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Today’s Destination is: Tel Aviv, Israel

Today’s Misstep- Missing a smooth transfer from one transportation mode to another

Travel Advice: Carry a pen

FAQ: One of our Facebook group members asked for locations where she could live for 3-9 months in 2025. She wants tips on renting her condo, renting abroad past the AirBNB. She says she is open to anywhere, walkability, airport nearby, public transportation, and pools for swimming are her priorities. Can I help her?  

Yes. Those are some great questions. First, where could you live? Next, rent the condo and then rent something for yourself abroad.

Living-Pick the area you like based on your tastes. I’d select Southeast Asia now because it is reasonably priced and relatively safe, and many English-speaking people live there. 

Renting your condo- Finding the right person could be a lot of work. So ask your friends first. Who needs space for up to a year? Work out an arrangement to be away for that period and make a contract, even if it’s a friend. Tell as many people in advance as possible so they can spread the word.

Renting abroad- ideally, you could do a house swap. However, that may be difficult. You could also be a pet sitter or house sitter. Line up yourself for one of these options now if you can. You may look into sabbaticalhomes.com

https://www.sabbaticalhomes.com/pricing

Today’s destination: Israel (split into three parts, Jerusalem, Dead Sea/ Masada, and Tel Aviv. This is part 3 of three.

You will likely arrive at Ben Gurion Airport, which is very modern. It’s easy to get around Tel Aviv by train, tram, or bus. I stayed in Jerusalem for my first 5 days in Israel and explored the coastal regions.

https://www.iaa.gov.il/en/

https://israelscaventures.com/2020/08/13/

The next day I went to Cesearia, on the water, a national park.

https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/caesarea-national-park/

https://www.padi.com/dive-center/israel/old-caesarea-diving-center/

https://shalomisraeltours.com/diving-caesarea-dive-youve/

Another outing in Tel Aviv was a peaceful protest in Pardes Hana that I attended with kids and dogs in front of the town’s municipal building.

Today’s Misstep- Missing a smooth transfer from one transportation mode to another

https://www.theguardian.com/cities/2018/jun/08/tel-avivs-central-bus-station-theres-a-society-inside-the-building

Today’s Travel Advice- Carry a pen

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In the news

In this episode, FAQ is: How can I learn about a country’s customs before I visit there?

Today’s Destination is: Agra, India

Today’s Misstep- I took the wrong bus to the airport in Reykjavik.

Travel Advice: Petroleum Jelly has many uses for travelers, so save space and money, simply.

FAQ: How can I learn about a country’s customs before I visit there? I will give you five answers to that question, and for some European countries, this will be easier; when it comes to Step 4 and Step 5 experiences, you will work harder on the research to get the answers you need.

• 1. The First place to look is to do some Online Research: Utilize the internet to find reliable sources, travel forums, and blogs that discuss the customs and traditions of the country you plan to visit.

• 2. Next, check out your local library or bookstore for books. Guidebooks: Invest in travel guidebooks that provide cultural insights and practical tips for navigating customs in specific countries.

• 3. An excellent next step is language. Language Apps: Use language-learning apps to familiarize yourself with basic phrases and etiquette, as language is often intertwined with cultural norms. You need to know some cultural experiences if possible.

• 4. Cultural Workshops: Attend local cultural workshops or events in your area to gain firsthand knowledge about the customs and traditions of the country you intend to visit.

• 5. Lastly, ask friends to connect you with locals or do it yourself.

 Engage with locals through social media platforms or language exchange websites to ask questions and gain insights directly from people living in the destination.

Today’s destination: Agra, India

Agra is a city on the banks of the Yamuna River in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, about 142 miles southeast of the national capital, Delhi. It’s about the distance from San Diego to Los Angeles.1.7 million people live in Agra.

You will find One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal. It is an iconic white marble magical mausoleum built by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved and favorite wife, Mumtaz Mahal. It is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and a symbol of eternal love, built in the 17th century.

The second place to see is the Agra Fort: This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a massive red sandstone fort located on the banks of the Yamuna River. It served as the primary residence of the Mughal emperors and houses several impressive structures, including the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal.

Other places to visit include Kinari Bazaar, a bustling market, and Mehtab Bagh, a garden complex on the opposite side of the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. From this garden viewpoint, you can enjoy some peace, walk around the monument, and see the Taj Mahal at different times of the day. There are other ancient cities and tombs to explore here, which I hope to visit someday.

One of my first impressions was that it was stark white marble with Brass and Gold trimmings.

How large is the building? 242 feet tall and the exact size below ground.

It was lined up with other buildings, with a Guest house next door on the river.

East Gate was how I entered.

Wear shoe covers to see the mosque.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Origins_and_architecture_of_the_Taj_Mahal

Today’s Misstep- I took the wrong bus to the airport in Reykjavik.

