Dr. Mary Travelbest

Destination: Newport Beach, California In this episode: Should I check my bag or carry-on? Today’s Destination is: Newport Beach Today’s Mistake- Time zone mayhem Travel Advice:  See the Sherpa travel website. FAQ: This question gets asked a lot: Should I check my luggage or carry-on? Answer: Short flights, no. Long flights, it depends on the time you are willing to wait for baggage, the size of your suitcase, if the plane has space for more bags, and personal preference. Now, personal items are allowed, but you may need to pay for your carry-on bag. Always check with the airline before you head out to the airport. You may be happy you asked. Today’s destination: Newport Beach, California Newport Beach, south of Los Angeles, is famous for its boats. The harbor has thousands of them. Balboa Peninsula has two piers, the Newport Beach Pier and Balboa Pier, plus the Balboa Fun Zone. The Orange County Museum of Art exhibits modern and contemporary pieces. The Wedge surfing...

In this episode: The FAQ is: on being single and traveling: The destination is New Zealand, North Island. The lesson learned is: losing jewelry while traveling and the tip is: be willing to pause and be safe in travel.   FAQ : Ruth asks, I will be newly single in the new year and want to do some traveling that I did not have the opportunity to do when I was married, I am excited but a little timid about solo travel. Does anyone have any tips on trips that would be a good dipping the toe in the water?   Response:   Being newly single is a great time to take a travel somewhere new. It’s ok that you’re timid at first. Some tips to dip your toe in the water will be found on Level 1 or Level 2 travel stages. Here’s some advice: Don’t wait for your trip to come to you. Find out yourself how much you like travel and just start out small, this weekend take a trip on a city bus, train or to your nearby next city you’ve never seen. Go alone. Don’t be tempted to find a friend ...

Destination: Wickenberg, Arizona In this episode: FAQ is: What are the five steps to Solo Travel?. Today’s Destination is: Wittenberg, Arizona Today’s Mistake- Forgetting my sunglasses Travel Advice:  If you are going on a cruise, consider using a travel agent.  FAQ: What are the five steps to Travel? Answer: They are steps from near to far in distance and in risk. It is a path to confidence and courage for your travel. You will improve your trip with each journey step if you are curious.  Start with accessible destinations and then more difficult ones. This guide gets you safely there and back home with a new confidence level. You’ll be ready for the next step in the next trip.   Today’s destination: Wickenburg, Arizona   Team roping capital of the world. What is team roping? One guy gets the head and the other the heel. Four arenas here, and anyone can watch.  Cowboys roping steers starts at the end of April and ends in April, except for some...

Special Title: San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks Part 2 of 2   Today’s Special issue is on :  San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks Part 2 Today’s Mistake- Bodysurfing when the waves are too strong.  In this episode: FAQ Destination: Part 2 of 2 San Diego Zoo and Safari Park San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks is a conservation organization under the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and is a Step 1 or Step 2 destination. The Wildlife Alliance is trying to create A world where all life thrives. They have two front doors. In this episode, we focus on the Safari Park, formerly known as the Wild Animal Park. https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/ https://sdzsafaripark.org/tickets Ambassadors are all around. Saving, protecting and preserving all around the world.  Safari Park in Escondido, CA has been my favorite animal enclosure for decades. It’s nestled in the San Pasqual Valley, north of San Diego by 30 miles and is part of the San Diego Wildlife Alliance. It’s a bit o...

In this episode: The FAQ is: How do those from other nations view American travelers? The destination is New Zealand, South Island. The lesson learned is: getting ripped of while traveling. and the tip is to listen to other podcasts about travel, besides this one from Dr Mary Travelbest, of course.    FAQ : How do others view American travelers?   The answer is a bit uncomfortable to even ask but realistic. To those in foreign countries, they may look at Americans in a negative light, mostly because they only know what they see in the news media. America has the “World Series” in baseball, but it’s all teams from the USA and Canada. Being the greatest nation in the world may not serve the needs of people in other countries, so remember that you are a representative of your home nation, wherever you go. Overall, New Zealand was one country that really liked American travelers. https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/09/15/us-image-plummets-internationally-as-most-sa...

Special Title: San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks Wildlife Alliance Part 1 of 2   In this episode:  The FAQ is: What is your purpose for traveling? Today’s Special episode:  San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Part 1 Today’s Mistake- Time zone mayhem Travel Advice:  Prioritize Flexibility   In this episode: FAQ What is your purpose for travel? Answer: My purpose for traveling and especially solo travel, is to reach into places that may not be the most populated and to connect with women where they are to help bridge the culture gap. World peace is the ultimate goal for seeing this through. If I can reach 1,000,000 women and help 1000 of them travel solo, that is my specific goal next year! I’ll be asking if and how I helped you. Destination: Part 1 of 2 San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks is now the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance The Wildlife Alliance is trying to create a world where all life thrives. They have two front doors. In this episode, we focus on t...

  Best of the Outback, Ayers Rock, Australia       In this episode: The FAQ is on how to use packing cubes. The destination is the Outback and Ayers Rock, Australia. The lesson learned is Don’t give up too easily. The tip is We May Never Pass This way Again, by Seals & Crofts, back from the memory banks.   FAQ: What are the advantages of Packing Organizers or travel compression bags? How can I pack a suitcase best using cubes?  The best way to pack a smaller suitcase, that is one you want to carry on, is using cubes. Many airlines limit your size of carry on, so find out the exact dimensions and get a suitcase small enough to bring. The advantages are efficiency, saving space, keeping clothes clean and dry and prevent you from overpacking. The cubes are zippered fabric containers, which fit into small spaces so that you are not only more organized, you can bring more. I use four cubes, and they are rectangular in shape, lightweight and have s...

