Dr. Mary Travelbest

This photo is from the Art Institute of Chicago, found on the southern side of the loop. Destination: South Side Chicago In this episode: FAQ is: Is it wrong for me to hate airports? . Today’s Destination is: South Side Chicago Today’s Mistake- Stranded in Dallas 3 days Travel Advice: Go with public transportation FAQ: Is it wrong for me to hate airports? I have to go there to pick up my grandkids but going to the airport is not fun. Answer: If you look at this as a chore, you’ll not enjoy the experience. I agree that airports can be a challenge. I think that you can shift your thinking and get that frown turned around with some attitude planning. Consider that you will be seeing your grandkids for the first time in a while and how excited they will be to see you makes this a fun trip and experience. You will change the world when you change your attitude. Today’s destination: South Side Chicago I live in the northwest suburbs of Chicago for ten years, and rarely visited the...

Show Notes Destination: Pyrenees France How to avoid those pickpockets? Answer: My friend Nicole, originally from France, now in Brooklyn gave this advice. Don’t stand next to the door on the subway or put your wallet in pants back pocket. There are teams that know how to work the subway car, so save your wallet and phone from pickpockets. Be aware and use a hidden wallet for your valuables. Here are a three tips: 1. Stay away from the heavily tourist areas and surrounding streets. Usually there is more than one person. One distracts you, the other empties your pockets. Jostling on crowded buses and metro. 2. No dark empty streets, ok? 3. Keep your money out of sight. Don’t wear expensive jewelry or clothing that will attract them. https://www.lonelyplanet.com/spain/madrid/narratives/practical-information/directory/dangers-annoyances Today’s destination: Pyrenees, France The region between Spain and France may not be on everyone’s short travel list, but you may want to consid...

Show Notes Destination: USS Midway Museum In this episode: FAQ is: How can I lighten my suitcase? . Today’s Destination is: Midway Museum Today’s Mistake- Forgetting my passport Travel Advice: Journal in your phone FAQ: How can I lighten my suitcase? It’s just so heavy and I wish it was not. Answer: Todays luggage choices are so diverse that you can get around with a lighter bag and less stuff. Start out by determining the purpose of your trip. Are you on a solo adventure or a guided tour? Are you combining two outings into one trip? There are ways to lighten the load. Consider that you may not need to bring a laptop, only a tablet or phone. That will save you time and stress. If you can pick one color clothing and keep the outfits to a minimum, you can pack fewer clothes, and focus on accessories. If you carry a book, re-consider how you can read from your device instead of the paper version. What weighs a lot should be removed. If you need to, ship your heavier items to yo...

Show Notes Dallas, Texas Airports In this episode: FAQ is: How can I travel better? I think that travel has a lot of glamour, but I don’t find that to be accurate when I am on the road. What can I do to improve my journey? . Today’s Destination is Dallas Texas airports Today’s Mistake- Leaving a sweater on the plane Travel Advice: Read the book: Wild FAQ: How can I travel better? I think that travel has a lot of glamour, but I don’t find that to be accurate when I am on the road. What can I do to improve my journey? Answer: Dr Travel BEST, that’s me is more than better. Travel used to be very glamourous. People used to dress up for the airplane, and it was an exclusive privilege of sorts. Now, some airlines feel more like busses than planes. The idea of travel during covid has turned a lot of people away from travel. If you are listening to this, you may be considering a trip and navigating the new rules of trave is on your mind. Take steps 1-5 in your travel planning. Start out...

Dr. Mary Travelbest’s Travel Guide to Alaska Fishing FAQ: How can I feel safe when I travel to a new place? I get an uneasy feeling when I visit somewhere I’ve never been before. Answer: Feeling safe and protected is part of why I have this podcast for independent travelers, and especially women who travel or want to travel. I researched through a survey of the listeners, and this is what you are most concerned about. The levels or steps of travel is what you should consider before you set out and it is part of your planning process. That is, you start at the first level of travel and work toward higher levels. Level one is for beginners and if that’s you, start there. Expect to practice and get more experience at the level where you are before you step into the next stage of travel. If you don’t feel safe, your trip won’t be what you expect, so follow good guidance and prepare ahead of time. Every trip will be different, so getting the experience before you travel and knowing th...

Show Notes: Special Episode for Independent Travel on Weather In this episode: The FAQ is where to stay in New York City? Today’s Episode is: Independent travel and the weather Today’s Mistake- Global Entry card has a typo Today’s Travel Advice- Store your luggage at a hotel FAQ: Where should I stay in New York City? I’m going for my first time, and have no idea of where I want to be when I’m there. I want to be close to most things if possible. My second question: Is it expensive to go from Hoboken to Times Square via Taxi? Answer: That really depends on the kind of trip you plan, but here are a few ideas that I have gathered on this subject. Based on your question, I think you may want to stay in mid-town, where you can get on the subway and head in either direction in about 15 or 20 minutes. Most of the main subway stations also switch in midtown, so you can transfer. The answer to Question 2, the Hoboken to Times Square is: You can spend as little as a dollar or as much ...

Dr Travelbest helps women with independent travel. Give a listen and enjoy the destination. In this episode: FAQ is: How to organize my meds when I travel? Destination: Coachella Valley, CA Mistake- Cell Service is blocked by mountains. Get coverage. Tip: Sleep during the heat of day. Sun Rash can go south fast The Bonus media is a drive through the Badlands of South Dakota. Check out this episode!