Accessible Destinations for the Wheelchair Traveler
Nov 2nd
Welcome! Whether it’s a day trip or long excursion, looking to explore or unwind, there are accessible adventures. Some destinations are more wheelchair friendly than others, therefore wheelchairtraveling.com provides you with the tools you need to plan your adventure whether you use a wheelchair, scooter, walker, or arm crutches.
It is the continuous mission of our wheelchair travelers to bring you detailed guides and articles that review destinations all over, found on the left. Read other Travel Stories and even post your own so others can benefit from what you have already discovered or the Travel Equipment so you are comfortable and healthy while exploring. Find a place to rent that is wheelchair friendly on the For Rent page or if you own one then post your information. Or Get Advice.
Healthy Wheelchair Traveling Tips
Jun 23rd
From the traveling adventures I have already had there are a few things I’ve learned to take with me and most people who use wheelchairs whether manual or power can benefit from. The number one thing you should be aware of is your health. Nothing ruins a well thought out trip like catching a bug, even if it’s the common cold.
Public areas are known to have a higher concentrated amount of germs, especially any form of public transportation, so protect yourself. Build up your immune system around 5 or more days with a super power multi-vitamin, like AirBorne. Vitamin C is also a great germ fighter and can also be taken on top of this. Get your body stronger before you go to that initial airport or train station. Take these immune boosters on your tip to keep fueling your body’s natural defense system. Plus, it will give you more energy to push yourself to see more while you travel.
To further fight off a bug that might slow you down, combine the immunity boosters with an antibacterial disinfectant. This comes in many forms: gels, lotions, sprays, and wipes. Use these while you are in crowed areas to preventing the spreading of bacteria. To keep it as clean as possible in the restroom, think about carrying a disinfectant on a disposable cloth, like WetOnes. You can such cloths to wipe down the toilet seat and handrails if you are really concerned about germs.
Keeping yourself healthy while traveling equates to a number of different areas, one is protecting yourself from common illnesses that spread easily as specified above but another is subtle and sometimes hard to detect. Without active use of ones legs, those in wheelchairs are prone to blood clots. Blood clots can be a silent killer and for many cannot be felt. The most dangerous time for something like this to occur is flying. The drop in cabin pressure further compresses blood flow. Though one should check for hot spots as an indicator there are ways to help prevent this from occurring. Think of adding baby aspirin to your body booster combo. Baby aspirin thins the blood which allows it to flow more freely and it’s extremely gentle on the stomach; gentle enough for babies.
Something else you can do to improve your blood circulation on a plane flight and the rest of your trip is to wear compression socks. These tight fitting socks come in either knee or thigh high and in black, white, and nude. They are virtually indistinguishable from your average sock or stocking. The socks are also available in different pressure levels. It is the tightest around the ankles and gradually digresses, pushing the blood back to the heart. Having your blood flow at tip top shape helps your whole body function better, including healing itself. One can buy compression socks at a local drug store, Target, doctor’s office, or on the Internet.
The next item that always gets in my suitcase is my Waffle Air Cushion. This portable and waterproof air cushion folds down to the size of a thin undershirt. It‘s most purposeful use is in the shower. Often times a bench or chair that a hotel, for example, provides may be a hard wood or plastic that does not give you enough soft support while you sit and shower. One must be aware of the safety and condition of one’s skin to not get a breakdown. Using the Waffle Air Cushion is generally a good idea even if the bench or chair is padded for sanitary reasons. This air cushion could also come in handy on and airplane or car ride where the seat provided doesn’t relieve enough pressure.
This may not apply to those in electric chairs or scooters, but for those using a manual wheelchair I highly recommend bringing two Alan Wrenches or whatever tool is needed to remove the front little wheels. This may be needed if the wheels get plugged up with hair or whatnot, making it harder to push; different kinds of sediment, like sand or clay, can also have this effect and erode the metal. Sometimes this build-up may get so bad that one needs to change the bearings, so it’s suggested that you bring a spare pair along with you. Bearings are very tiny and will take up no suitcase space so you will be incredibly happy that you brought them if you do need a fresh set.
