By Dr Mary Travelbest
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In this episode, the FAQ is: What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years?
Today’s Destination is: Istanbul, Turkey (part 1 of 2)
Today’s Misstep- Ask for specific directions and then listen better.
Travel Advice: Get a better exchange rate than in a busy tourist city.
FAQ:
What are the best theme parks for those in their Prime Years?
Answer: I think the best theme parks for adults are the Disney ones. They have been friendly for generations, and you can always find someone to answer your questions, i.e., a cast member. You will pay more than for other parks, but you have the franchise behind you to almost guarantee you a good visit. Prepare ahead of time with any needs you have for accommodations. My friend Ron was in a wheelchair there recently and agreed that the multi-generation experience was good for him. Listen to some of my previous podcasts about Disneyland and California Adventure.
Today’s destination: Istanbul, Turkey
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g293974-Istanbul-Vacations.html
Turkey was a different type of experience, and I highly recommend you go there if you want to see some variety of culture. It is different from most places I have been to in my life. Yes, I did find someone selling carpets, so I will share that later in the episode.
I was in Turkey for 7 nights.
First, it is centrally located near Taxsim Square at the Wabi Sabi Hostel for four nights, then the Second Home for two nights, plus the Airbnb with “Miss” for one night. With all my travel, I managed a budget one-hour massage, which I highly recommend here.
Here’s a Carpet store tale: I was asking for directions and encountered a man named Burak Solak who worked at the Red Apple Carpet store. He sells carpets, purses, and jewelry at his uncle's store. I told him to put an apple sign out front, but he disagreed. What do you think?
If you are solo like me, I recommend the day Tours: Try one of the Hop-on-hop-off $40 for 24 hours. Stretch that over two days so you can do a half trip in the PM and the rest in the next AM.
Museums: The Cistern Museum was an underground water system where you could see all the remnants from centuries ago. It cost $22 to explore and was cooler than the outside baking heat of the day, so it was refreshing.
https://mshiddengarden.com/
Today’s Misstep: Ask for specific directions, listen better, and exchange rates.
My missteps in Turkey
Missing the pickup point:
I was getting off the hop-on-hop off the bus and should have been more specific about the pickup point. The driver pointed, but I did not pay attention. That caused me a lot of confusion. It was probably the busiest part of the city and under construction. I was dangerously lost and finally found someone to help me out after walking back and forth for a long time. It was maybe 30 minutes, but the heat was strong, so I was stressed.
Next time, ask for the pickup point.
Second mistake: Don’t try to exchange your cash in any Turkish currency exchange in Istanbul. I got 12 euros for $20 US, which is not a good exchange rate. I should have brought my debit card. Don’t make my mistake.
Today’s Travel Advice- Money Exchange Woes
Don’t try to exchange your cash in any Turkish currency exchange. I got 12 euros for $20, not a good exchange rate. I should have brought my debit card. Don’t make my mistake.
I want to bring meaning to your future travels. Sign up for the Dr. Travelbest newsletter. We can connect on my websites, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Find the 5 Steps to Solo Travel series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect. Please support this podcast with a review. We need your help to help others.
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In the news
Jamestown Settlement, VA
In this episode, the FAQ: How to budget while on your trip?
Today’s Destination is Jamestown Settlement, VA
Today’s Misstep- Too much caffeine on an empty stomach.
Travel Advice: Get TSA Pre-check for every flight.
https://www.jyfmuseums.org/visit/jamestown-settlement
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In this episode, the FAQ says that one of our followers does not fly much. She asked me, “What’s the best seat on the plane?”
.
Today’s Destination is: Marietta, GA
Today’s Misstep- On Southwest, I paid twice for the Internet.
Travel Advice: Get a good night’s sleep on the road with a clear head in bed.
FAQ: What’s the best seat on the plane? That was the question asked by someone who doesn’t fly much.
Response: I think the best seat is a window seat, but you may prefer the aisle if you want to stretch your legs and walk around the cabin.
On Southwest Airlines, there are no assigned seats, so you get the seat you want if you are one of the first to board.
I love looking out the window and feel I have more privacy with that view. I also have at least one elbow rest that I can use.
When I fly a budget airline, they ask me to buy a seat, but I rarely do that. They often seat me in the middle, but sometimes I get lucky.
