Welcome back to the Dr. Mary Travelbest Guide podcast. I returned from another 90-day journey around the world, and I'm excited to connect with fellow solo travelers, share experiences, and help build world peace, one person at a time.
The FAQ is: Do you feel isolated as an American traveling now?
I've been solo traveling quite a bit over the past year, and I've noticed a trend. There have been multiple times when people in a group have discussed where they're from and asked questions about each other's countries. And then it gets to me, and I say the US, and it goes silent until the conversation moves on to someone else. It happens in hostels and bars. In fact, I've had multiple times where I say I'm American and the person will just instantly walk away.
I know my country has done awful things that have earned this reputation. It's just disappointing that it creates a slightly isolating feeling at first. Luckily, I've had experiences where people have been really friendly, and I hope to have more of those. Has anyone else had similar experiences?
I want to make it clear to those from the United States that they should not let this discourage them. The majority of my interactions don't go this way. I'm posting because I've had repeated, small incidents in several countries and want to see if others have noticed a pattern. Even when they happen, they've never felt more than just passive-aggressive.
60-second confidence challenge
Your challenge today, the Confidence Challenge in Johannesburg, is safety.
If you like today's Confidence Challenge, my book series delves deeper into how to feel safe when you travel alone. I also discuss my safari in Kenya, part of East Africa. You may want to book a safari in South Africa and read the book as you move through the 5 steps to solo travel, from easy to more challenging, with tips on foreign-language communication.
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 Johannesburg, South Africa.
Today, we're talking about Johannesburg, or "Joburg," a place that may not feel easy at first—but that's exactly why it matters. We will cover the Apartheid Museum, Soweto, Mandela, soccer, Maboneng, Rosebank, and Sandton. We'll also tell you about a good tour guide and how to get informed.
Let's be clear: this is not a relaxed, wander-anywhere kind of destination.
But if you approach it thoughtfully, it becomes one of the most eye-opening cultural experiences you can have.
So let's walk through what's worth your time and what requires your attention.
Johannesburg is not built for tourists—it's built from history.
Gold mining in the 1800s created the city.
Apartheid shaped it.
And today, you feel both, everywhere.
You'll notice:
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Stark contrasts between wealth and poverty
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Gated neighborhoods, security systems, and guarded homes
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Areas where the infrastructure feels inconsistent
And if you're willing to see it clearly, this city teaches you something few others can.
The Apartheid Museum
If you are on a solo or group tour, start here. Not optional.
The Apartheid Museum is one of the most powerful museums in the world.
You don't just read history—you walk through it.
Give yourself at least 2–3 hours.
And be ready—it's emotionally heavy.
Soweto + Mandela's Legacy
Next, visit Soweto—short for "South Western Township."
Soweto is where history becomes personal. Before your trip, if you can, read Mandela's book, The Long Walk to Freedom.
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2304771/
Walk down Vilakazi Street—home to both Nobel Peace Prize winners from the area.
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Nelson Mandela
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Desmond Tutu
Visit the Nelson Mandela House, now a museum.
You'll see:
But go with a guide. Not optional. There were small fires in the neighborhoods along the roadside, and some traffic lights were not working. Be aware, but be ready to learn.
Want to see a Soccer game while here? There are two teams you can watch at home games.
Johannesburg-based Soweto giants Orlando Pirates play home games at
Orlando Stadium, which the City of Johannesburg owns. While Carling Black Label has recently partnered with Kaizer Chiefs as a sponsor, the teams' major sponsors historically have included Vodacom and others.
https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/43608195/what-soweto-derby-why-kaizer-chiefs-orlando-pirates-south-africa-most-popular-teams
Head to Maboneng, Johannesburg's creative district.
Think:
It's one of the few places where you can walk more freely—but still stay aware.
Grab a meal, enjoy the vibe, but don't linger alone after dark.
Now, let's visit Rosebank + Sandton (Modern Johannesburg)
If you're wondering where things feel familiar—this is it.
In Rosebank:
In Sandton:
It's polished—but don't confuse that with the whole city.
A few dining places to consider:
Looking for a travel guide in Johannesburg? Here's a suggestion. Beck N Coll.
Benoni is Colleen Becker's hometown, just outside of Johannesburg. Her grown Son is Calvin. She's married to Glenn.
"Beck n Coll "is their travel company name.
Through other means,nsuch aske Servas and Host a Sister, they have had 70-plus guests so far.
Help them by booking your trip with them. Here is the website for more info. This episode is not a sponsored post. They can book you on a safari tour as they are experts here.
https://www.beckncoll.co.za/
https://www.instagram.com/hostasister/
Here is more on Host A Sister. It's a global Facebook community connecting women worldwide to share homes for free, fostering friendship, cultural exchange, and safe, budget-friendly travel. Members (women and non-binary individuals) offer accommodation, local meetups, and travel advice without monetary exchange, ensuring it remains a non-dating platform, and I used it here. I met Colleen through Servas, and she told me about Host a Sister, which I used later in my 90-day trip.
Let's summarize and add value with my reality check:
Not every place will feel intuitive or walkable—plan your stops.
You'll hear "be careful," and you should question what that actually means.
Here's the reality:
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Do not travel alone at night
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Use Uber or arrange drivers
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Stay in known areas (Sandton, Rosebank)
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Avoid spontaneous wandering
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Keep your phone out of sight in public
But also, don't assume constant danger.
Many travelers report no issues when they stay aware and structured, like me. This guidance is not fear-based travel.
It's informed travel. Johannesburg is not about comfort.
It's about understanding.
You will see:
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Inequality
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Resilience
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Creativity
My missteps: Wrong Airport in Johannesburg
Travel Mistake to Avoid
I should have booked Johannesburg's other airport from Cape Town. I didn't realize there were two airports, and I picked the cheaper one. I ended up on the wrong side of town and had to Uber from the airport to the train station. Then I got on the train and got to my destination.
So, in the end, I did not save any money.
Check the airport before you book Safari Air!
Thanks for listening, and I'll see you on the next journey.
AI was used to select some of the suggestions for this episode.
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