While accessible travel for the disabled is mandated by law, in many cases what qualifies as “accessible” is woefully under equipped. Often something as simple as a night out to eat can be a huge challenge for those in wheelchairs or who otherwise need assistance, let alone trying to travel through busy airports or train stations.
Obviously, the world is set up to cater to the able bodied individuals. The mandates that require accessibility by all persons are just not specific enough and can leave an individual on a quest for finding an elevator or an access ramp that is conveniently located. Some access ramps are ill constructed to allow for easy access by those in wheelchairs as the quality and design of the ramp makes it very difficult for locomotion under one’s own power.
Often the biggest difficulty facing those who need assistance when traveling is education. Airports and other forms of public transportation need better education amongst the staff when providing assistance to the disabled.
For instance, airports often tend to wait until disembarking to call for a wheelchair. The individual must wait while everyone disembarks and often wait even longer for the personnel to show up with a wheelchair. When there is little time between connecting flights due to late take offs and overcrowded runways the need for a wheelchair often means missing the flight.
Instead of sticking those in need of assistance aside to chronically wait for any special help they may need, we need to simply make accessible travel much more realistically accessible. We need to stop hiding elevators at the far corners of the buildings and start recognizing that the disabled have regular needs as well.
Accessible travel means any cab should be able to pick up the disabled rather than calling a specially equipped van to the scene just because the rider has a wheelchair. Requiring those with special needs to wait for the simple things is not only insulting, but it can in fact be dangerous.
The constant waiting game that those with disabilities face is often played alone or in areas where safety is questionable. Airport personnel, train employees, or even cab companies have no problem putting the disabled aside to wait for the necessary assistance but they certainly give little regard for the safety of the individual while they are waiting. I guess the faster they can tuck us away and keep up out of sight the more comfortable everyone else gets to feel, so that has become the priority when it comes to accessible travel.
There are many considerations to be made when an individual is preparing to travel with disability that may require special accommodations. Different countries have different standards for dealing with disabilities and it is important to know what to expect and be prepared when planning a vacation.
Once the location has been decided upon most people begin making travel and living arrangements for their vacation. This is not the case when scheduling to travel with disability. To make the trip seamless and enjoyable it is important that the following suggestions be considered.
It is important to make a list of all of the equipment and medication that is used on a daily basis including any special equipment that may be needed if something unexpected happens. Having the complete list will make preparation for the trip much easier.
When going on vacation to another country it is very important that an individual be prepared for the need to seek medical care in that country. The US State Department has Consular Information which contains medical facilities and health information for every country in the world. The information includes the type of medical services provided as well as the locations of the facilities.
Make a list of all medications that are taken by their generic and medical names. In many countries the brand names used in the US are not the same as those used in other countries. If a person needs to get medication, having the generic and medical name of the information will allow them to acquire the medication much more quickly.
A card should be kept with an individual’s passport that lists the primary doctor’s name and phone numbers for day and off hours as well as the name of a back-up physician and his phone numbers. This card should also contain HMO or insurance information and embassy contact information.
Get a letter from the doctor on the physician’s letterhead that clearly states all of the medications and equipment that is required for the individual. Make two copies of this letter and keep one copy available to show security at airports and one copy to be placed in the box with medications and medical equipment.
When taking a wheelchair on vacation be sure that a box containing spare parts, wheels, controls, batteries, and an air valve are included. Also be sure to include wrenches, and other tools that would be required to fix the wheelchair. Most European countries have different size valves than the US does and use tools with metric measurements. If the wheelchair tire needs to be fixed in a foreign country go to a bicycle shop to get the repair.
Pack all medical supplies for the length of the trip in a hard case box with the letter from the physician mentioned above on top of the supplies. It is important that the individual making the trip pack this box carefully and assume that these items will not be available in the country they are visiting. Carrying enough medical supplies on the airplane to last for a few days will assure that if the luggage is late in arriving that the person traveling will not be left without medication.
If you are in a wheelchair it can be stressful when going on holiday with all the worry about whether you will be able to access everything you want to see. This has all been thought out by people who provide you with wheelchair holidays.
The first thing that many wheelchair users are not aware of is that they are able to take their equipment on an airplane without having to worry about the weight restrictions. Equipment needed for disability is not counted, so you are still able to take just as many clothes and shoes as everyone else.
You will also find that as long as the airport knows of your needs before your flight they will make sure that you are seated before the other passengers to make sure you do not have to worry about being knocked by others.
The same will happen when you reach your destination so that you can be the first of the plane as well as anyone you may be traveling with.
You can travel all over the world, see the Eiffel tower in Paris or see the pyramids of Egypt, anywhere you wish is within your reach, and you will find that there is accommodation that will meet your needs.