Today’s destination: Marietta, GA
I spent the day in Marrietta, GA, at the historic homes and cafe market by the old train station. Marietta Square is full of great local food stalls. I had a very fresh poke bowl.
The city has charm, touristy vibes, and a local flavor. People settle here because they like the small-town feel.
It’s north of Atlanta, about 46 kilometers or 29 miles.
You can take the MARTA from the airport and then transfer to Arts Center Station to bus, which will take you to the Marietta Transfer Center. Plenty of Airbnb and hotels will host you here.
If you have a car, drive to Kennesaw, about 10 minutes drive
Kennesaw, GA -special episode on this place?
Blue Pineapple Travel Agency, Nicole and Casey were hiking ahead of me, and I asked them if this trail leads back to the Visitor’s Center, and they said YES.
So I started walking and talking; before you knew it, we were old friends.
Today’s Misstep: I was working on Southwest Airlines and paid for the internet twice.
This was the first time that I used and paid for the internet. I used my Southwest Airlines mobile app to pay for it because it was convenient. I had trouble getting it, and a flight attendant helped me out. Then I told them I wanted to use my laptop for work, so I had to purchase a second time for that service. Each was only $8.00, and they offered me a refund when I asked for it. It should appear on next month’s credit card statement as a refund.
Today’s Travel Advice- Get a good night’s sleep on the road with a clear head in bed.
When your head hits the pillow, make sure your brain is relaxed. Wind down your screen time at least a half hour before, and take a minute to think about what you’re grateful for. That will give you a clear head and a good night’s sleep most of the time when you travel.
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In this episode, the FAQ is: How do I keep track of travel memories so I don’t forget them?
Today’s Destination is: Venice, Italy Part 3
Today’s Misstep: Tickets to the Opera in Venice were sold out
Travel Advice: Stick to the outskirts for fewer tourists
FAQ: How do I keep track of travel memories so I don’t forget them?
Answer: Our memories may not be as sharp as we age, so recording our best thoughts in writing may be more critical. I use the Notes app on my phone, my audio recording app, and take lots of photos and videos while I travel. I do not post to social media while I travel, but wait until later most of the time to curate my memories in blogs and podcasts like this one.
How you record and save your memories is really up to you. Whatever your process is, make sure you have enough memory and battery and that you capture the essence of your travel, whether it’s a person you met, a place you want to return to, or a special meal you ate.
Today’s destination: Venice, Italy Part 3
To really enjoy Venice, Italy, as a tourist, you have to learn to get in synch with the city's vibe. It would be best if you had a lot of patience.
My experiences were as a solo female, and yours may differ depending on your adventure step. It’s a Step 5 destination.
If you visit Venice now, you will pay a daily fee. Show notes have more on this.
https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/venice-entry-fee-explained/index.html
The highlights were on the water, where I spent almost all of my time.
https://en.venezia.net/venice-vaporetto-tickets.html
Study your transportation options ahead of time, if possible.
Patience.
https://www.parrocchiecavallinocavio.it/ancient-church-of-saint-mary-elizabeth/
Saint Elena and Saint Mary Elizabeth are at the end of line 1. I'm heading to the beach here for a swim. Swimming 🏊♂️ free was good. Private clubs charged 50 euros to swim. I had to walk a bit, but it was free. The water was pretty clear and refreshing.
I had breakfast with a German young man from Bonn. He will serve in the NY area this fall, but until then, he will tour Europe solo. He is a nice guy.
I took bus 3x in Lido ferries Saturday (6), to Murano, all over…
Sunday thru Grand Canal to Lido 1: then another to Lido SME. train 2x plus paid 1x 1.50 euro. I got good value for 24 hours.
I needed a shower after that beach swim in Lido Santa Maria Elizabeth. For the first time, my name was a neighborhood/church.
Prep for the rest of the trip. Figure out texting, airalo, bank.
This morning, bus #2 to Venice was packed and hot. The train now has AC, and that’s great!
Loved the ferries. Took them all day, often.
Met Matteo, who helped me find the train station. Nice and humble. Maybe 25 years old. Runs the ferry for tourists each day. It must be stressful at times.
Strikes are possible here. They are announced in advance.
