Disabled Travelers Summer Special: Gulf State Travel and the Oil Spill
Posted June 10th, 2010 in general news and helpful information
Gulf Coast beaches: still here, and open for business!
Photo by: Kevinwa65 (Stock Exchange)
Thanks for tuning into the number one blog for handicapped travel and international access guides, Disabled Travelers. As we move into the second month since the oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, I just wanted to update everyone on travel conditions here in the region. As you may remember, I am a life-long resident of Florida and frequent traveler throughout the Gulf region, so this is a particularly important subject for me. Here are a few things to know about the situation.
Good News and Not-So-Good News
The good news is that the entire Gulf region is “open for business.” As of the time of this writing, there have been no major closures, disruptions, or impact to travel throughout the whole region: that includes Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and even Texas. Florida, especially, is taking a hard hit to tourism because people believe there are beach closures and toxic conditions. This is not the case! As of this writing, the only ones facing any adverse effects from the oil spill are the brave men and women who are working, within a very limited area, to clean up the spill.
Naturally, accessibility varies from state to state and city to city in the Gulf. I’ve done a few access guides for Florida, including Miami and Orlando. We also did a piece on the world famous theme park, “Disabled Access Disney World”, that has handicapped travel resources to make a Disney vacation possible for just about anyone. Florida is full of well-developed tourist destinations and major cities highly conscientious about access issues; and the rest of the Gulf is just as eager to have your visit. Unless conditions change drastically, I urge you not to drop your Gulf state travel plans.
The tough news is about the weather. The official start of the Florida hurricane season is the first day of June, and it lasts through November. Meteorologists are predicting an especially fierce hurricane season, with an unusual amount of activity. Now, bear in mind that hurricanes are “business as usual” in the Gulf region and people here “get ready for hurricane season” every year; but you may want to plan carefully if your trip includes a cruise, for example. Stay tuned to the news, and consider buying travel insurance in case of unexpected delays or flight plan changes.
Summer is the best time to enjoy the Gulf area, and, if I do say so myself, Florida is especially inviting this time of year. Though it’s always possible that complications will arise, for now I’m glad to “set the record straight” and let Disabled Travelers readers know that they’re welcome in our neighborhood. Thanks again for listening, and I hope to hear from you (and see you around!) real soon! Adventure on!
Si
