Dr. Mary Travelbest

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...