Handicapped Travel Resources for Summer Travel and Beyond
Posted June 14th, 2010 in Accessible Travel, airlines and helpful information
Rio de Janeiro
Photo by: michelmond (Stock Exchange)
Howdy, folks! Here at Disabled Travelers, we’re gearing up for the big summer travel season. As I mentioned in previous posts, it’s off to Berlin and many other destinations. But before I go, I’ve rustled up some handicapped travel resources to help you out during this often hectic time of year. A high volume of both able-bodied and handicapped travelers jet off to enjoy the summer months abroad, but that’s no reason that getting where you’re going can’t be enjoyable and easy for all.
We start with Travel Tips for Individuals With Parkinson’s Disease from AllVoices. Parkinson’s is a central nervous disorder that can have a range of movement, speech, and other symptoms. It can complicate travel, but a little extra planning will take the sting out of unexpected issues, whether you’re headed around the country or around the world. The American Parkinson’s Disease Association also has a variety of useful information.
To my surprise (I’m not sure why I never thought of this before!) the State Department has several brochures featuring useful pointers, reminders, and insider knowledge for world travel, including Tips for Travelers with Disabilities and several other valuable publications linked on the same page. Speaking of the State Department, please, please, please be aware of travel warnings for U.S. citizens issued by the government. Thailand, for example – though the subject of one of our quickie Asian access guides a while back – is considered dicey until things calm down from the current state of emergency.
When dealing with airlines, it seems like there’s a new complication every day. Baggage check fees have steadily gone up over the last 18 months, and there are more hidden fees and new rules than ever before. Don’t think you’re the only one who’s noticed: the website for popular NBC morning show Today just released a handy article: Screwball ticketing schemes and how to avoid them. Great information for cutting costs and avoiding ugly extra fees that you’re sure to find useful in your vacation plans!
For those who may be facing their first long flight with a wheelchair, you can turn to one of the most respected international handicapped organizations, the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality, for How to Travel by Air With a Wheelchair. Access for Disabled Americans, a smaller, U.S.-based organization, follows up with more terrific air travel tips for wheelchair users. There are also a few step-by-step handicapped travel stories for North American destinations, including beautiful full-color photos and a street-level perspective on accessibility.
Every summer travel season offers new opportunities to learn, grow, and enjoy through travel, and you can bet this is only a small sampling of the latest info in travel accessibility. We’ll be following up and providing even more great links, tips, and information, so be sure to “beat the heat” with Disabled Travelers – and until our next visit, adventure on!
Si
