Dr. Mary Travelbest

Travel best Special Episode on Sustainable Travel This is Dr. Travelbest   Think in years… If you think you’ll live to be 120, you will take better care of the planet. You will take better care of your friendships and your health, too.   Even if you don’t live to 120, what’s the harm? I care about being energy aware when I fly and conserving resources. Flying Atlanta to Seattle to San Diego was a waste of many resources, but that was the routing on Alaska Airlines. They have since changed it, but I flew this route several times.   Dr Travelbest’s Episode #103 was on Climate Change and travel, and now, at episode #250, it’s time to revisit this. World peace is the goal, and getting there sustainably will help us all.   What can solo travelers and all travelers do to help improve the planet?   Here are 9 ways to minimize your environmental impact   Be responsible for your actions and considerate of others. Use reusable water containers a...

In this episode, FAQ is: I’ll be going to India soon. What are some ways to prepare for that trip? Today’s Destination is Reykjavik, Iceland Today’s Mistake- Biggest Windstorms in Iceland Travel Advice:  Save Money by grocery shopping   FAQ: I’ll be going to India soon. What are some ways to prepare for that trip? Answer: To prepare for a trip to India, see if you know anyone who lives there now. It’s the world’s most populated country. Consider talking to them about your travel plans and what you want to do. I visited six cities, starting in Chennai and then Kerala on the opposite coast. Then, I ventured north to Hyderabad. After that, I went to Goa and then to Agra and Dehli. The cities where I had a connection or contact made me travel better. You can read the guidebooks, watch the YouTube videos, and do your homework first. Have a plan or goal for your trip; if your mission is world peace, like mine, let me know how you prepared. Even though I had planned the trip f...

Today’s destination: Fort Bragg, California   Fort Bragg is nestled along the stunning Northern California coastline. Whether you drive along the scenic Pacific Coast Highway or opt for a flight, Fort Bragg welcomes you with its coastal charm. Settle into the serenity of local inns and bed and breakfasts that grace Fort Bragg. Consider accommodations like an Airbnb, VBRO, or chain hotel nearby for a restful retreat with the soothing sounds of the nearby ocean. Before venturing into the natural wonders surrounding Fort Bragg, stroll along Glass Beach, known for its sea glass treasures.  The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens offer a tranquil haven of blooming flora and breathtaking ocean views, providing a perfect introduction to the region's coastal beauty. You can wear comfortable walking shoes and explore the scenic trails that hug the coastline. The Glass Beach Trail offers a gentle walk with panoramic ocean vistas. At the same time, the Mendocino Headlands State Park ...

This episode's FAQ is: I have no vacation time and want to travel. What would you suggest? Today’s Destination is Julian, CA Today’s Mistake- Not carrying a second payment option Travel Advice:  Bring earplugs   FAQ: I have no vacation time, and I want to travel. What would you suggest? Answers: I have felt this way often. You should find a job with more flexibility and rewards results, not just for being present and punching the clock. If you want to do both, consider a job requiring you to travel, and then add a weekend day before your trip and one at the end. That way, you can do your work and get the job done. You can get travel in on your days before and after. You could always negotiate with the boss for more vacation time.   Here are two alternative questions for the travel dreamers listening. What about taking shorter trips throughout the year instead of one long vacation? Have you considered volunteering abroad to gain travel experience while making a p...

In this episode, the FAQ is: Should I travel while I am still working or wait until retirement? Today’s Destination is Suva, Fiji. Today’s Mistake- Eating expired food. Travel Advice:  travel in a circle for the best time management. FAQ: Should I travel while still working or wait until retirement? Both options have their benefits. If you are currently employed and have a steady income, it might be a good idea to travel now as you would be able to manage the expenses of traveling. Additionally, your company’s health insurance plan may provide coverage regardless of where you travel.   There are some counterarguments to the idea of traveling while still employed. For example, if you are in a high-pressure job, taking time off to travel might be difficult, and the stress of your job may make it difficult to enjoy your trip. Also, leaving them for an extended period might not be ideal if you have a family.   On the other hand, waiting until retirement to travel m...

