Episodios

  • Travel Planning: Brazil
    Jun 28 2025
    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 should be going to.She and I have known each other for 3 years. She’s so beautiful and full of life. I’m so grateful for. Quick fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: Should I carry books with me to read on the trip? I recommend you download them from your local or cloud library. Then you read on the go. Don’t carry more than you need. 3 things: neighborhood selection, daylight itineraries, scam avoidance Select neighborhoods that are walkable and have public transportation nearby if you don't drive. Read reviews on the AirBNB website before you select. When booking a flight or train, be sure it arrives at a daylight time, which can differ in winter months. If it comes after dark, it will be more of a challenge for you. To avoid scams, be cautious when choosing passwords, logging out of websites, and making online purchases. These are very typical scams. If you are suspicious, you may be right to avoid that vendor and choose another. Don’t look like a target, either Today’s destination is: Brazil. Optimized for a budget‑minded solo woman in her 60s who loves beaches, nature, and a relaxed—but organized—pace. Date Overnight Key plans How to get around Budget tips & cautions Rio de Janeiro (Leme / Copacabana) • Easy sunset stroll along Copacabana & watch locals at Arpoador point. • For a light dinner, try a fresh‑juice “sucos” bar and a tapioca crêpe. Take a taxi or Uber from GIG airport (≈ R$75). Choose a sea‑view “quarto feminine” at Selina Copacabana (~US $45 priv.). Keep valuables hidden on the beach. Wed 4 Jun Rio • Christ the Redeemer early (08:00 train from Cosme Velho). • Ride the Santa Teresa Tram then lunch in a colonial café. • Late afternoon cable car up Sugarloaf for golden‑hour photos. Day‑pass on RioCard metro + tram; cable/Uber for Sugarloaf. Buy Sugarloaf ticket online to skip queue; take a light jacket—windy on top. Rio Choose your mini‑escape ① Nature: half‑day to Prainha & Grumari wild beaches (shared van tour). ② Culture: ferry to Niterói for Niemeyer‑designed MAC museum & quiet Itacoatiara beach. ③ History: cool mountain air in imperial Petrópolis (bus 2 h). Tours or local buses; all safe in daylight. Pack reef‑safe sunscreen—Rio’s winter sun still strong. Foz do Iguaçu Morning flight RIO → IGU (1 h 45 m; promo fares from US $68 one‑way) Drop bags, then spend the afternoon on the Brazilian side catwalks for sweeping views of Iguazu Falls (entry R$199 ≈ US $39) iguazufalls.com End day at Parque das Aves bird sanctuary (1 hr) iguazufalls.com Bus 120 links airport ↔ falls ↔ downtown. Taxi to hotel after dark. Stay at Tarobá Express (single en‑suite ~US $40, rooftop pool). Foz do Iguaçu Full‑day hop into Argentina’s Iguazú National Park for the Devil’s Throat boardwalk & eco‑train (passport needed, no visa/fee for US). Evening option: Itaipu Dam illumination tour. Shared shuttle (~US $25 rt) handles border formalities. Bring ARS pesos or pay by card for Arg. park ticket (US $45) iguazufalls.com .São Paulo Morning nonstop IGU → GRU (1 h 35 m; fares from US $56) KAYAK . Walk tree‑lined Paulista Avenue, pop into MASP art museum (free Sun mornings), coffee in Vila Madalena murals. Airport bus to Paulista (R$55) or Uber. Metro is clean & safe in daytime. Base yourself in Ibis Paulista or female pod at Selina Aurora (~US $50). São Paulo • Morning in Ibirapuera Park—rent a bike or visit Afro‑Brasil Museum (opens 10 am) Tripadvisor . • Afternoon at Municipal Market (pastel de bacalhau!) & nearby Pinacoteca gallery. Metro Brigadeiro ↔ Luz. Watch bags on busy Linha 3 Red line; pickpockets work in crowds. São Paulo Relaxed day‑trip choices: ① Santos coast: historic coffee port + beach promenade (1 h 30 m bus). ② Embu das Artes craft town (45 min EMTU bus). Buy a round‑trip bus ticket; depart before dusk. Wed 11 Jun — Free morning for souvenir shopping on Paulista, then head to GRU airport for onward flight. Allow 3 hours pre‑international departure. Essential Practicalities E‑visa now required for U.S. visitors entering Brazil from 10 Apr 2025; online application fee US $80.90 and proof of ≈ US $2 000 funds (3 bank statements) are needed. Apply at least 3 weeks ahead. VFSE Visa New York Post Weather: Early June is Brazil’s mild ...
