Barrier Free Travels

I love Hong Kong, but it's not exactly the most accessible place in the world. Still,  with some advance planning and a rugged attitude, it is possible for some wheelers and slow walkers to travel there.

People like Mr. Zhu, who freely admits travel is more of a challenge for him because of his wheelchair; but since he loves to travel, he's not willing to give it up.

Well, it was bound to happen. In the aftermath of the underwear bomber incident,
Canadian airlines are now limiting carry-on items on all US-bound flights. So
what does that mean to disabled travelers?

I just love the San Antonio Riverwalk. It's a great place to stay, as you can hop on a river taxi or just walk along the river and enjoy a variety of shops and delicious restaurants. It's all very convenient.

And although efforts have been made over the years to improve this historic area, time has taken its toll on a few sections. Tree roots have lifted up portions of the sidewalk, and some sections now slope downward to the river. And then there are some parts which are just old and crumbling. But there is good news on the access horizon. In fact, San Antonio contractors have been working hard to eliminate Riverwalk access obstacles since January 2009.

I've been getting a lot of first hand reports from travelers, regarding Princess Cruise Line's policy towards tendering wheelchair-users. As you may recall, tendering is at the discretion of the captain. In other words, he can decide if it's safe for a wheelchair-user to use the tender. Actually he can decide if it's safe for anyone to tender, as sometimes weather affects the process.

As 2009 draws to an end, it's time again for a look back at the bests and worsts in accessible travel. Or as I like to call lovingly call this annual list, the good, the bad and the downright stupid!

It appears that flying easyJet isn't exactly that easy, especially if you're a wheelchair-user. This same UK airline that stranded a wheeler in Lourdes earlier this year, once again earned the ire of disability advocates for denying a Paralympian passage last week.

If you're thinking of going to Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, then make sure and sign up for their "Twific Tweets" contest  on Twitter. It's free, easy, and it could save you a few bucks on your next visit to this beachside amusement park.

With the Paralympic Games just around the corner, Whistler is putting the finishing touches on their access upgrades, and Vancouver is bracing for an influx of disabled visitors. And the province of British Columbia is looking for a few good Paralympic torchbearers -- 200 to be exact. If you live in Canada and are at least 13 years old, it could be you.