Dr. Mary Travelbest

This podcast series helped launch the now famous book series, Five Steps to Solo Travel . Now you are able to listen to one of the eariest versions of the show, and it's still relevant today. This episode takes you to Baja, Mexico . You will learn to drive to Ensenada, the Valle de Guadalupe and other destinations. Find your confidence through the FAQ's and also my mistakes and errors, so you won't make the same ones.  This is snackable, without any filters, just a great listen for you now.  Follow Dr. Travelbest here on your favorite channel, on TikTok, on IG and FB. We have an engaged audience of folks like you, who want to go places. This was episode #2 and now I am on episode 340 . I would love the feedback and your reviews. They mean a lot to me, so go ahead now. In advance, I am sending thanks. Check out this episode!

  FAQ:” Let’s quickly address how to pack for South America. If you are in the winter, it's summer, so you don’t need many clothes; pack light. I only took a personal item, but I had to wash it often, and I had only one pair of sneakers. No laptop. It helped me travel quickly and efficiently on planes, trains, and buses. In their winter, our summer, you should have many layers and a raincoat. I was able to buy what I needed or forgot while I was there, and the dollar was strong. On my first trip to South America, about 30 years ago, I went skiing in Chile, and I had to bring everything with me; I needed it all. If you are planning a snowy destination, be prepared. You can also buy it after you arrive, for the most part, should you forget something important.   60-second confidence challenge   If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into health and sickness while traveling solo—link in description.”  See Book A, for addressing thi...

This is Dr. Mary Travelbest, and we'll be talking about Niagara Falls, Canada. See Book A for guidance on saving money on airline tickets and more. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: “A Day at Niagara Falls – Solo, Soaked & Spectacular” Today, we're diving into the thundering wonder that is Niagara Falls, from a solo female traveler’s lens — and yes, I got a little wet. On the Road to the Falls I took the FlixBus from Toronto to Niagara Falls. The ride is scenic and comfortable, even with a bit of drama—my Toronto Metro train broke down this morning. I had to get off and wait for a new train, adding 10 minutes of stress, but I made it to Union Station with 10 minutes to spare. Assigned seats on the FlixBus? Yes, but only six of us are aboard. Arrival and First Impressions Niagara Falls is hot, humid, and packed with tourists, but the moment you see those Horseshoe Falls, it’s all worth it. There are three waterfalls here: Horseshoe, American, and Bridal V...

This episode aired in 2022, so if you missed it, find out more about the origins of the Dr. Mary Travelbest story. We are now on episode 350 and counting, so let us hear from you. @drmarytravelbest   Give a gift of solo travel to a loved one. Find out more....   Thanks for Connecting further with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest onYouTube In the news   Check out this episode!

This is Dr. Mary Travelbest. I help you travel. The 60-second confidence challenge is on getting access to the airport lounges. It will take some experience, but it’s worth it. Check the fine print, too.   If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into best practices while traveling solo—link in description.”    See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s special destination is Lima, Peru. Hello, solo travelers—especially my sisters 50 and up. Today I’m sharing my honest, boots-on-the-ground experience in Lima, Peru. It wasn’t all smooth sailing, but it was absolutely worthwhile—and full of kindness, learning, and little victories. Connect with Dr. Travelbest 5 Steps to Solo Travel website Dr. Mary Travelbest X Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram Dr. Mary ...

Cartagena, Colombia. Today, we're heading to Cartagena, Colombia —a vibrant and touristy Caribbean city bursting with color, music, and history. It's one of the most popular destinations on South America's northern coast — and I'll share my experiences and a few lessons learned for solo travelers like you. Get ready to immerse yourself in a culture that's as lively as it is rich. Let's start with the setting. Cartagena's Walled City — La Ciudad Amurallada — is the heart of it all. I recommend exploring early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and the heat. You can pick up a free map at your hostel or a tourist stand. Inside the walls, you'll find cobblestone streets, cannons facing the sea, and church courtyards like San Pedro Claver, where you can sit in the shade and people-watch. For sunset, head to the top of the wall near Café del Mar — it's a magical view of the Caribbean, and you'll see locals and travelers ga...

Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Lincoln Square, Chicago. The FAQ is about using AI while traveling. How do I get the best responses to my prompts when I have a question? Is there a platform you recommend? There are thousands of platforms, and new ones are popping up every day. For travelers seeking the most current answers to their travel questions, you are in luck. You can navigate the territory solo better today than ever because you can ask the right questions. Practice is the best way to use them.   60-second confidence challenge   If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into travel and technology, offering practical tips, personal anecdotes, and in-depth guides for solo travelers. You can find the series on the link in the description.    See Book A for addressing tech challenges.  Find it on the website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s s...

Where in the world am I? In San Diego today, talking about Cape Breton, Canada   .  Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, world traveler, professor, marketing expert, and all-around fun person. And I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences. Quick-fire FAQ:   Your mom, grandmother, or even your daughter told you to be careful when traveling solo. But did they ever do it? You are on your way. The question I get asked is: What should I tell someone who discourages me from traveling?   Answer: You can turn it around and ask for specific information on what they know about solo travel, how they learned about it, and what facts support their knowledge. Do not be confrontive, but do ask for some examples so that you can diffuse the situation. In the long run, they want what's best for you. Remember, they don't have any ulterior motive; they just want to be helpful. When you tell them where you are going, how prepared you are, and that y...

  Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Machu Picchu Are there any tips to help me avoid being cheated or robbed while traveling? Yes, you can take precautions like removing your expensive jewelry before traveling and not carrying expensive purses or shoes. Don't look like a target. Look like you belong, and try not to stand out from the usual crowd. Check reviews of any Airbnb or turo car rentals you book. Be careful not to walk alone in the dark at night, as much as possible. Think of the odds whenever you go out. Please put them in your favor, not a criminal. If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into safety and security while traveling solo—link in description"”  See Book A for addressing this challenge. You can find it on our website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon; it's a several-part series. Today's special destination is: Machu Picchu, Peru. I finally got there, after so many yea...

