I’m often asked if the number of disabled travelers has increased in the 20-plus years that I’ve been covering accessible travel. Well, from an anecdotal view of things I usually answer that question with a enthusiastic yes. Of course it’s not like I’ve done a survey or anything. Continue reading
Road Construction to Cause Delays in Arches National Park
The good news is that the 26-mile stretch of road through Arches National Park is getting some major upgrades this year — an improvement which will ultimately result in a smoother traffic flow and less congestion in the park in the years to come.
The not-so-good news is that the construction will cause some major delays and closures this year. Continue reading
On the Road to Alaska!
Well it’s that time of year again – time for Candy and Charles to hit the road.
This road trip is a bit different, as it’s a fly-drive one. Continue reading
Give Adaptive SCUBA a Try!!
Adaptive diver Amber Rangel giving SCUBA a try. Photo courtesy of Amber Rangel.
Have you ever dreamed about taking up SCUBA, but thought that you couldn’t because of that pesky old wheelchair thing? Well, then think again, because adaptive diving techniques and equipment make this sport accessible to everyone. And the great thing is, every wheelchair-user who I’ve talked to about their SCUBA experience has told me that they actually feel freer in the water. Of course you have to have the proper instruction and equipment to give it a try, so here are a few resources for you. Continue reading
US Access Board Town Hall Meeting Scheduled for Minneapolis
If you live in or near the Twin Cities, and would like to address the US Access Board about accessibility issues, then make plans to attend their town hall meeting on May 9, 2017. Continue reading
Support Florida State Parks!!
I don’t really post too many political things here, but I’d like to take a moment to encourage all of my Florida friends to give a shout out to their state legislators in support of Governor Rick Scott’s recommended 2017 budget — especially where Florida State Parks are concerned! Continue reading
Can Airlines Deny Me Passage Just Because I’m Disabled?
I’m getting a lot of questions this week in regards to Mark Smith’s recent incident with American Airlines. Smith is a power-wheelchair-user who was on his way home from Abilities Expo in Southern California, when a gaggle of American Airlines employees boarded the aircraft and informed him that they needed to remove him from the airplane because of “captain’s orders”. So he was transferred to an aisle chair, and taken back to the jet bridge, and was later transported on another American Airlines flight. Continue reading
Barrier-Free Utah Guide Named INDIES Finalist
I was thrilled to hear that Barrier-Free Travel; Utah National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers was named a finalist in this years INDIES book awards. Previously named the Ben Franklin Awards, this prestigious prize is presented by Foreward Reviews, an independent media company. And I was also equally thrilled when 22 Accessible Road Trips; Driving Vacations for Wheelers and Slow Walkers was named a winner in 2013. Continue reading
Thompson Holidays Drops the Ball on Accessibility
Matt Anderson had every reason to believe his Cape Verde vacation would be a relaxing retreat for him and his partner Shelly Grainger. After all, Anderson booked a wheelchair-accessible room through Thompson Holidays. The British travel operator was quick to take Anderson’s £2,800, but when the couple arrived in Africa they were informed that the accessible room was only “requested” and not “reserved” for him. Continue reading
Get Your Free Parks Canada Pass!
Banff
Canada is celebrating the 150th anniversary of their national parks system, and they have a gift for you – a free Parks Canada pass that’s good for admission to all Canadian national parks for the entire year. And there’s no catch; in fact even the shipping is free. It’s easy to order one too. Just go to http://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/parksb2c, fill out the form, and you’re good to go.