   FAQ is: How do you stay healthy when on the road?   Today’s Destination is: New Hampshire Today’s Mistake- The city was closed. Travel Advice:  Culture rules for solo travelers   how your travels have changed you. You mention some things: treating flight attendants and fellow travelers kindly, what is the appropriate length for pants, how to behave in public baths. What else? How about things like how your priorities have changed , how you are more daring and how more careful. How you roll with the punches when you get a rash or forget something. How you are very willing to try certain foods, but not turtle blood. Consider including more introspection. It doesn't have to be lengthy, but it's something I would like to read about. And if you decide to do this, do it in the same place for each destination.    FAQ: How do you stay healthy when on the road? Do you have any tips?   Answer: Get your immunizations for travel prior to...

This is a "Best of" from 2021 featuring Costa Rica travels of Dr Mary Travelbest. Did you enjoy it? Leave a review and tell a friend. Subscribe and don't miss the next episode. Check out this episode!

In this episode, the FAQ is: If I am a Step 2 traveler, how do I reach Step 3? Today’s Destination is: Banff, Canada Today’s Mistake- I rented a hotel room in Alaska without A/C Travel Advice:  Stoke your wanderlust   FAQ: If I am a Step 2 traveler, how do I reach Step 3?   Step 2 is for traveling in your same country and in a comfort zone that is familiar. Getting over that level takes some adventure. Ask yourself if you’re ready to see more diverse experiences now. Are you ready to make a move to a distant land, such as Hawaii, Alaska, or the Bahamas?  Get a travel guidebook and start researching the area for clues on how to get there, what to do and how to prepare. Then talk to people you know who have been there. Ask them questions about what they liked. Be curious. Eventually,  you will have the courage and the savings to make the trip and enjoy the higher step to a more difficult and rewarding adventure. Today’s destination: Banff, Canada ...

In this episode: FAQ is: Need services for handicapped? Where can you go for information?   Today’s Destination is: Monarch Dunes and Paso Robles Wineries, CA Today’s Mistake- Trusting the first person you ask for directions Travel Advice:  Visit your local zoo or park and get some outdoor fun.  FAQ: Need services for handicapped? Where can you go for information?   Answer: We talk about ability-travel here often, so listen if you want to know more. I have a friend named Kathryn who is traveling the world now, when she can, and doesn’t let her handicaps keep her from going. She works full time as a teacher, and travels weekends and holidays. She went on a summer trip to Australia and New Zealand and we spoke while she was there.   She says there are plenty of services available to those with a lack of ability, and to seek help when you need it. The best advice is to try to stick to a morning routine, as much as possible.    Here’s a few ...

Welcome to Dr Travelbest and a Train Travel Special episode. In this episode:  FAQ: What’s the difference between travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage? Today’s Special TOPIC: Train travel Today’s Mistake- Not sleeping on the plane to Europe and jet lag Travel Advice:  Tips on train travel FAQ: What’s the difference between travel medical insurance and emergency medical evacuation coverage? Answer:  Travel medical insurance This is important coverage for Step 3, 4, and 5 travelers going abroad, where your U.S. health plan may have limited glocal coverage or no coverage. Travel medical insurance usually pays for ambulance service, doctor and hospital bills and other medical expenses during your trip. You can find generous coverage limits of up to $500,000 per person, but depending on your trip you may not need that level of coverage. This can add up. I recently broke my wrist in a city where I don’t have coverage, and my insurance i...

You are listening to Dr Mary Travelbest guide. Here are the show notes. In this episode: FAQ is:  How can I travel solo while I am still in a “group”?  Today’s Destination is: Sedona, AZ Today’s Mistake- Bought the wrong ticket online Travel Advice:  Gas up when half full.   FAQ: How can I travel solo while I am still in a “group”?    Answer: Before or after your group trip, plan some solo time, for just you. That way, when you do get to the arranged activities, you will be ready and prepared. Some people like to warm up by going with just one friend, before they join the group. That’s ok, too.   After your group tour, you may want to have a few days in the same region to purposefully explore other options, and see things that were left off the tour. Tourguides generally only show you the best parts of the region. To really experience, you need some solo trip time, too.   Today’s destination: Sedona, Arizona   Sedona, Arizona a...

Connect with Dr Travelbest Drmarytravelbest.com Dr. Mary Travelbest Twitter Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram email: info@drmarytravelbest.com Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok In this episode: FAQ is :  Yuli asked, Where can I travel pretty far and well on a smaller budget? Today’s Destination is: Philadelphia Today’s Mistake- Getting in the wrong line Travel Advice:  Let’s both win through travel.   FAQ: Where can I travel pretty far and well on a smaller budget?   Answer:   Traveling a long distance should not be the end goal, but if you are looking for a Step 5 travel experience, here’s an idea good for a smaller budget. You can see a lot in Thailand on a shoestring budget. It’s got plenty of airlines serving the country plus you can get around in the main cities via public transportation. So consider going here for your next trip. It is a tropical...

Welcome, you belong here. In this episode: FAQ is: How do I visit my family members in the military?  Today’s Destination is: Sunnyvale, CA Today’s Mistake- Losing my airline rewards Travel Advice:  Join my clubhouse rooms for travel tips   FAQ: Nadia asked, How do I visit my family members in the military? My son is graduating from military training and I want to see him in Korea. Are there any discounts I can tap into for travel?   Answer:  Depending on the training center location, and security screening you may be able to visit him. When you do visit, you may want to check out some of the military benefits and see if they apply to family members, such as shopping in the commisary or other attractions.  It’s possible that you can ask the airlines for assistance in this, because they have likely had this question answered also. This question was from a recent clubhouse room. I’ll mention Clubhouse at the end of the podcast again. Today’s des...