Planning a limited mobility vacation has historically presented a unique set of challenges. There are many factors that need to be thought of, even before looking at suitable holiday destinations. The requirements of people who can walk, but only short distances, will have to think about a different set of vacation requirements from someone in a wheelchair.
Limited Mobility Differences
People who can only walk a short distance, need to make sure that there are no long or extended walks, that have to be made as part of their vacation. Or if there is an unavoidable walk, then they need to check that there is limited mobility transportation available, such as a wheelchair or scooter. Wheelchair users themselves, have to consider the width of doors, barrier free doors and manoeuvring space, both at their vacation destination, as well as their mode of transportation, whether that is an aircraft, ship, train or car etc. A powered wheelchair user doesn’t really have to worry about distances so much, but both sets of limited mobility travelers will have to consider staircases, when they look at vacation destinations.
Limited Mobility Vacations
Budget is another influential factor when considering limited mobility vacations. There are a number of companies that specialize in catering for limited mobility clients. Travel can be arranged from the holidaymaker’s home to the airport, docks, or direct to the destination depending on the location. These types of holidays usually carry around a 50% premium over a standard vacation booking.
For the more budget conscious, there is an ever increasing number of options available today, largely thanks to the Internet and being able to research and communicate particular requirements, prior to booking the vacation.
There are beach front condos available in California, that are equipped with lifts, where it is very normal to see people using electric scooters to travel around. There are numerous places advertised on the East Coast, an example is a waterfront home in Connecticut, which boasts peace and tranquility, as well as having an elevator, to make it easy to get around the house. Even popular holiday destinations, such as Disneyworld in Florida are suitable for people with limited mobility. There is a hotel within the amusement park itself, which is very accessible, as well as numerous modes of transport, that can be hired to make moving around no problem.
People who are looking to go further afield, still have a huge amount of choice in limited mobility vacations. Websites such as VillaRental.com have villas for rent in the U.S, Europe, the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii. Each villa will differ, although many of them are single level villas with elevators, some also having large shower rooms with benches and handrails etc.
American and European airlines are able to fly people with limited mobility, without a problem these days, so really anywhere in the world is an option, as long as the proper research and communication is carried out, prior to booking. Most 4 or 5 star hotels anywhere in the world, have limited mobility access, but there are some places around the world where a vacation could be problematic, especially in parts of Asia and Africa.
Limited mobility vacations are available all across the globe and having so much choice, the only difficult decision, is choosing where to go first!