In this episode:
FAQ: What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?
Destination: Osaka, Japan
Today’s Mistake- My global entry card has my name wrong.
Travel Advice: Use AI when planning your next trip
FAQ: A Facebook group member asked us, “What do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel?”
Answer: Unexpected weather changes are not uncommon, but they can still pose a challenge when traveling, especially when solo. If I were faced with a sudden shift from sunny and warm to rainy and cold weather while on a trip, I would adapt my plans to make the most of the situation.
I would check for appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry in inclement weather, including wearing layers of sweaters, jackets, waterproof outerwear, and sturdy shoes that can withstand wet conditions. Keeping myself comfortable and protected from the elements would be my top priority.
You check your notes and look for indoor activities or attractions. Instead of outdoor activities, I would explore museums, art galleries, historical sites, or cozy cafes to enjoy a warm drink and engage in leisurely activities like reading or people-watching.
If the rain isn’t too heavy and I’m feeling adventurous, I might also consider embracing the elements and going for a scenic drive to admire the beauty of the landscape shrouded in mist and rain. Exploring coastal areas or scenic routes known for their dramatic views could offer a unique perspective and create memorable moments despite the gloomy weather. I recently visited Ruby Falls in Chattanooga, and the waterfalls were even better since it was raining.
By maintaining a positive attitude and adapting to the circumstances, you can turn an unexpected rainy day into an opportunity for unexpected discoveries and new experiences.
Today’s destination: Osaka, Japan
After being in the country for a while, I flew from Sapporo to Osaka, Japan. I found some castles, temples, and day trips from here. Osaka, Japan, offers a wealth of experiences for solo travelers, including
Visiting Osaka Castle, one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks. Explore the castle grounds, gardens, and museum, and learn about the region’s history.
Stroll Through Dotonbori: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Dotonbori, Osaka’s bustling entertainment district. Stroll along the canal, admire the neon lights and sample local street food.
Discover Japan’s oldest official temples in Osaka. Explore the temple, gardens, and pagoda, and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Osaka is known as the “Kitchen of Japan” and is famous for its delicious street food and local specialties. Try savory pancakes), (octopus balls), and sushi, of course.
Treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at Spa World, one of Osaka’s largest and most famous hot spring complexes. Enjoy soaking in various themed baths, saunas, and relaxation areas.
Dive into Osaka’s past at the Osaka Museum of History. Explore exhibits showcasing the city’s cultural heritage, including scale models of historic buildings and interactive displays.
Consider taking a day trip from Osaka to nearby destinations such as Kyoto, Nara, or Kobe. These cities offer unique attractions and are easily accessible by train from Osaka.
On my next visit to Osaka, here are some things I would like to do.
1. Spend time shopping in Shin-sai-bashi, Osaka’s premier shopping district. Explore the countless shops, department stores, and boutiques, and pick souvenirs or gifts.
2. Take a River Cruise: Enjoy a scenic river cruise along the Okawa River, which runs through the heart of Osaka. Relax onboard a sightseeing boat and admire the city’s skyline and landmarks from the water.
3. Experience Traditional Theater: Attend a traditional Japanese performance such as kabuki or bunraku puppetry. Check local listings for performances and venues offering English subtitles or explanations.
4. Explore one of the world’s largest aquariums, Osaka Aquarium Kai-yu-kan, and marvel at its impressive marine life exhibits. Highlights include the Pacific Ocean tank and the interactive touch pools.
Today’s Mistake- My Global Entry card has the wrong name for me.
When you get your card, check the data carefully. My screening went well, but the admin spelled my name wrong on the card. I didn’t notice until I got home; it was too late to fix that. So, I hope to get it right next time. I just was notified that my card expires soon, so I am trying to get it fixed. Don’t make my mistake. Check right away.
Today’s Travel Advice-Use AI when planning your next trip
If you are a solo traveler and want to see what others recommend you visit, check out one of many AI tools to see some suggested itineraries. Chat GPT from Open Ai gave me the following advice, which I have edited.
