Dr. Mary Travelbest

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...