5 Fave Friday - Getting Home for the Holidays

It is that time again! Some of you will be or are already heading home for the Christmas-New Years holiday. This is the busiest time to travel no matter what your mode. If you are in the process of traveling maybe some of this will help, if you are getting ready to travel take this to heart. These are things to think about as you travel that will make your, and other peoples voyage smoother.

5. Be nice to the TSA people (they are just doing their job) - This time of year you hear a lot of bad things about the people who work security for airports, train stations, etc. I know well the effect that a bad security person can have on your trip (usually because it is the beginning or end of the trip). My advice to you is be as helpful as you can. Remove your shoes, any metal objects, let them know if you have medical prosthesis or other things that make you not the average Joe/Jane passenger. Give them a little slack, they deal with hundreds or thousands of people who are stressed just because they are traveling, and some who procrastinated because they thought they could cruise through the security line. I am not saying that you should do something unreasonable, but if it is just removing your jacket or being wanded, don't hassle them. If it is an unreasonable request politely ask for their supervisor, as is your right anywhere.

4. Have what you will need at the ready- Basic common sense tells me that if I am flying that I should have a picture ID ready to show the ticketing agent, security, and the lady that boards us on the plane. You will also want to have your ticket, boarding pass, or proof that you belong on the bus/train/plane/parking garage/etc. But I can tell you that I have had to wait for people who were shocked that the complete stranger behind the counter had no idea who they were. Grocery store (if you use a check to pay fill it out in line before you get to the register) rules apply in these travel situations. If you know you need to take off your jacket, keys, and shoes perhaps waiting until the last minute isn't the best plan for everyone.

3. Other people, be courteous- It seems like courtesy gets tossed out of the window when traveling in general, and during the holidays particularly. Remember the reason that you are traveling is that your holiday of choice has a message (treat everyone like you want to be treated) so how about walking the talk. Here is an idea, if you see an elderly person waiting in the taxi line having trouble ask if they need assistance ( and if you are not in a huge hurry let them get the cab before you), driving on a family car trip can be stressful try to be courteous and not drive aggressively or be a Griswold (see National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation), see a struggling mom with a few kids, offer to take something off her hands,  or let her in front of you in line so that she can get the kids out of everyone's way. It is just a human thing to do.

2. Fill your tank before you go (check your fluids, fill your tires, get an oil change, make sure you have an emergency kit for the car and wheelchair). Just think ahead about what might go wrong on your trip, and have a plan. Don't freak out about it, or let it ruin your vacation. If you use a walker or wheelchair research the repair places where you are going. Do you have a baby or toddler look up the places that may have stuff the kids may need. Print it out and put it with your travel documents. Be proactive not reactive, if you don't use it there was no problem, it didn't hurt having it.

1. Relax - if you have followed this blog you know that our motto is plan it to death, then enjoy yourself. Bring a book, e-reader, or portable video game. This is suppose to be fun, AND you paid for this experience.

Happy Holidays from me to you! Safe Journeys wherever your trip is taking you.

5 Fav Friday - Carry on items

In the last 5-10 years carry on items have really taken a beating. You cannot have liquids that are over a certain amount, no bottles water, my wife even had a screw driver taken out of her eyeglass repair kit. It is enough to make you want to check everything (resist that urge). Here is my list of 5 that you should carry on with you.

5. Electronics- camera, ipod, e-reader, tablet computer, it doesn't really matter. They will all be banged around  if you check them. They may even disappear from your baggage all together. Just keep them with you in your carry on, or don't take them.

4. Toiletries- Grandma was right. Keep a spare pair of undies, tooth brush, travel toothpaste, and face wash with you in the off chance that your checked bags get lost. Sure you can always buy what you need in most places but that can be a hassle. Plus do you really want to be breaking a new pair of undies in on your trip?

3. Spare clothing- if you have room to toss in an extra set of clothing I recommend it. You will want something to put on when you arrive and if your stuff is lost this will give you a buffer before you have to go to the store. It seems like a rehash of #4 but it is a good thing to be prepared for.

2. Medications- ALWAYS take any prescription drugs with you on the plane in their original pharmacy issued bottles. Otherwise you will be held up and possibly miss your plane, or potentially make everyone in the security line behind you really angry.

1. Identification/placards- You would be surprised how many people pack their cute little purses with their ID or passport in them and don't realize it until they are at the ticketing desk. Hell even my wife and I forgot the disabled parking pass when we went to Hawaii this year. I am not saying it won't happen, just that this list will help you remember.

