How many kilometres do you rack up on foot when travelling on holiday?

I was once asked this question but as I don’t travel with a pedometer (or the one on my phone turned on), I wouldn’t know. But it’s a lot! I tend to travel to explore and I’m continually on my feet walking through neighbourhoods, gardens, and forests.

When travelling in Europe, it’s such a plus that the cities are very compact and walkable. Like Paris, for example. I’ve walked through a great deal of Paris on my trips, and it’ a pure joy! So much beautiful architecture and I admire the city parks and gardens. I try to keep a leisurely pace as I wander around so as not to miss something – no rushing and racing allowed.

My memories of those Parisian strolls are the subjects of Mini Vacations paintings #93 and #95:

#93 – Sacre Coeur, Paris

#95 – Along The Seine, Paris – sold

#93 – Sacre Coeur, Paris (in studio, 2.5″ x 3.5″ ink and watercolour)

#95 – Along The Seine, Paris (in studio, 2.5″ x 3.5″ ink and watercolour)

Walking tip: I spent the first few years of travel replacing worn down travel shoes and sandals. Sometimes these new replacements were not very successful, as I’d suffer through blisters or sore feet. A travel pal suggested I take my favourite travel footwear after each trip to a shoe repair shop for regular maintenance to extend their life. Duh.. it had never occurred to me. So it’s now my practice and I’m still happily walking around in 10-year old sandals that have seen the world!