Tokyo was recognized as one of the most walkable cities. As a lover of walking, I offer my congratulations. I don't know when it started, but I have enjoyed walking on vacation almost as much as anything. Dave and I have often taken to foot while on the road and several other family members who have lived abroad have shared with me the joys of walking in through their travels.

Photo by Gerda on Unsplash
Photo by Gerda on Unsplash
loading...

Here are some tips on how to find and enjoy good walking cities.

Do a Drive By:

Photo by Jesse Gardner on Unsplash
Photo by Jesse Gardner on Unsplash
loading...

Make your first run in a car so you can plan your walk. A fellow walker told me about making a plan with a map while in Tokyo, (congratulations again). The distance was good, but he missed some of the sites he was hoping to catch. You have to drive anyway look out the windows and see if there is something you would like to see up close. This will help you walk the streets of interest and avoid dangerous looking areas.

Look For Lengths:

Photo by Wim Torbeyns on Unsplash
Photo by Wim Torbeyns on Unsplash
loading...

This one hit me when Dave and I were walking in Las Vegas. We asked about distance and were told our location was just a few blocks away. If you have walked Las Vegas you know their city blocks are much longer than the luck of a gambler. Technology can map your walk giving you accurate distances and time estimates.

Start Small:
Don't try to eat the whole elephant, take it small at first and get a fill for the area.

Read the Room or the street:

Photo by Ginabell Andujar on Unsplash
Photo by Ginabell Andujar on Unsplash
loading...

Look for other walkers, shade, interesting sites. Does the area look fun to walk? An easy comparison is Bluff Street, wide and hot looking versus the Boulevard, tree lined and charming. As Dave put it, "the only foot traffic you see on Bluff Street is either people in a hurry or talking to themselves". I'm sure he was talking about people like me who rehearse their shopping list vocally.

Read More: Pure Genius.. How They Marked Spanish Trail in Utah

So, take these tips and get out on a walk next time you are traveling and you will discover things you never got to experience just driving or looking at your phone.

Walking Thru A Detroit Neighborhood At Night

More From Star 98