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  • 2025 Eurail Travel Planning Guide and sinus relief
    Jun 20 2025
    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 months. She’s full of great travel ideas and will be helpful as I continue to travel and make my adventures more mobile. She’s encouraging me to keep going in my travels and is a professor in Southern California. Quick fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: Do you find that air travel dries your sinuses? Do you get dry and scratchy throats afterward? Yes, it happens. Let’s talk about how to rid yourself of this in advance. How to avoid the dryness of airline flights? The answer: My solution is Saline Nasal Spray. I bought the 1.5-oz size for $4.00, which will last my entire trip. Before you get dry sinuses, squirt some in each nostril and then relax as it goes to work. What are the ingredients? Water, sodium chloride, disodium phosphate, benzyl alcohol, sodium phosphate, and benzalkonium chloride. Water and salt. There are three ways to use it: Squeeze twice in each nostril, and it delivers a spray, a stream, and a drop upside down. Take your pick. 60-second confidence challenge Advice for Active Seniors : “There is no shame in prioritizing and slowing down vs. overdoing. Most injuries happen when people are rushing. “Go slower, arrive sooner” is a helpful mantra.” (Ellen McCabe) If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper buy it on Amazon or https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com See Book A for addressing all of these items. Today’s destination is Eurail Travel Planning I said: You are traveling in Europe in the Summer of 2025. You arrive in Athens, Greece, then go to Krakow, Warsaw, Poland, Estonia, Finland, Sweden, Norway, and Denmark, and end in Edinburgh, Scotland, where you leave the EU. You will travel for five weeks. How many days will you want to use the Eurail pass for trains and ferries? Plan the trip, including seat fees and senior discounts with these countries, and suggest other places that would be a good stopping point or worth seeing. I am a solo woman in my prime. Include a mention of the low-cost airlines that I should take when not on the train or ferry. Answer: 1  Where a Eurail day genuinely saves you money Below is every leg: (a) scenic or pricey at full fare and (b) covered or discounted by the pass if the trip is a low-fare train, like under $10.regional hop, we skip the past day and just pay cash—why burn powder you might need later?  1  Day 3 Athens → Kalabaka  €3 IC seat  Sunset over Meteora cliffs—worth the four-hour train.  2  Day 5 Kalabaka → Thessaloníki  free (regional) No supplement, but one more travel day.  3  Day 9 Krakow → Oświęcim (return) free (regional) Auschwitz day trip; counts once.  4  Day 11 Krakow → Warsaw (EIP)  ~PLN 35 ≈ €8  High‑speed, mandatory seat.  5  Day 13 Warsaw → Gdańsk or Toruń (optional)  PLN 3 ≈ €0.70 Use if you “dive” north.  6  Day 16 Tallinn → Helsinki ferry  deck = free; cabin = ‑20 %  Tallink Silja It counts oas ne travel day.  7  Day 17 Helsinki → Tampere & back  €0–€6 VR seat  Eurail Pendolino; book in app.  8  Day 19 Helsinki o/night ferry → Stockholm  deck = free; cabin –20 % Same Tallink perk.  9  Day 21 Stockholm → Uppsala (return)  €0 (regional) Same‑day out‑and‑back.  10  Day 22 Stockholm → Gothenburg  ≈ €7 SJ seat  Eurail Community 3 h X2000.  11  Day 23 Gothenburg → Oslo  free No reservations.  12  Day 25 Oslo → Bergen  ≈ NOK 50 ≈ €4 seat Bergensbanen panorama.  13  Day 26 Bergen → Flåm train + Nærøyfjord boat  boat covered A rail‑and‑fjord combo.  14  Day 30 Copenhagen → Roskilde day‑trip  ≈ €9 seat  Eurail Vikings have & an easy return.  15  Day 32 Edinburgh → Inverness  £0–£5 seat UK still in the Eurail network. * Fees are 2ᵈ ‑class, summer 2025 published rates. Total Eurail travel days = 15 – the cap of the 15‑days‑in‑2‑months Senior Global Pass 2  What about the long, awkward gaps? Why wrestle with two‑day rail marathons when a 90‑minute hop costs less than your hostel? Segment Suggested airline(s) Typical July fare if bought 3 mo ahead Thessaloníki ✈ Krakow Ryanair, Aegean €55–€85 Warsaw ✈ Tallinn airBaltic, LOT, Ryanair €45–€90 ...
