Where in the world am I? In San Diego today. Trip Summary 2

 

Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, recently on a 90-day journey around the world, excited to connect with fellow travelers and share our experiences.

 

Listener Story Spotlight

 

 Today's listener story is about 79 year old Sandi Biback who I met in Toronto and helped organize an afternoon with women from the JourneyWoman organization.

She was called in to help and rose to the occasion. She is traveling to Bhutan in October and has shared several tips with me for purchasing Travel insurance. She's seasoned in Travel experiences and business conferences. She has been an active traveler for many decades. I tip my head to you, Sandi, and thank you for helping out in Toronto.

Quick-fire FAQ:

The FAQ for today is: about Single Supplements. These are extra fees that are essentially doubled when part of a package group tour. Refer to the notes for further information on this topic.

When do I want to pay for them or not? Look at this link. 

 

There may be times you will pay for this, but the practice is getting attention with cruise ship business, and the more successful ones are eliminating the fees or reducing them dramatically.

I had to pay for a whole room on my cruise from Helsinki to Stockholm for one night. It was a tiny room on one of the lower levels, with no window. I’ll address this issue again in future episodes, but I’d like to hear from you on the topic, too.

 

60-second confidence challenge

 

Find a world map, whether it is a flat map, a round map, or an atlas. Get one and explore the map as if you lived in the world. You do. I challenge you to know your geography a little better than you did yesterday.

If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 3 of my book dives deeper—link in description.”

 

See Book A for addressing all of these items.

Find it on our website at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series.

 

Destination Deep‑Dive

Today’s special destination is: 

A summary of my 90-day trip. Part Two

 I ended Part One of this summary with my visit to South Africa, specifically Johannesburg. Let's move forward now on the second half. I flew on the shortest day of the year in the southern hemisphere, June 21, to the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere on June 22, when I landed in Athens, Greece, flying through and stopping off in Qatar overnight. Qatar's airport was immense.e I was shocked at how large it was. It was actually like a little city and quite the Commerce capital of the world from my perspective. You could stay there for weeks without going outside if you wanted to. There was just so much going on at any time of the day. I tried to access the airport lounge as I had a very long layover. Still, they insisted I couldn't check in until three hours before my flight or something like that, so I had to shop and come back. When I did go to the airport lounge, it was delightful, even at two in the morning. My credit card for this trip allowed me to use the Priority Pass lounges and even bring a guest, so I took advantage of that benefit and passed it on to others who became friends along the way. Now back to Greece. I didn't have a clear plan for what I was going to do in Athens. I stayed at a hostel located in a not-so-great area of the city. It was on the fringe, and by that I mean the only stores nearby were small markets that primarily sold take-out groceries. No other stores, such as dry cleaners or dog grooming shops, were in the neighborhood. The residents here were mainly short-termers, not people planning to stay for very long, hence markets that sold convenience goods. However, they were not called 7-11’s or chain stores, and inside, they had a small selection because the stores were small for the most part. There were many intersecting streets, and not all of them had well-marked names. I also had some struggles with Google Maps on this trip, but I enjoyed the visit nonetheless. I went to an island called Hydra. The locals called Ira, and then I also went and visited an island called Paris. I stayed overnight on the island and had a pleasant visit, spending time swimming in the ocean, hiking along the shore, and exploring its natural beauty.

 The next day, when I returned to Athens, I checked back into the hostel, more for convenience and budget, and stayed one more night. I did feel a bit more secure. I remember it being so hot that even several stores and shops had closed. I took a taxi to the Acropolis Museum and enjoyed the air conditioning inside before heading back to my Hostel. The next day, I took a train to Thessaloniki, a five-hour ride, and stayed there for two nights to explore the outskirts of other cities beyond Athens. I returned to Athens a few days later and visited the Acropolis, the architectural museum, as well as several other local places of interest. I flew to Krakow, Poland, and then to Warsaw, Poland. I then returned to Dansk for another night. These cities hold significant historical importance for World War II. However, when I arrived at Dansk, I saw the World War II museum and realized that it had many artifacts well displayed for the public. If you're in Dansk, Poland I recommend this museum. Some of the things I did in Dansk, such as getting a haircut and having a massage, were important for self-care. After, I flew to Finland and then took a ferry to Estonia for a few days.

