Dr Mary Travelbest Guide

In this episode: FAQ is: Packing questions? What are the most popular ones?    They are mostly related to overpacking issues.   How many suitcases should I bring?   You can carry as few as possible and only one load.  My goal is to bring half of what I thought I needed. Fill the suitcase with things to give away, then fill it up again with things you buy along your trip.   What do people forget to bring on vacations?   The first item is bathroom things like makeup, toothbrush, comb, and accessories. These can be purchased at your destination.   Eyeglasses may be more difficult to find. Contacts are difficult to make up, so keep your prescription to order them. Underwear and some clothing items are reasonably easy to purchase when on the road.    What are your packing tips?    I’d love to hear them. Here are some ideas about common things forgotten.   https://www.oregonbeachvacations.com/15-commonly-forgotten-vacation-items/#:~:text=1.,vacations%2C%20and%20it%20makes%20sense.   Did you need to remember something important? Remember the movie Home Alone? They forgot one of their kids when they went to Europe for Christmas. At least I have not done that one! Could you tell me about your travel packing mistakes?   Today’s Packing Mistake- There are so many times I have forgotten things on my trips. The main ones are: I forgot the tent poles, left the luggage at home twice, and left the charger plugged in at the hotel. Should I continue? Today’s Travel Packing Advice-Lists and checklists: My friend Cathy has a checklist for her travels. Every time she plans a trip, she reviews that before heading out the door. She reviews it when she’s putting the suitcase together, making final preparations, and before leaving her apartment. Get a checklist or make one for yourself. Packing will never get any easier until you have a routine that includes the checklist.

Sturgis, South Dakota It may be winter now, but the summer will follow and you want to plan your next travel experience. Listen to the FAQ, the destination, the lesson learned and the travel tip.

This is Dr Mary Travelbest: FAQ is: What about immunizations other than Covid? Where can I go for good medical advice? . Today’s Destination is: Little Rock, Arkansas Today’s Mistake- Taking too much luggage Travel Advice: Tips for Wildlife Watching: photos and using binoculars   FAQ:  Do I need other immunizations besides Covid, such as Typhoid fever immunization?   Answer: Are you traveling to countries that are known for having diseases? Find out. This makes a big difference when solo, especially in Steps 4 and 5 travel.   RSV, Covid, Flu? Triple whammy. Typhoid is bad in what countries? Hepatitis is bad. Malaria is where? Tetanus shots? Every ten years? Polio?   Ask your doctor. What immunizations do you need? Get your official International Certificate of Immunization that contains a record of your vaccinations and immunizations for you to keep with your passport. There are at least 10 recommended immunizations you may need. Go to a health seminar for travelers, and search for the best ones. You will likely be paying out of pocket for all of the services, including immunizations, so choose wisely. In most cases, health insurance does not cover these visits, generally speaking. Today’s destination: Little Rock, Arkansas 200,000 people live here. It’s a step one or two trip, in the 5 Steps to Solo Travel. Best time to visit is the summer, even though it’s muggy hot. Long days and short nights make for some fun in the sun, shade, and breezes along the river. The hospitality is wonderful in Arkansas. Clinton Presidential Museum is one of the highlights of downtown. Indians influenced the river and are honored at Riverfront Park. Carve time to enjoy this park, free and easy to navigate. If you’re coming from the east, it’s an easy drive from Memphis, Tennessee.  Bright parts: Greenery is abundant here. Plenty of water is available for walks on the paths, along the shore, and exploring solo as a Step 1 or Step 2 traveler. https://www.littlerock.gov/ https://www.rivermarket.info/ Riverfront park has concerts, events, and plenty to entertain and amuse. Check the calendar when you are visiting. There’s plenty to do here, just find what makes you tick. zoo, river, parks, museums, and history, including a lof of Arkansas history. Don’t forget to sample some of the local home-style cooking and local favorite dishes. Do pack the bug repellent and watch for poison ivy. Today’s Mistake-  Too much luggage Today’s Travel Advice-Tips for Wildlife Discovery: photo tips and using binoculars First: Wildlife Watching Tips: Your car serves as a good “blind” for watching wildlife, protecting you and the animals from one another. Pull all the way off the road, turn off the motor and the lights. Keep young children and pets quiet and inside the car. Don’t trespass on private property and, when in the national park or national forest, observe posted signs.  Next: Photo Tips: Use a telephoto lens and tripod. Respect the safety and welfare of your subject, aiming for photos of calm, dignified, unstressed animals. Morning and afternoon lights are best, with the sun at your back. If you don’t have a telephoto lens, show the animal in its natural surroundings rather than trying to move in too close. You could lose the shot altogether by spooking the subject.  Last: Binocular Tips: First find the subject with the unaided eye and, bringing the eyepieces just under your eyes, sight the subject over the tips of the eyepieces. Slowly bring the binoculars to your eyes and focus. I like binocs that are small and compact. What do you like?   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: [email protected] Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest onYouTube