The rooms set aside for people who use a wheelchair are big enough for you to get around, as well as if you request you will be able to get a shower with a seat that you are able to wash in without the need to stand.
Accommodation is available for people who are able to get from the wheelchair without aid, and for those who will need assistance.
When it comes to sightseeing accessibility for those who depend on a wheelchair means that it is much easier to get to the places you need to as well as transportation that is big enough to fit in any equipment you may need.
You can get accommodation in a hotel or have your own holiday home which will be at ground level with no stairs so that you are able to independently get around while you are there. It will mean that you are fully catered for so all you have to do is relax and enjoy your holiday safe in the knowledge that everything has been dealt with beforehand.
You do not have to be apart from others if you wish to go with family and friends. You can find an apartment or other kind of holiday home that will suit everyone in your group. If there are a lot of people in your group you could make sure that you are given the downstairs room and that there are toilet facilities that allow you access with your chair. Make sure that there are two toilets in the accommodation so that you can spend as long as you wish, with an en-suite bathroom.
You can also go on the excursions that some of the package holidays provide, as the holiday is planned out especially with you in mind, meaning that there will be all the facilities you need for your day trip.
There are many different types of themed cruises that you can take advantage these days. One of the more popular types are the cruises for the disabled. Because many disabled people cannot go that many places and it is hard to move around, going on vacation can actually seem like a dream. On a disabled cruise, everything is set up for easy access and just plain fun.
These cruises are equipped to accommodate many different disabilities and they even have help for those that need help with eating, walking and other activities. This gives many people the opportunity to see things that they normally would not be able to. They do not need to be held back from experiencing the world. This really can help a person’s outlook on life.
Most cruises for the disables offer 24 hour emergency care and doctors that are really trained to help all of the needs of the passengers. The rooms are even a little bigger so that if you use a wheelchair, you will not have a problem getting around your room and accessing everything that you need in your room.
You won’t have to worry about find finding something that you can participate in, either. There are plenty of fun activities from swimming to sports that can accommodate everyone. It is truly amazing how much thought has been taking into making these cruises fun for everyone that is involved. Even if you are just married to a person with a disability, these cruises will make your trip worthwhile and will give you all of the attention that you need.
There are a few things that you need to do before you make reservations for the disabled cruise. You need to make sure that you book the cruise that accommodates your particular disability so that you are taken care of. If you need a wheel chair on the cruise or any special equipment then you need to let them know that, too.
If you have any special requests for your cruise, you need to mention this before you pick the cruise that you would like to take. Either they need to make arrangements for you or maybe they cannot even accommodate you. In this case, you may need to find a cruise that can.
Don’t be discouraged, there are many cruises that you can choose from. Most are more than willing to accommodate you, though. You should not run into any problems.
If you’d like to book a disabled cruise then you can go online and find many sites that can help you. There are literally hundreds of vacations that you can take when you have a disability. There is no reason to stay home and not have fun. Just do some research and find the cruise that is right for you. You can have a lot of fun with others who have the same type of challenges as you. So go ahead and book your disabled cruise and have a really great time.
At one time, it was simply not possible for people with disabilities like handicapped, mobility issues to travel. If they could somehow do that, they had to face serious issues like getting in places with stairs or high-rise buildings etc. Nowadays, it has become very easy for people with disabilities to travel. Several laws have been passed that have forced buildings and vehicles to have equipment that make disability travel easy.
Buildings now have ramps, lifts and even specially fitted rooms for such people. If you are a huge fan of traveling but are handicapped, you should feel happy that with the advancement of science and technology, traveling has been made easy. Now, it is not difficult for handicapped people to travel as it used to be at one time.
Web offers a lot of tips and tricks for people who have issues but want to travel. You can now do booking online for traveling such as finding airlines, ships and buses to travel for sight-seeing. Using online means to learn about traveling advantages and disadvantages for you is very important. This way you’ll know before hand what problems you will face during traveling and you can be prepared for them.
There are also many organizations and agencies that help people who are handicapped or other problems to travel and even provide escorts that stay with them throughout the trip. Some agencies arrange group tours and help you with arranging the tickets, rent vehicles for you and reservation for your stay.
If you would still like to plan your trip on your own, then as said before online and web are the best possible ways to do that. Learn as much as you can online about your destination and if there are any laws for handicapped people. Also, do your booking well in advance and don’t forget to inform the airline, ship or whichever service you are using to go there about your disability.
Also, find out about places that you will want to visit during your trip to check if they have lifts, elevators, ramps and other equipment to handle people with issues. This is very important as this is the main purpose of your trip, that is, sight-seeing. Although most buildings and places contain services for handicapped people but one has to make sure and understand what problems will come while you are there.
Also, if you are going to a place which as a lot of ancient architecture, it might not have ramps, lifts and escalators etc. So, you might eventually have to contact an agency or an agent who would help you explore such places.