Runner up:

A spare inner tube and tire change kit. This happens when you are in a hurry, have plans or just when it isn't convenient. Be prepared.

5 Fave Friday- Shopping (for the holidays or just because)

A ton of people will have already been out and completed their Christmas shopping  by the time this post hits. Today is known as Black Friday (A nickname store employees gave the busiest shopping day of the year because of the insanity of customers). I thought I would run down cities that I think would be fun shopping excursions for those who live to shop.

5. Hong Kong, China- One word "electronics". Gadgets, gizmo's, and do-dads all seen to come from this city. Most of the world can't seem to get enough of them. Plus they have a fairly respectable fashion and jewelry district for those not interested in bootleg Blu Rays, and the IPhone 4S (cheap) that isn't officially out anywhere (not that I condone any of those things)

4. Paris, France- I know that there are those out there that think New York is the fashion capital of the world, and to a point I would agree with you. However this is one of those cities that has been doing fashion for a very long time (they even had a war in part due to the fashion of the haves vs. have nots). I personally do not understand "contour" but if I were to go shopping for it, it would be there. Here is a run down on accessibility, which is pretty bleak right now but is improving.

3. Milan, Italy- For pretty much the same reasons listed about Paris. Only with pasta!! Here are some tips to keep in mind that I though were useful.

2. Chicago, Illinois/ New York City - These two cities tie for me because in a lot of ways there very alike. They have world class museums, hotels, restaurants, and shopping. I really couldn't choose one over another. Both have been working on making their cities accessible for people with disabilities, and are welcoming to families.

1. London, England- It is getting ready to host the Olympics and Para Olympics which is always a good sign for accessibility. It is also an amazing place to find fashion, furniture, and the latest trends that may not have made it across the pond. There is stuff that the non shopper can do while you are doing your thing.

More Travel Bug Bites.



Emerald Spring



My wife and I never really got to travel much as kids so when it comes to our son we want to make sure that he is a well-rounded traveler. We want to show him the entire world, and also some beautiful parts of this country (the United States for my readers abroad). This will be difficult for me because I just don’t see myself packing down the Grand Canyon on the back of a burro, or ice climbing in Alaska. There are still plenty of things to do when it comes to taking my son out to show him nature. A future trip that my wife and I will be taking him on will be a visit to Yellowstone National Park. This is an absolutely enormous parcel of land that was designated a wildlife sanctuary by President Theodore Roosevelt back in the day. It was his idea that we should all have a stake in America and that it be something we could visit (if we so chose).

I have always been fascinated by Yellowstone. Yes there is the tourist areas like Old Faithful geyser, the lodges and the thousands of unspoiled acres of trees, grasslands, and animals roaming free. Surprisingly, a lot of the park is wheelchair accessible. There are boardwalks, and hard packed level trails, campsites roads perfect for taking a handcycle out for a spin on. The accommodations in and around the area are like anywhere else (there are accessible rooms but they are limited so book early), and there are campsites (which is cool for those who like to sleep close to nature). The park offers Ranger guided events during different parts of the year and Park Service website is extremely helpful when it comes to finding out the accessible spots in various parts of the park. This kind of trip is what childhood memories are made of, roasting marshmallows over the fire, ghost stories and getting to see a bear or Bison in the wild (and take a picture of it). It is also a MUCH more basic type of vacation than those I have talked about before, which we all need from time to time, 

 Don’t you think?   

Happy Thanksgiving Wherever Your Travels Take You

I am very thankful that I live in a world that I can afford to save for vacations. I am thankful that I have a job that allows me time off to recharge my batteries and see sights while I travel. I am thankful that I have a spouse and child that love to travel as much as I do. I am thankful that I have a dog that enjoys her time at the thoroughly researched kennel (where she frequently doesn’t want to come home). I am thankful that I live in a world that is trying to make things more accessible to a person in a wheelchair that also happens to have a toddler that doesn’t always see the need to hurry. I am thankful that I can help those who need help either monetarily, emotionally, or physically. I am thankful for those out there that help those that I do not have the means to help. I hope that all of your travels take you where you want to go. I hope that all your travels take you to where you need to be. I hope you get to spend as much time with those that you love as possible. I hope that you can be thankful for your life, as it is short and delicate. To borrow a quote “Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” (Ferris Buehler's Day Off).  Happy Thanksgiving!!       

