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.
Friday, January 27, 2012
Monday, January 23, 2012
Oh Mama, The Bahamas
Ardastra Gardens (Zoo and Conservation Center), this multi acre botanical paradise has been almost totally retrofitted to accommodate travelers with special needs. You can stroll through the gardens and view over 300 different types of animals and plants. I am told the dancing Flamingos are not to be missed.
Paradise Island is where the well known resort Atlantis is situated. They have a limited number of wheelchair accessible rooms and just about everything is set up so that someone with a mobility impairment can have a good time (just no water slides, and depending who you ask the beach. But there are other beaches)The shopping districts are what you might expect on a Caribbean island. Some are accessible some are not, but if you are looking to spend some money at their stores I am sure they are willing to accommodate you. From the cruise terminal you can get to the Straw Markets and Bay Street which are pretty good in the accessibility department. I have read that you want to stay in the middle isle and edge because it can get pretty tight in the smaller isles. Also avoid Bay Street during the mid day rush because it can get very cramped if you are in a scooter or wheelchair.
Over all what I have found is that if you are visiting you will not feel short changed or that there was something you didn't get to experience. The people are very welcoming and warm...if you are not an obnoxious tourist (remember be nice to them, they will be nice to you).
Friday, January 20, 2012
5 Fave Friday - When Bad Things Happen on Good Vacations
I was thinking about some of the bad thing that I have had happen on vacation. I am pretty lucky because non of my family's "bad things" have put us in harms way. I thought I would share what I thought were vacation wreckers, but in the grand scheme of things are very mild..
5. Lost luggage - This happened to my wife on a conference trip the one time that she strayed from our preferred airline. All that she had were the clothes on her back and a few things in her carry on. This was the moment when she decided to start changing the way she packed.
4. Wardrobe malfunction - WHile in Hawaii we decided to go to a Lauao. We got all fancy and dressed up in our island finest and headed over to the hotel and while pulling my wheelchair out the strap on her dress broke. Neither of us noticed it right away, and are not sure if some other people received a "Janet Jackson" from my wife. The bright spot was that I got to be the knight in shining armor. I found a lovely house keeper who was able to give me a travel sewing kit that had a safety pin in it. We pinned up the problem strap and had a lovely evening. Thank you Grand Hyatt Kauai for great service, helpful & friendly staff, and a wonderful night.
3. Door on vehicle broke on the way to the airport - My last vehicle was a demon, if it could go wrong it did. On our way to the airport to catch a plane we heard several pinging sounds from the sliding door. When we got to the airport parking lot we saw that the pin sensors that lock the door fell into the door. The lights wouldn't go off and the car wouldn't lock. We left the car totally unsecured, praying it would be there when we got back. A few years later the same vehicle broke down the night before I was to do a marathon (for which I trained for a year). I was unable to get there and therefor didn't run it. I got a new car 2 weeks later.
2. Flat tire/ Broken hand rim at amusement park- Two separate occasions when I visited Disneyland I have had wheelchair trouble. The first time my hand rim broke off leaving me at the mercy of my little sisters top get me around the park (they were not used to, nor adept at getting a wheelchair around the park). One of the most frustrating three days EVER! Felt like I had whiplash when I got home. Numero 2 was on my 30th birthday when my wife and I were going to go to the fireworks and have a nice dinner and I noticed my tire was completely flat and I didn't have a spare inner tube. BLERG!! Needless to say this changed my habits a bit. I do not leave the state without having my wheelchair looked over by a trained mechanic. I also do not leave the state/country without two spare inner tubes and a tire kit (compressed air included). Also have to give props to the Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa for trying to assist me with the problem and when it was clear we couldn't do it, helping me find a wheelchair mechanic that was open Saturday.
1. Sick on vacation - There is nothing worse than being on vacation an developing flu like symptoms. This has happened to me and my wife on different vacations. It really sucks. You are there and have been fantasizing about what you are going to do and WHAM, you just want your own pillow and for the ever present music to stop.
Well I tole you mine, now it is your turn. Leave me a comment of your bad experiences.