Then I went back to Helsinki and stayed some time there before going to Stockholm, Sweden, and then going to Oslo and then to Bergen, Norway for a few days, I went back to Oslo and then went to Copenhagen for a few days and then I went to our house denmark, and then back to Copenhagen before going to the Netherlands. I had a friend in the Netherlands. I visited Melvin, who lived in Amsterdam, but I also visited Haarlem, Rotterdam, and Harlem while I was there. Afterwards, I flew to Edinburgh, Scotland, and took a train to North Berwick, where I spent a wonderful day exploring, swimming, and getting to know the town. I left Edinburgh for Halifax, Nova Scotia, on July 27 and spent the next two weeks in Canada. I enjoyed the Eastern Canadian hospitality, the Celtic culture, and the nature I saw throughout the 1,500 kilometers I drove. I finished my week in Toronto, exploring Niagara Falls, the city, and its suburbs, and swam three times during my stay. It was hot before I came home to San Diego.

 

Smart Move and Slip-up pairings

 

 My slip-up in Edinburgh was dropping my iPad on my tiny toe at 5 AM in the dark. I was hurt, but I didn't know how badly it had broken. Four other people were sleeping in my hostel room at the time. I was getting ready to leave for the airport when this happened. Still, three weeks later, my toe is sensitive, but I think it will be okay. My lesson for you is this: when you're packing your bags, turn the light on so you can see what won't fall on your foot.

 

60-second confidence challenge

 

 Here's my challenge for you. 

 My travel challenge for you is to get to know your apps on your phone. Download at least three travel apps, including Google Maps, Rome2Rio, and consider moving it. You might have some other good apps that you would recommend, so please let me know what they are. You need these to help you navigate your way in a new city or a new country. Always download your city's Google map so that you have it if you're not in a Wi-Fi area. Download it in advance.

 

Resources Roundup

 

 One of my favorite apps is called Currency. I can look at the currency of my current location and compare it to another currency, such as the US dollar or the currency of a destination I may be traveling to. This Currency App is a valuable resource that does not require Wi-Fi to use.

 

Take away mantra and goodbye.

 

 Today's takeaway is about not trying to see everything on your first visit; save something for later. Be kind to yourself and don't try to overextend; just do what you can.

 

Thanks for listening. Be encouraged to travel with confidence.

 

 

Hi there. I’m Dr. Mary Travelbest, coming to you from a recent trip, on a 90-day solo journey around the world.

 

Listener Story Spotlight

 

Alina, whom I met in Toronto and who hosted me for my final four nights, is trying to travel to Seattle this week, but she’s been affected by the Air Canada airline strike. She’s a great traveler who has visited Japan, Spain, and many European countries. She was an excellent Servas host. Look up Servas if you want to encourage world peace with cultural exchange.

 

Quick-fire FAQ:

 

The FAQ for today is: What was my favorite place during my 90-day journey? It’s what I get asked nearly every day.

I don’t want to leave anyone out, so I usually say, 'Right here is my favorite place.' Right now, I’m home, so that’s my favorite place. It’s usually the NEXT trip that I’ll be taking. My next trip is for work, to Las Vegas, so that’s not a favorite. I can stay here for up to two nights, and then I need to get out. However, after that, it's off to Chicago soon. That will be a favorite this fall.

 

60-second Travelbest confidence challenge

 

Walk outside. Close your eyes and stop where you are. Listen to the sounds you hear. Did you catch every sound? Make a list in your mind. Continue walking and focus on what you hear. The sounds of nature or the city are there, but maybe you haven’t been listening. Go ahead and do this once a week. That’s your challenge.

If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, Chapter 1 of my 5 Steps series book A dives deeper—link in description.”