Today’s Travel Advice-Petroleum Jelly has many uses for travelers, so save space and money.

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

Maxine Willett shares her expertise in working in archives plus stories and research tips on how to make the best use of your time.  The discussion includes planning a visit, private and public archives, what to expect, how to find items, copying and copyright laws and much more.  There is an accompanying blog post with tips and resources here: https://emmacox.co.uk/researching-in-archives-guidance-tips-and-resources

Gill helps guide us through researching ancestors in Wales with topics including Welsh names, patronymic names, Welsh places, chapel and church records, non-conformity, the effects of the industrial revolution, boatbuilding, steel, coal and copper mining, Welsh geography, parishes old and new, crime and punishment, the National Library of Wales, local archives, GENUKI, family history societies, newspapers and journals, AGRA, maritime history, migration, emigration and much more.  A companion blog post with links and resources is available at https://emmacox.co.uk/researching-welsh-ancestors. 

This week we're joined by our local guide, Lovleen Sagar, as we head over to Rajasthan to discover the sights, smells and experiences which await you on our Signature Journey encompassing the very best of this incredible region.

We talk about all of the reasons that we love spending time in BANGKOK, Thailand. This being our fourth trip to the always-active city, gave us a chance to live like locals and take in the fantastic food, night markets, and shopping malls. Matt had a full body exam at the BUMRUNGRAD International Hospital as well as a teeth cleaning in their Dental Center. We talk about medical tourism and our experience with healthcare outside of the U.S. We also answer a listener question about making the most out of a HORRIBLE string of events. Still can’t believe we ended that wild 24-hours with a smile on our face. Please join us in this latest episode of our adventures around the world.

Main Topics Covered:

• Bangkok, Thailand (Why we Love it and the Bumrungrad Hospital Visit)
• Q&A - Turning Bad into Laughs

Links Mentioned in the Episode:

Birch Boys Coffee - This is the coffee and tea that we love so much we had it shipped to us for our travels. 

MooseJaw - A great website to get all of your adventure gear to have an excellent trip. 

Bangkok City Life through one of Matt’s photos: 

Endless Bangkok Traffic

Terminal 21 / boutique shops- retail area over 650 stores, and the food court is AMAZING

Crazy Wild Night Market - Patpong Night Market

Be aware of the Tuk tuks - they might try to take you to tailors

With no social system, there are beggars in the streets 

Bumrungrad International Hospital 

Morgan Spurlock’s Inside Man: Club Med (Medical Tourism) 

Dental Exam at Bumrungrad 

Executive Health Exam at Bumrungrad

Big Pat Thomas ‘Stay the Course’ Podcast

Santiago, Chile - Top 7 Things to Do in Santiago, Chile (with photos) 

4 Days and 1 Night in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile (Best itinerary for traveling to San Pedro de Atacama) 

7 Useful Travel Tips for San Pedro de Atacama (2018) 

Contest Prize of the Week: Tommy John Underwear

Underwear? Guys don’t like to talk about underwear unless they are complaining...that’s likely why I don’t mention mine….but since you asked,  I wear Tommy John! I wore them for about 2 years before we left so it was an easy decision for me to pack 7 pairs before we headed out for our big adventure. They have several different styles of underwear but I wear the trunks. Tommy John is the revolutionary men’s underwear brand that’s redefining comfort. It's the perfect underwear to keep you comfortable no matter where your travels take you. Tommy John uses proprietary fabrics and innovative designs to make sure that the legs never ride up, the waistband never rolls down, and you never get a wedgie. And, their horizontal quick-draw fly has been described as life-changing. Plus, all Tommy John underwear is backed by the “Best Pair You’ll Ever Wear or It’s Free” guarantee. So if you don’t love the fit and feel of Tommy John, it's free! Check out their latest deals and styles at PassportJoy.com/Tommy.

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hear about travel to India as the Amateur Traveler talks to participants from the Amateur Traveler trip to India in November of 2017. 

cette semaine c'est les classiques sur Perdu en Asie Tony est de retour en version podast il nous raconte son voyage de jeunesse en Europe, Inde, Afghanistan, Istanbul, Thailande et le Laos dans les années 70 pendant la guerre du vietnam. dans le prochain radio show sur underground.com patrick nous parles du Vegetarian festival de Phuket mysticisme de tous les sens…piecing, offrandes, tranches, Perinne est de retour en brunch causette sur Singapour l'Asie est plein d'affaire imprevues

Satsang with Sitar and Adil. Adil and Sitar talk about treating people unconditionally, connecting with the universe, and the true meaning behind the Taj Mahal. Adil talks about what it was like growing up next to this miraculous site, and how much he likes to travel and be with nature.  The discuss the power of intention and the importance of trusting the universe to magnify those intentions.  Adil's magnificent energy and attitude are so clear and come through the recording in an amazing way.