5. Lost luggage - This happened to my wife on a conference trip the one time that she strayed from our preferred airline. All that she had were the clothes on her back and a few things in her carry on. This was the moment when she decided to start changing the way she packed.
4. Wardrobe malfunction - WHile in Hawaii we decided to go to a Lauao. We got all fancy and dressed up in our island finest and headed over to the hotel and while pulling my wheelchair out the strap on her dress broke. Neither of us noticed it right away, and are not sure if some other people received a "Janet Jackson" from my wife. The bright spot was that I got to be the knight in shining armor. I found a lovely house keeper who was able to give me a travel sewing kit that had a safety pin in it. We pinned up the problem strap and had a lovely evening. Thank you Grand Hyatt Kauai for great service, helpful & friendly staff, and a wonderful night.
3. Door on vehicle broke on the way to the airport - My last vehicle was a demon, if it could go wrong it did. On our way to the airport to catch a plane we heard several pinging sounds from the sliding door. When we got to the airport parking lot we saw that the pin sensors that lock the door fell into the door. The lights wouldn't go off and the car wouldn't lock. We left the car totally unsecured, praying it would be there when we got back. A few years later the same vehicle broke down the night before I was to do a marathon (for which I trained for a year). I was unable to get there and therefor didn't run it. I got a new car 2 weeks later.
2. Flat tire/ Broken hand rim at amusement park- Two separate occasions when I visited Disneyland I have had wheelchair trouble. The first time my hand rim broke off leaving me at the mercy of my little sisters top get me around the park (they were not used to, nor adept at getting a wheelchair around the park). One of the most frustrating three days EVER! Felt like I had whiplash when I got home. Numero 2 was on my 30th birthday when my wife and I were going to go to the fireworks and have a nice dinner and I noticed my tire was completely flat and I didn't have a spare inner tube. BLERG!! Needless to say this changed my habits a bit. I do not leave the state without having my wheelchair looked over by a trained mechanic. I also do not leave the state/country without two spare inner tubes and a tire kit (compressed air included). Also have to give props to the Disney's Grand Californian Hotel and Spa for trying to assist me with the problem and when it was clear we couldn't do it, helping me find a wheelchair mechanic that was open Saturday.
1. Sick on vacation - There is nothing worse than being on vacation an developing flu like symptoms. This has happened to me and my wife on different vacations. It really sucks. You are there and have been fantasizing about what you are going to do and WHAM, you just want your own pillow and for the ever present music to stop.
Well I tole you mine, now it is your turn. Leave me a comment of your bad experiences.
Friday, January 13, 2012
5 Fave Friday (the 13th edition) - Gadgets
As a guy it is hardwired into my DNA to love all things gadgetry. As such I have ended up with things that were useful and useless. There were however some that were gems and I take these with me on trips. In no particular order.
5. GPS device- in my case a Garmin that I purchased that was refurbished by the factory. There are many different brands (Magellan, Tom Tom, etc), types, and colors. You see I get lost easily in a new area. My wife also gets lost fairly easy. If you have two people get lost in a large city like Los Angeles then the stress is augmented and the arguments start. This isn't conducive to a relaxing vacation and things from the past can be drug up from obscurity causing an unpleasant vacation to be had. Take my advice, just get one.
4. World travel clock - I was looking around an Eddie Bower outlet store and found a very cool alarm clock that had a nob that you turn to change the timezone you were in. It was very handy when my wife went to Ethiopia because she didn't have to do any math to figure out what time it was. Plus it has a LED flashlight for those late night trips to the bathroom. I know what you are saying "my cell phone can do most of that". True, but your cell phone needs to be plugged in and some countries electricity is sketchy, my clock takes AA batteries and has never let me down.