  Welcome to the Podcast with Dr. Mary Travelbest:   FAQ is:  Should I bring a cellphone when I travel? Today’s Destination is: Hong Kong Today’s Mistake- Losing my cell phone in Mexico City Travel Advice:  Try Reddit for some travel advice channels.    List to the end to hear about the Reddit feed called “solo travel”. No one uses their real names, so it’s free flow. It is like anonymous social media, with different priorities and postings than on FB or IG, or even YouTube.    FAQ: Should I bring a cell phone when I travel? Answer: Yes, at least one. Ask your carrier if they have service in the countries where you are traveling, and if so, what are the fees, if any. Ask about special plans if they offer them. You can also get a second service and buy a cheap phone when you get abroad. Wifi you will get in most hotels, but it is not always a guarantee. If you have a hot spot, maybe you can use that when you travel. Also, consider using a VPN for more privacy than not having one. VPN is Virtual Private Network.  I had two cell phones the last time I was in Mexico City, but I lost the extra one. I’ll tell that story later in the Lessons Learned section. Today’s destination: Hong Kong or East Asia What is there to do in Hong Kong solo? It’s ideal for your first Step 5 trip because you can absorb as much culture as you like, still being in what was a British colony for a long time. They have traditions like high tea here you will like. On my first trip here, I did not have any reservations, back in pre-cell phone days. That was adventurous, admittedly. What was the worst part of the trip here? Probably a bad haircut. But that’s ok. because hair grows back. The other downside was that I booked a cheap flat for a few days and as I recall in January, neither the heat nor the hot water was working. On another island, Lantau Island, you will discover a cable car that will amaze you. 3500 people per hour is the capacity, with more than 100 cabins.   https://www.np360.com.hk/en/cable-car Today’s Mistake-  Losing my cell phone in Mexico City   I’m glad you held on to it here. So I had a backup cell phone, just for emergencies. I was in a dressing room at a store trying on clothes and I took a minute to send a text. I was using the new phone. However, I did not have them connected, and so I had to look up the contact info on one phone and use it on the second one. Well, this got complicated and eventually, I lost the new phone in the dressing room. I went back and it was not found. I contacted the store manager and no one turned it in.   Today’s Travel Advice-Get good travel advice from others on social media like Twitter and Reddit.   I’ve got an active Twitter feed, in case you haven’t been there. My sign is @drtravelbest  Are you following me? Here’s another example:  Reddit.com/solotravel has a lot of good q and a on it. I’m seeing a lot of questions about sim cards in Europe, and it may cost 25 euros for 50 GB of data in Europe. Some recommend Vodaphone.  Get educated here and join me. Discussions are public. It’s not “owned” by me, just see good posts and skip the garbage posts. No one uses their real names, so it’s freeflow. It is like anonymous social media, with different priorities than on FB or IG, or even YouTube.  Let me know if you like this platform. It’s popular with millennials.   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: [email protected] Dr. Mary Travelbest Podcast Dr. Travelbest on TikTok Dr.Travelbest onYouTube

Travel tip: Get the right sleep and exercise before your trip. That will boost your immunity. . Today’s Special Episode on Travel Health and CDC checklist questions   Here’s what you need to know…..and answer   CDC has a good website with the right questions to ask your doctor. Or for your doctor to ask you.   When are you traveling? Make sure you plan ahead, even months ahead.   and how long will you be at each location?   Where are you traveling? Which countries are you visiting  and in what order? Where within the country or countries will you be traveling? Are these destinations urban or rural? Where will you be staying (sleeping) during your trip    (such as a hotel with air conditioning,  screened cabin, open-air tents,  or with family or friends)? What activities will you be doing during your trip?    Have you traveled internationally in the past? When did you travel?    How old are you? What vaccinations have you had before?   Do you have or could you get a written record of your previous vaccinations?   When did you have these vaccinations?   How many doses did you have of a particular vaccine?    Do you have any other allergies?  In particular, do you have an allergy to eggs, latex, yeast, mercury, or thimerosal?   What is your medical history and current health status?    What medications are you currently taking or have you taken in the past 3 months?   https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/preparing-for-appointment Is there a disease directory at CDC?   Yes there is. Show notes have the link. You will find the most common diseases and where they are mostly found, plus immunizations. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseases   Let’s get ready for your next healthy trip solo.

