Second Act Travels

even other places around the world), I always research to see if there are monasteries or convents at which I can stay: Monastery and convent stays include abbeys, religious owned or managed properties. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit secondacttravels.substack.com

S3 Show NotesWill always share the goods and the bads with you. Pros and cons to everything, and I don’t enjoy it when people don’t give me a balanced review of anything.First, what is considered off season or shoulder season depends upon your destination…Pros of Off season TravelPricingCrowdsMore comfortable temperaturesAvoiding “tourist rage”Consider visiting www.thriftytraveler.com to sign up for airfare deals sent straight to your inbox. (I do not receive any compensation from Thrifty Traveler, I'm just giving you a site that I like to use.)Cons of Off season TravelReduced operating hours for attractionsClosures for renovationsMajor ConstructionReduced public transportation schedules to and in smaller townsBad weather?Some accommodations close in smaller towns, citiesWeather delays May miss a time of year you really wanted to see This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit secondacttravels.substack.com

Managing Language Barriers S1 E4For purposes of this broadcast, assume you only speak English.Reality:Reality is that English is understood in most major citiesYes, you can use translation software some of the time, but it will get cumbersome, but it can be tedious, time consuming, and you might not have a great signal, your phone might be out of battery, or you’ve blown through your data planBest thing is to have just a few phrases at the ready.English becomes less frequently used and understood the further away from the major city you go.You can do a lot with pointing etc., but knowing a few phrases will go a long way to helping you be understood, and most of all, earning the respect of your destination’s residentsManners count in many places more than they do in the USJapanEuropeReally, there are some universal phrases you should master before traveling to another country.  15 Phrases that are Non negotiable:Hello and GoodbyeGood morning and Good afternoonParticularly for shopkeepers and hotel workersPlease and Thank YOU!Excuse me, and I’m sorry (you’ll need to say that a lot)Where is the….Train station?, name of hotel? And most importantly, the bathroomI would like….Common names of food, x number of tickets- bus, train, admissionNumbers one through 20Bonus if you know all tens to 100, 100, 1000, 2000…How much is…?I have… but Do you have is even more useful…The bill, please…I need help.I need medical help.I am allergic to… very important!I have a medical condition (consider wearing a medic alert bracelet as well if needed)(Of course)....Do you speak English? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit secondacttravels.substack.com

Please note that this podcast description may contain affiliate links, which means I will earn a commission if you purchase an item through my links. There is absolutely no cost to you and it helps me continue the work of the podcast. Also, I am not a paid spokesperson and all opinions are my own.Most people probably know some great solo hikers and their accomplishments from books- Cheryl Strayed’s Wild, detailing her solo hike along the Pacific Crest Trail, or even Robyn Davidson’s Tracks,  describing her 1700 mile journey across the Australian desert with three camels.Maybe you imagine days of wild camping in a tent? Learning to make a fire without matches? Braving wild animals? Getting lost for days on end and having to forage for food?Let me set you straight from the start. My hike was NOTHING like that.The Thames Path National Trail is a perfect first time long distance hike for beginner hikers (like me).Resource ListThe Thames Path, Trailblazers Guide by Henry Stedman and Joel Newton: My “hiking Bible” because of its detailed maps of the Path and points of interest along the way. I highly recommend the Trailblazers Guides for their comprehensiveness and accuracy.Rambles by Rivers by James Thorne, published in 1857HikingwithDaveandBarbara.com: Wonderful blog by an English couple who hike all over Europe and Asia. Great videos and text.National Trails website has information for all the National Trails maintained by the UK.Joyce Mackie’s Walking the Thames Path: One Woman’s Journey of Adventure and Self-Discovery.From the App Store:‘Thames Path Map Lite’ (approx. $5 USD). This is an excellent digital map that kept me on course during my walk. The app also shows public footpaths in... This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit secondacttravels.substack.com

In this kickoff episode, Elizabeth introduces you to Second Act Travels — a 10-minute podcast designed to inspire and inform travelers over 50. Whether you're an empty nester or recent retiree, you'll get practical tips, destination ideas, and off-season travel strategies to help you make the most of your newfound flexibility. Learn how to save money, avoid crowds, and create unforgettable travel experiences during your second act in life.u2Co0qDz5GZcZHsthk1P This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit secondacttravels.substack.com

In this episode of Second Act Travels, host Elizabeth delves into the resources that will enhance your hike along the Thames Path. She recommends the Trailblazer Guide for its comprehensive coverage, Joyce Mackey’s book for solo female travelers, and the visual narratives from 'Hiking with Dave and Barbara.' Elizabeth also suggests using the National Trails UK website and Alltrails maps for detailed navigation. For convenience, she endorses apps like Google Maps, Roam to Rio, and Booking.com for seamless travel experiences. Whether you’re planning or already hiking, these resources ensure a rich and informed journey.Links to resources: Trailblazer Guide: The Thames PathJoyce Mackie: Walking the Thames River PathHikingwithdaveandbarbara.comUK National Trail WebsiteUK Flood Alerts and WarningsAll TrailsHelpful Phone Apps:Booking.comTrainline.comGlobal SOSRome2RioGoogle MapsFacebook Groups:Thames Path National TrailThames Path WalkIf you enjoyed this podcast and found it useful, please consider leaving a review.This description does contain a few affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase by clicking on this link. There is absolutely no cost to you and it helps me keep this podcast running. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit secondacttravels.substack.com

Before we get into things, I'm taking five minutes to explain why I started Second Act Travels:Unique place in life as an empty nester or retiree-- with a new-found freedom to travel anywhere, anytime.Second act travelers feel like an underrepresented community in the podcast and blogosphere. Podcasts allow me to share a large amount of information in a short amount of time.Complements my longform blog: overseasandover50.blogspot.comYou can follow me on Pinterest and Instagram under OverseasandOver50.Send along any questions or suggestions for future podcasts at [email protected] or through social media messaging.Next Podcast Topic: The Benefits of Off-season travel (and there are many!) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit secondacttravels.substack.com

Podcast Episode Show Notes: What to Pack for Walking the Thames Path National TrailPlanning to walk the Thames Path? Whether you're tackling the full 200+ mile route or just a scenic section, packing smart is key to a comfortable and enjoyable journey.In this episode, we break down exactly what to pack—from the right hiking clothes to non-hiking essentials and those must-have extras that can make all the difference.📝 What You'll Learn in This Episode:✅ Essential hiking clothing for comfort and weather protection✅ What non-hiking clothes you’ll want for evenings and rest days👕 Hiking Clothes – moisture-wicking tops, quick-dry pants, comfortable socks, and a waterproof jacket🩳 Non-Hiking Clothes – casual wear for evenings, sleepwear, and lightweight footwear🎒 Gear & Accessories – a daypack, water bottle, map or GPS, and first-aid kit🌦 Weather Essentials – hat, sunglasses, gloves, and layers for unpredictable conditions🛏 Extras – toiletries, journal✨ Final Tips:Pack light but don’t skip the essentialsPlan for all weather conditions—the British climate can be unpredictable all year roundIf carrying your own gear, keep your backpack weight manageable🎧 Listen Now & Get Ready for Your Thames Path Adventure!🔗 Links & Resources Mentioned in This Episode:Thames Path Official WebsiteRecommended Hiking Gear ListFlood Alerts from the UK Government📩 Have Questions or Packing Tips to Share?Let’s connect! Email me at [email protected] or DM me on Instagram: @seconacttravels. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit secondacttravels.substack.com