Skip to main content

Michigan


Independent Travel Show Notes: Michigan

Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s Independent Travel Guide. This is for women who travel, who want to travel, and especially for those who want to travel independently.

In this episode: FAQ When is the best time to plan a trip? Destination: Michigan, Mistake: spinning around off the highway on ice, and tip on making copies of your passport.

FAQ- When is the best time to plan a trip?
I like to plan my trip on the way home from the last one. It just makes sense when you can do that. You’ve got that last bit of energy and excitement from where you’ve just been. Take a few minutes to put together a plan, and then start researching why you’d want to go there and when. From there, it’s up to you on getting the plan moving forward. You don’t always need someone to plan with you. You can just plan your own trip, you  know! It will be fun once you get going and start believing that you’re really going.


Today’s Independent Destination- Michigan

Lake Michigan is a paradise, especially in the summer.
Places to remember forever, like the dunes, sand dunes, sailing and Macinac Island.
You can visit the island, stay at the Victorian Grand Hotel, like from the movie, Somewhere in Time and imagine you are on the front porch with Christopher Reeve. https://www.grandhotel.com/about-grand-hotel/somewhere-in-time/
The island has only 500 residents year round, but plenty of travelers in the summer. Almost no cars on the island, which is mostly a nature preserve.

 the motor city has a lot of great things to explore. I remember visiting the Renaissance Center https://gmrencen.com/   when it first opened. Seven interconnected buildings. Free tours most days. GM is headquartered here.

It’s motor city, where cars are really the stars. The auto shows are exceptional. It’s also Motown City, with great music. Last year, I went through Detroit’s airport and found it to be really easy to get around, too. Walking through the tunnels was a very colorful experience. Murals moved and so did I!
Windsor, Canada is right across the border, and yes you can cross easily, for free.
Skiing is great in Michigan if you happen to be there in winter, but be sure you’re protected from the elements.
Fall colors are so special here, with plenty of views.
Living in Chicago, I visited Michigan often. It’s not too far of a drive, and the people in Michigan are really very lovely to know. There’s a lot to do from Manistee in the north, to Grand Rapids, down further south.
Traverse City, one of the most resort-like towns is great to vacation in the summer. I’ve been there in the winter, too, and it’s much different. The skiing is not too bad at Iron Mountain, in the UP.
If in Flint, don’t drink the water.
U of M Ann Arbor has some great football games, or just visit the university and say “GO BLUE”

Today’s Mistake-

We got stuck in the middle of the road in Indiana in a snowstorm, twisted around and helpless. It was scary as we did not know how we would get out. I think we eventually got a tow and then stayed in a lousy motel that night nearby.
Thanksgiving Vacation. Listening to “miracles” song by Jefferson Starship
Maribeth Meersman, Maureen Dowdle and right off highway 70.
It was a miracle that we were safe and drove out of there. Don’t drive on ice.

Today’s Travel Advice-

Make copies of your travel documents, especially your passport and your credit cards. What would happen if you lose these? So don’t make the mistake of being lost with no resources. Leave one set of copies home and bring the other one with you, as a picture on your phone.

Leave a Review:
Did you like this episode? Please leave an honest with your feedback! Also, please subscribe to the podcast on iTunes, to get notified when a new episode gets released. I appreciate your listening to this week’s show. And tune in next week for another great show.
Connect with Mary Beth:


Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Northwest suburbs, Chicago

https://www.amazon.com/Steps-Solo-Travel-womans-travel/dp/0963918737 Buy the book today on Amazon. In this episode: The FAQ is: What are some good travel questions to ask other travelers? Today’s Destination: Northwest Suburbs, Chicago Today’s Mistake:  Getting stuck under the Coronado Bay Bridge Travel Advice:  Record your travel stories The FAQ is:.What are some good travel questions to ask other Travelers?  I really like this question. People always ask me what was your favorite trip so far? And I usually answer them about my last trip for my next trip. But there are many other questions that could be asked.    Destination:  Northwest suburbs, Chicago For outdoor art, athenaeum-international-sculpture park, in Schaumburg. https://www.chicagonorthwest.com/listing/chicago-athenaeum-international-sculpture-park/1383/   If you want to go exploring in the woods I would recommend Busse Woods, in Rolling Meadows, for Fishing and boating and for their nature center. https:

Guest Post: Lizandra Jimenez Rodriguez

I want to travel independently, does that makes sense? Written by: Lizandra Jimenez Rodriguez When traveling becomes a great passion, you usually keep a bucket list framed at your desk or in the lock screen of your phone. You never stop planning or deciding when, where, and how to get to the next place. There are tons of ways to travel, however, independent travel has been always a popular one for those seeking adventure, exploring on their own, or simply trying to get away from the traditional and superficial (for some) tourist routine. A myth we need to forget is that independent travel is not all about backpacking in Europe or climbing the Everest; in fact, it can be done in many ways including different levels of budget and luxury. Also, independent travel can be done solo or with an affinity group with a particularly crafted itinerary. This makes it very different from escorted traveling of course. Companies have understood how escorted traveling is not for everyone and to

Special Episode: Hotels in Del Mar, CA

Special Episode: Hotels in Del Mar, CA   Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide, for women like you who need extra support traveling (slowly) one woman at a time. Please share this podcast with your mom, aunts, and friends. I appreciate your feedback.   I’ve returned from a 90-day trip around the globe to every time zone on the planet. My mission is world peace through cultural exchange. I was sustainable when I could by using local transportation, buses, and trains. I was solo, carrying a small backpack, called a “personal item” that fit under the seat in front of me on a plane.   In this episode, FAQ is : Where was your next favorite place on your 90-day trip? . Today’s Destination is: Special Episode: Hotels in Del Mar Today’s Mistake- I booked a hotel that was really a hostel in Manila Travel Advice: Book at the source when you can and pay less plus control more.   FAQ: Where was your next favorite place on your 90-day trip?   Answe