This is Dr Mary Travelbest, a guide for you to travel. The 5 Steps to Solo Travel will help you get going. See the series on Amazon.   In this episode: FAQ is: How have your travels changed you? Listen to the program for the response. Today’s Destination is: Harriman, New York Today’s Mistake- overweight luggage Travel Advice:  Dubai is accessible Today’s destination: Harriman, New York   https://www.visitthecatskills.com/ North of New York City is upstate and some of my best memories growing up were here. If you saw the movie, Dirty Dancing, which took place at now-closed Grossinger’s in the Catskills Mountains. It’s a haven for people wanting to get away from New York City. Nearby is Harriman State Park, where you can do some great sightseeing and hiking. It’s all part of a bigger mountain region in Upstate New York, including parts of the Appalachian Trail and the Catskills area. Today’s Mistake- Overweight luggage Flying with overweight luggage can get pricey. I arrived at the airport with luggage that was 5 pounds over the limit. I spent time re-arranging the items and moving some heavy items to my carry-on bag, putting on another layer of clothing, and then re-weighing the item. It took a few tries, but eventually, the luggage weight fit under the limit. I should have weighed the bag at home before getting to the airport and finding this out. Don’t be like me. Weigh your bag first.  Today’s Travel Advice-Dubai is accessible, even if it’s a far trip.  

In this episode: FAQ is: Boston or New York? Today’s Destination is: Coronado island, California Today’s Mistake-Underestimating time required for security.  Travel Advice: How to swim without losing your valuables.    FAQ: Boston or New York?   If you have to choose, decide which is more relevant, the larger city with three airports or one large airport, Boston.  If you plan to see a broadway play, that’s easy, New York. If you want to ride the T, visit cemeteries from the Revolutionary War, then Boston. In New York, you may want to see some of Central Park. Think of rhe TV show, Friends, based in New York, or Seinfeld. Then think of the show Cheers and that is Boston. Both are good choices. Since I’m born and raised in New York, I will go there with my choice. I pick New York. What about you?   Today’s destination: Coronado, California   It’s not really a complete island, because it’s connected by land. It’s just south of San Diego and north of Mexico. Most people arrive from the scenic Coronado bridge, which is spectacular and free to cross in your vehicle.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Diego%E2%80%93Coronado_Bridge   Others arrive via a narrow piece of land called, Silver Strand. It’s also a California state beach. The busiest time to visit is Christmas Time, so you can see the huge tree in the hotel Del lobby, the ice skaters, the seashore, and the beautiful hotel grounds, where the movie Some Like it Hot was filmed in the 1950’s with Marilyn Monroe. I went there yesterday and caught up in the holiday spirit with the tree in the lobby, sandcastles built to welcome in the new year and igloos on the sand that could be rented by the hour.   My favorite parts of the island are the public library and parks where the town congregages, the swimming pool, where I’ve attended many swim events, and great restaurants. I also took a lot of sailing and Coast Guard training in the nautical part of this island paradise. I learned how to tie knots among other things and got certified to rent a boat.   In recent years, they have had some spillover of sewage from the Tijuana estuary. This has closed the beaches in some regions. This should be fixed soon, thanks to awareness and legislation of civic leaders.    What to do? why not a beach walking tour, by yourself? Coronado is a Pet friendly town with very high real estate prices, in case you are thinking of moving here.   https://coronadovisitorcenter.com/   https://coronadovisitorcenter.com/listings/coronado-beach-walking-tour-by-emerald-keepers/ Today’s Mistake: Underestimating time required for airport security.    I got to the airport at an early time, so I thought. then I looked at the line for the TSA. That had about 1000 people in it, so this would be a rough start.  If the security line is long, go directly to the gate quickly. Don’t delay. If you have TSA pre-check or CLEAR, you are in luck. Otherwise, you need to make sure you’re in the right line so you don’t waste valued time. Tell the people in front of you that you have a flight soon. I did not do that. I missed my flight, so I have learned my lesson. Get there early. Don’t try to push the time it takes to get through security.   Today’s Travel Advice- How to swim without losing your valuables.   For solo travelers who want to smim, while making sure their valuables are safe. Leave most valued things in your hotel or room. Here are four tips to keep the things you need safe while you swim.   befriend a group or a couple on the beach or pool and ask them to watch your stuff bring a waterproof bag with you and swim or paddle with it. bury your valued items in ziplock bags under the sand or hide them. put the phone and keys in an empty soft drink container, like a McDonald’s cup and maybe no one will suspect that diverstion.