 

See Book A for addressing all of these items.

https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/

 

Destination Deep‑Dive

Today’s special destination is: 

A summary of my 90-day trip. Part One

 I began my trip in South America on May 13, 2025. I charted a course to go around the world from north to south. I flew to Chicago to begin my trip and then went to Bogota, Colombia, Cartagena, and finally Medellin. I spent a total of four weeks in South America, traveling through four countries, each for one week. Some of the highlights of South America would include fantastic artwork in downtown Medellin and riding on their very sophisticated tram system. In Cartagena, I had the opportunity to explore the old town and the city walls, as well as spend a day at Isla Blanca, a resort. My second week was spent in Ecuador, where I spent several days on the island of Isabela in the Galapagos. I saw many natural wonders here on this small island. I explored the tunnels and had the opportunity to swim with sea turtles during this trip. I also saw many lizards and other unusual creatures. After arriving in Peru, I landed in Lima and then traveled to Cusco by plane, where I spent a few days acclimating to the high altitude. I spent one 19-hour day in Machu Picchu, leaving at 3 AM and arriving at about 11 PM. That was quite an adventure, and it was a beautiful day at that. I felt that I got to know the city of Lima after visiting it for the second time at the end of May, when I spent a week in Brazil. I first arrived in Rio de Janeiro and visited the Christ the Redeemer statue.

 

I then spent several days exploring the city before heading to the sister city across the bay in Nero, where I enjoyed the locals and the beaches. I then flew to São Paulo. I explored this vast metropolis, one of the largest cities I've ever seen. From there I flew to South Africa via Angola, and when I arrived in Cape Town, I rented a car and drove on the left side of the road for the first time. I explored the Garden Route for several days before returning to Cape Town, situated at the southernmost tip of Africa. After Cape Town, I flew to Johannesburg on another airline. I was fortunate to visit the Apartheid Museum and the homes of two Nobel Peace Prize winners, all in the same neighborhood. This is my second trip to Africa, so I was glad to see a different part of it this time. I'll finish up my summary in the next episode, so stay tuned. 

Smart Move and Slip-up pairings

 One of my slip-ups on this trip was losing my phone. I lost it while I was entering the CN Tower in Toronto, one of the city's most popular tourist attractions. I was going through the X-ray machine, and they asked me to take off my vest. They also asked me to remove items from the pockets in the vest. They removed my phone from my pocket and dropped it in the basket when I was collecting my vest. I forgot to put the phone back in my pocket and proceeded to enter the exhibit for about five minutes. When I went to take a photo of an item on the tour, I couldn't find my phone I knew where it was so I turned around retrace my steps, made sure that they were gonna give me a reentry went into their highly secure staffing room and retrieved my phone immediately so don't slip up like I did and leave your phone behind when you're going through security, even if you seem to be a little bit nervous when you're going through there take a minute and make sure you have all your things. The smart move is to take a breath whenever you are going through a security situation.

60-second confidence challenge

 

Here's my challenge for you. Can you pack all of your toiletries and one small cube that will help build your confidence in many ways? Don't forget to zip up any items that could leak, especially if you have bug or mosquito protection, such as DEET, which should be double-bagged.

 

Resources Roundup

 

One of the good places to find resources is with your government agencies, such as the US consulate. Don't hesitate to check those out before you take a big trip.

 

Take away mantra and goodbye.

 

My takeaway for today is that traveling in one direction means that you don't have to double back and return to the same destination. Making a loop is a more efficient way to travel, draw a circle, and see where you can go on that journey, instead of just coming back.

 

 

 

Flashback to 2020 Travel

This was Covid Travel.

Solo Travel.

Road trip around the midwest USA. This episode is unscripted, unedited and raw.

Listen to Dr Mary Travelbest tell you about her travel to some of the best places for women to travel. Badlands, Sioux Falls, and hiking in the National Parks.

You will enjoy hearing about me getting poison Ivy, hiking with animals in Centennial, getting a sunburn in the hot springs and driving 5000 miles without touching anyone and being fully masked.

Let me know if you listen and what you think. It's an experiment to see how this content resonates with you.

 

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 designs for my first published travel book in 1993. She's been a friend for swimming in the ocean, concerts, joint baby showers, the funeral for her eldest son, and many shared life experiences. She's an awesome traveler and has a lot of advice for me.

Where am I headed? Peru

 

Lima Daytime: Stroll the clifftop Malecón in Miraflores for Pacific views, then relax on Playa Waikiki (the closest swimmable stretch).

Evening – Barranco bohemian district (street art, safe pedestrian areas).

Airport → MA iraflores taxi ≈ Ucosts S $20. The Etropolitano bus is cheaper but busy. Keep valuables close . Lima is generally safe but practices big‑city vigilance. 