Today’s Misstep: Tickets to the Opera in Venice were sold out
I thought I could get a ticket to the Opera on the day of, but that was wrong. Book your tickets in advance.
Today’s Travel Advice- Stick to the outskirts for fewer tourists
You don’t need to be amid the traffic, so arrive early, siesta mid-day, and relax with your shade umbrella in Venice. Cool down in advance.
I want to bring meaning to your future travels. Sign up for the Dr. Travelbest newsletter. We can connect on my websites, Facebook page, group, or Instagram. Find the 5 Steps to Solo Travel series on Amazon. The show notes have more details for you to connect. Please support this podcast with a review. We need your help to help others.
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In the news
The first Venice episode was # 247. I came back and added more to that here and the following episode.
In this episode, the FAQ is: Would I return to Venice?
Today’s Destination is Venice, Italy Part 2 of 3
Today’s Misstep: Spend more time in the region of Northern Italy.
Travel Advice: In Venice, Get Lost
FAQ: Would I go back to Venice?
Answer: The answer is yes because I hardly saw the main attractions the first time. I was in a crowd of tourists, and it was under construction. I think there will be better crowd control now that there's a fee.
Today’s destination: Venice, Italy Part 2 of 3
Venice is called the City of Dreams.
It’s the capital of northern Italy’s Veneto region and is built on over 100 small islands in a lagoon in the Adriatic Sea. It has no roads, just canals—including the Grand Canal thoroughfare—lined with Renaissance and Gothic palaces. The central square, Piazza San Marco, contains St. Mark’s Basilica, tiled with Byzantine mosaics, and the Campanile bell tower, which offers views of the city’s red roofs.
Yes, Venice is sinking. This is due to sediment settling and freshwater pumping from below ground.
What are the main places to explore here?
Take the canals everywhere, because there are no cars.
So many corners. Away from glitter and gloss.
70,000 people live here. Tens of millions vacation here.
https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/394/
Detours throughout the city due to construction.
Rialto Bridge is in the middle of the busy tourist activity.
If I had more time, I would have spent it in Venice. I only had four days, which got me more interested in being part of the city life. I’d go back outside of the summertime. I’d visit the historical sites and ride the vaporettas, trains, and buses. I’d also explore the area around Venice to learn about its history and meet the people.
Today’s Travel Advice- In Venice, Get Lost
Bucket List Episode: The Garden Route of South Africa, by Rose Kilian Hi there, I'm Rose Kilian, and I'm thrilled to share the magic of the Garden Route in South Africa, a place that has been my home and my heart. Growing up here was a dream, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes and a rich tapestry of experiences. Whether you're planning a visit or just curious, I'm excited to take you on a journey through this enchanting region.
The Garden Route stretches along the southern coast of South Africa, from Knysna in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape. This coastal corridor is renowned for its diverse ecosystems, pristine beaches, and charming towns. It's a paradise for nature lovers, adventure seekers, and those seeking a peaceful retreat.
We are starting our journey in Plettenberg Bay, or 'Plett' as the locals call it. Plett is known for its golden beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports. Visit Robberg Nature Reserve for breathtaking hiking trails and see seals and dolphins. The beaches here, like Lookout Beach and Keurbooms Beach, are best for unwinding and soaking in the sun.
Next, we head to Knysna, one of my absolute favorite spots. Nestled between the Outeniqua Mountains and the Indian Ocean, Knysna is famous for its lagoon and the iconic Knysna Heads. Take a cruise on the lagoon, visit the Knysna Elephant Park, or explore the lush Knysna Forest. The forest is magical, with ancient trees and the possibility of spotting the elusive Knysna Loerie bird.
Don’t overlook Sedgefield, a quieter town that’s perfect for relaxing. The Saturday Wild Oats Community Farmers' Market is a local favorite, offering fresh produce, homemade goods, and crafts. The surrounding lakes and beaches are serene and ideal for a peaceful retreat.
Wilderness is another gem along the Garden Route. This small town is surrounded by rivers, lakes, and forests, perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, canoeing, and bird-watching. The Map of Africa viewpoint offers panoramic views of the landscape that resembles the continent of Africa, a sight you won’t want to miss.
