Welcome to “Me and the Magic,” the podcast where we empower solo travelers and share inspirational journeys and practical tips! In today’s episode, host Amanda Bauner sits down with the incredible Dr. Mary Beth McCabe, also known as Doctor Mary Travelbest. With decades of solo travel experience under her belt, Mary Beth brings a wealth of knowledge specifically tailored for women venturing out on their own.
We’ll dive into essential safety tips—like the use of VPNs, privacy screens, and eSIMs, and the importance of knowing your emergency contacts and registering with consulates. Mary Beth also has thrilling tales of her 90-day globe-trotting adventure in 2023, and she shares her travel aspirations for the next year that involve visiting multiple continents.
Whether you’re curious about solo travel or looking for seasoned advice, Mary Beth’s insights on maintaining safety, managing travel logistics, and embracing small “micro-adventures” will inspire you. Tune in to hear about her unique cultural exchanges, utilizing organizations like Servas, and the influence of AI tools in modern travel planning. Don’t miss this engaging and informative conversation aimed at making your solo travel dreams a reality!
Solo Travel Resources
New to solo travel? Listen to this Episode 101 on Solo Travel 101.
Want more solo travel tips for traveling around the world? Listen to Episode 136 about Global Solo Travel Tips.
If safety is a concern for you about traveling solo, here are Amanda’s Top 10 Safety Tips for Solo Travelers.
And if you’re concerned about feeling lonely when you travel solo, listen to Episode 077 for Amanda’s Top 10 Tips to Travel Solo without Feeling Lonely.
Meet Dr. Mary Travelbest
Mary Beth McCabe (AKA Dr. Mary Travelbest), in her teenage years, navigated a transformative summer in New York City, fueled by early independence and a thirst for adventure. Convincing her parents to permit an extended stay in the bustling metropolis, she spent the summer visiting friends and immersing herself in the city’s vibrant culture. In an evocative memory from the pre-cell phone era, she recalls the courage it took to walk up to the gate at the world’s busiest airport, buy a ticket with cash, and embark on the journey alone. This formative experience, which involved managing her own travel logistics and exploring the urban landscape, served as a significant milestone in her journey towards becoming an independent and resourceful individual. Now the author of multiple books aimed at guiding women to travel solo, Dr. Mary Travelbest travels the world and shares her adventures in her podcast.
Connect with Dr. Mary Travelbest on her website, and listen to her podcast. You can also find Dr. Mary Travelbest on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.