3. Portable video player - This is a lifesaver on a long flight (or a short one if you are a toddler). We used this and Pixar movies (with a few Thomas the Tank Engine) to keep our 2 year old from making us and everyone else on the plane crazy. Plus when he went to sleep we could watch movies or our Netflix that we brought and mailed back from Hawaii. Tip is to find one with a super long battery life (Sony makes a nice one)
2. E readers - This will make a few of my friends mad because they are traditional book people. Let me say I love, love, love books. My wife and I have many shelves full. I just don't like the ideal of lugging them all over airports, cruise terminals, and the globe. While I do not own one of these myself, I have seen them in stores. I like the E-Ink on the Kindle ( haven't seen anything about the Fire), heard good things about the Sony and Nook if you like checking out books from the library. While they will never take the place of books they are better than back surgery from lugging the new Stephen King around.
1. Smart phones - I will admit I am addicted to my smart phone. I am not rude, I do not talk on it while checking out at the grocery store, and I do not drive playing Angry Birds. That being said it is great to be able to surf the web for the closest movie theater in Kauai, while simultaneously sending an email of you on the beach to your coworkers. My wife was in Ethiopia, and sounded like she was calling from Seattle. If you travel globally you want to make sure that your phone is a global phone and quad band. Also you will want to have your server unlock your phone or temporarily put the global plan in effect (it can save you $$).
There you go. My list of travel tech. For those who know me they may say "what no Digital Camera?" to which I respond " that is with me everywhere I go, it is a given"
5. GPS device- in my case a Garmin that I purchased that was refurbished by the factory. There are many different brands (Magellan, Tom Tom, etc), types, and colors. You see I get lost easily in a new area. My wife also gets lost fairly easy. If you have two people get lost in a large city like Los Angeles then the stress is augmented and the arguments start. This isn't conducive to a relaxing vacation and things from the past can be drug up from obscurity causing an unpleasant vacation to be had. Take my advice, just get one.
4. World travel clock - I was looking around an Eddie Bower outlet store and found a very cool alarm clock that had a nob that you turn to change the timezone you were in. It was very handy when my wife went to Ethiopia because she didn't have to do any math to figure out what time it was. Plus it has a LED flashlight for those late night trips to the bathroom. I know what you are saying "my cell phone can do most of that". True, but your cell phone needs to be plugged in and some countries electricity is sketchy, my clock takes AA batteries and has never let me down.
3. Portable video player - This is a lifesaver on a long flight (or a short one if you are a toddler). We used this and Pixar movies (with a few Thomas the Tank Engine) to keep our 2 year old from making us and everyone else on the plane crazy. Plus when he went to sleep we could watch movies or our Netflix that we brought and mailed back from Hawaii. Tip is to find one with a super long battery life (Sony makes a nice one)
2. E readers - This will make a few of my friends mad because they are traditional book people. Let me say I love, love, love books. My wife and I have many shelves full. I just don't like the ideal of lugging them all over airports, cruise terminals, and the globe. While I do not own one of these myself, I have seen them in stores. I like the E-Ink on the Kindle ( haven't seen anything about the Fire), heard good things about the Sony and Nook if you like checking out books from the library. While they will never take the place of books they are better than back surgery from lugging the new Stephen King around.
1. Smart phones - I will admit I am addicted to my smart phone. I am not rude, I do not talk on it while checking out at the grocery store, and I do not drive playing Angry Birds. That being said it is great to be able to surf the web for the closest movie theater in Kauai, while simultaneously sending an email of you on the beach to your coworkers. My wife was in Ethiopia, and sounded like she was calling from Seattle. If you travel globally you want to make sure that your phone is a global phone and quad band. Also you will want to have your server unlock your phone or temporarily put the global plan in effect (it can save you $$).
There you go. My list of travel tech. For those who know me they may say "what no Digital Camera?" to which I respond " that is with me everywhere I go, it is a given"
Friday, January 6, 2012
5 Fave Friday-The planning
OK this is something I have blogged about alot recently but it is only because I am at the beginnings of planning my own big trip (of which I am a year and a half from taking). Here are my five tips that will assist you in having a smooth trip.