This episode's FAQ is: How do I know what to pack? Today’s Destination is Glasgow, Scotland Today’s Mistake- Bee stings  Travel Advice:  Limit yourself to one book   FAQ: How do I know what to pack?   Answer: It’s a common question, so let’s tackle it.   Look at the weather forecast for the city where you are going. Consider the types of activities you plan to do. Remember, you can always buy, rent, or even borrow from someone when you get there in case you don’t have the right items packed. For example, I bought an umbrella in Vietnam on my around-the-world trip. It was the best $3.00 spent because it kept me dry, shaded me from the sun, and was a wind protector for the next 12 weeks. Whether you pack an umbrella or not can depend on your destination. Traveling as light as possible will free you from many things you don’t know about now. Even the most seasoned travelers have faced this question, so you are not alone. Today’s destination: Glasgow, Scot...

Siem Reap, Cambodia     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.   In this episode, the FAQ is: How can I stay hydrated when it’s humid and hot? . Today’s Destination is Siem Reap, Cambodia Today’s Mistake- Taking the long way instead of a more direct flight. Travel Advice: Practice Google Maps on foot before you leave on your trip   FAQ: How can I stay hydrated?   From my personal experience, I needed help with this in Southeast Asia. The climate was so different from Southern California, where I live. I had to adjust my body to these climate conditions. I had to be very aware of my intake of liquids and not drink much if any, caffeine. I am not a medical doctor, but here’s what I learned. Rest during the day. Swim if you can. Keep your body cool and do it early in the morning if you must go out. I had to respect my kidneys as they filtere...

Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Philippines     In this episode, the FAQ is: How should I celebrate my birthday when on a trip? . Today’s Destination is El Nido, Philippines, Part 1, Nacpan Beach Today’s Mistake- Getting a bug in my ear Travel Advice: Renew that passport   FAQ:   How should I celebrate my birthday when on a trip?   Answer: Happy Birthday. It would be best if you undoubtedly celebrated it, especially when you are traveling. Make sure you have plenty of drinks for free that day, from a 7-11 Slurpee to a Peet’s Coffee, Jamba Juice, and a shake from Sonic, Del Taco, and Arby’s. It’s a great day to eat at Denny’s, for the Grand Slam is free, too. The notes list lots of freebies for you, so celebrate the festivities solo or with friends.   https://www.rd.com/list/freebies-on-your-birthday/     Today’s destination: Nacpan Beach, El Nido, Philippines   El Nido is a Philippine municipality on Palawan Islan...

Kinsale, Ireland     In this episode, FAQ is : Where was your favorite place on your 90-day trip? . Today’s Destination is Kinsale, Ireland Today’s Mistake- Leaving my phone at the San Francisco airport counter Travel Advice: Keep your cool, especially when it’s hot.   FAQ: Where was your favorite place on your 90-day trip?   Answer: I can’t give you a favorite place overall, but I can give you one for each country. Let me start with the first country, the Philippines. I so enjoyed the snorkeling in El Nido, on the island of Palawan. It was an adventure in itself, as I landed in Manila, then in Puerto Princesa, and then took a bus to El Nido. Once I arrived, it was beautiful, tropical, and walkable. There were many nearby beaches to visit. The town had some good restaurants, and it was easy to converse in English with most people. Everyone here was friendly and relaxed, so they were on “island time” for the most part. The fresh fruits and fish di...

Phnom Penh, Cambodia     I’ve been on a 90-day trip to every time zone around the globe. 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, the FAQ is : Should I bring earplugs on my trip? . Today’s Destination is Phnom Penh, Cambodia Today’s Mistake- I left my phone at the bus office. Travel Advice: Keep a pen handy   FAQ: Should I bring earplugs on my trip?   Yes. You can first step away from the noise, turn the volume down, or try these tips to save your hearing. Noise-canceling headphones may be preferred, but you can use earplugs if traveling light. Do they work well? They are better than nothing. Here are three steps to using foam earplugs: Roll, pull, and hold. Roll them to fit your ear, pull back your ear, and then i...

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-da...