Dr. Mary Travelbest - Rio de Janeiro Brazil Part 2

Where in the world am I? In San Diego, talking about Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Part 2 Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. A few weeks ago, I returned from a 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow travelers and share experiences. The FAQ is: How to carry toiletries on a long trip? Answer: For traveling solo, especially on longer journeys, toiletries can quietly become the heaviest, messiest, and most annoying part of your bag. I use cubes, just packing cubes like for my other travel items. So before you toss everything into a pouch, ask yourself: Do I really need this much? Will this leak at 35,000 feet? Can I replace it at my destination? Here are four smart, confidence-building tips for carrying toiletries on a long trip: Travel-size everything sounds sensible — until you realize tiny bottles run out quickly on a 3-week trip. Instead: Decant only essentials into quality leakproof silicone bottles Label clearly (shampoo and face wash look identical at 5 AM) Bring just enough for 7–10 days if you can restock abroad Skeptical question to ask yourself: Are you packing for “just in case,” or for reality? Most destinations — even smaller cities — sell basic toiletries. Go Solid When Possible Liquids create stress at airport security checkpoints and pose a risk of leaks in warm climates. Smart swaps: Shampoo bars Conditioner bars Bar soap instead of body wash Solid deodorant Benefits: No TSA liquid limits No spills in your suitcase Lighter weight Longer lasting On humid or hot trips like Rio, liquids expand. Solids don’t. Organize for Night Arrivals After a long travel day, you don’t want to unpack your entire suitcase just to brush your teeth. Use: A hanging toiletry bag Clear compartments One “first-night essentials” pouch (toothbrush, face wash, medications) Many bathrooms are tiny. Hooks help. Counters are rare. A bag that hangs becomes your portable vanity. Respect Skin Changes (Over 50 Matters) Long flights, altitude, new climates — your skin behaves differently now than it did at 30. Prioritize: A richer moisturizer SPF (every single day) Lip balm Small hydrating mist for flights Question worth asking: What actually makes me feel refreshed — and what is just habit? Comfort builds confidence. Confidence builds independence. A Practical Packing Formula For long trips (2–4 weeks), aim for: ✔ Face care (cleanser, moisturizer, SPF) ✔ Hair care (solid or small decant) ✔ Minimal makeup (if any) ✔ Medications + backup copy of prescriptions ✔ One comfort item (favorite scent, small body cream) 60-second confidence challenge Your challenge today, Confidence Challenge in Rio If you like today’s Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into packing toiletries, while moving through the 5 steps to solo travel, from easy to more challenging, with foreign language communication tips. You can find the series at the link in the description. See Book A for addressing this concern.. Find it on the website​​ at https://www.5stepstosolotravel.com/ or on Amazon. It’s a several-part series. Today’s destination is Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Part 2 (about MY trip) This is a Step 5 destination’ June in Rio de Janeiro felt like stepping into a living postcard — but let’s be honest, postcards don’t show the early alarms, the bus decisions, or the moments of doubt that come with solo travel. That’s where the real story lives. Day One: The “Keep Going” Moment I went straight to Christ the Redeemer on my first day. Some travelers wait. I don’t. When you’re traveling solo, momentum matters. I chose the van ride instead of the train — practical, efficient, less waiting. The sunrise? I almost had it. I was early, but not quite early enough for that glowing cinematic moment. Still, standing there above the city, looking down at the curve of Copacabana and the sweep of Guanabara Bay, I felt something stronger than a perfect photo. I felt alignment. The city below me pulsed with possibility. “Dream is Rio” isn’t marketing copy. It’s a mood. Sugarloaf, Beaches, and Movement I saw the tram climbing Sugarloaf Mountain several times — that little cable car gliding across the sky. I didn’t ride it this visit. And that’s okay. Solo travel isn’t about checking boxes. It’s about returning. In my Niteroi episode (next in the series), I’ll share how I could...