                                                                                                                           

5 Fave Friday - The Thanksgiving Edition

I took last week off in observance of Veteran's Day. Now I am back in with a list I kind of dread. In the United States and Canada people make a trek back home to gather with friends and family for Thanksgiving and (Christmas Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, or Ramadan...I think I have gotten them all). This is a joyous time for many, as families who do not see each other often. This also leads to a massive crowding on highways, airports, and other forms of traveling. It got me thinking about various ways that I, and people I know have made the trip home. I have done some of these myself (and not necessarily liked them) or I know people who have done them (and really liked it, consider it a personal preference).

5. The Bus - I work at a university so there is no shortage of people who have to get home and are low on funds. I, personally, have not been on an interstate bus since I was 8 years old, but I have the strong memory that it was not pleasant. I have been told that it has improved in the almost thirty years since I "left the driving to" a certain bus company I won't mention for fear of legal reprisals.If you are low on cash this is a good way to get where you need to go. Pluses you don't have to pay attention to driving, and can nap, read, or watch a movie on your computer (some buses have Wifi), and you get to use the carpool lane. Drawbacks, you might get sat next to the bathroom, slow method of getting anywhere.

4. Rental Car-If you have a large group that is traveling but a small car you can rent a larger vehicle. This gives you an option of bringing those necessities in life that you and your group can't live without (snow boards, ski equipment, video game consoles, fruit cake). Pluses, You can take the family pet with you, swap drivers when one gets tired, test drive a vehicle that you may be interested in purchasing without the annoying car salesman sitting three feet away, and most rental companies have unlimited miles. Drawbacks, You have to pay for the rental (and insurance), the gas, and the stain little Jimmy leaves when he drops his grape juice in the back seat, and the potential speeding ticket because you get a late start to your trip.

3. Regional Air Carriers- Most mid size cities have a regional airport and smaller airlines that may be less hectic than the larger airports and carriers (travel out of Orange County on Alaska Air or Jet Blue instead of LAX on Delta or United Airlines). Flying is still the busier way to go and you have to deal with a TSA agent who may not be having a "Merry Little Christmas" and inadvertently takes it out on you or someone in your line. Pluses, quickest way to get from point A to point B. Drawbacks, security, no meals served, plane filled to capacity, lost luggage.

2. The Train- Because of the perceived intrusiveness of of security at airports people are going back to taking the train to places again. This has always been popular on the east coast where rail transportation is cost efficient, and quick, but is now picking up with other parts of the country as well. Pluses, you get to see the country, you do not get frisked by a government employee (unless you misbehave), sleeper cars offer you a chance to sleep relative comfort. Drawbacks, this is a slower method of travel (having to stop at each station), ticket prices can be pretty high (I believe that once trains are used more the ticket prices will lower).

1. Skype- This is a total cheat but with all the people going places at the same time using different methods of transportation to get there holiday travel is really stressful. I say use the technology to video chat with loved ones (send gifts via FedEx, UPS, or USPS) and keep the blood pressure low. Then during another time of the year make the physical trek to visit them when there are less people traveling. It is cheaper, you are less likely to get bumped from your flight, and you can go someplace warm (If you really want to you could probably get a tree for a great price if you don't mind the Christmas tree farmer staring at you funny for wanting one in May).

I have shared my methods of travel. Share yours with me by leaving a comment.

Travel Bug Bites (future destinations for family (or not) vacations)

Everybody does a bit better when they have a trip in their future. I know I always deal with a grumpy person just a bit better when I am going somewhere warm. Since discovering Vacation Rentals By Owner (or VBRO as it is known) trip taking has opened up a bit more for me and my family. We have literally rented a 3 bedroom wheelchair accessible home for less (per night) than we would have paid for a single hotel room or suite. With this in mind my wife loves to scour the internet for cool places and see if they might have an accessible rental (or enough for our needs). She has come across some real cool places that we add to our list of spots to visit in the future.

One such find was Sanibel Island, Florida. Located off the west coast of Florida in the Gulf of Mexico this area is rated high on our want to visit meter. There are plenty of wheelchair accessible houses and condos that can be rented for a reasonable rate. There are plenty of beaches perfect for frolicking, snoozing, swimming, or what they are known for sea shell hunting, and other activities. From what information we have gathered it is a very family friendly island that according to several sites "you won't need your car" on. Along with the beaches the island offers miles of bike paths perfect for a certain hand-cycler and his family. There are shops, and restaurants, and plenty for you to go tourist on. From what we have been able to see this is not Daytona Beach or Panama City. Not much of a Jell-O shot kind of a place. But that kind of speaks to me and I cannot wait to go.