Dr. Mary Travelbest

Where in the world am I? Eurail Travel planning   Hi there, I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest. I’m in San Diego now, sharing my best travel ideas and working on another book for you to enjoy: 5 Steps to Solo Travel, Part C. I’m about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world.   Listener Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener named Kristen. Kristen loves to travel. She recently received a Fullbright Scholarship and took a trip with her husband and sons to a foreign country, Portugal, for several months. She’s full of great travel ideas and will be helpful as I continue to travel and make my adventures more mobile. She’s encouraging me to keep going in my travels and is a professor in Southern California. Quick fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is:  Do you find that air travel dries your sinuses? Do you get dry and scratchy throats afterward? Yes, it happens. Let’s talk about how to rid yourself of this in advance.    How to avoid the dryness of airlin...

This is a Best of..... Have any questions? Please ask. The photo was taken by me on the grounds of one of the many museums of the Smithsonian. Check out this episode!

  Episode title: SLO to San Diego by Train, GF Diets, and a Confidence Challenge Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, a world traveler who has traveled solo for over 50 years. I'm coming to you after a recent trip to Asia. I visited Taiwan and South Korea for 10 days. I’m here to share my best travel ideas and work on solo travel. I’m about to launch on a 90-day trip around the world solo again. The aim is world peace through cultural exchange. I’m about to travel the world for 90 days.   Listener Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener who recently retired as a dental hygienist. Her name is Cathy A. She’s been a big supporter of this podcast. She is traveling to Wisconsin to see her family and attend reunions. She’s enjoying her retirement by playing Marjan and. She recently sold her house and moved back into a condo she had bought decades before marriage. Her contractor husband fixed it up to her specs before they moved in, and she’s so happy. She’ll be trav...

Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan FAQ Should I use public transportation abroad?   Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan    Lesson Learned: Don’t schedule everything Day 1   Travel Tip: Trust your gut instincts, if unsure, pivot fast.   FAQ Response:  Should I use public transportation abroad?   Yes, you should try it at the least, but not in rush hour with all of your luggage. One way to test it out is to try it early in the morning, before rush-hour workers arrive, but while it’s still light outside.  Most of the time, you only need a card to swipe, and you can add money to the card when you need to. Your first care purchase is often at a self-service kiosk, and usually there is English translations here. Go for it and try.   Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan This scenic region reminded me of Lake Tahoe, California.  If you are coming you will Arrive in Taoyuan airport and take the train to the Taipei Main Station and take the HSR t...

Seoul, Korea episode Listener Story Spotlight A friend and a listener named Lois recently went to Hawaii. She told me she spent much time getting travel insurance for herself and her partner. She had to pay more than she expected as her partner was having a birthday between the day she bought the service and the day of the trip. But she said it was well worth it for her peace of mind. The FAQ for today is: Where to find the best travel insurance for a long trip abroad. 1. Start with a neutral comparison engine; you can see this in the show notes. Why use it first? Where to click Smart filters to enable It lets you price 30-day single-trip plans from dozens of underwriters side-by-side, then click through to the policy certificate in one step. Squaremouth (toggle "Comprehensive" or "Medical-only" to see apples-to-apples pricing). Squaremouth Travel Insurance Medical ≥ $100k, Evac≥ $250k, "Cancel for Any Reason" if you want ma...

 Ecuador: planning Listener Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener named Pat who loves to take 40-minute walks. She does one every day. We have traveled together to Spain and have been ski buddies for over 10 years. She's a superb figure skater and loves cats. Maybe you even know my friend. Her last name is Brown, inspiring me to go to the Galapagos Islands this year. Thanks, Pat, for that encouragement.   The FAQ for today is:  How do you choose your outfits for weather conditions that constantly change? The answer is more straightforward than you think: It's basic colors, basic footwear, and layers, including a layer of insulated and waterproof clothing with a hat. You can also buy things along the journey, so if you don't have one now, you can get one later. What brings you more confidence? Is it knowing where you are going to sleep tonight? Is it knowing the language? Is it knowing you don't have to worry about anything? Let me know your thought...