5. Discuss and research you destination. This seems like a no brainer, right? Trust me when I say that I have been on vacation and have overheard " so what is there to do here?". This was in Hawaii and there were literally a thousand things to do within a few miles of where we were eating. It doesn't have to be a chore to learn about where you are going. Check out some library books in the travel section of your library and make some food (or order it) from where you are going. It is a perfect way to get in the travel mood. You just may have to plan two trips if you are not quite sure where you want to go. Also go to your local travel agent and get some of their brochures, pick their brains for things to do while you are there. MAKE IT FUN!!
4. Find out how much things cost. Think you know what milk cost in Kauai? How about gas? You have got to look this stuff up in order to budget correctly. Just FYI a gallon of milk cost more than gas when I was in Kauai ($5).
3. If you have a disability, a small child, or just don't get around like you used to keep it in mind for your planning. I will fully admit that if I travel somewhere that is a few hours off I am jet lagged for two days so I really do not want to be scheduled to the last minute (got to get a nap somewhere). If you have arthritis in your hip perhaps a two hour tour of Athens won't do you any good (no fun if you are hurting). I have said it before, don't be the people dragging your little kids around and not taking account that for every one step you take it is two or more for them.
2. Don't over pack. My wife and I were horrible about this for years until she went to Ethiopia. Then you realize that you can purchase things, wash in sinks and dry on clothe lines, wear clothing more than one day in a row. What I am saying is that there are many options, not just put half your wardrobe into your carry on. In fact do a trial pack and narrow down what you need, what you THINK you need, and what you WANT. It is what I do before a big trip.
1. Make your lists. My wife is a list maker, and before every trip we have three or four lists going. I used to tease her about it until one of her lists reminded me to take some things that I would have been in trouble without. Thanks to my diligent wife, I am now a list maker too.
5. Discuss and research you destination. This seems like a no brainer, right? Trust me when I say that I have been on vacation and have overheard " so what is there to do here?". This was in Hawaii and there were literally a thousand things to do within a few miles of where we were eating. It doesn't have to be a chore to learn about where you are going. Check out some library books in the travel section of your library and make some food (or order it) from where you are going. It is a perfect way to get in the travel mood. You just may have to plan two trips if you are not quite sure where you want to go. Also go to your local travel agent and get some of their brochures, pick their brains for things to do while you are there. MAKE IT FUN!!
4. Find out how much things cost. Think you know what milk cost in Kauai? How about gas? You have got to look this stuff up in order to budget correctly. Just FYI a gallon of milk cost more than gas when I was in Kauai ($5).
3. If you have a disability, a small child, or just don't get around like you used to keep it in mind for your planning. I will fully admit that if I travel somewhere that is a few hours off I am jet lagged for two days so I really do not want to be scheduled to the last minute (got to get a nap somewhere). If you have arthritis in your hip perhaps a two hour tour of Athens won't do you any good (no fun if you are hurting). I have said it before, don't be the people dragging your little kids around and not taking account that for every one step you take it is two or more for them.
2. Don't over pack. My wife and I were horrible about this for years until she went to Ethiopia. Then you realize that you can purchase things, wash in sinks and dry on clothe lines, wear clothing more than one day in a row. What I am saying is that there are many options, not just put half your wardrobe into your carry on. In fact do a trial pack and narrow down what you need, what you THINK you need, and what you WANT. It is what I do before a big trip.
1. Make your lists. My wife is a list maker, and before every trip we have three or four lists going. I used to tease her about it until one of her lists reminded me to take some things that I would have been in trouble without. Thanks to my diligent wife, I am now a list maker too.
Wednesday, January 4, 2012
The adventure of picking your trip.
Picking the destination for your current year's vacation is always fun but usually difficult in my household, and having added our son has made it more so. Now we not only have to make sure that it is somewhere we want to go, that it is wheelchair accessible, and has a climate that will accommodate warmth and not roasting my fair skinned wife. But now we have to make sure that it will have something to do for a rambunctious 2 and a half year old boy (Family friendly is key). I am not the person who wants to wreck everyone else's party time by bringing my son, and adversely he is on vacation too (doesn't he deserve to have a good time). This is a tricky age because he can get frightened easily, and can never bee more than an half an hour from a restroom (ah potty training). Kauai was nice because it marked off a ton from the above requirements, theme parks are also great if you listen to your little ones and heed what they are saying. "I'm tired" means my legs are shorter than yours and I need a snack and a nap. "I'm hot" means that they are getting overheated and over stimulated and if you want to avoid a scene you will take me to the pool.
