders: Schedule gentle reminders on your phone for morning and evening stretches. This way, it’s a built-in routine, just like brushing your teeth. Tie it to Daily Activities: Stretch after sitting for long periods, like after a meal or a bus/train ride. This helps to break up stiffness and becomes part of your rhythm. Use Cues in Your Environment: Place visual cues like a stretchy band or even a scarf in plain sight to remind you to stretch or exercise. Wind Down with Evening Stretches: A simple stretching routine before bed helps with relaxation and keeps you consistent.   Today’s destination: Edinburgh, Scotland, It’s got to be one of the favorite places in Europe for great walkable cities. There are...

Today’s Destination is Coventry, England Today’s Misstep- Manila Airport was a disaster Travel Advice: Bring the thing you usually forget   FAQ: What are some simple exercises for travelers, especially solo females in their prime? Here are five I recommend: Walking: Aim for a daily walk to explore your surroundings. It's an easy way to keep your body moving and enjoy the local sights. Leg and Ankle Stretches: Sitting stretches are perfect for waiting in lines or resting. Flex and extend your ankles, or gently lift and lower your legs. Back and Shoulderstretches: Do these to prevent hunching over bags or phones. Raise your arms and clasp your hands above your head, then lean side to side. Wall Push-Ups: Quick and easy in a hotel room, these push-ups are great for keeping your upper body toned. Balance Exercises: Practicing standing on one foot helps with stability and balance and is useful for navigating uneven terrain. Adding small moments of movement througho...