Where in the world am I? Peru planning Hi there. I'm Dr. Mary Travelbest, returning from a recent trip to Asia. 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 Raquel from Peru. She has been a friend for 40 years and has encouraged me to travel to Lima since then. She created all the images and d...
Jul 25, 2025•7 min
Where in the world am I? Brazil planning Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, returning from a recent trip to Asia. 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 Juliana who is from Brazil. She was a student of mine and now she works with me. She gave me a list of all the places in Brazil that I ...
Jun 28, 2025•10 min
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...
Jun 20, 2025•12 min
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.
Jun 13, 2025•6 min
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 Sto...
Jun 06, 2025•5 min
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 ti...
May 30, 2025•8 min
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 co...
May 23, 2025•12 min
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...
May 16, 2025•8 min
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 dest...
May 09, 2025•6 min
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....
May 02, 2025•7 min
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 si...
Apr 25, 2025•7 min
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, a...
Apr 18, 2025•6 min
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....
Apr 18, 2025•9 min
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 wo...
Apr 11, 2025•20 min
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 count...
Apr 04, 2025•6 min
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. Specia...
Mar 28, 2025•8 min
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 f...
Mar 21, 2025•9 min
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.np...
Mar 16, 2025•8 min
FAQ: When it comes to solo travel in Mexico, how can I feel safer, more prepared, and excited, not hesitant or fearful? Special episode: Confidence Builders for Solo Travel in Mexico Lesson Learned: Sunglasses lost in the sea! Travel Tip: Focus on your superpower, terms, travel, and power. https://wikitravel.org/en/Taxco https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/414/ https://www.lonelyplanet.com/mexico/central-pacific-coast/zihuatanejo https://travel.usnews.com/Mazatlan_Mexico/ https://visitpuertovallarta....
Feb 28, 2025•7 min
FAQ is: I’m going on a long trip, but I’m only allowed to bring one small carry-on. How can I manage? Today’s Destination is Las Vegas. Part 2 outdoors. Today’s Misstep- I forgot the tent. Travel Advice: Protect yourself. FAQ: I’m going on a long trip but can only bring one small carry-on. The airline rules and my trip leaders limit the baggage. How can I manage? Las Vegas. Part 2 outdoors https://www.usbr.gov/lc/hooverdam/service/index.html https://rivermountainstrail.org/tag/ocallaghan-tillman...
Feb 21, 2025•6 min
FAQ: A good friend who doesn’t want to be named asked me how not to try to do it all. The point of the question was to limit the fear of missing out. How do I reduce my FOMO and add more JOMO (the Joy of missing out) when I travel? Today’s Destination is Las Vegas. Part 1 Indoor activities for travelers Today’s Misstep- I Spilled the candle wax at my airbnb and made a mess. Travel Advice: Look for adventure close to home. FAQ: How do I reduce my FOMO and add more JOMO (the Joy of missing out) wh...
Feb 14, 2025•7 min
FAQ: Should I go out at night when on a solo trip? Mistake in travel: Check the connection, battery and power bank Today’s Travel Advice- Travel in one direction, in a circle https://www.cntraveler.com/story/is-it-safe-to-travel-to-la-fires I see some bright spots, but it will be a while before LA returns as a major travel destination, so pay attention and use the Watch Duty App. https://www.watchduty.org/ Mistake in travel: Check the connection, battery life, and power bank So often, my laptop ...
Feb 07, 2025•5 min
In this episode: The FAQ is: What is your purpose for traveling? Today’s Special episode: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance Part 1 Today’s Mistake- Time zone mayhem Travel Advice: Prioritize Flexibility In this episode: FAQ What is your purpose for travel? Answer: My purpose for traveling and especially solo travel, is to reach into places that may not be the most populated and to connect with women where they are to help bridge the culture gap. World peace is the ultimate goal for seeing this thr...
Jan 31, 2025•7 min
In this episode: The FAQ is: A reader asks, I recently booked a trip, and the airfare included no carry-on bag. How can I manage to travel without a carry-on? Today’s Destination: NAPLES, FLA Today’s Mistake- I lost my horse. Travel Advice: MAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S DAY https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSsyNhQ79M0 Answer: Destination: Naples, FL https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/southwest/naples/ Today’s Mistake: I lost my horse. Today’s Travel Advice: MAKE SOMEONE ELSE’S DAY Connect with Dr Tr...
Jan 24, 2025•7 min
In this episode, the FAQ is: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? Today’s Destination is Acadia National Park Today’s Mistake- My own car crash in parking garage Travel Advice: Travel pillows FOR SLEEPING on planes FAQ: “What is air travel like these days, and what is different? AARP is offering some airline travel tips that may answer this question. First, some facts. In 2019, the FAA reported 146 cases of bad behavior on planes, but in 2021, that number grew to more than...
Jan 17, 2025•7 min
Special Edition: London, England Airports In this episode, the FAQ is: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Today’s Destination is: London Airports Today’s Misstep- Wearing the wrong shoes Travel Advice: When buying an airline ticket, pause. FAQ: What are some of the biggest changes for travel in 2025? Expect more opportunities for local immersion, where you can experience the daily life of local communities through homestays, service projects, and interactive cultural progra...
Jan 10, 2025•10 min
Delhi, India Part 2 In this episode, your FAQ is: Safety in India for solo travelers Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India. Part 2 Today’s Misstep- Cellphone issues that were my fault and more Travel Advice: Safety tips for travel in Delhi. FAQ: Let’s talk about safety in India. My friend Kathryn is going to Delhi and is worried about being a solo woman. Can I talk to her about what she can expect? The short answer is that Kathryn is already back home, and she had a great trip, but she was nervou...
Jan 03, 2025•7 min
Delhi, India Part 1 In this episode, the FAQ is: My listeners ask: How do I check for the weather where I’m going? Today’s Destination is: Delhi, India Today’s Misstep- Stuck in India and missed the bus Travel Advice: Ask a group of people for directions FAQ: You asked me how to get the most reliable weather forecast: Here’s how> Use apps like AccuWeather, weather.com, and windy or local services, with hourly and long-range forecasts, radar maps, and severe weather alerts. For more local aler...
Dec 27, 2024•8 min
Phu Quok, Vietnam In this episode, the FAQ is: What’s the best water bottle for travel? Today’s Destination is: Phu Quoc, Vietnam Today’s Misstep- I Booked a room under construction and How I upgraded. Travel Advice: Take a small risk, not always a big one in Vietnam FAQ: What’s the best water bottle for travel? The top 10 water bottles for a solo senior female traveler will be on this list, including price, from the least to most expensive in the show notes. They range from $11 to $90. Vapur An...
Dec 20, 2024•9 min
Today’s Destination is: Edinburgh, Scotland Today’s Misstep- Too much of a good thing Travel Advice: Eat early, rest early FAQ: How do I remember to stretch while on the road? Answer: Tips for Remembering to Stretch: Set Phone Reminders: Schedule gentle reminders on your phone for morning and evening stretches. This way, it’s a built-in routine, just like brushing your teeth. Tie it to Daily Activities: Stretch after sitting for long periods, like after a meal or a bus/train ride. This helps to ...
Dec 13, 2024•7 min
