This is from 2019, which seems so long ago. It's a favorite. Notice the different opening.

In this episode: Faq, What to do when you get sick on the road? Destination: National Parks: USA and Canada, Mistake: Getting a haircut in Hong Kong  Tip: Go where the locals go.

FAQ What do I do when I am sick while traveling?

Skip strenuous activities.

Take a long, hot bath or shower.

Eat foods that are gentle on your stomach.

Drink lots and lots of water, juice and tea.

Do you have insurance? Could you check with your health insurance firm before you go and get some if you need it? Out of the country, especially check this.

My Mexico City Experience

Food poisoning in Taipei

Today's Independent Destination: National Parks

Why? Because they are not to be missed. Our national heritage. Why our country is so special. You will love America more after visiting.

• $80 lifetime pass, plus a $10 handling fee. ...

• Please note that the price of the lifetime Senior Pass increased to $80 on August 28, 2017. ...

• For U.S. citizens or permanent residents age 62 or over.

• May be obtained in person at a federal recreation site or through the mail using the application form.

 

The National Parks are such a great value for us independent travelers. If you are over 62, you can get a lifetime pass. Five free days in 2019, entrance only!

• Monday, January 21: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

• Saturday, April 20: First Day of National Park Week

• Sunday, August 25: National Park Service Anniversary

• Saturday, September 28: National Public Lands Day

• Monday, November 11: Veterans Day

  Other fees such as reservation, camping, lodging, tours, concession and fees collected by third parties are not included unless stated otherwise.

America the Beautiful - 2019 Annual Pass

Cost $80 (U.S. Dollars) National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass This pass, available to the general public, provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity Fee - for a year - beginning from the date of sale.

• Pass holder/s and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas

• Pass holder + 3 adults (not to exceed 4 adults) at per person fee areas. (children under 16 admitted free)

America the Beautiful - Senior Pass

$80 (U.S. Dollars) National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass An annual senior pass is also available for $20. The pass admits the pass holder and passengers in a non-commercial vehicle at per vehicle fee areas and pass holder + 3 adults, not to exceed 4 adults, at per person fee areas (children under 16 are admitted free). The pass can only be obtained in person at the park.

America the Beautiful - Access Pass

Free National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass This is a lifetime pass for U.S. citizens or permanent residents with permanent disabilities. The pass provides access to, and use of, Federal recreation sites that charge an Entrance or Standard Amenity.

 

In Canada, you can also get an annual pass, which can save you a lot of time in line. We bought a family pass last year in Banff, which was also good for other National parks in Canada. This is the Canadian Rockies. We visited the Banff Spring Hotel and had a wonderful experience. Lake Louise Ski Resort was a "bucket list" place for me.  We stayed outside the park. A single park pass gets you to all national parks, national historic sites and national marine conservation areas operated by Parks Canada. The Discovery Pass provides unlimited admission for a full year at over 80 Parks Canada places, typically charging a daily entrance fee. Visit the Parks Canada Passes and Permits website.

Today's Mistake-Getting a haircut in Hong Kong. 

It was too short. I looked like a man. When I tried to get a bathing suit in a hotel, they gave me a men's bathing suit, not a woman's. That was not so good.

Today's Travel Advice-Go to where the locals go. It may be a bar, a café, the local library, or church. Find out what the local people do in their daily lives. You don't always need to visit the "touristy" places, just to say you were there. Consider your personal needs, desires, and interests. Follow them. Take a city bus or subway. I've always been able to get back to where I started, so that's how to avoid getting lost, retrace your steps. Ask the locals, they want to talk to you, for the most part.