 Travel Planning: Part 1 Colombia In this episode:   Where an I heading series: Part 1   Today’s Mistake- avoiding potholes and buying new tires Travel Advice:  Safety and security tip FAQ: How do you use SERVAS? I use Servas International to help me plan my trips. You sign up on the website, and a representative will contact you and interview you. They will make sure you are a real person and check references. Then, you get a Letter of Engagement, and you can contact hosts and day hosts. Today’s destination: Planning my trip to Colombia   Friends to meet in Bogota. Peace Servas Secretary Colombia. She said YES! Reach out to her with my dates and any needs. I am friends with Fanny Vico.   Flights: Given your preference for flying over driving, consider booking internal flights between major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. Airlines such as Avianca and LATAM offer frequent domestic routes.​ Accommodation: Opt for reputable hostel...

Boulder, Colorado FAQ: Isn’t it awkward to eat alone? Step 1 question   Destination episode: Boulder, CO.   Lesson Learned: Got on the wrong train line.   Travel Tip: Screenshot your map before leaving Wifi   FAQ Response to Isn’t it awkward to eat alone? Yes, it is the first few times. No doubt. But it gets easier with every time you do it. Soon, you’ll just walk in a restaurant and not even think about it.   I can relate to the woman who has never done it, because I remember my first time. I was scared. I told the hostess: “I’ve never eaten solo in a restaurant before, so put me in the corner, ok?” She did as I wished, and then came by to check on me a couple of times. My service was good. I had only good experiences since then.   And I travel around the world solo now.   Episode: Boulder, Colorado My time in Boulder, Colorado, was among the best. Do you know some people consider it the Happiest Place in the USA? Look out Disneyla...

Special Episode Blue Zone Travel   https://www.bluezones.com/exploration/#section-1   The five "Blue Zones" in the world, which are regions identified as having a high concentration of people living to a very old age, are:    Okinawa, Japan; Sardinia, Italy; Ikaria, Greece; Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica; and Loma Linda, California, USA. Notably, four of these Blue Zones are located near oceans, making them easily accessible by sea travel.    Ocean proximity: Blue Zones like Costa Rica and California are situated not too far from coastlines, making them ideal destinations for those interested in combining a healthy lifestyle exploration with beach vacations.  Mediterranean Sea: The regions of Sardinia (Italy) and Ikaria (Greece) are located in the Mediterranean Sea, which can be easily accessed by cruise ships or ferries.  Cultural immersion: Visiting a Blue Zone allows travelers to experience the local culture, cuisine, and lifes...

  Are you traveling? Tell me why or why not. Need a confidence boost? Here are the 5 Steps to Solo travel, summarized and a link to the book on Amazon.   https://www.amazon.com/Five-Steps-Solo-Travel-Womans/dp/B0BC2FXLPY Step 1: Local Solo Travel. Close to home local travel. Step 2: Domestic solo trips, familiar with the territory. Maybe cross country. Step 3: National travel with more complexity, such as Alaska or Hawaii Step 4: International travel in familiar cultures Step 5: Fully independent, adventurous international solo travel. I’ve been creating this podcast weekly since 2018. I’m on my way to helping more than 100,000 women travel solo. Are you one of us? https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com FAQ: You asked? Where am I traveling this summer? Here is your FAQ response: I start in Colombia, then Ecuador for Galapagos, then Peru for Machu Pichu, and then Brazil for some beach life in Salvador and near Rio. I will finish in Argentina’s Iguazu Falls, then return...

  Today’s Special issue is on San Diego Zoo and Safari Parks Part 2 Today’s Mistake-Bodysurfing when the waves are too strong.  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 the Wild Animal Park. https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance.org/ https://sdzsafaripark.org/tickets   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 Dr.Travelbest onYouTube   Check out this episode!

