Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

Episode Florence, Italy part 2   Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest's 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide   In this episode, the FAQ is: What should I do about travel insurance?   Today's Destination is Florence, Italy. Part 2   Today's Misstep- Narrow sidewalks and missing street name signage in Florence   Travel Advice: Airfares are climbing in price, so beware of sticker shock.   FAQ: What should I do abo...

Florence, Italy Part 1   Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest's 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide  The FAQ is: My friend Jean asked about recommendations for the best rental car deals.  Today's Destination is Florence, Italy. Part 1 Today's Misstep-   Legal troubles: I was caught in Florence without a bus ticket and fined 42.5 euros. Travel Advice: Bring an umbrella for shade FAQ:  My friend Jean asked for r...

In this episode, the FAQ is: How can I travel solo while in a "group"?  Today's Destination is: Sedona, AZ Today's Mistake- I bought the wrong ticket online Travel Advice:   Gas up when half full.   FAQ: How can I travel solo while still in a "group"?   Answer: Before or after your group trip, plan some solo time, for just you. That way, when you do get to the arranged activities, you will be read...

In this episode: Best of Northwest Suburbs, Chicago The FAQ is: What are some good travel questions to ask other travelers? Today's Destination : Best of northwest suburbs of Chicago Today's Mistake:   Getting stuck under the Coronado Bay Bridge Travel Advice:   Record your travel stories Destination:   Northwest suburbs, Chicago For outdoor art, athenaeum-international-sculpture park, in Schaumbu...

In this episode: FAQ is: I get lost all the time, so how can I travel without getting frustrated and upset? I want to have fun and not fear making a mistake. Today's Destination is: Bremerton, WA Today's Mistake- Mixing up my cities in Washington State   Travel Advice:  Stuck in your planning? FAQ: I always get lost, so how can I travel without getting frustrated and upset? I want to have fun and...

Today's Destination: Chickamauga National Park: Part 2 of Chattanooga episode. Today's Misstep- Driving over hills, a tire came at us Travel Advice: What exercises should I do when I travel?   FAQ: What do you wish you knew before booking your flight?   Response: A few more questions you can ask someone before you plan your trip are:  Did you experience any frustrations related to the destination...

  In this episode, the FAQ is: How can I take a walking tour when I arrive in a city? . Today's Destination is: Chattanooga, Tennessee Today's Misstep- Getting stopped by TSA security Travel Advice: Plan for the unexpected   FAQ:  How can I get the walking tour when I get to a city?   Response: A guided walking tour of a city is a treat for a solo traveler, especially for a woman who is interested...

In this episode, FAQ is: What are etias visas, and when are they required? Today's Destination is: Estes Park, Colorado Today's Mistake- I am not a foodie, but I love learning about new foods. I need to be braver. Travel Advice:  check your loyalty points and miles frequently for errors FAQ: What are etias documents and when are they required? Let's make it simple: it's not a visa. It's a visa wai...

Today's Destination is: Akureyri and Northern Iceland Today's Misstep- My hostel was self-service, and someone was in my bed. Travel Advice: Be on time if you are on a tour.   FAQ: How do I navigate the city bus system when I don't speak the language?   Response: I traveled around the world for 90 days, and most of the time, I did not speak the language of that country. I had some challenges ridin...

FAQ: How do I make small talk when you are on the road with a stranger?   Destination: Louisville, Ky   Today's Mistake-Getting lost in Louisville Travel Advice:  Pack half your suitcase with giveaways and gifts. FAQ:  How do I make small talk with a stranger when you are on the road?   Start small with a question or comment about the weather, date, location, or event you are both at or have just...

"Solo Journeys in India: Navigating the Transport Tapestry via tuk-tuks, trains and planes…."   Welcome to Dr. Mary Travelbest's 5 Steps to Solo Travel Guide for women like you who need extra support traveling the world (slowly), one woman at a time.   Please rate this podcast and the Amazon book series, especially Part B on Destinations!   I've been traveling solo since 1972 and writing about it...

  "Savoring Solitude: Women's Guide to Eating Out Alone While Traveling"   "Table for One: Dining Tips and Tricks for Solo Female Travelers" You have three meals a day, and you are solo. What do you do to enjoy these meals by yourself? You can have some great times if you follow these tips, or maybe you can add more tips for other travelers. Eating out alone can be a rewarding and enjoyable experi...

