Skip to main content

Posts

Oslo, Norway Part 1 of 2

Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Oslo Part 1 Welcome back to the  Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I had my second solo  90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is from Amara, who wants to travel more. She asked: How can I plan a trip like you do, Dr. Travelbest? Would I love to take some of the trips you have been on? I’m not sure where to start. I hear a lot from YOU, but how do I do it? Answer: Getting started is like this. Take small trips until you build up your travel muscles. I met a woman yesterday named Teresa who said she needs to read my books and here’s why.. She’s a single woman in her 70s and relies on her grown children for travel assistance. But they don’t always want to go on the same trips as mom. So Teresa needs to manage her travel. I also think she needs to organize her phone apps so she can find the ones she needs quickly. If this is you, stick around. So...
Post a Comment
Read more
Recent posts

Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin episode   I’ve been traveling solo since 1972. Now you can experience for yourself the Best Selling Book Series: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, A Woman’s Guide to Travel and Destinations in Her Prime, a book series found on Amazon. Please rate this podcast and the book!     The FAQ is “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or suddenly can’t continue my trip alone?”   Today’s Mistake- Staying in a destination too long because leaving feels like failure Travel Advice:  Organize your apps FAQ: “What’s my plan if I get sick, injured, or suddenly can’t continue my trip alone?” You talk confidence and preparation, but many women want a realistic breakdown of escalation: minor illness vs. hospital vs. trip-ending events, and who steps in when independence temporarily fails.   Answer: As a solo senior traveler, confidence doesn’t mean pretending nothing will go wrong. It means knowing exactly what you’ll do if it does. Before every tri...
Post a Comment
Read more

Krakow, Poland and Selecting Accomodations

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Gdansk, Poland and Why Travel to Poland?

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!
Post a Comment
Read more

Bergen, Norway and solo travel in your prime

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...
Post a Comment
Read more

Best of Mexico (From the Archives)

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!
Post a Comment
Read more

Quito, Ecuador and packing for South America

  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...
Post a Comment
Read more