Destinations

I recently had an enlightening conversation with Erin Van Rheenen, author of the excellent Moon title, Living Abroad in Costa Rica. She recently returned from an extended stay in the country and she made it a point to share an interesting political tid bit with me. Believe it or not, Costa Rica actually has a political party that focuses on inclusion. But wait, there's more -- it's not just a splinter group supported entirely by the disabled population; but instead a driving force in Costa Rica politics with a substantial mainstream following.

Continue reading "Politics and Accessibility in Costa Rica" »

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.

 

Continue reading "Access Denied in Hong Kong" »

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.

Continue reading "San Antonio Riverwalk Boasts Access Upgrades " »

In honor of President's Day, I've devoted my Frommers column to presidential libraries. Check it out - they're very accessible and fun. Regardless of your political affiliation, you'll find some interesting things in them - from Air Force One to the tools the tools used in the Watergate break-in. Like I said - fun. Technorati Tags: presidential libraries, disabled access, museums, presidential archives, accessible travel, wheelchair-access, presidential museums
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If you'd like an inside look at some of the best holiday light displays in San Francisco, then consider joining one of Marilyn Straka's "On the Level Holiday Lights Walking Tours". The tours follow a level route of travel and include stops at hotels, office lobbies, retail locations and public spaces that boast festive decorations. Add in a little bit of history and San Francisco trivia and you've got a fun early evening activity.

Continue reading "Christmas Lights in San Francisco" »

Here's an interesting question I got from a reader today. And my reply below.

"Will the ADA ever require cruise ships to make sure the handicapped cabins go to handicapped people?"

Continue reading "Cruise Question" »

Now that the medals have been awarded and the athletes have returned from Beijing, it's time to take a look at accessibility in the city in these post Paralympic times.  Did the games actually improve the accessibility of the infrastructure and tourist facilities, or was it just a temporary fix for the event?

Continue reading "Post Paralympic Beijing" »

After tooling through the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and enjoying the wonderful fall colors from the ground, I decided to see what they look like from above. To that end, I hopped on board a helicopter for a short tour over the area. And I have to say that you get an entirely different perspective from above; in fact I got more of an eyeful from the air than on the ground. The reds are simply spectacular - it's a color we really don't get too much in CA.

Continue reading "A Bird's Eye View of the Fall Colors" »

Fall in the Smokies

Well we're over in the Pigeon Forge area of TN this week, for a little editorial research; and I have to say, the weather is wonderful. Very mild - don't even need a sweater. And this time of year in the Smokies is absolutely beautiful. We don't get the change of seasons so much in CA, so I do love the fall colors. And the changing leaves are beautiful here.  It's nice to hit things in prime time every now and again.

Continue reading "Fall in the Smokies" »