Although, it is relatively easy for people with disabilities to travel but it is good to be informed about the procedures and problems that can be encountered during traveling with disabilities. Always let your relatives know at every point while traveling and always keep the numbers and contact addresses of your doctor and your relative at every point during your traveling. It will make it easier for your loved ones to know that you are safe and to reach you and for you to reach them instantly in case of emergencies.
Chicago is truly one of the great travel destinations for anyone. I especially recommend it in the summer when the lakefront (Lake Michigan) and the beautiful parks are bustling. However, my very favorite time of year for a Chicago vacation is during the holidays when the areas of the Loop, the Miracle Mile and the water tower are as magical as a fairyland.
The Windy City offers a wide array of guided tours that are wheelchair and otherwise accessible. Several water based tours exist including the Architectural River tour and skyline tours on Lake Michigan boats (Shoreline Tours and the Spirit of Chicago tours both leave from festive Navy Pier).
Landlubbers might opt for the North Side Chicago tour or hop on a trolley or double decker sightseeing bus. It’s a good idea to make arrangements for these at least two days in advance to be certain that these will include the accessibility that you need.
Nearly all of the city’s major landmarks are disability friendly. Be sure not to miss the child pleasing Museum of Science and Industry (we recommend a taxi to this south side destination), the Chicago Art Museum, the Field Museum (natural history) or the aquarium. Chicago’s two most famous skyscrapers are wheelchair accessible for the city’s best (or at least most elevated) views.
The least expensive ways to get around are either the bus system or the “L” (light rail). All bus routes are accessible. As for the light rail system, many stations provide elevators necessary for those with mobility issues, but not all do so. Consequently, plan your route carefully to be sure that you can get on and off the train where you want.
As is the case in any major city in the Western world, you will not find any difficulty locating a hotel to meet your needs, and taxis and rental cars are plentiful.
Best times to arrive in this bustling city are late mornings, mid-afternoons and after about 7:30 p.m. During the rush hours expect traffic to be at its worst, comparable to any major city in the United States.
There is so much to do in this beautiful city, so plan plenty of time…or plan frequent return trips.
Las Vegas is one of those rare cities where those of us with disabilities can do almost everything that we would like to do without worrying about accessibility. In fact, in one recent year it has been estimated that 2.8 million visitors with one or more disabilities visited the city.
Whether it is motivated by sensitivity or greed, let’s face it: Casinos do not want to place any obstructions in the way of us being able to get into the establishment to try our luck. All of the hotels on the Las Vegas strip have been built during an era when accessibility issues have been included in the construction codes, as older hotels have made way for bigger, glitzier and more accessible venues. Even in the older downtown area though, it’s easy to move from street level directly into the welcoming hotel-casinos without encountering even a small step or ramp.
Of course there is much more to do in this tourist destination. Whether it is lounging by the pool, enjoying a jacuzzi or participating in the spectacle of a major Las Vegas show by your favorite entertainer, you will discover that the hospitality industry has taken your unique needs into consideration. You can even arrange for a flight (in advance) over the spectacular Grand Canyon, or easily join a more grounded bus tour or the canyon or, closer to the city, Hoover Dam.
The very flat geography of this city make it easy to get from one place to another for people in a wheelchair or scooter. In fact, those in mobility vehicles may find it easier to get around than your companions who try to move from one location to another in a car through the strip’s nearly immobile traffic. Alternatively, those who can walk with varying degrees of difficulty won’t find the added problems associated with hills that are found in many western cities, such as San Francisco.
Spain is certainly somewhere that is a great place to visit no matter what the season and the problem with the country is that when people are there thinking about it they are usually thinking about those villas and hotels but there are so many other things there to do.
Villa
Although there are many types of holidays you can take in Spain there is nothing better than renting a villa for a couple of weeks, or is there. The great thing about a villa is that it can give you a lot of freedom and will also give you privacy wherever you are which is always very nice. One of the major problems with staying in a hotel is that you always get that annoying family that just love to be the centre of attention and to be honest it is just a pain in the ass and it can really wreck the holiday.
Anything Else?
Spain of course has many other things to offer like self drive holidays and these can be very relaxing indeed. There are so many holidays out there where you can go out walking and although it doesnt sound like one of the most exciting things to do it can be very relaxing. If you are actually thinking about doing something like this then I would certainly say getting a guide is well worth doing. It just makes a nice change from the usual things that you can do in the country.
Both Costa Rica holidays and Chile Holidays can be had in this way too so keep that in mind!
When it comes to winter holidaying, the Balearic Islands are hard to beat. Beaches are one of the primary draws of this island chain and for a selection of coastlines to suit all occasions Menorca provides sun-worshipping opportunities galore.
