Wheelchair Getaways
Wheelchair getaways are easier to plan and go on than ever before. Many travel agencies, especially larger ones like Vacations to Go, provide specialized services for people with special needs.
Wheelchair Getaways
One of the most accessible getaways for wheelchair bound guests is a cruise. Cruises are ideal for those in a wheelchair as it eliminates the worry of traveling by airplane, finding accessible accommodations, and getting around your vacation destination. Cruise ships have worked to increase accessibility by adding wider doors, flat thresholds and wheel-in showers in their cabins. They also have added ramps, elevators, and activities which are able to be enjoyed by those in wheelchairs. The Supreme Court recently issued a ruling which requires cruise ships which leave ports located in the United States to be accessible to those with disabilities.
Over ninety of the major cruise ships around the world are quite wheelchair friendly because they have made accessibility improvements including tables in the dining rooms which accommodate wheelchairs. In ports in the United States, guests in wheelchairs should have no problem getting around. In foreign ports, the accessibility might be limited, however, and guests should contact their cruise line ahead of time to make sure there will be no problems.
Booking shore excursions requires extra planning as well. Some cruise lines have trips that are completely accessible. Many shore excursion catalogs have a rating system which will help you in planning which trips are accessible. Some travel counselors, such as Vacations to Go, can work with you and the cruise line to determine which cruises offer accessible shore excursions. You can contact them at 1-800-998-6902.
Accessible Portugal develops tours from the busiest tourism resorts to the quietest back-blocks almost anywhere in Portugal. They also specialize in small group luxury accessible travel. With no more than 8 passengers per tour guide, everyone gets personalized attention. Wheelchair access is a priority on the top of the line Mercedes vans used for the tours, which are totally accessible. Each has an electric lift and tie down points to fix wheelchairs directly to the van. Travelers can also transfer to regular seats after using wheelchairs enter the vans. Battery operated chairs are no problem with chair chargers that work in Portugal’s 220V power. Access Portugal provides a unique experience exclusively for people with mobility issues.
Wheelchair getaways are easier to find than ever. Many hotels, resorts and cruise ships provide accessible accommodations, and companies that specialize in getaways for the mobility impaired are numerous.
