Dr. Mary Travelbest

In this episode, the FAQ is: What should I tell people who think I can’t travel solo?   Today’s Destination is Lake Como, Italy Today’s Misstep: Sometimes, you don’t love your roommates when you share a room. Here’s why.   Travel Advice: Don’t buy another timeshare. If you have one, it’s really hard to sell it.   FAQ: What do I tell people who think I can’t travel solo?   Answer: Ask them why not. Then listen. Then, address each one of their questions or comments if you like. No one says you need permission to travel solo, but it would be good to tell them you are prepared, have planned for things to go wrong, and have taken this travel step by step to be more likely to be successful. They may be telling you in a way that they will miss you, but don’t know how to say that. They could also be jealous. They could wish they could make this trip themselves. So there could be a lot of hidden reasons why they have those opinions.   Today’s destination: ...

In this episode, the FAQ is: Using QR Codes. Are they safe?   Today’s Destination is: Belfast, Northern Ireland Today’s Misstep: My leaky water bottle was in the overhead bin on the airplane.   Travel Advice: Secondhand stores in Belfast are good deals.   FAQ: Using QR Codes. Are they safe?   Answer: When you open a QR code, pay attention to the context and the brand because it could contain a virus or even worse. Be careful when accessing websites on your desktop, laptop, tablet, watch, or phone. Preview the destination before you go there.    A QR code from a reputable source is more likely to be safe. It is best to proceed cautiously if you find a QR code in an unsolicited email or on a random website. Criminals have placed stickers over legitimate QR codes in public places like bus stops.   Today’s destination: Belfast, Northern Ireland   https://visitbelfast.com/   The best part of Belfast, in Northern Ireland, is outs...

Today’s Destination is: Buyacada, Turkey Today’s Misstep- My airline went bankrupt   Travel Advice: Tips on visiting Turkey   FAQ: This was an honest question from one of our fans: How do I share my senior status but not my age regarding travel discounts? Do they need to know my age, or can I make it up?   Answer: Let’s get real here. Many of us want to save a few bucks and are willing to share that we are seniors, but maybe we don’t want to give away our age. Why or why not? It may be your personal decision, so let’s respect that. When you fly, you must give the airline your date of birth so they know. What do they do with that information? Perhaps they save it for future marketing purposes. I’ve never been sent a birthday card by any of the hundreds of airlines I have flown, have you?    If you want to be sneaky, you can give the details in a fun way by saying, “I’m between this and this age, but I feel like I’m 50!”  Does that help some of o...

In this episode, the FAQ is: What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years? Today’s Destination is: Istanbul, Turkey (part 1 of 2) Today’s Misstep- Ask for specific directions and then listen better. Travel Advice: Get a better exchange rate than in a busy tourist city. FAQ:  What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years? Answer: I think the best theme parks for adults are the Disney ones. They have been friendly for generations, and you can always find someone to answer your questions, i.e., a cast member. You will pay more than for other parks, but you have the franchise behind you to almost guarantee you a good visit. Prepare ahead of time with any needs you have for accommodations. My friend Ron was in a wheelchair there recently and agreed that the multi-generation experience was good for him. Listen to some of my previous podcasts about Disneyland and California Adventure. Today’s destination: Istanbul, Turkey https://www.tripadvisor.com...