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  • Best of D. C. Smithsonian Museums
    Jun 13 2025

    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.

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  • Train Travel: SLO to San Diego and Gluten Free Travel
    Jun 6 2025
    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 Story Spotlight I want to tell you about a listener who recently retired as a dental hygienist. Her name is Cathy A. She’s been a big supporter of this podcast. She is traveling to Wisconsin to see her family and attend reunions. She’s enjoying her retirement by playing Marjan and. She recently sold her house and moved back into a condo she had bought decades before marriage. Her contractor husband fixed it up to her specs before they moved in, and she’s so happy. She’ll be traveling a lot more soon. Quick fire FAQ: The FAQ for today is: How can I find the right foods when I travel? I am gluten-free, and I have a hard time finding the right foods. First, you can use trusten gluten-free apps, but don’t trust them completely. Find me gluten-free options. The GF scanner, Yuka, and Happy Cow are three to check out. Find Me Gluten Free is a restaurant review site for gluten-free diners, primarily focused on the US, but with some unreliable data. The second is a scanner for reading labels with gluten information. The third is mostly for vegans and vegetarians, but it also filters for gluten-free. Here are some more tips for GF travel. Learn Local Phrases, For example, Celiac Travel. Bring Printed translation cards Book accommodations with kitchens or fridges. Shop local Be wary of street food, buffets, and Gluten-friendly menus. These are not medically safe. Bring a stash of protein bars, GF crackers, or instant oats. Use Facebook or Reddit Gluten-Free Travel Groups. Check Airline and airport dining in advance. Red Flag countries' Awareness or Labeling Laws. 60-second confidence challenge 3 things: neighborhood selection, daylight itineraries, scam avoidance Select walkable neighborhoods with public transportation nearby if you don't drive. Read reviews on the AirBNB website before you select. When booking a flight or train, be sure it arrives during daylight hours, which can vary in winter months. If it comes after dark, it will be more challenging. To avoid scams, be cautious when choosing passwords, logging out of websites, and making online purchases. These are very typical scams. If you are suspicious, you may be right to avoid that vendor and choose another. Don’t look like a target, either. If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper— https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com See Book A on Amazon or my website for information on all of these items. Destination Deep‑Dive Today’s destination is: “Amtrak Coastal Sampler: San Luis Obispo to San Diego” Do you love train travel? Have you considered Amtrak? I took one of the very best train trips on July 4. I started in San Luis Obispo, known as SLO to the locals. I was the only passenger in first class who picked me up at 5 pm. The porter greeted me happily and brought me snacks and drinks. The entire night was like a dream. I could see fireworks in hundreds of cities along the path to San Diego. I did transfer trains in Los Angeles, but even then, I could see a lot of fireworks. This was a treat. I was the only one in the car until we got close to San Diego, about a 5-hour trip. What is there to do in SLO? The beauty of the area will take your breath away. Your taste buds will be treated to incredible tastes from many choices. Your thirst will be quenched with fresh wine and beers from the local wineries and breweries. The weather is almost always great here, too. Slip-ups and smart moves One thing I messed up was not downloading the e-ticket before I reached the poor Wi-Fi zones on the train. But the fix is easy. Just download and take a screenshot of the ticket when you're preparing for the trip and have a good Wi-Fi connection. Practice: Test out your local commuter train and take a ride this weekend. 60-second confidence challenge Have you been on a train lately? Practice: Test your local commuter train and ride this weekend. Buy the ticket on your phone, then validate it before boarding the train. If your train requires a ticket screenshot, take that before you board. Resources Roundup: If you're looking for more female solo resources, you can find several tips and ways to navigate the pitfalls. Check out the 5 Steps to Solo Travel, Part A, the audiobook, or Part B. They are available in eBook and paperback formats on Amazon. The ebook is also available on my website. Take away mantra. You can travel solo and never be ...
