Second Act Travels

Elizabeth@Second Act Travels

Short on time but big on travel dreams? This 10-minute podcast series delivers smart, inspiring, and practical travel tips for adventurous travelers of all ages. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip, exploring off-season gems, or looking for ways to stretch your travel budget, each 10 minute episode is packed with advice to help you travel farther, smarter, and with confidence.

Season 1

  1. EPISODE 4

    15 Must-Know Phrases for Travelers to Unlock Any Language Abroad

    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 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 USJapanEurope Really, 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 afternoon Particularly for shopkeepers and hotel workers Please 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 bathroom I would like…. Common names of food, x number of tickets- bus, train, admission Numbers one through 20 Bonus 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?

    7 min
  2. EPISODE 6

    Walking the Thames Path National Trail

    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 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...

    9 min
  3. Part 2: Packing List for Walking the Thames Path

    EPISODE 7

    Part 2: Packing List for Walking the Thames Path

    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 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 overseaandover50@gmail.com or DM me on Instagram: @seconacttravels.

    15 min

About

Short on time but big on travel dreams? This 10-minute podcast series delivers smart, inspiring, and practical travel tips for adventurous travelers of all ages. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip, exploring off-season gems, or looking for ways to stretch your travel budget, each 10 minute episode is packed with advice to help you travel farther, smarter, and with confidence.