Accessible Wheelchair Travel A Guide To Enjoying Vacation On Wheels

N ot long ago, traveling           They were looking forward to a     from point A to B might be      family weekend in a neighboring    a tedious task not to           city, and reservations were        mention traveling abroad. Today,      placed at a local motel chain.     wheelchair bound individuals have     Specifically told to the hotel     the opportunity to travel abroad,     staff, the travelers needed        set sail on a cruise, or take a       handicapped accommodations for     drive cross-country to Grandma’s      three. Upon entering the room, to  house.                                their surprise, one queen-sized                                          bed was not what they thought      However, handicapped vacationers      they saw. The clerk has the        must realize that there will          audacity to suggest the room was   still be extra challenges, even       rebooked without the children.     in travel. So, take some advice,                                         avoid a few pitfalls, seek            Demanding different                assistance from the                   accommodations, the clerk          professionals, and do a little        immediately provided a room        research before beginning to          suitable for three, with one       explore the world on wheels.          exception - no handicapped                                               shower. Oh well, compromises can   Life is full of pitfalls, and         be made for two days. No such      traveling is no exception.            luck! Returning to the room at     Unfortunately, many people are in     night, a big problem became very   the tourism business are working      apparent. The bathroom door is     for the money, and meeting            not wide enough for a wheelchair   customer needs is not always on       to enter.                          the priority in their minds.                                                                                   Lesson learnt: Do not allow        Two summers ago, Tina’s personal      travel nightmares to plague an     experience taught a hard lesson.      already challenged life. Learn     from the mistakes of another, and     physically handicapped guests.     ask specifically for the disabled     Whether going to Egypt, Africa,    person’s needs to be met. Instead     or anywhere else, travel           of asking for a handicapped room,     agencies, with the disabled in     ask for a wheelchair accessible       mind, can tell a person the best   room. For some reason, many           places to stay, the nicest places  establishments assume handicapped     to eat, and the handicapped        people do not have families. Make     accessible tourist attractions.    sure the rooms are big enough.        That’s what you need.              Unbelievably, many businesses                                            will try to cut corners and try       However, even with the help of a   to rent an unacceptable room,         travel agent, a little research    rather than admit the motel does      can also prevent an                not have the necessary                inaccessibility problem from       accommodations. Nor will the          ruining a wonderful vacation. For  staff helpfully suggest a             instance Apparalyzed is an online  competitor with a suitable room.      support organization for           Do not place the reservation          paralyzed people. In giving        online. Talk directly to a            support and advice, Apparalyzed    person, and get a name.               also has travel recommendations                                          including shelter, food, and fun.  Seek some advice, and seek help                                          from professionals, especially        So, before you kennel the dog,     when taking a cruise or traveling     lock up the house, and starts      abroad. For instance, companies       exploring the world, listen to     like Access Network specialize in     some sage advice. When looking     assuring the customer’s special       for accommodations, be specific    needs are met. Travel around the      as to any special needs, such as   world, and know the                   a bigger room, wheelchair          establishments cater to               accessible shower bathroom. Speak  to a real person, not a computer.     border-width: 0px 0px 0px 0px;     Seek professional assistance          border-style: solid;               before traveling abroad, and do a     border-color: #FFFFFF;             little homework before signing on     background-color: #F5F7FB;         the dotted line. Take the “dis”       border-left: #BAC9FF 1px solid;    out of disability, and enjoy life     border-right: #BAC9FF 1px solid;   to the fullest measure.               margin-top: 5px; margin-bottom:                                          10px;" valign="top"                                                      align="center">                About the Author: Moses Wright is the owner of http://www.WheelchairUser.net. He provides more useful information on Electric Wheelchairs and Wheelchair Van on his website. Webmasters are welcome to reprint this article if you keep the content and live link intact. Published At: www.Isnare.com