The next day, Cusco Early Sky Airline or LATAM flight (1 hr 15 min; from ~US $31 one‑way) to acclimate gradually. Light walking tour of Plaza de Armas, San Blas artisans, coca‑tea stops. Book a morning flight so you can nap on arrival. 

Day 3 Ollantaytambo (Sacred Valley) Shared van tour Pisac market & terraces → Ollantaytambo ruins. Stay here to cut altitude (2 800 m vs Cusco 3 400 m) and be close to the train. Hostel examples: Mama Simona (~US $25 private).

Day 4 Aguas Calientes PeruRail Expedition train 07:45 or 10:32 (~1 h 40 min). Check‑in, soak in town hot springs, early bed. Expedition seats run ~US $65–75 each way. 

Peru Rail

Day 5 – MACHU PICCHU DAY Cusco (late) or Aguas Calientes (optional 2nd night)

Cusco Free day: San Pedro market breakfast, Qorikancha, café break, optional half‑day Moray & Maras salt ponds tour.

Morning flight Cusco → Lima; same‑ticket connection onward to Brazil (buffer at least three hours in Lima).

Don't-Miss Beach Breaks

If you'd like another ocean fix before Brazil, dedicate half a day to a Punta Hermosa day trip (1 hr south‑bound bus/Colectivo, US $4‑5). Choose calm Playa Caballeros for swimming or Playa Norte for quieter coves; eateries serve fresh ceviche on‑the‑sand. 

Machu Picchu in Detail – 1 June

Step What to do Tips & costs.

1. Tickets (book now!) Buy on tuboleto. Culture.pe—choose Circuit 2B (Classic Lower Terrace) for the iconic postcard view with moderate stairs. It costs 172 PEN ≈ US $45. Sales for 2025 opened on 19 Dec 2024; the daily cap is 5,6000, so June slots sell out early. 

Peru Rail

El País

2. Train 06:10 Inca Rail or 07:45 PeruRail Expedition from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes; arrive 08:30‑09:30. Sit on the left‑hand side for Urubamba River views. 

Peru Rail

3. Bus up. Buy a Consettur round‑trip ticket (US $24) at the kiosk the night before; the first buses roll at 05:30, and it's a 25-minute ride. 

Ticket Machu Picchu

4. Entry window Aim for the 09:00–10:00 slot (good light, less 6 am crowd, still before midday haze). Passport + ticket & small day‑pack only.

 

5. Guided visit (≈ 2 h) Hire certified guide at gate (~US $15 pp shared) to explore: Temple of the Sun, Sacred Plaza, Intihuatana, Three Windows.

 

6. Optional short hike Huchuy Picchu add‑on (easy 1 km, 30‑40 min, extra 48 PEN) – great summit photo without the steep drop of Huayna Picchu. 

Ticket Machu Picchu

7. Lunch & return Picnic outside gate (no food inside), stamp passport, bus down, 16:20 train back to Cusco (arr. 20:30) or stay 1 more night at Aguas Calientes if you prefer a slower pace.

Packing checklist: passport, printed tickets, layers (cool mornings/hot sun), rain shell, 1 L refillable bottle (no disposables), DEET, sunblock, walking poles with rubber tips, cash for snacks & toilets (2 soles).

Altitude & health: Machu Picchu sits at 2 430 m—easier than Cusco, but you'll feel stairs. Hydrate, avoid alcohol the evening prior, and ask your doctor about acetazolamide if you've struggled with altitude before.

Budget Snapshot (USD per person)

Item Low Notes

Lima hostel (2 nts) 2 × $20 – $40 Pariwana or Selina Miraflores (female‑only dorm vs private).

LI‑CU round‑trip flights $70 – $120 Book early; Sky basic fare includes 8 kg carry‑on only.

Cusco/Ollanta/Aguas stays (5 nts) 5 × $18 – $35 Mix of hostels & guest‑houses with private bath options.

Trains (round‑trip) $130 – $150 Expedition or IncaRail Voyager class.

Machu Picchu entry and bus: $45 ticket + $24 bus + $15 guide. Add $13 for Huchuy Picchu.

Food & local transport $25/day × 7 ≈ $175 Menu del día lunches ~$4–6; airport shuttles, colectivos.