Finally, George is the largest town on the Garden Route and an excellent base for exploring the region. It has a rich history, beautiful botanical gardens, and excellent golf courses. The Outeniqua Transport Museum is a fascinating stop for train enthusiasts.
For something a bit different, head inland to Oudtshoorn, the world's ostrich capital. The Cango Caves, with their impressive limestone formations, are another highlight. These caves are among the largest in Africa and offer guided tours through their vast chambers.
The Garden Route is not just a destination; it's an experience that stays with you. There's something for everyone, from its diverse landscapes to its vibrant communities. Whether hiking through ancient forests, lounging on pristine beaches, or savoring local cuisine, the Garden Route offers endless adventures and memories.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. I hope you can visit and create your own unforgettable experiences in this beautiful part of the world. Safe travels, and enjoy every moment in the Garden Route of South Africa!
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In the news
· Bucket List Travel Crete, Greece
·
· Script from Kirsty Nunez
·
· Introduce Crete (Creta)
o Largest Greek island
· Outline highlights
o Ancient civilizations
o Antiquities
o Beautiful beaches
o Stunning mountains in interior of island
o Shopping
o Food
o Lovely people
· West v. East ends of island
· Need to rent a car
· Highlights:
o Three cities and their old towns: Irakleio, Chania, and Rethymno
o East: Beautiful views, Irakleio Archaelogical Museum, Knossos (archaeologist guides), Malia ancient site/outdoor museum
o West: Samaria Gorge, Botanical Garden of Crete
o Mention DK Eyewitness Top 10 Crete Guide
This is Bucket List Travel, a special series within the podcast Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide.
This is Carolyn Ray, CEO and editor of JourneyWoman, a women's solo travel publication based in Toronto. I'm going to share some tips and advice about my hometown with you. I'm actually a sixth-generation Torontonian, and my daughter is a seventh-generation Torontonian.
So this is my hometown, and I can tell you, if you're looking for an exciting, vibrant city, Toronto is it. We are, you might be surprised, the fourth largest city in North America, and very easy to get to from just about anywhere in the world. Toronto is a great getaway for those living in Canada and a steal for women coming from other countries because of our Canadian dollar. So you'll find a lot of value coming here for your money,
I want to share with you a bit about how to get to Toronto, which may surprise you. Of course, you may know about Toronto Pearson Airport, our international airport, but we also have a smaller island airport called the Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, which is right downtown. So if you can get a flight into Toronto Island, that's much easier.
But if you are flying into Toronto, Pearson, we have a wonderful train called the UP Express, which will get you downtown in about 25 minutes. If you are arriving at Union Station, you can get right on our subway system, the TTC, the Toronto Transit Commission. And it's very, very easy to get around on the TTC. It's a U-shaped route that goes north, just kind of starts at Union Station, and goes up both ways. And then there's an east, west route across the city at Bloor Street, which is B, L, O, O, R, we're building some more subways. You'll notice that when you're in town, and because of that, I just want to speak to a little bit about safety on the subways. Toronto is a very large city, and I just want to encourage you to be very aware. I know everyone thinks Canadians are very nice, but I also just want to remind you to be very self-aware when you're on the subways and on public transit.
For things to do in Toronto, my number one experience would be to go to Toronto Island. It's very easy to get there on a ferry, and you can take a ferry over for the day. You can ride a bike, enjoy the beaches, or even get on a boat.
If you are looking for a place to stay, there are many different kinds of hotels in Toronto, but I will say one of my favorites is the Fairmont Royal York, which is right across from Union Station. But I also like some of our boutique hotels, the Gladstone, the Drake, the Broadview Hotel. These are very lovely, locally owned hotels, creative, artsy, with really great rooftop restaurants and great views.
