Accessible Summer Getaways

Planning a Disability-Friendly Vacation is Easier than You May Think

May 14, 2009

Disabled Traveler on the Beach, Google Images

In this day and age, everyone could use a vacation, and summertime is the perfect time for a getaway. A wheelchair-friendly getaway is just a few mouse clicks away.

There are more options available today than ever before that make traveling and vacationing with a disability nearly hassle-free. With more countries opening up and becoming more accessible and web sites like Disability Travel and Wheelchair Getaways, planning an accessible vacation is easier than ever.

Travel Resources

Disability Travel has over 20 years of accessible travel and vacation planning experience. They offer assistance in planning accessible group or individual cruises, as well as land excursions for individuals or groups. Disability Travel also offers accessible van rentals, help with accessible air travel and accessible vacation property rentals.

Access-Able Travel Source has had a Web presence for more than 10 years. The web site offers a wealth of useful resources to help you plan your accessible vacation. These resources include a listing of specific accessible accommodations in various world cities, a listing of travel agents who specialize in planning disability-friendly vacations, a listing of accessible cruise lines and much more. But perhaps the most useful link on the website is Travel Tales, a collection of the good, the bad and the ugly that real travelers with real disabilities have encountered.

Europe For Visitors offers a comprehensive list of accessible hotels and other accommodations in 11 European countries, including Greece, Luxembourg, France and Germany.

Wheelchair Getaways serves 450 cities in the United States as well as Toronto, Canada. They offer short- and long-term accessible car and van rentals, as well as interim vehicles for those with temporary disabilities.

Accessible Destinations

Walt Disney World. Located in Orlando, Florida, Disney World is not just for kids. With more than four parks situated on 20,000 acres, Disney World offers something for everyone. Almost every attraction in each of the parks is accessible, including the restrooms, restaurants and shops. A handful of rides at the parks are set up so that a power chair, manual chair or scooter can be taken on the ride. Some of these include the safari at the Animal Kingdom, The Great American Movie Ride at Hollywood Studios and It’s A Small World at the Magic Kingdom.
Iceland. With just 300,000 residents, Iceland is a country full of amazing scenery and natural wonders. The country is becoming more modernized and their tourism industry is growing every year. Iceland has no equivalent to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), but it does have strict building codes that make most buildings accessible. With new accessible transportation from the international airport to Reykjavik available, anytime is a good time to visit.
Las Vegas. The lights of the Strip, the glitz and the glamour and the allure of the casinos make Vegas an almost irresistible place to visit. Unlike in other big cities, the majority of the hotels in Las Vegas exceed ADA guidelines for accessibility. Accessible transportation from and to the airport can usually be arranged through your hotel. As with any stay in a hotel, it is up to you to make prior arrangements for an accessible room or any other accommodations you may need.

Other accessible destinations to visit include Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Australia, Africa, China, England and many more.

Wherever you choose as a getaway destination, make liberal use of these resources and have a fantastic time.

The copyright of the article Accessible Summer Getaways in Disabilities is owned by Megan Drummond. Permission to republish Accessible Summer Getaways in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.