In this episode:  FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who traveled somewhere you like? Destination: San Francisco Airport "Wings and Wanderlust: Solo Female Traveler's Guide to SFO" Today's Mistake- I left my phone on the airline counter at the SFO airport. Travel Advice:  Relax in the Airport Yoga Room, if in SFO anyway…. FAQ: What questions should you ask someone you know who tra...

In this episode: FAQ: What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?   Destination: Osaka, Japan Today's Mistake- My global entry card has my name wrong. Travel Advice:  Use AI when planning your next trip FAQ: A Facebook group member asked us, "What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?" Answer: Unexpected weather changes are not uncom...

Today's Mistake- I was a stunt woman at Universal Studios and ended up in the hospital. Travel Advice:  Always pack a bathing suit.   Today's destination: National Park Foundation and Service   I support the National Park Service in the USA by purchasing a yearly wall calendar. The images are beautiful. I also have a Senior Pass, which you can get for your lifetime, starting at age 62. Buy it at a...

In this episode, FAQ is: When do I need a mask? Today's Destination is: South Goa, India Today's Misstep- I left my credit card behind. Travel Advice: Get a massage FAQ: When do I need a mask in 2024 Guidelines for wearing face masks vary depending on the current status of the COVID-19 pandemic and local regulations. It's essential to stay informed about the latest guidance from health authorities...

In this episode, FAQ is: Amanda asked me, How can I increase my brain power, mental memory and travel better?   Today's Destination is: North Goa, India Today's Misstep- Tripped on a curb going up. FAQ: Response For solo travelers, Improving brain power, memory, and cognitive capacity while traveling involves a combination of lifestyle habits, mental exercises, and proper nutrition. Here are some...

This episode's FAQ is: Do I need a local SIM card? Today's Destination is The Dead Sea and Masada, Israel Today's Misstep- Screenshot your MAP before you travel Travel Advice: Wear a money belt. FAQ: Do I need a local SIM card? Response: When you travel abroad, you don't need a local SIM card anymore. It's found in nearly every airport and is expensive, but you get your own phone number. It does i...

  Today's Destination is: Tel Aviv, Israel Today's Misstep- Missing a smooth transfer from one transportation mode to another Travel Advice: Carry a pen   FAQ: One of our Facebook group members asked for locations where she could live for 3-9 months in 2025. She wants tips on renting her condo, renting abroad past the AirBNB. She says she is open to anywhere, walkability, airport nearby, public tr...

In this episode, FAQ is: How do I get from A to B when planning a trip? It sounds so easy, so what's the big deal? Today's Special Series Destination is Jerusalem, Israel, part 1 of three on Israel Today's Misstep- Petting a moose. Don't do it. Travel Advice: Planning a trip can be half of the fun. FAQ: How do I get from A to B when planning a trip? It sounds so easy, so what's the big deal? Respo...

In this episode, FAQ is: What are the best stretching methods for solo travel. Today's Destination is: Kerala, India Today's Misstep- I did not get to use my airline credits on Spirit. Travel Advice: U-shaped airline pillows can be stuffed with clothes. FAQ:  What are the best stretching methods for solo travel? Stretching offers several benefits for your solo female traveler's body, including imp...

In this episode, FAQ is: What if I don't like the food? Today's Destination is: Hyderabad, India Today's Misstep- Wrong color nail polish Travel Advice: Grateful before happy FAQ: What if I don't like the food?   Answer:  You mostly will, but if not, have a plan. If you find yourself not enjoying the food in a travel destination, there are several things you can do to make your dining experience m...

In this episode, FAQ is: What are the advantages and disadvantages of Venmo? Today's Destination is: Chennai Today's Misstep- Stolen sneakers in Acalpulco Travel Advice: Carry socks on the plane FAQ: What are the advantages and disadvantages of Venmo? Venmo, like any financial service, has both positive and negative aspects. The perception of whether Venmo is considered good or bad can vary based...

In this episode, FAQ is: How can I learn about a country's customs before I visit there?   Today's Destination is: Agra, India Today's Misstep- I took the wrong bus to the airport in Reykjavik. Travel Advice: Petroleum Jelly has many uses for travelers, so save space and money, simply.   FAQ: How can I learn about a country's customs before I visit there? I will give you five answers to that quest...