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    5 m
  • Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan
    May 30 2025
    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 time, you only need a card to swipe, and you can add money to the card when you need to. Your first care purchase is often at a self-service kiosk, and usually there is English translations here. Go for it and try. Episode: Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan This scenic region reminded me of Lake Tahoe, California. If you are coming you will Arrive in Taoyuan airport and take the train to the Taipei Main Station and take the HSR train to Taichung City which comes about every 30 minutes and takes about an hour. Bus to Sun Moon Lake, which comes at least hourly. The total cost to get there is about $25, and it takes about 3 hours. To drive, you would take about 2.5 hours and save a few dollars. 🏨 Where to Stay? There are several hotels and resorts. My room at the Harbor Resort was not ready when I arrived, so I walked around the lake in the meantime. Here are a few other places, listed from most expensive to least expensive. Luxury/Comfort: Fleur de Chine Hotel – thermal spa access, lakeside views, wellness focus Midrange/Solo-Friendly: The Crystal Resort or Hotel Del Lago – walking distance to bike paths and pier Budget/Unique: Sun Moon Lake Youth Activity Center – traditional wooden lodge vibes 🌅 Sun Moon Lake Itinerary (4 Days) Day 1 – Afternoon: Arrive via bus to the (Shoe-is-he) Shuishe Pier area Check in + light walk along the Shuishe Lakeside Trail (flat, peaceful) Evening: Early dinner of local fish and mountain vegetables at Full House Resort Restaurant or a local restaurant nearby. Sunset viewing from Wenwu Temple stairs (lit up at night) local tea tasting at Sun Moon Lake Antique Assam Tea Farm Day 2 – Biking the Lake & Culture Morning: Rent an e-bike or mountain bike and ride the Sun Moon Lake Cycle Route — voted one of the top cycling paths globally Stop at: Ci'en Pagoda, Xiangshan Visitor Center, and (May-he) Meihe Garden The full loop is approximately 18 miles; consider a half-loop if you're feeling leisurely. There are places where you need to dismount and walk it. Some days, you may not be able to go the full distance, so ask. Afternoon: Take the Sun Moon Lake Ropeway (cable car) to the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village. Learn about the Thao, spelled T-H-A-O) and other cultural groups Optional: garden strolls Return via cable car or ferry. Evening: Relaxing soak at your hotel’s onsen-style hot springs Dinner at The Lalu’s Moon Pavilion Restaurant for lakeside fine dining (worth it solo!) Day 3 – Hiking + Temples Morning: Hike the Maolan Mountain Trail or Tsen Pagoda Trail for panoramic lake views and forest immersion Easy to moderate; solo-safe and well-marked Afternoon: Visit Xuanzang Temple – peaceful with Buddhist relics. Snack on local tea eggs and tofu pudding from lakeside stalls Evening: Night market (seasonal, usually in Shuishe or Ita Thao area) – solo-friendly and fun for grazing Optional: Boat cruise at dusk (join a group tour or private hire) Day 4 – Tea + Departure Optional walk in Xiangshan Forest Trail for one last quiet moment Safety, Solo Vibes & Tips Taiwan is ranked one of the safest destinations for solo female travelers (source: Global Peace Index) English signage is plentiful in Sun Moon Lake; locals are helpful but modest. Google Translate, and Pleco app help with communication. I used the Line app for texting here. Public bathrooms are clean and common Tap water is not typically drunk directly — use filtered water. Sun Moon Lake Official Website Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village Lesson Learned: Don’t schedule everything on Day 1 Travel Tip: Trust your gut instincts, if unsure, pivot fast. 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 Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest onYouTube In the news
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  • Seoul, South Korea and travel insurance comparisons
    May 23 2025
