Are you fit enough to make it up these castle stairs - after hiking to the castle?

Hey Trippers,

One of the most important components of meaningful world travel is your fitness.  On the Know Your Trip website, I rate all of our destinations for fitness level so you can get the most out of your exploration of your destination.  It’s important to understand what is expected of your body.

The Know Your Trip Fitness Scale is from “1 to 10” with “10” being you must be in tiptop shape.  A rating of “1” would mean that you would only require the minimum of exertion and their would be no staircases, elevations, or any walking to do.

For example, a city like Paris is rated a “7” because of it’s layout, wide boulevards, and Montmartre Hill.  It would pose a challenge for someone who hopes to see and do a lot in a week.  A city like Bangkok would rate a “6” because even though it is flat, it has high heat and humidity.  Contributing to the “6” rating is availability of inexpensive transportation to minimize walking and also the amount of air pollution.

An example of a destination requiring a “10” rating is mountain trekking to remote villages mountain villages in The Himalayas, The Andes, or the Jungle villages of Cambodia.  A fitness rating of “10” does not mean “youth”.  I have encountered 70+ year olds that would beat me solidly in an endurance test.  And I’m rather fit.

I have a specific philosophy about how to attain and maintain fitness.  Personally, I have physical challenges and managing them necessitates optimum conditioning.   This enables me to endure the rigors of travel.  While traveling, I keep a ridiculously torrid pace.  I do this because I want to see and experience as much as I can, especially to write about.   (Yes, at times, I do stop and enjoy)

I’m going to start sharing my philosophy in the upcoming days.  It all sounds simple when seeing it in writing but it is a challenge in practice.  I can virtually guarantee that if you do what I suggest, not only will your health improve but also you’ll be built for the long run – and for meaningful world travel.

Here's the view you'll be rewarded with - if you're fit enough!

Keep Tripping!

Carter