Welcome to Cairns, Australia and Dr. Mary Travelbest   In this episode: FAQ is: Dr. Travelbest, What are the seven natural wonders of the world? Today’s Destination is: Cairns, Australia  Today’s Mistake- Leaving my wallet in a taxi Travel Advice:  Avoid single supplements when you travel. FAQ: What are the seven natural wonders of the world? Answer: One will be talked about on this podcast, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia, which is located by Cairns. The other six are:   Aurora Borealis (also known as the northern lights) Harbor of Rio de Janeiro. Grand Canyon, USA Mount Everest. Victoria Falls. Parícutin, Mexico volcano   Today’s destination: Cairns, Australia It’s a city in Queensland, on the tropic north east coast.  The population is about 150,000 plus lots of tourism is happening here. Some of the world’s most beautiful diving spots are here, on the Great Barrier Reef.   It’s known for agriculture, the port, and now a destination for worldwide travel. The best time to visit is spring or fall, as the tropical rainforest and climate is lovely nearly anytime.    The people here are genuine and really easy to relate to. They are kind and personal and warm. You can meet them where they are and get to know them with a few nice greetings and respect for their surroundings. When I visited, I met several of the locals and they were all helpful and accommodating.    I flew to Cairns from Brisbane, and stayed for about a week before flying to Alice Springs. The Great Barrier Reef was my destination and I enjoyed the boat trips Snorkeling with the turtles and seeing the many Islands.nI’d like  to name all of the nearby islands, but there too many to name. Some islands are not for humans because they are protected. Here are three main ones, where you can spend the night if you want.    https://greatbarrierreef.org/islands/best-islands-to-visit-near-cairns/ Fitzroy Island Green Island Lizard Island Besides the ocean, on land, you’ll want to visit the Kuranda Scenic Railway. It’s built into the mountain it seems in some areas. It’s a train right through a dense rainforest, with steep ravines and picturesque waterfalls within the World Heritage listed Barron Gorge National Park. This 2 hour journey gives a view of Barron Falls, 15 hand carved tunnels, 37 bridges and waterfalls you will love. https://www.kuranda.org/listing/kuranda-scenic-railway Today’s Mistake-  Leaving my wallet in a taxi Today’s Travel Advice- Avoid solo travel’s single supplement fees when you travel    

 Dr. Mary Travelbest’s Solo Travel North Dakota In this episode: FAQ is How far in advance should I book my travel? The destination is North Dakota. The lesson learned is carry a flashlight and the tip is how to stay awake while driving.   FAQ: When asked, how far in advance should I book my travel, I had to dig into my expert opinions for some data. The domestic trips should be booked one to two months in advance and international trips are best planned even further in advance, especially if you are traveling on specific dates or for a holiday period. Those are when flights are highly sought after and as you know.   https://www.farecompare.com/travel-advice/tips-from-air-travel-insiders/   Today’s Independent Destination- Fargo, North Dakota   The touristy thing to visit in Fargo is the Hjemkomst Center, a scenic museum complex that features a replica of a Norwegian Viking ship and a wooden stave church. The name means Homecoming, which represents the Nordic people.   https://www.hcscconline.org/the-hjemkomst.html   The Plains Art Museum is one of the most visited places in Fargo. Other popular sites in North Dakota are the Teddy Roosevelt National Park, and the National Buffalo Museum. Painted Canyon Visitor Center will be a stop on my next trip. As you would imagine, there are plenty of buffalo and camping here to enjoy. https://www.planetware.com/tourist-attractions/north-dakota-usnd.htm   Other things to do in the area are visit the many parks, museums, art galleries and mix with the locals. I found many university campuses to walk around, such as North Dakota State University and five others. It may be the last US state that many people visit, because it’s just not on the way to many other places. It’s worthwhile to visit and learn of this great state.   Today’s Lesson Learned- Carry a flashlight   At night, it’s hard to see in the dark. If you’re tent camping, you may need to have a handy flashlight if you need to use the restroom facilities. You can find some that are hands free, too. That saved me from tripping in the dark times. Keeping a flashlight with batteries or using the flashlight on your smartphone can save you from tripping or falling, and that’s a lesson learned. See the notes for the Best Flashlights and how to select one.   https://gearjunkie.com/best-flashlights   Today’s Travel Advice-How to stay awake while driving?     https://www.sleepfoundation.org/drowsy-driving/how-to-stay-awake-tips   Connect with Dr Travelbest Website Drmarytravelbest.com Mary Beth on Twitter Dr. Mary Travelbest Twitter  Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Page Dr. Mary Travelbest Facebook Group Dr. Mary Travelbest Instagram