The second largest of the Balearic Islands, Menorca is a great destination if you’re looking to kick back and relax under the Meditteranean sunshine. The beaches of Menorca are suitable to every time of beach body – from sports enthusiasts to family groups to those looking for utter isolation. There’s a wide range of affordable options when it comes to Menorca hotels, so you won’t have to stress or feel guilty for getting away. To make the most of a sunshine break on the island, here is a selection of the island’s beaches for all occasions:
Top for seclusion: Cala Turqueta
Nature enthusiasts will find solace at the isolated Cala Turqueta beach that offers both beauty and peace and quiet. What it lacks in amenities, it makes up for with breaktaking views that can be enjoyed in almost total seclusion.
Top for families: Son Parc
Families should head to this north coast beach known for its shallow waters and a wide range of exciting activities. The beach is also nearby Menorca’s only golf course, offering enthusiasts the chance to slip away for a quick round of golf if desired.
Top for activities: Cala Galdana
The active tourist will love this southern coast beach. After taking in the gorgeous horseshoe cove and cliffs, visitors can enjoy a wide range of activities. These include boat trips, watersports, mini golf, cycling and the chance to take relaxing walks along the breathtaking coastline.
Top for nature: Cala Trebaluger
This picture perfect southern beach can be found at the mouth of a river, surrounded by pine forests. Accessible only by foot, the area is perfect for bird watching enthusiasts. Unfortunately there is no where to grab lunch so it’s a smart idea to bring along a packed picnic basket you can enjoy should hunger strike.
Top all-rounder: Son Bou
Son Bou is well known as Menorca’s longest beach, stretching 3 kilometres along the south coast. There is plenty of room to enjoy the beautiful scenery whether it be while you’re lounging on the beach or partaking in one of the many water sports available. The beach is a tourist hotspot, but take care when young children are in tow, as the occasional stong current can be dangerous.
The beaches of Menorca really do offer something for everyone. A holiday in the Balearic Islands can be surprisingly affordable. Search the great range of good quality Menorca hotels and check out the deals on cheap hotels and apartments on the island for your next sunshine break on this paradise isle.
Being one of the most popular islands in the Canary Islands, Lanzarote is a popular holiday destination. It offers year round heat due to it being close to the west coast of Africa.This results in the Saharan Winds which are directed from the Sahara desert. All this couples with the exceptional beaches and warm seas makes it obvious why Lanzarote holidays are so popular.Lanzarote is one of the favourite holiday destinations which can be seen by the amount of people who choose to go back.Here there are some highlights based on my experience of Lanzarote.
Cueva de los Verdes
As a volcanic island, Lanzarote was created over 3000 years ago through a volcanic eruption.You will see the colour of the walls are an amazing green colour, which is why its been named Cueva de los Verdes which can be translated to Green Caves.While visiting the caves you will find out how calm the water is in the caves.It is only when you break the water that you can see it is just a reflection.
Jameos del Agua Cave
A nice suprise about this is that it is close to Cueva de los Verdes. {Jameos del Agua is a volcanic forms cave~Jameos del Agua {is a volcanic formed cave}~is a beautiful cave formed because of the eruption}.Jameo describes a cave with a broken roof.With a tropical feel, white beautiful sand, blue clear pools and palm trees you will have an amazingly relaxing time here.
The Timanfaya Park
The Timanfaya Park amounts to 51sq kilometres of volcanic soil~Timanfaya National Park {is popular for its volcanicsoil and lunar landscape}~{is famous for its amazing lunar landscape and volcanic soil}~is famous for the amazing views of lunar landscape and volcanic rock}.The views are amazing and are absolutely breathtaking, you will keep this memory with you forever. Touring the park is an experience in itself.On boarding these busses you entrust the driver with your life, the roads are only just wide enough for the bus.You will see the breathtaking views of the park by weaving your way around the craters and up the hills.
You will be lucky enough to have a meal cooked by volcanic heat
The most impressive moment of the tour is at the Restaurant el Diablo.To make the trip more exciting, the guides enjoy proving to you that the volcano is active.To do this, you could try it in three ways. There is a natural cavity in the floor that goes down a fair way; the first experiment you see is the guide placing some straw into the cavity. After what feels like a few seconds the straw turns to flames, all this with the natural heat that is there just a few feet below us. At the next experiment you see a tube in the ground again it only goes down a few feet.They will dramatically pour some cold water and wait until only 3 seconds late steam and water shoots out, often making all the tourists jump.
The large hole in the floor outside the restaurant is hot enough to naturally cook food for the restaurant.When you look down you can feel the heat.You need to move fast in this room as it has metal floors rightover the volcano, it starts to feel slippy which must be the soles of your shoes melting.You can enjoy the sunset as you sit down to a set menu to enjoy the rest of your day.Lanzarote promises to give you a memorable holiday suitable for families, couples and friends.
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