This is a test episode that I hope you will enjoy as it is unedited and on the go. Tell me you heard it and what you think. If you don't like it, I will remove it and go back to the regular format. I hope you enjoy the test. I'm here for helping you travel. That's my goal. I want to bring world peace one step closer to reality through female travel. This episode is not scripted. There is no intro dialog. You can hear the story about my final destination in Iceland on my 90 day trip around the world. This is not the usual pattern, so let me know what you think about the message. This is a peek behind the scenes to how I took the wrong bus to the airport in Iceland. How I got on another bus, again wrong, and then in the rain, made it to the airport before anyone else on my flight. It was a small airport.  Please comment if you like this type of content. I have recorded other segments like it, showing authentic colors and stories from the recent travels of a solo woman in h...

Special Episode: Border Crossings: USA/ Mexico:    FAQ: Can I fly to Mexico from the Tijuana airport?   Travel misstep-Parking at CBX was full   Lesson or tip of the day: More packing light tips A friend asked me if I could fly to Mexico from Tijuana airport.   https://travel.stackexchange.com/questions/171391/when-flying-with-volaris-what-difference-does-it-make-between-flying-to-tij-or   https://www.crossborderxpress.com/en/   Mexico Border Crossing on land: For over fifty years, I’ve crossed borders countless times worldwide and in dozens of countries, traveling solo or with a friend.   https://fox5sandiego.com/news/border-report/medical-lane-at-san-ysidro-port-of-entry-suspended-temporarily/   During the hours I waited in line, often for four or more hours, I was treated to many vendors selling food, beverages, and cookies. I have been offered puppies in previous years, but not this time. A news report from Fox 5 says ...

Special Episode Servas Travel Here is your FAQ: Have you done any couch surfing? My followers asked me this question.   Special Episode topic: Servas travel   Travel mistakes: Making the age limit in a restaurant   Travel Tips: Daily schedule for exercise    FAQ response:   Have you done any couch surfing? My followers asked me this question.   Answer: No, but I have been using SERVAS for three years as a member. I stayed in 6 homes and did a day host in one country, too. Listen here for more on that.   Special episode on SERVAS   I’m planning another around-the-world trip in 2025 and will contact hosts in South America, Africa, Europe, and Canada. I will email them, introduce myself, and tell them my travel dates. If they respond, we may have a match. If you happen to be a SERVAS host, please let me know.   The countries where I did make great matches were the Philippines (day host), India (Kerala and Agra for 1-2 ni...

This Episode is for you and about Death Valley Part 2 Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide, an empowering travel and life adventure with a personal approach to guiding women like you in your prime who might be a bit adventure-timid. My goal is for you to create memories with your travels. I want to expand the relationships you make in our groups into a supportive community with your needs at the center.   In this episode, the FAQ is: How to pack a personal item to travel for 90 days.   Today’s Destination is Death Valley, Part 2,  Today’s Misstep- Bad at directions   Travel Advice: Take the lesson with you and share it with others.    FAQ:  How to pack a personal item to travel for 90 days. Part 2 Here’s the destination story: Part 2 Planning the visit This is part 2 of a story about visiting Death Valley, California, on a solo road trip in 2025. I told you last time how I planned the trip and my first stops. He...

This Episode is for you and about Death Valley Part 1 Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest’s 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide.   Today’s story will share how to live on the road in your style. In this episode, the FAQ is: How to pack a personal item to travel for 90 days.   Today’s Destination is Death Valley, Part 1, the planning and first stops   Today’s Misstep- Blowing my hat off   Travel Advice: Bring plenty of shade, more than you think.   FAQ:  How to pack a personal item to travel for 90 days.   https://www.nps.gov/deva/index.htm https://www.pahrumpnv.gov/   https://www.nps.gov/places/zabriskie-point-scenic-viewpoint.htm   https://www.usgs.gov/geology-and-ecology-of-national-parks/ecology-death-valley-national-park-0 Today’s Misstep- Blowing my hat off   Today’s Travel Advice- Bring plenty of sun shade, like a floppy umbrella hat, and cover your face and hands with sunscreen. Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps t...