You’ve considered, researched and carved out time for a small-group adventure - that’s great! Now, how to choose the small-group adventure with the right activity level. You’ll want to get the most out of your excursions - without it being too much or too little by way of exertion. Let’s take a look. 

Know Thyself

Check out this fantastic blog post by World Expeditions, which illustrates various activity levels and questions to ask yourself when considering how active to be on your small-group adventure. It offers top tips for identifying the right adventure activities for you, the ones that match your interest and abilities. Be honest with yourself about your capabilities - this isn’t the time for everyday hiking and biking if you do not exercise much at home. Build in less taxing days - we don’t all recover as quickly as we used to after a rigorous day in the wilderness. 

Read Up on the Trip

Do some research now and really dive into the descriptions of your chosen small-group adventure. This is where you’ll match your activity level with the activity level of the trip you are considering. Are you being driven from town to town, or are you expected to walk or bike. Look for time allotted to physical activities or little details, like the surface on which you’ll be walking (smooth? cobblestone?) or number of steps you might have to climb (10? 100?). If you have a bum knee, a trip where you do a lot of climbing in and out of a Zodiac, navigate steep stairwells or do a lot of walking on uneven ground, is likely not going to be the right choice for you.

Consider Your Activity Choices

Imagine yourself on your trip, in your chosen destination. What feels comfortable? What feels exciting and just challenging enough? Most companies will offer a range of adventures based on level of activity, so you’ll have plenty to choose from. And, what’s more, many don’t hem you into the choice for the duration - you may be able to choose different activity levels for various activities in a given destination. For instance, a trip to Peru should allow you extra time in Cusco to take an excursion to Rainbow Mountains, take a chocolate making course, or have more personal time exploring the city (and buying baby lama wool clothing), while others on the trip hike the Lares Trek or Inca Trail.

As an example, here are several activity level descriptions from a leading small-group adventure company: 

General Activity Level Guidelines 

  • Leisurely: This is the best choice for those who are in good health, enjoy being outside and would like their trip to be packed with interesting sights, but still relaxing.  
  • Moderate: Designed for people who incorporate some fitness into their daily lives and have a healthy sense of adventure. This type of trip generally includes more activities and/or longer excursions. 
  • Challenging: Designed for very fit people who seek a challenging, possibly remote destination and activities. 

Walking/Hiking Activity Level Guidelines 

The various levels here take into account length of hike/walk and the entire outing, trail conditions, what you’ll need to carry, support, average altitude gain and loss, general weather conditions and remoteness of local services. 

  • Leisurely: No experience is necessary for this level - if you can manage a weekend walk, you’re good. You’re generally walking on a flat surface for about two to five hours throughout the day. Walks are optional. 
  • Moderate: Walks at this level are either easy medium-length walks or harder, shorter walks. A reasonable fitness level and good health are best. There might be some higher altitude. Walks are typically five to seven hours during the day with a 1,600- to 2,600-foot ascent. 
  • Challenging: Fitness is more important at this level and includes extended trekking on mountainous terrain. Expect high altitude, variable weather and remoteness. You’ll typically walk six to eight hours per day, with accents around 2,900 to 3,300 feet.

Cycling Activity Level Guidelines 

The various levels here take into account length of ride and length of cycling day, how much vehicle support is available, altitude gain and loss, temperature and weather conditions, road and trail conditions and remoteness of local services.  

  • Leisurely: If you can ride a bike, you can take this type of cycling vacation. There are short climbs and descents but the route is generally flat. Daily rides don’t usually exceed 30 miles. 
  • Moderate: If you like a long bike ride on the weekend, you’ll enjoy a moderate-level biking trip. You’ll want to be relatively fit. Daily rides don’t usually exceed 45 miles.
  • Challenging: Fitness is of utmost importance for a challenging cycling trip. You’ll want to be confident in your biking ability and physical health. 

What sounds right to you? Let’s discuss and get your small-group adventure vacation on the books!