I specifically like the idea of a cruise for my traveling family. We have booked a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas because both my wife and I very much enjoyed the Disney Cruise Line and we also had a great time in the Caribbean on our last cruise. We believe that our son will get a kick out of the kids programs (where they hide all the children from site) and going to the out of the country will expose him to other cultures and expand his view of the world. This will also be a graduation trip for my wife who will have graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Master's degree (no small feat, I assure you). I wanted to make it a special trip that the whole family can enjoy. Yes we will spend a week before the cruise at Disney World ( which we are all looking forward to) but then we will also spend time as grown ups and a young family seeing the sites and eating the islands cuisine. It took a very long time deciding on this itinerary (3 weeks or so), and I believe it will be a great experience for all of us.
Now for all of you, some homework. Order a pizza and sit at the table to discuss where you will be going on vacation. It is all part of bringing the family together.
I specifically like the idea of a cruise for my traveling family. We have booked a Disney Cruise to the Bahamas because both my wife and I very much enjoyed the Disney Cruise Line and we also had a great time in the Caribbean on our last cruise. We believe that our son will get a kick out of the kids programs (where they hide all the children from site) and going to the out of the country will expose him to other cultures and expand his view of the world. This will also be a graduation trip for my wife who will have graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a Master's degree (no small feat, I assure you). I wanted to make it a special trip that the whole family can enjoy. Yes we will spend a week before the cruise at Disney World ( which we are all looking forward to) but then we will also spend time as grown ups and a young family seeing the sites and eating the islands cuisine. It took a very long time deciding on this itinerary (3 weeks or so), and I believe it will be a great experience for all of us.
Now for all of you, some homework. Order a pizza and sit at the table to discuss where you will be going on vacation. It is all part of bringing the family together.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year, Happy Traveling
If you are reading this post you made it through the holidays, and for that I congratulate you. If you traveled I hope that we have been of assistance in giving helpful advice.
I don't know about you but after the holidays always makes me want to start planing a trip (which is what my wife and I are doing but it will not be until a year from now). She is finishing grad school in May of 2013 and as a reward for sticking with her studies we are planning a big trip. The first part a week in Walt Disney World, and the last part a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. I will be posting about the information I find over the next year or so to illustrate how we do our travel preparation. Neither of us have been to the Bahamas (outside of the cruiseline's private island) and we are looking forward to seeing it. I am also looking forward to exploring the WDW resort more, as our last trip only gave us a day and a half there and that isn't nearly enough time there. There is a big difference between my last cruise and this one because I will be traveling with a toddler (no red eye flights, or quick connections). I hope you will follow along with me on this planning stage, and leave me comments if you have advice that you want to share.
I leave you with my hope that you have had a great holiday season and will have a prosperous new year in 2012.
I don't know about you but after the holidays always makes me want to start planing a trip (which is what my wife and I are doing but it will not be until a year from now). She is finishing grad school in May of 2013 and as a reward for sticking with her studies we are planning a big trip. The first part a week in Walt Disney World, and the last part a 4 day cruise to the Bahamas. I will be posting about the information I find over the next year or so to illustrate how we do our travel preparation. Neither of us have been to the Bahamas (outside of the cruiseline's private island) and we are looking forward to seeing it. I am also looking forward to exploring the WDW resort more, as our last trip only gave us a day and a half there and that isn't nearly enough time there. There is a big difference between my last cruise and this one because I will be traveling with a toddler (no red eye flights, or quick connections). I hope you will follow along with me on this planning stage, and leave me comments if you have advice that you want to share.
I leave you with my hope that you have had a great holiday season and will have a prosperous new year in 2012.
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