When signing up for one of our small group travel club trips, it is important that you pay attention to the Physical Rating Level so you don’t sign up for something beyond your fitness level. Due to the fact that we are an adventure travel company, our trips vary and many require a higher level of fitness than others.  

To help you get a general idea of the physical activity level of each trip, we have assigned a rating system that is based on the average person and should be adjusted based on your experience and physical abilities. This rating system should help you in choosing a trip that is appropriate for you and one that you will enjoy.

At a minimum, all participants should be able to walk without the aid of another person, be able to climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off any mode of transportation (buses, boats, trains), and carry their own luggage, at a minimum.

Level 1: Easy

These are relaxed and chill vacations. You won’t be expected to do much in the way of physical activities.

Level 2: Light

These trips will include some walking, sometimes for a few hours and you may have to climb several flights of stairs and stand for extended periods of time. Could also include some light physical activities like biking, kayaking, etc. These trips don’t require a high level of fitness, but you should be in good overall health and be comfortable being active for 2-4 hours a day.

Level 3: Moderate

Intended for those in good health and an average level of fitness. These trips will include some walking, sometimes for a few hours and you may have to climb several flights of stairs and stand for extended periods of time. May include long drives on a bus, or full day excursions with long walks (on paved paths) or bike rides (on mostly flat terrain). Weather could also play a factor as these trips will often have us in very warm or cold climates. There may be lengthy days with early morning starts and late evening returns. 

Level 4: Active

The ‘active vacation’ is intended for those with a higher level of fitness. You don’t need to have special training or be a professional athlete, but these trips may require some entry level skills for activities such as whitewater rafting, mountain biking, kayaking, horseback riding, caving, canyoning, rock climbing, and other active sports.  These trips may also include bicycle rides (sometimes through rough terrain), rock scrambles and hikes on various types of terrain (sometimes exposed, through steep, muddy, and slippery terrain at altitude above 10,000 ft (3,000 m). You will often have a few lengthy days with early mornings and late evenings. 

Level 5: Challenging

These trips are intended for those with an above average level of fitness. Includes full days of heavy physical activities including high altitude hikes (above 10,000 ft/ 3,000 m – sometimes exposed, through steep, muddy, and slippery terrain), swimming in rivers, caves, lakes, or oceans, and possibly some long bike rides of 20-25 miles per day.

May include multi-day treks of 7-14 miles per day on mountainous terrain. During these activities you will often experience a variety of climates, including very hot, humid, cold, windy, and rainy (sometimes all in the same day).

These trips generally require a higher level of stamina to maintain a very fast pace of numerous back to back activities without long periods of rest. Just as you would a marathon, you must train prior to your adventure.