    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 comparison engine; you can see this in the show notes. Why use it first? Where to click Smart filters to enable It lets you price 30-day single-trip plans from dozens of underwriters side-by-side, then click through to the policy certificate in one step. Squaremouth (toggle "Comprehensive" or "Medical-only" to see apples-to-apples pricing). Squaremouth Travel Insurance Medical ≥ $100k, Evac≥ $250k, "Cancel for Any Reason" if you want maximum flexibility. Gives you consumer-written claim reviews plus AM Best financial ratings in the results grid. InsureMyTrip (same data feed as Squaremouth but different sort logic). Add "PIf relevant, existing condition waiver" if rek "Adventure sports" if you'll hike or dive. Pulls quotes from some insurers that don't feed aggregators (e.g., Allianz's higher-tier plans) and lists A.M. Best scores. TravelInsurance.com Use the "24/7 assistance" toggle to see which plans outsource helplines. Skeptical check: All three make a commission, and none of them has every carrier. Run your trip through at least two engines and see if the so-called "cheapest" plan is available. 2. Cross-reference with an independent ranking list U.S. News "Best Travel Insurance Companies 2025" ranks plans by coverage and claim-paying history—not advertising spend. It's a fast way to see which names (Travelex, Allianz, Tin Leg, etc.) consistently show up in the top tier. U.S. News 3. See what other solo women say SoloTravelerWorld.com keeps an updated "Best Travel Insurance for Solo Travelers" guide that spells out what to look for if you're traveling alone—single-supplement benefits, harassment coverage, and 24-hour crisis lines. Solo Traveler AbsolutelyLucy.com lays out five red flags that matter disproportionately to women (e.g., personal-assault medical limits, emergency contraception exclusions). Absolutely Lucy Read these before you fall for glossy Instagram ads that treat "female-friendly" as a slogan. 4. Kick the tires on the insurer's site If a plan looks good in a marketplace, open the policy certificate directly on the carrier's website (World Nomads, SafetyWing, Allianz, IMG, etc.). World Nomads publishes unfiltered claim reviews, which help sniff out chronic payout delays. World Nomads 5. Verify what your government will—or won't—do The U.S. State Department's Insurance Coverage Overseas page makes it crystal-clear that Uncle Sam does not pay your hospital bill or med-evac. It also links to the embassy medical resources for every country, which tells you how far the nearest trauma center is from your trekking trail. Travel.gov 6. Double-check your credit-card benefits Cards in your wallet may cover trip delays, baggage loss, or secondary car rental insurance. The Points Guy keeps a running tally of cards whose built-in coverage is worth something and where the gaps are (e.g., no medical evacuation). How to use these resources efficiently Quote your exact dates (don't round your trip to a calendar month; excess days add cost). Filter for medical & Evac first; those two benefits can bankrupt you. Ignore marketing buzzwords like "explorer" or "adventure" until you've opened the PDF certificate and searched for the activity you plan to do. Run your final four shortlist past recent claim reviews (Squaremouth, Trustpilot, Reddit r/solotravel) to see if the carrier ghosted people during COVID or the Israel–Gaza cancellations. You can purchase directly from the insurer once you've chosen, which avoids aggregator change fees if you need to modify dates. Stay curious, question every "Top 10" list's methodology, and you'll land the coverage that fits your risk profile—nothing more, nothing less. 60-second confidence challenge 3 things: neighborhood selection, daylight itineraries, scam avoidance Select walkable neighborhoods with public transportation nearby if you don't drive. Read reviews on the AirBNB website before you select. When booking a flight or train, be sure it arrives at daylight, which can differ in winter months. If it comes after dark, it will be more challenging. To avoid scams, be cautious when choosing passwords, logging out of websites, and making online purchases. These are very typical scams. If you are suspicious, you may be right to avoid that vendor and choose another. Don't look like a target, either. If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 1 of my book dives deeper—https://www...