Approx. Total $600–$750. It leaves room for souvenirs or a Paracas day trip.

Safe & Comfortable Stays

City Budget‑friendly, mature‑traveler‑approved Approx. price (private, en‑suite)

Lima Ibis Budget Miraflores (hotel), Wasi Barranco (B&B) $40–60

Cusco Niños Hotel (supports local kids), Tierra Viva Cusco Saphi $38–55

Ollantaytambo El Albergue (historic hostel‑hotel blend) $65 (splurge), dorms $25

Aguas Calientes Supertramp Eco‑Hostel (quiet female dorm), Terrazas del Inca $22–50

Quick Tips for a Smooth Trip

Book everything online in advance, including flights, trains, Machu Picchu tickets, and buses, to beat lines and lock in cheaper fares.

Cash is still king in small villages—carry small sol notes; ATMs are plentiful in Lima & Cusco.

Stay seaside savvy: Lima's Pacific is cold (wetsuits for surfers). Swim only on signed "safe" sections and watch rip currents. Lifeguards patrol Punta Hermosa in peak daylight hours. 

Solo safety basics: use registered taxis (Taxi Beat or Cabify apps), avoid isolated beach areas at night, and keep photocopies of your passport in separate bags.

Enjoy Peru's vibrant coast, Andean culture, and the wonder of Machu Picchu

If you like today's Confidence Challenge, Chapter 3 of my book dives deeper

https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com 

My brother says, "Never run in an airport," and that's excellent advice.

My sister says, when you get to a new place, tell yourself it's the "first" time you will visit, but not the last.

If you are looking for more solo female resources, you can find several tips and ways to navigate the pitfalls with Rick Steves and Lonely Planet travel guides.

The takeaway mantra is to see where the world takes you.

You can travel solo and never be alone. Dr. Travelbest.

 

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 winter—pleasant 72 °F / 22 °C in Rio & São Paulo, warmer at Iguazu (upper 70s °F) with possible mist; pack a light rain shell for the falls.

 

Money: ATMs are plentiful. Withdraw in R$ and use cards where possible. Carry small notes for kiosks, buses, and street food.

 

Health & safety:

 

No yellow fever shot is demanded for the coast, but it is recommended for the Iguazu region.

 

Wear non‑slip shoes on Iguazu catwalks (spray makes surfaces slick).

 

Use registered taxis or ride‑share at night; avoid deserted beach stretches after dark.

 

Language: Basic Portuguese greetings go a long way; Spanish is understood in Iguazu. Learn “Obrigado” (thank you from a woman).

 

Hand‑Picked Stays (private room prices, low‑season)

City Comfortable & friendly Approx. US $ Why you’ll like it

Rio Selina Copacabana (female dorm or priv.), Ibis Budget Botafogo 35–60 24 h desk, beach steps away, rooftop bar.

Foz Tarobá Express, Che Lagarto Hostel 35–45 Central, free shuttle to falls stop, tour desk.

SP Ibis Paulista, Soul Hostel (single) $45–60. It is Walkable to the metro and lively but safe at night.

 

Quick Activity Bucket‑List

Region Must‑do Nice extra

Rio Watch sunrise from Leme end of Copacabana; Sugarloaf cable car; caipirinha & bossa‑nova in Lapa. Short jungle hike to Mirante Dois Irmãos for postcard view.

Iguazu “Devil’s Throat” platform roar; boat‑ride under the falls (waterproof bag!). Evening jungle moon‑bow walk (full‑moon nights only).

São Paulo MASP’s suspended concrete gallery; bike Ibirapuera lagoon; coffee tasting at Octavio Café. Live samba at Bar Brahma or vinyl jazz in Vila Madalena.

 

Approximate Trip Budget (USD)

Category Rio (3 nts) Iguazu (2 nts) São Paulo (3 nts) Total

Lodging $150 $80 $150 $380

Flights (internal) — RIO→IGU $68 IGU→GRU $64 $132

Inter‑city buses / ferries $20 $25 (Arg. shuttle) $25 (Santos) $70

Sight tickets & tours $65 $110 $40 $215

Meals & local transit $30/day × 8 $240

Grand estimate ≈ $1 040

 

(Budget assumes dorm‑style breakfast included and a few splurges; private rooms or extra tours will raise totals.)

