Fun For The Whole Family: 5 Great Vacation Destinations For Travelers With Disabilities
Traveling can be a wonderful experience for families. Exploring new sites, immersing yourself in local culture, and trying new things can be an exciting way to get everyone out of their comfort zone and see the world. But while traveling can be a breeze for some, travelers with disabilities know all too well the work that has to be done to ensure the trip goes as planned. Will the accommodations have the resources I need? Will I run into any delays with airport security? What’s my backup plan if I encounter problems?
Whether you have a parent or child with a disability, it’s important to find travel locations that can accommodate the needs of the whole family. With that in mind, here are five places that are perfect for families and travelers with disabilities to visit:
1. The Grand Canyon
Most national parks are well-equipped for disabled travelers, and the Grand Canyon is one of the most accessible. All shuttle buses in the park are equipped with ramps and space to carry passengers in wheelchairs, and there are plenty of lookouts and trails that are accessible to travelers with limited vision or mobility. Service animals are also allowed in all facilities and on all shuttle buses and rim trails.
2. Washington, D.C.
The District of Columbia is another fun spot that is full of history and mobility-friendly spaces. The National Mall and Smithsonian museums are very wheelchair-friendly, while public transportation is incredibly accessible to travelers with special needs. You can choose from a variety of attractions, restaurants, and activities without worrying about accessibility. Even the White House is wheelchair-accessible, so make sure to explore everything DC has to offer!
3. Disneyland/Disney World
Theme parks can be a nightmare for wheelchair users, but Disney does it right for travelers with disabilities. They offer wheelchair rental and advance ticket purchases to make your experience as easy as possible. They also have plenty of wheelchair-accessible rides like Jungle Cruise, The Magic Carpets of Aladdin, and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure. They even have services for guests with cognitive and hearing disabilities to make sure everyone has a magical experience.
4. San Diego, California
If you’re looking for a place for the whole family to relax by the beach, San Diego is the perfect spot. They have a whole host of wheelchair-friendly beaches with special sand wheelchairs available for free rent, from the gorgeous Mission Beach to the family-friendly La Jolla Shores. If you’re looking to see animals, then the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld are two fun attractions that are equipped to cater to disabled travelers.
5. Riviera Maya, Mexico
For those looking to travel abroad, the Riviera Maya in Mexico is a diamond in the rough. This touristy location just south of Cancun has plenty of accessible beaches, restaurants, and shopping locations. But its biggest draw is the tour company Cancun Accessible, which offers access to tour the ancient Mayan ruins.
When planning a trip, you should consider more than just the end location, but also how you get there. Mr. David Godoy of The Spirit Club Foundation explained to me that airport security often throws a wrench into the travel process. “Airport security is a separate process for those with disabilities,” says Mr. Godoy. “In some airports disabled people go to a separate room for security procedures and the process can add 30-40 minutes compared to other travelers. The extra screening can be uncomfortable and may invade a person’s privacy.” The separate room requirement is not mandatory for those in wheelchairs. Still, Mr. Godoy has had good experiences with “handicap-friendly” places such as the Grand Canyon. “My advice is, before spending money on a trip, make sure the locations are handicap and family-friendly; It’s good advice to remember to ensure nothing gets in the way of well-laid plans”, says Mr. Godoy.
Generally, the walk-through screening machines such as Advanced Imaging Technology at airports, require passengers to be physically able to pass through. Specifically, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), passengers must be able to stand shoulder width apart with arms above the head for five to seven seconds without support. Disabled passengers may request alternative types of screening such a pat down or use of wands. If you have questions or need assistance with screening prior to your trip, please call TSA Cares at (855) 787-2227 or visit the Passenger Support website.
Stay tuned for the next post in this series, where we will highlight service animals!
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