First, I asked it to give me three main reasons why a…
Welcome to Dr Mary travel best’s five steps to solo travel guide for women like you who need extra support traveling the world one woman at a time I’ve been traveling solo since 1972 and now you can experience the top selling book series 5 steps to solo travel a woman’s guide to travel and
Destinations in her prime available on Amazon I recently returned from 90 days around the world solo please rate this podcast five stars and the Amazon book series especially Part B in this episode The FAQ is what do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your your travel the destination is Osaka
Japan today’s mistake is my Global Entry card has my name wrong and the travel advice is use AI when planning your next trip so here’s the FAQ I had a Facebook group member ask what do you do when a significant change in weather interrupts your travel and here’s my
Answer so you’re going to find unexpected weather changes but they can still pose a challenge when you are traveling especially solo so if I were faced with a sudden shift from sunny and warm to rainy and cold weather while on a trip I would adapt my plans to make
The most of the situation I would check for appropriate clothing to stay warm and dry in inclement weather including wearing layers of sweaters jackets and waterproof outerwear and sturdy shoes that can withstand wet conditions keeping myself comfortable and protected from the elements is my top priority you can check your notes and
Look for indoor activities or attractions where you are so instead of outdoor activities why not explore some Museums Art Galleries historical sites or cozy cafes to enjoy a warm drink and engage in leisurely activities like reading or people watching now if the rain isn’t too heavy and you’ll be
Feeling adventurous then uh I might consider embracing the elements and going for a Scenic Drive and admiring the beauty of the landscape in mist and Rain exploring coastal areas or Scenic Roots known for their dramatic views could offer a unique perspective and create memorable moments despite the gloomy
Weather I recently visited Ruby Falls in Chattanooga Tennessee and the waterfalls inside the cave were even better when it was raining by maintaining a positive attitude and adapting to the circumstances you can turn an unexpected rainy day into an opportunity for unexpected discoveries and new experiences and now for today’s destination Osaka Japan
After being in Japan for a while I flew from seoro to Asaka I found some castles temples and day trips from there it’s got a wealth of experiences for solo Travelers like you including visiting Osaka castle one of Japan’s most iconic landmarks you can explore the castle grounds Gardens and museums and learn
About the history you can stroll through donon bori experience the vibrant atmosphere Osaka is bustling Entertainment District so then you could stroll along the canal admire the neon lights and sample some local street food you can discover Japan’s oldest official temples in Osaka explore them and soak in the Serene
Atmosphere it’s known as the kitchen of Japan and it’s famous for its delicious street food and local Specialties so why not try try some Savory pancakes some octopus balls and Sushi of course and how about a relaxing day spa at spa world one of the largest and most famous
Hot spring complexes you could soak in various themed baths saunas and relaxation areas and dive into Osaka’s past at the Osaka Museum of History you can explore exhibits showcasing the city’s cultural heritage including scale models of histor buildings and interactive displays and then consider taking a date trip from Osaka to nearby
Destinations such as Koto Nara or Kobe these cities offer unique attractions and are easily accessible and I did by train from Osaka on my next visit I’m going to spend time shopping in the shinai Bashi the premier shopping district take a river cruise exper traditional theater and then see one of
The world’s largest aquariums and now for today’s mistake my Global Entry card has the wrong name for me so when you get your card check the data carefully my screening went well but the admin spelled my name wrong on the card and I didn’t notice it until I
Got home and it was too late to fix fix that so I hope to get it right next time I’m up for Renewal now I was just notified that my card expires soon so I’m trying to get that fixed don’t make my mistake check up right away and now for today’s travel advice
Use AI when planning your next trip if you’re a Solo Traveler and want to see what others recommend you visit check out one of many AI tools to see some suggested itineraries chat GPT from open AI gave me the following advice which I have edited first I asked it to give me
Three main reasons why a woman in her 60s would use chat GPT to help her with travel those three main reasons are personalized guidance and support travel insights and safety with security advice so I think those are good to dive into a bit here so I use AI in my many daily
Activities already especially if they’re not critical functions I use it to create songs and I’ve even cloned my own voice so here are a few reasons to use AI in your next travel planning so when you’re planning a solo trip you can get the perspective you asked for precisely
What you wanted in seconds and if you’re seeking a destination recommendation you can find it whether it’s for senior friendly travel accommodations accessible hiking trails or safety tips for traveling outside of a tour group if you’re looking for transportation options cultural norms or local Customs you can ask chat GPT for insights you
Can also ask for tips on avoiding scams and staying Vigilant in crowded areas as well as navigating unfamiliar surroundings But be sure to get clarity on any hallucinations because chat GPT and others have been known to make some big mistakes so don’t believe everything you read you can always ask Dr travel
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