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    12 m
  • Travel Planning: Ecuador
    May 16 2025
    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 constantly change? The answer is more straightforward than you think: It's basic colors, basic footwear, and layers, including a layer of insulated and waterproof clothing with a hat. You can also buy things along the journey, so if you don't have one now, you can get one later. What brings you more confidence? Is it knowing where you are going to sleep tonight? Is it knowing the language? Is it knowing you don't have to worry about anything? Let me know your thoughts. If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper—the link is in the description." See Book A for addressing all of these items. Destination Deep‑Dive Where am I headed? Ecuador Here's a personalized travel itinerary for your Ecuador and Galápagos trip, tailored for a solo female traveler who loves the ocean and beach swimming. It includes suggestions for activities, safety tips, and recommended accommodations. 📍 Quito Day 1 – Arrival in Quito Arrival: Arrive at Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) Hotel Recommendation: Hotel Casa Gardenia – The Boutique is in the historic center, a safe and walkable area. Budget option: Community Hostel Quito – Great for solo travelers, safe and sociable. Afternoon: Explore Quito's Historic Center (UNESCO World Heritage Site): La Ronda, Plaza Grande, and San Francisco Church Evening: Dinner at Casa Gangotena Rooftop for views of colonial Quito Day 2 – Day Trip Option 1: Middle of the World Monument (Mitad del Mundo) and Intiñan Museum Option 2: TelefériQo Cable Car + short hike (go in the morning for clear skies) Evening: Pack and rest for early Galápagos flight 🐢 Galápagos Islands Flight: Early flight from Quito to Baltra Island (GPS), transfer to Puerto Ayora on Santa Cruz Island Day 3 – Arrival and Beach Time Stay in Puerto Ayora: Mid-range: Hotel Fiesta Galápagos Budget-friendly: Hostal Gardner Galápagos Activity: Visit Tortuga Bay – a white sand beach suitable for swimming and kayaking (walk in or take a water taxi) Day 4 – Santa Cruz Exploration Morning: Visit Charles Darwin Research Station Afternoon: Swim/snorkel at Las Grietas (lava rock canyon) Evening: Enjoy seafood at La Garrapata or Il Giardino. Day 5 – Day Tour (Don't Miss!) Recommended Day Tour: Bartolomé Island (book ahead) Stunning views, snorkeling with sea lions, penguins, and tropical fish Tour provider recommendation: Galápagos Dreams Adventures or Nature Galápagos & Ecuador Day 6 – Another Island or Beach Day Option 1: Day trip to Isabela Island – visit flamingo lagoon, snorkel at Concha de Perla (more extended travel) Option 2: Playa El Garrapatero – quieter beach, ideal for relaxing and birdwatching 🛫 Return to Quito Day 7 – Quito City & Shopping Return flight from Baltra to Quito Hotel: Return to Hotel Casa Gardenia or Hostal El Arupo in La Mariscal Visit the La Floresta neighborhood – artsy, cafés, and murals. Shop for souvenirs at Mercado Artesanal La Mariscal Day 8 – Final Explorations & Departure Relax at Parque La Carolina or visit Museo del Banco Central Depart Quito 🌟 Don't Miss Highlights Tortuga Bay: Perfect for swimming and kayaking Bartolomé Island: Once-in-a-lifetime views and marine life Las Grietas: Safe, unique swim/snorkel spot Mitad del Mundo: Fun and educational photo stop ✅ Tips for Solo Female Travelers Stick to well-reviewed hostels or boutique hotels Use airport and hotel transfers through your accommodation when possible. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and your snorkel gear if possible. Don't swim alone at isolated beaches—join a small group tour.s Smart Move and Slip up pairings Keep digital copies of travel documents and insurance. Don't forget to keep your passwords protected, too. If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 2 of my book dives deeper · Step out of your comfort zone · Enjoy your life · Innovate and explore · Self-Actualization · Pleasure · Emotional experience · Face your fear of going alone. It seems that the more places I see and experience, the bigger I realize the world to be. The more I become aware of, the more I realize how relatively little I know of it, how many places I have still to go, how much more there is to learn. Maybe that's enlightenment enough – to know there is no final resting place of the mind, no moment of smug clarity. Perhaps wisdom, at least for me, means realizing how small I am and...
