In this episode: FAQ is: Do you have any advice on finding a safe place to sleep in a strange new city I'll visit? I'm in my 60s and I have a challenge sleeping when I don't know much about my surroundings.

 

Today's Destination: Ann Arbor, Michigan

Today's Mistake- Oversleeping

Travel Advice:  Hide some extra cash for emergencies

 

FAQ: Do you have any advice on finding a safe place to sleep in a strange new city I'll visit? I'm in my 60's and have difficulty sleeping when I don't know much about my surroundings.

Answer:

When I get to a new city, I like to walk the neighborhood and feel the pulse of the area. I try to arrive as early in the day as possible, and especially not when it's dark. That makes me more comfortable with the area and allows me to rest. Sometimes I take the red eye flight, because I will arrive early in the morning and can get around the city during the daylight. 

Before you travel, find your destination on google maps, and then make a path from your airline to your hotel or Airbnb virtually. Look for the main signposts, freeway exits and signposts. You can use the visual guide "street view" so you can anticipate what it will look like in advance for a safer feeling about the location. 

 

Today's destination: Ann Arbor, Michigan

 

It's a town that doesn't change much over the years. If you've not been there, it's worth a visit, even for a day or two. Slow down and enjoy the good things in Michigan. Summers and winters have weather, and fall leaves are colorful. Pick your season and make the most of it.

I visited in the 1970's and again in 2021 and it's a fresh and inspirational college town to me. Football rules as University of Michigan Blue is seen all over. Downtown is a walking city, with plenty of free parking for visitors. Do check out some of the culture, entertainment, and especially the art museum at the University. I enjoyed this museum that was the arts and culture museum in downtown Ann Arbor. Admission was no charge, and the tickets were available online. 

 

There are 14 farmers markets in the county of Washtenaw in spring and summer. There are plenty of farm-to-table restaurants, too. Argus Farm Stop and White Lotus Farms have good markets.

https://www.annarbor.org/

https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/museums/

 

Today's Mistake- Oversleeping before a big trip

I did not set my alarm correctly, and it did not wake me up. I overslept for a 5 am drive to the airport as I woke then. I was out the door by 5:15am, but not really yet awake and the rest of the day followed poorly. Do make sure you have at least one if not two reliable alarms set if you are catching an early morning flight.

 

Today's Travel Advice-Keep cash in hidden places. It's a good idea to have an extra $20 somewhere you may need it. You may be running out of gas or need to get supplies. That $20 bill could be a big lifesaver for you when you travel independently. You could put it in your shoe, your money belt, or your inside pocket.

 

Today I want to bring meaning to your travel. Send me your travel tip. You can send it to my website, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. You can send to my Twitter, blog, and maybe you'll see your tips in the next book, Steps to Independent Travel.

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