   Medellin, Colombia.Part 2  Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide Quick-Fire FAQ: Drying Out Wet Clothing. How do you do that on the road? How do you dry your wet belongings while traveling, especially when you're solo? Especially in a humid area, it’s hard to get things dry. When you solo travel, you have more control over your time constraints, so plan to let things dry. When it’s damp, the best way to dry your clothes is by maximizing water removal before drying.  Try the towel roll trick. First, lay the clothes flat on a towel, roll them up, and twist to ring out the moisture. Use strong airflow and ventilation, such as fans or dehumidifiers, and space clothes out for even evaporative drying indoors. If safe, place clothes near a heater or radiator, but not directly on it, for fire safety. Use a dryer if possible. Store thoroughly dried clothes in airtight containers or use moisture absorbers if needed. Sometimes, you will have to pack a wet garment, bu...

Medellin, Colombia   60-second confidence challenge:    The confidence challenge is to meet someone new today. You might stop by the mailbox to say “hi,” or visit a park where people are less in a hurry. Start a conversation with someone new today. If you like, then get their name and phone number and give them a call.   If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapters of my book dive deeper  into how to build confidence using it—link in description.”    See Book A for addressing the challenge of meeting new people Find it on our website at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series.   Destination Deep‑Dive   Today’s special destination is Medellin, Colombia, part 1 of 2 Let’s start by discussing the history and some ideas on what to see. Part 2 will focus on what else you can experience.   We’ve all heard stories about drug trafficking in Medellín, in Colombia. I’ve found that the hom...

Here is the episode on Galapagos, Ecuador 60 second confidence challenge Check your passport. Do you have at least six months left until it expires? Do you have at least four blank pages? Then your passport is in good shape. You’re ready to travel, as long as you check for any Visa entries you may need. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper—link in description.”   See Book A for addressing all of these items like preparing for travel.   Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: Galapagos, Ecuador Galapagos means nature to most people. The sights of wild animals, especially those near the ocean, fill the mind with beauty and a feeling of freshness. One example: my hotel was located near a Flamingo habitat. They were found every day, nearly any time of day. I could go there and just watch them and smile. Sometimes there were 5 or 6 of them, just standing there. Lovely and especially memorable. https://www.galapagos.org/travel...

this episode is about Haarlem, Netherlands. See Book A for addressing the challenges of solo travel in your prime. Find it on the website​​ at   https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/   or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Destination: Haarlem, Netherlands. It’s a Dutch city that’s often overshadowed by Amsterdam, but has just as much charm—and far fewer crowds. I’m talking about Haarlem, Netherlands. Haarlem is only 15 minutes by train from Amsterdam, making it an easy and quiet alternative for solo travelers over 50. What you’ll love is its slower pace, historic streets, and safe, flat, walkable layout, making it ideal for mobility challenges with a big square. Haarlem’s Train station is brick and historic. A block away, you will find double-decker bike racks . That is genius and a growing trend. Check the link for a video on how this works. https://www.hiddenholland.com/things-to-do-in-haarlem/ (The address is: Jansstraat 402011, Haarlem, TX. Www.noord-hollandsar...

This episode is about Toronto, Canada. See Book A for addressing this challenge. Find it on the website​​ at 5StepsToSoloTravel.com or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Toronto is another example of Step 3 travel, advanced solo travel. Other step 3 destinations in my Part B book include Banff, Whistler, and Vancouver.   Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s special destination is:  Toronto, Canada, part two of two   You may arrive at Pearson airport, like I did, which was a lovely airport ranked high among international airports. I had the opportunity to experience the Priority Pass lounge both upon arrival and departure. If you have access, you'll likely enjoy it, even though the lounge was under construction. The city has a diverse mix of people from all around the world, along with a variety of flavors that come with it. Keep your eyes peeled and your nose smelling these scents.   Before I arrived, I booked my tour to Niagara Falls . Here are a few facts ...

Toronto Part 1 of 2 FAQ: Do you travel on public transport? Let’s explore one city. The FAQ for today is: How would I travel around Toronto on public transport, if needed? Here are a few facts about their public transit. Toronto Transit Commission (TTC) is your central transit system—includes: Subway Streetcars (trams) Buses PRESTO Card is the smart fare card you'll want to use. It gives discounted fares for seniors (65+). Ask ChatGPT about the best travel options for you, whether it's the subway or any other mode of transportation. It will provide detailed information instantly. 📱 APPS TO DOWNLOAD: PRESTO App (to manage your fare/pass balance) Transit App (real-time TTC arrivals) TTC Official App (for alerts and maps)   If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series dives deeper into public transportation and how to build confidence using it—link in description.”    See Book A, page 24, for addressing this challenge. Find it ...

Where in the world am I? In San Diego today. Trip Summary 2   Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, recently on a 90-day journey around the world, excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences.   Listener Story Spotlight    Today's listener story is about 79 year old Sandi Biback who I met in Toronto and helped organize an afternoon with women from the JourneyWoman organization. She was called in to help and rose to the occasion. She is traveling to Bhutan in October and has shared several tips with me for purchasing Travel insurance. She's seasoned in Travel experiences and business conferences. She has been an active traveler for many decades. I tip my head to you, Sandi, and thank you for helping out in Toronto. Quick-fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: about Single Supplements. These are extra fees that are essentially doubled when part of a package group tour. Refer to the notes for further information on this topic. When do I want to p...