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    8 m
  • Travel Planning: Colombia
    May 9 2025
    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 destination: Planning my trip to Colombia Friends to meet in Bogota. Peace Servas Secretary Colombia. She said YES! Reach out to her with my dates and any needs. I am friends with Fanny Vico. Flights: Given your preference for flying over driving, consider booking internal flights between major cities like Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. Airlines such as Avianca and LATAM offer frequent domestic routes.​ Accommodation: Opt for reputable hostels or budget hotels in safe neighborhoods. For instance, Selina offers locations in Bogotá's La Candelaria and Cartagena's Getsemaní, both known for their vibrant culture and relative safety. .​sojournies.com 📍 Bogotá La Candelaria: Explore this historic district with its colonial architecture, museums, and street art.​ Gold Museum (Museo del Oro): Home to an extensive collection of pre-Hispanic gold artifacts.​ Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá: Consider a guided tour to this unique underground cathedral carved within a salt mine.​ 2 days in : Cartagena Walled City: Stroll through the historic center with its colonial buildings, plazas, and cafes.​ Getsemaní: Experience the local art scene and vibrant nightlife in this bohemian neighborhood.​ Rosario Islands: Consider a boat tour to these nearby islands for a relaxing beach day.​ 3 days in Medellín Comuna 13: Join a guided tour to learn about the neighborhood's transformation and vibrant street art.​ El Peñol and Guatapé: Take a day trip to climb El Peñol for panoramic views and explore the colorful town of Guatapé .​Condé Nast Traveler+2sojournies.com+2Adventurous Kate+2 Pueblito Paisa: Visit this replica of a traditional Antioquian town for cultural insights and city views.​ Mid-episode promo: Where are you going? Let me know if I helped you travel. The show notes have ways to connect. Connect with Dr. Travelbest Drmarytravelbest.com Colombia Tips for Solo Travelers Stay in centrally located accommodations like the Downtown or Historic areas for easy access to attractions. Join a guided tour for a fun way to explore with others (walking, brewery, or riverboat tours). Today’s Mistake- Potholes. When I’m driving, it’s hard to dodge potholes. I need to make sure that I drive on roads that are less like crater forests and more like smooth roads. I had to buy four new tires this week, and I think some of the damage was from potholes. Here’s some driving tips for you to get more from your tires. Assume every unexplained shadow could be a pothole, give yourself options by slowing and spacing out, and keep your tires healthy enough to bail you out when surprise strikes. A little skepticism goes a long way toward smoother, cheaper journeys. Today’s Travel Advice-Safety Tip: Avoid displaying valuables and be cautious in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing.​ Connect with Dr Travelbest Drmarytravelbest.com Dr. Mary Travelbest Twitter Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram email: info@drmarytravelbest.com Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest onYouTube
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