Hit the Rails (They go almost everywhere)

Another option for traveling with the family, that is a little more earth friendly is by train. Modern trains compared to modern commercial jets are a hybrid electric and diesel fuel sippers that can satisfy the most stringent ecotraveler. These new trains are now coming equipped with the best and most accessible amenities that a traveler could want.

1. Lets start with the station. As a building that receives federal funding the ADA requires all public spaces that have had remodeling after the act passed to be accessible. This means that new stations will have ramps, and lifts up and into the train if it has been updated since the ADA has been a law. But if the station is older and in its original state there may be no ramps. Additionally, the lifts on the trains may, or may not be in working order. Call ahead before booking your trip.

2.The train itself. Once aboard you may be stuck in the wheelchair spot. In coach, my wheelchair was to large to get through the isle. In Business class it was fine and I could go to the restroom, or to the lunch car. Other trains are multi decks and may only have access to one level. Again check with Amtrak to see what options your train has.

3. On the whole, train travel was a little rocky but far more enjoyable than driving as we all get to look over the scenery in places that are not always accessible by car.

How can you fly, you are in a wheelchair!

Like most of you I take vacations that require me to fly. I do get asked often "but how do you get on the airplane"? Well it isn't really magic. I make arrangements ahead of time to use an airport isle chair. For those unfamiliar this comfortable looking machinery is an aisle chair. designed to get down the spacious walk way of an commercial plane. You give up your expensive personal chair and get strapped into this baby and escorted to your seat.                                                                                                             Also, and you may have your own preference, will want to pick which seat you want to spend your flight in. I like the window seat because it saves you being straddled by people when they need to use the restroom during the flight, and you happen to be in their way.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           I like to fly out of smaller airports because security is more manageable than the colossal air hubs with the sometimes cranky TSA agent who will be "patting you  down". Sometimes though, it just makes sense (financially) to fly out of a larger airport.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Like most people you may have a preference in airlines. Lately, there have been major issues with Delta,and United Airlines. I personally choose to fly regional carriers when traveling trough the continental U.S. ( like Alaska Air , Hawaiian Air , or Southwest Airlines). They seem to have better customer service than the larger counterparts. Traveling internationally, it is better to check the reviews and go with one you find is best in your area (Lufthansa, Emerites Air, and Virgin Atlantic have pretty good ratings on dealing with disabled passengers).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         By and large, flying with a disability can be challenging, but with preparation it makes traveling long distances easier, and more convenient than other forms of travel.

Global Travels Made Accessible

I am always looking for some types of vacation that I can take that is not the average vacation. I have to be realistic about my mobility needs, though. Here are 5 trips that are accessible and very much not your trip to the beach.

5. South African Safari - This sounds so cool. I have always wanted to go on a safari and thought those types of vacations were something I couldn't do. But I have found this site and many others like it have once again opened the possibilities up again. maybe in a few years I will be posting in Africa (wakka, wakka).

4. Thailand - So ancient is this land that you could imagine it being the Garden of Eden. I was excited to see several tour operators offering trips through not just Thailand but Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos.

3. China - I have to credit another blog for pointing out this Chinese tour operator. They specify in disabled travelers and are able to getting medical equipment, vans, hotels, and offer several packages that include the Great Wall.  There are other travel companies that offer tours of China so search carefully online and ask your travel agent if they can recommend someone.

2. Central America - Another place that I have always thought about going to. Several companies are now offering assistance with lodging and travel. This company even offers specials for cruise passengers. I would say it is worth a closer look.

1. Europe - European accessibility has been getting progressively better over the last few decades. There are also more and more niche travel agents that are specializing in disabled travelers. I have linked to one but I would again ask around to see if anyone you know has had experience with an experienced agent.

If you have any extreme and accessible travels please share by leaving a comment.

My Travel Preparation - Lodging

When starting to research travel to an area my wife and I have to look over the wants, and needs for our family. It is not always as simple as you would believe. For example, a stay on the Washington or Oregon coast can prove tricky if we are looking for accessible lodgings AND activities that interest us, and my 8 year old son (who loves exploring tide pools). Usually we can find lodging, but not activities or vice-versa which is frustrating.

I've learned the hard way that you must research the hotel that you are going to stay in. I have stayed at a Best Western that gave me an upside down lunch tray with lawn chair legs for a shower bench. It

made all the water puddle on the floor and into the towels (could have been shocking for my wife when she used the hair dryer). Another experience was in Florida where we stayed at the Disney Port

Orleans Riverside after our cruise disembarked. We discovered mold in the shower (lots of it), the hardest bed I have ever tried to sleep on and a questionable cleaning job (run a vacuum), plus no room service put me on edge. The Flip side if the proverbial coin was a private home we found on VBRO that was completely wheelchair accessible and included a lift into a pool, What I am saying is that just not all accessible rooms are created equal, and along those lines not all moderate rooms are equal either.

When looking into rooms we have to  look past the sleek veneer and examine the bones of the room, this is especially important when traveling internationally. Is the path from the front desk reasonably accessible (are there stairs/ramps/paved paths)? Are the doors going into the room at least 32" wide? Are the interior doors (bathroom) wide enough to get my chair thorough, and can i close the door when I am inside? Are the beds low enough for me to transfer into? For my blind, and deaf friends do they have braille where appropriate, and visible fire alarms? Do they have the ADA packet that is required (most hotels front desk have no clue).  Do the pool and spa have lifts or raised platforms to transfer? Also important, is this close to where I want to go, or do they have accessible shuttles that can take a wheelchair. This last one is important when you are going to resorts, or theme parks as the distances can be longer than it looks on a map.


My best advice is to choose a location. Then you can contact local travel bureau to find things to do, and how accessible the area is and if there is any equipment that can be loaned to you. A bit of work on the front end, can save you a lot of trouble when you are supposed to be relaxing.My best advice is to choose a location. Then you can contact local travel bureau to find things to do, and how accessible the area is and if there is any equipment that can be loaned to you. A bit of work on the front end, can save you a lot of trouble when you are supposed to be relaxing.

Family Travels with a Disability.

Before my paralysis I always wanted to travel and see the world. After I gained my wheelchair and the ability to use those nifty close up parking spots, that desire to travel did not go away. What did happen was that I had to start thinking about travel in a different way. Going around the world in a wheelchair was not as simple as doing it as an able bodied person. It requires planning and much research on destinations, and at times the ability to say I cannot go there (yet). You must know what your limits are and if you plan to go beyond them, know what you need to do to prepare to break those limits. There are things you will need when you have a mobility, or other disability, that are not optional. Medication, daily medical supplies (latex gloves, catheters, bandages, tape,etc.) may be an everyday necessity that will need to be packed up and brought with you and this may cause complications depending on where you are traveling. 

In addition to my mobility issues, I have the extra complication of having a family (wife, and son) who like to travel with me (I know, shocking). This can be challenging at times because there are companies that provide air travel, lodging, and other travel services that do not quite get that disabilities do not automatically negate having a family (don't believe me try finding a disable access room that sleeps three). 

It is my goal to help you navigate these challenges of travel, while attempting to leave as small a wheel mark on the overall surroundings. We all know the world is not flat, but that doesn't mean we can not explore it like it was.