 

Enjoy Brazil’s unbeatable mix of beach life, rainforest thundering waterfalls, and South America’s most cosmopolitan metropolis—at a tempo that feels adventurous yet comfortable. Boa viagem!

 

Smart Move and Slip up pairings

Brazil slip ups, are that there’s no way I can see all of the country in a week. So I have to be very picky about only going to the Rio and Sao Paolo regions, and possibly Iguazu Falls, if that works out and I am able physically and mentally.

 

 

Can you figure out A RAH LO

 

Local, regional, and global esims

Local towers and networks in that country. Anticipate which eSim you need. 

Whole wide world 90 days $59 for me.

My first time in India, I thought it was part of Asia. 

I found out that I missed out the night before I was leaving.

 

Supported countries. Read that carefully. It helps you make a decision.

My code to get $3.00 off is MARY2856. You get the discount, and I get the credit.

 

Timer won’t start counting down until you get to the country you are traveling to, and once it connects, the plan will start—for example, 30 days and 5 Gig.

Validity starts when you get there.

Refill as needed. 5G devices

 

Watch this video for instructions.

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pi1Cb1tEeSI

Resources Roundup

 

How do you travel if you don’t know anyone who can go with you, and maybe you want to see some unique places that no one you know cares about?

Maybe you want to travel because you never saw these places while you raised your children and supported the family. You may want to visit where you were born and want to do it on your own. You may want to lie on a beach in Tahiti and have a long nap. How does one get to do this? We will help you with instruction, guidance, and good stories.

This book must be published now because 14.8% of women are over 65, and most outlive their spouses. Another large chunk of women are in their 50s and early 60s and have years of activity to go. Plus, there are 38 million members of AARP, many looking for active choices on how they live and travel. 

Gone are the days of your travel agent booking your paper airline ticket. You will not likely contact a travel agent for your trip.

The more we understand others and their cultures, the more we can get along with them. Dr. Mary Travelbest is like Rick Steves for Women adventure travelers who are seasoned in years but have yet to gain travel experience. My daughter, my co-author, Tina, and I have been traveling since she was born 22 years ago. She’s also made many solo trips, including visiting her sister in China for a month this year. She’s completed her degree in Business, working on a Master’s degree, and living/working in the San Francisco area.

This book needs to be published so the Golden Years can be just that for those who like active travel. 

 

The take away mantra is to go and find peace where you rest and bring good to others 

 

You can travel solo and never be alone. Dr. Travelbest.

 

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

Bergen ✈ Copenhagen Norwegian, SAS €65–€110

Copenhagen ✈ Edinburgh easyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian €40–€80

 

Question: could you train Thessaloníki→Krakow via Budapest? Yes—but it burns 2‑3 pass days plus €30‑€45 in night‑train supplements. The low‑cost flight is simply cheaper and quicker.

 

3  Five‑week skeleton itinerary

 

Week Base & ideas Safety‑first extras for a 65‑yr‑old solo traveler

 1 Athens 3 d – dawn Acropolis, Plaka food walk → train to Meteora 2 d (monastery sunsets) → Thessaloníki 2 d for Byzantine walls & waterfront. Central hotels near Syntagma & Aristotelous squares; use the eat taxi app after dark.

 2 Fly to Krakow 3 d (+ Auschwitz) → Warsaw 2 d → optional day to Toruń or Gdańsk. Women‑only dorms at Greg & Tom (Krakow) and OkiDoki (Warsaw); trains arrive before dusk.

 3 Fly to Tallinn 2 d → ferry to Helsinki 3 d with day‑trip to Tampere—Telliskivi creative city, Suomenlinna flat walks; Bolt taxis for late returns.

 4 Night ferry to Stockholm 3 d (+ Uppsala) → train to Gothenburg 2 d → rail to Oslo 2 d. Stockholm hostel “City Backpackers” has curtained bunks; carry Rail Planner live‑trip link to share location.

 5 Oslo‑Bergen rail & fjords 3 d → Fly to Copenhagen 3 d (+ Roskilde) → Fly to Edinburgh; finish with Highlands loop 4 d (Inverness, Aviemore hikes) before departure. Fjord cruise boats have good handrails; Scottish B&Bs offer single rooms beside stations.

