Dr. Mary Travelbest

  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...