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 [email protected] or DM me on Instagram: @seconacttravels.

Second Act Travels is a ten minute podcast providing travel inspiration and information to those in their second act-- whether as an empty nester or retiree. There's still plenty of life within us, so let's get traveling!

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

Monastery Stays S1 E5

 I love to travel, but the reality is that traveling costs money.  I have a secret to share…

• To save on travel costs, I always want to try to save money on accommodations.
• This leaves me free to spend money on food, experiences, etc.
• For me, Accommodation doesn’t have to be fancy.  I am there to visit a destination, not a hotel bar (although having one helps)
• The place you sleep in is just that– your bedroom.  It isn’t your living room or kitchen– that is outside – in the neighborhood, restaurants, etc.
• Minimum requirements:  good value, clean, safe, well located.  Other than that I don’t care.  
• What doesn’t matter to me:  size of room, elevators, breakfast, and small shampoo bottles.
• 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.
• Urge you to research and consider staying in a monastery or convent.  Don’t laugh or judge.

Monasteries and convents:

• Offer lodging to people of all faiths, open to everyone.  You do not have to be Catholic or any other religion to stay there.
• To me, it’s the ultimate in shopping local.  Let’s face it, these places are available bc of a decline in people entering the religious communities.  These places have had to turn to offering accommodations to visitors just to make ends meet.  Many rooms have been upgraded, refurbished and made ensuite, so  you have a private bathroom.
• Without doing this, many would close, and likely be bought up by hotel chains, turned into luxury accommodations and charge a ton of money.
• Primarily in Europe but also other places across the world.

What are monasteries and convents offering accommodations like?

• Many if not most have been upgraded and refurbished
• Can be working places or specifically for visitors
• Primarily in Europe but are also in the US, and around the world.
• Although I seem to notice Asia offers more retreats rather than general overnight lodging
• Monasteries generally in rural communities.  Abbeys and convents more centrally located

That said,

• These places are not hotels per se.  Not usually offering a lot of luxuries. 
• If you want chocolates on your pillow or your bed turned down at night, then this is not the place for you.
• If you are ok with spartan furnishings, then this might be the place for you 
• What it does offer are modestly appointed rooms that are clean, safe, and economical

Pros:

• Very economical room prices.  Far lower rates than staying at a hotel
• Often centrally located and are considered an oasis in the middle of busy cities.  You might have a garden, chapel, or walled courtyard on the property
• Unique way of visiting or even staying longer than you normally would since you can save money this way.

Cons:

• Rooms book well in advance.  You should make reservations as soon as you commit to your trip
• Cancellation policies are not always visitor friendly.  Many times I would find rooms that were completely non-refundable no matter what.  Forcing you to rely on travel insurance for canceling.

May be a curfew- for Over50 travelers, may not be a big deal. For younger travelers who go clubbing, then remember this. Usually 10-Midnight

• Might also be a minimum stay

Three websites I use:

1. Monasterystays.com- focuses mainly on Italy, with a few listings in Austria and Slovenia
2. Must submit a travel plan to the website requesting lodging.  The website operator will then contact the properties on your behalf and let you know if they have room
3. There are online reviews of places

1. Monasteries.com - around the world, but primarily Europe.  See listings for Egypt,
2. Site includes tips for staying in a monastery
3. Online reviews
4. Italy most prevalent place for these stays. Fewer in other European countries
5. Again, have you go through this platform to make a reservation request

1. Goodnightandgodbless.com (my favorite)
2. Reviews and photos, same as other ones

If you decide to try this option: REMEMBER!

• Be super careful about their cancellation policy
• Always double check reviews on sites– you can cross check with tripadvisor.com, other monastery stay sites mentioned above, and even booking.com may have a listing.
• Book well in advance, you aren’t going to be able to find openings on the spot
• Double check the location– is it in an area near to things you want to see, or close to public transportation links?  Always do a bit of background research about the neighborhood or general area.

Will put all the links in my show notes.

Will be taking a break from recording for the next several weeks while I do some off season traveling and return with experiences to share with you.

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Managing Language Barriers S1 E4

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

Reality:

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
3. Please and Thank YOU!
4. Excuse me, and I’m sorry (you’ll need to say that a lot)
5. Where is the….
6. I would like….
7. Numbers one through 20
8. How much is…?
9. I have… but Do you have is even more useful…
10. The bill, please…
11. I need help.
12. I need medical help.
13. I am allergic to… very important!
14. I have a medical condition (consider wearing a medic alert bracelet as well if needed)
15. (Of course)....Do you speak English?

S3 Show Notes Template

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

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 [email protected] or through social media messaging.

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