 

4  Is the pass still worth it?

That’s $200-250 saved, plus the flexibility to reroute if wildfires, strikes, or your whims intervene.

 

5  Quick checklist before you lock it in

Buy the Senior Global Pass (15 days/2 months) before prices rise.

 

Book the four trains with limited seats (EIP Poland, X2000 Sweden, Bergensbanen, Copenhagen reservations) as soon as reservations open—usually 60–90 days in advance.

 

Use the Rail Planner app to activate travel days on the morning you board; keep two blanks until the very end in case you shuffle plans.

 

Flights: watch Friday flash sales on Ryanair/Norwegian; they routinely drop

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.

 

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 alone. Dr. Travelbest.

 

Thanks for listening! Please send me your travel stories or questions. Listen for the next episode next week and the 320 plus episodes waiting for you to get going.

 

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

 

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

1. Quote your exact dates (don't round your trip to a calendar month; excess days add cost).

2. Filter for medical & Evac first; those two benefits can bankrupt you.

3. Ignore marketing buzzwords like "explorer" or "adventure" until you've opened the PDF certificate and searched for the activity you plan to do.

4. 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.

5. 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.5stepstosolotravel.com

 

See Book A for addressing all of these items.

Find it on the website or Amazon. It's a series.

Today's destination is:  South Korea 

I visited South Korea last month. I landed at Seoul's Inchon Airport. My Korean pronunciation is not good, so please understand that as I describe my trip.

I was excited to see the city through the eyes of my friend Chris. We were whisked away to a hotpot dinner, then taken to the French neighborhood in Seoul, where we rested for the night.

The next morning, we drove south to visit a town about 2 hours away and stayed in Wolbong-ro (Road), in Seobuk-gu, near SeongJeong.

 

For example, the Seoul Noryyanglin Fisheries Wholesale Market is five stories tall and open to the public. It's worth seeing if you like seafood, and you can roam the aisles looking for your favorite fish delicacies.

 

I visited the Vovo Bidet company and met with the director and some of his team. Have you seen the #1 Bidet firm in Korea? They have retail and wholesale offices in the Los Angeles area, too. I liked the tour of the offices here in Seoul. They even have a Bidet to go. Think about that for a minute. That was in Daebang-dong or Seocho4-dong.

I visited retail stores such as Zara, one of my favorites for fashion.

I had Chinese, Japanese, and Fusion foods.

I took subways, busses, taxis, and Ubers plus trains.

I went to Gwannghumun Square, the purple Station #9.

I went to the shopping mall called The Hyundai. and found stores like Zanmang Loopy, the Hyundai Present, and a great coffee and tea shop.

I learned about Hanguel, the Korean alphabet, and saw the statue of Sejong the Great. There was also another statue of Admiral YiSun Sin.

The Bukchon Honok Village is a quiet residential area.

Jogyasa Temple is where you will see Buddism.

Hongdae is the neighborhood for independent artists.

 

Yonsei University was a place I wanted to visit next time, as I was in the neighborhood and liked it a lot.

Gangnam style, well, maybe next time.

I tried new foods, such as mung bean pancakes and hotleok desserts.

We had a wonderful dinner at Sushi-ya Shabu-ya, about an hour from Seoul, near Korea Nazarene University in Cheonan-si-Buldang1-dong.

Recommended: Relax in a tea house.

Smart Move and Slip up pairings

In Korea, we were departing from the airport without enough money on our transit cards, so we could not enter the building. Instead, we had to see the office at the kiosk and pay for the train. It was not much, but it did take a few minutes. We arrived well ahead of the recommended 3 hours, so that was not an issue.

60 second confidence challenge

Do you or don't you tip? Not in South Korea. But it's always smart to ask. Be confident when you know what the expectations are.

 

Resources Roundup

 

If you are looking for more solo female travel resources, you can find several tips and ways to navigate the pitfalls, such as paying the difference on the transit card when you go long distances or knowing when to tip.

 

When you get lost, don't get upset. Get found. You will be better off if you cool down instead of heating your brain incorrectly. Chill, and you'll be found sooner. Dr. Travelbest’s tip #760.