I'll end with some tips on places to eat that you may not know about. I really love Spanish food, so I wanted to recommend Madrina y tapas and Patria. Patria is on King West, which is a very popular place to go for bars and restaurants. The Distillery District is one of our historic areas in Toronto, it’s a wonderful place to walk around and spend the day. And Madrina y tapas is one of my favorite restaurants there. There's also Yorkville, which is on at Bloor and Yonge Street. Kasa Moto is a Japanese restaurant that I would suggest there. And a secret you may not have heard of, this one is called Scaramouche, and it's a little bit farther north, but you can get wonderful views of the entire city. It's actually in a condominium, and you can see all of Toronto at night. It's lovely. And for those of us who like vegetarian food, it's Planta. There are two Planta locations in Toronto, maybe more now, great vegetarian menu. And of course, I must mention the St Lawrence Market, which has all, you know, all of the fresh food you could ever want. But also in the basement Manotas, which is a Spanish takeaway restaurant, and then also Busters, which is at the back of the St Lawrence Market, where you can get some wonderful seafood.
Whatever you're doing in Toronto, I hope you have a great time. There's so much to do. There's so much to see, and I look forward to seeing you there. And if there's more information need about Toronto, please visit JourneyWoman.com. We've got lots of articles about the city.
Thank you, Carolyn Ray and Journey Woman for this excellent episode. I love that you shared about Toronto on this one!
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Welcome to the Special Bucket List Travel Series of Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide.
Patti Christensen from San Diego talks about one of her favorite travel destinations, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Copenhagen, like much of Denmark is a city on the water. One of the first things you want to do when you go to Copenhagen is go on one of the sightseeing Canal boat tours with a live guide. You hop on this great open-air boat and slowly experience various city views. Copenhagen combines brand new shiny buildings and historic buildings going back centuries. The boat trip past the multicolored buildings is fantastic, with photo-worthy sites all along the route. And as long as you’re in that area, you might join the locals in a dip in the swimming beaches in the harbor. I found the water extremely cold, but the docks and the beaches were full of sun-worshiping people enjoying themselves.
There are also so many wonderful and free museums and historic sites to see. Among my favorites is Rosenborg Castle, where you can see the Danish Crown jewels. There are also several other palaces and historic sites. At Amalienborg Palace in downtown Copenhagen, you can watch the changing of the guards every day at noon. It's very similar to that in London but with fewer crowds.
Another must-see in Copenhagen is Tivoli Gardens. This was the world’s original amusement park; they say that Walt Disney got some inspiration from Tivoli Gardens. It combines beautiful flowers and landscaping, kids see buildings and children shows, and wonderful restaurants. Throughout the summer, great concerts are going on. One must make a trip to Tivoli Garden and eat some beautiful food.
One of the things you’ll notice in Denmark is everybody rides bikes. if you get a chance, rent a bike and tool around. The city is very flat and rideable. You’ll see whole families riding bikes, kids riding bikes to school, and adults using bikes to commute. You have to ride a bike in Copenhagen.
There are many places that have great street food, especially at the Reffen Copenhagen Street Food market. This is the largest street food market in all of the Nordic regions. It includes reasonably priced food from around the world. Copenhagen is definitely a melting pot. The most famous sausage eaten in Denmark is a medisterpolse, spicy and delicious.
One more thing that you could really enjoy if you happen to be in Copenhagen in July is the Copenhagen jazz festival. The Danes love their jazz, which goes back to the 1930s and 40s when American jazz artists traveled extensively in Europe. The jazz festival, started in 1979, is a month-long festival at small venues, large concert halls and churches, and really big outdoor stages. Many of the events are free and the music is fantastic.
And of course you have to go and at least have a glimpse of the Little Mermaids statue. This comes from Hans Christian Anderson’s fairytale about a mermaid. When you see the little mermaid, you might be surprised at its size. My local cousin said, “Nobody ever called the big mermaid”. But getting your picture taken by the statue is one of the experiences you should have at least once.
Thank you, Patti Christensen for that great episode.
If you like this, listen to three more episodes from the Bucket List Series Podcast of Dr. Mary Travelbest's Guide. This is a Step 5 trip (5 Steps to Solo Travel).
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Williamsburg, VA
In this episode, the FAQ is: A listener asks: “How do I gain confidence when I travel? I felt unconfident when I started my trip, she said. She sought the confidence needed to take a Step 4 trip to Europe.
Today’s Destination is Colonial Williamsburg, VA
Today’s Misstep- A mistake with my car Rental from Turo. Details to follow.
Travel Advice: Travel Clockwise in a museum.
https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/know-before-you-go/
https://www.colonialwilliamsburg.org/visit/parking/
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The podcast currently has 338 episodes available.
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