Tag: wheelchair accessible

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Accessible Travel - General Info US travel

Resting Easy in the US; Unique Lodging Options for Wheelers and Slow Walkers

Accessible travel resource

If you are disabled, or traveling with someone with special needs, one of the most challenging components is finding accessible lodging.

While the very nice person on the phone at the reservation desk may say “Yes, we can accommodate you,” discovering that they don’t really know the difference between a roll-in shower and an “accessible bathroom” can be frustrating at best and, at worst, may cause you to swear you will NEVER travel again. (And I speak from experience.)

So I am extremely excited to tell you about accessible travel expert Candy Harrington’s newest book.

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California travel

Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Pacific Grove, California

Wheelchair accessible, monarch butterfly sanctuary, ©2015 ImagesByRJM

During a recent trip to the Monterey Bay area I decided to visit the Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary in Pacific Grove. Accessible entrance to Monarch Butterfly Sanctuary, Pacific GroveAccessible entrance to Monarach Butterfly Sanctuary, Pacific Grove, CAHaving never been before, I envisioned native trees covered with clusters of beautiful butterflies – and while I was right in some respects, my first visit to the butterfly grove was a little disappointing.

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Accessible Travel - General Info

Hotel Showers and Wheelchair Accessibility

Days Inn at Pima; roll-in shower; wheelchair accessible
Although Carrieanna has long arms, she was unable to reach the water controls from the shower bench; she had to ask for assistance in turning the water on and off.

I take a shower [nearly] every day.

Whether I’m closing a plastic curtain in a tub-and-shower combo or the plexiglass door of a walk-in shower, the ability to shower while traveling is something I enjoy … and generally take for granted.

When Carrieanna and I travel together, however, the type of shower available is a key factor in our choice of lodging. And I have learned that I must be VERY specific in my inquiries because “accessible” seems to have a very broad meaning in the lodging industry.

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California travel

2015 Rose Parade – Inspiring and Accessible!

Inspiring Stories, Rose Parade, wheelchair accessible

Every New Year’s morning, I watch the Rose Parade on television. I love seeing the colorful floats and imagining what they might be like – every inch covered in flowers or some other plant in its natural state. I look at the crowds of people and think, “Wouldn’t it be wonderful to be there in person?”

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International travel

Milford Sound: Breathtaking!

Milford Sound: Breathtaking!

Milford Sound: Breathtaking!“No matter how many photos you’ve seen of Milford Sound, nothing can prepare you for the incredible feeling of actually being there. It is an inspiring and exceptional place.” (Real Journeys brochure)

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Accessible Travel - General Info

Expert Travel Advice, Part 1 – Flying

Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel for nearly two decades. Her books, newsletter (Emerging Horizons) and blog are excellent resources, offering information and encouragement to wheelchair-users, slow walkers, and those who travel with them.

(Click here for my review of one of her recent books, “22 Accessible Road Trips.”)

Last month Candy was the guest speaker for the National MS Society, Northern California Chapter MS Lecture Series in Sacramento. Her topic was “Have MS, Will (Still) Travel: Tips for Traveling with MS.”

The meeting was well-attended, affirming that a diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis does not diminish the desire to travel. Candy spent over an hour sharing very helpful accessible travel tips, and I took many notes.

Continue reading “Expert Travel Advice, Part 1 – Flying”
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California travel

Point Lobos State Natural Reserve’s First Wheelchair-Using Docent!

Point Lobos Docent Graduation
Carrieanna and her mentor, Mark

After five months of training, on May 18, 2014 Carrieanna graduated from the Docent Training Program at Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.

Point Lobos Docent Graduation

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International travel

The Island of St. Martin – French and Dutch and Beautiful!

The Island of St. Martin - French and Dutch and Beautiful

“An 8:30 a.m. tour is unpleasantly early.

On the other hand, the sights and bus and guide were delightful!” The Island of St. Martin - French and Dutch and Beautiful

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International travel US travel

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands – The Duty-Free Shopping Capital of the World

St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands

“From the deck at the Mountain Top, daiquiri in hand, we soak up the sunshine and the beautiful view of Magens Bay, with it’s tri-colored water. Spectacular!”

St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands

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International travel US travel

Seven Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Seven Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico

My First Shore Excursion!

After two and a half fun-filled, educational days at sea on the Celebrity Reflection, I was looking forward to arriving in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and doing a little exploring on land.Seven Hours in San Juan, Puerto Rico

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