S3 Show Notes

Will 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 Travel

• Pricing
• Crowds
• More comfortable temperatures
• Avoiding “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 Travel

• Reduced operating hours for attractions
• Closures for renovations
• Major Construction
• Reduced public transportation schedules to and in smaller towns
• Bad weather?
• Some accommodations close in smaller towns, cities
• Weather delays 
• May miss a time of year you really wanted to see

Managing Language Barriers S1 E4

For purposes of this broadcast, assume you only speak English.

Reality:

• Reality is that English is understood in most major cities
• Yes, 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 plan
• Best 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 residents
• Manners count in many places more than they do in the US
• Japan
• Europe

Really, there are some universal phrases you should master before traveling to another country.  

15 Phrases that are Non negotiable:

1. Hello and Goodbye
2. Good morning and Good afternoon

• Particularly for shopkeepers and hotel workers

1. Please and Thank YOU!
2. Excuse me, and I’m sorry (you’ll need to say that a lot)
3. Where is the….

• Train station?, name of hotel? And most importantly, the bathroom

1. I would like….

• Common names of food, x number of tickets- bus, train, admission

1. Numbers one through 20

• Bonus if you know all tens to 100, 100, 1000, 2000…

1. How much is…?
2. I have… but Do you have is even more useful…
3. The bill, please…
4. I need help.
5. I need medical help.
6. I am allergic to… very important!
7. I have a medical condition (consider wearing a medic alert bracelet as well if needed)
8. (Of course)....Do you speak English?

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 List

• The 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 1857
• HikingwithDaveandBarbara.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...

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.

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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 Path
• Joyce Mackie: Walking the Thames River Path
• Hikingwithdaveandbarbara.com
• UK National Trail Website
• UK Flood Alerts and Warnings
• All Trails
• Helpful Phone Apps:
• Booking.com
• Trainline.com
• Global SOS
• Rome2Rio
• Google Maps
• Facebook Groups:
• Thames Path National Trail
• Thames Path Walk

If 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.

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.com
• You can follow me on Pinterest and Instagram under OverseasandOver50.
• Send along any questions or suggestions for future podcasts at overseasandover50@gmail.com or through social media messaging.

Next Podcast Topic: The Benefits of Off-season travel (and there are many!)

In this episode of Second Act Travels, Elizabeth explores one of her favorite ways to save money while traveling — staying at monasteries, convents, and abbeys. She explains why these unique accommodations offer not only affordability but also a rich cultural experience that allows you to connect more deeply with your destination. Perfect for travelers over 50 who value safe, clean, and well-located accommodations without paying luxury prices.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Why monastery and convent stays are ideal for midlife travelers.
• The kind of amenities you can expect (and not expect).
• How these stays help you save on travel costs while offering cultural immersion.
• Resources and tips for finding and booking monastery accommodations.
• Safety, comfort, and location considerations for solo travelers.

Resources Mentioned:

• Booking websites and search terms to use.
• Examples of monastery stays in Europe and beyond.
• Practical advice for first-timers.

Never miss an episode — subscribe to Second Act Travels wherever you listen to podcasts.

Podcast Episode Show Notes: What to Pack for Walking the Thames Path National Trail

Planning 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 essentials
• Plan for all weather conditions—the British climate can be unpredictable all year round
• If 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 Website
• Recommended Hiking Gear List
• Flood Alerts from the UK Government

📩 Have Questions or Packing Tips to Share?

Let’s connect! Email me at overseaandover50@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram: @seconacttravels.