The last suggestion that will make your traveling experience more enjoyable is watching your diet. Foods that your body is not used to can affect a person in different ways, so allow your body time to adjust to the new oils, spices, etc. in order to avoid unpleasant outcomes. Above all else mentioned so far, the grandest thing you can do for yourself to ensure happy travels is to drink lots of water. Water is life and makes everything better. Most people think they get enough water but do not take into account that caffeine is terribly dehydrating. One glass of water and a cup of coffee pretty much cancel each other out, leaving your body dry. Blood is 92 percent water, the brain and muscles are 75 percent water, and bones are about 22 percent water. There’s nothing better you can do for your body than to drink water. Especially when you are traveling, dealing with altitude and climate changes let alone getting a good physical workout (perhaps more so than usual) all makes you dehydrated. This is not just travel advice, it’s life advice, so have a glass now!
Here is the check list for healthy wheelchair traveling:
- Airborne and Vitamin C
- Antibacterial Disinfectant
- Compression Socks
- Baby Aspirin
- Waffle Air Cushion
- 2 Alan Wrenches & Bearings
- Diet Consciousness
- WATER
brought to you by:
wheelchairtraveling.com
making adventure accessible
Staying in the Provence of France
Jun 19th
The Provence, France -
La Lézardière is a wheelchair accessible villa located in the backcountry of the Provence, a famous part of Southern France known for its wine and lavender fields. It’s about 40km off the coast to make it secluded enough to avoid tourist traffic but close enough to take day trips to popular attractions. After the owner of the property became paralyzed it was converted to be wheelchair accessible and is now available for rent.
The main building of the property is the one that is wheelchair accessible and is in the center of the property. Inside there are two bedrooms and bathrooms but only one bedroom and bathroom is accessible. The bathroom has a roll-in shower with hand-held nozzle and a commode/shower chair is available. The main building also has a full kitchen, equipped with refrigerator, oven, stove, and dishwasher. There is also a large living room with a table seating 8-10 people and satellite TV. This room is open to those staying in the main building as well as the guest house. In addition, the main building has a lovely office with large windows that look out onto the landscape.
No matter where you want to go at La Lézardière you will find smoothly paved paths. This includes access to the various terraces to sit outside and enjoy good company. Even if it rains there is a covered terrace with an outdoor table so you can still be in the fresh air. Right outside the accessible main building is a pool, in which a mechanical chair lift can help someone using a wheelchair down into the pool.
More Information
Availability & Prices
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Like most small European towns, the ones near La Lézardière are not up to high ADA standards found in America. Some areas of the older towns may have cobble stones and stairs but there are ways of getting around this, like sticking to the paved streets. One usually won’t have trouble getting through the door of a restaurant or shop but if there is a stair or two, there’s always a friendly face willing to help. Finding a wheelchair accessible restroom can be a bit of a search but not impossible. France is working on improving accessibility.
One such town is Cotignac and is about a 30 minute walk or 5 minute drive from La Lézardière. Cotignac rests at the foothill of a jagged hillside. It was originally carved out in ancient times and is regarded a sacred. Each Tuesday there is a colorful market with local arts, crafts, fresh produce, and more. There is even a spectacular waterfall nearby. Aups is another town to explore as well as Aix-en-Provence which is an old and well respected university town. Famous artists as Cezanne or Picasso have once lived there. Finally, Tourtour is a scenic artist village, “Le village au ciel.” You have a spectacular view from the house to this beautiful village on top of a mountain.
Another attraction while staying at La Lézardière to see is le Thoronet, a romantic monastery built by the strict Zisterzinser brotherhood in the 12th century. It belongs to the world heritage sites. Today it is open to the public as museum. A visit is very rewarding, however, one using a manual wheelchair will need a good amount of assistance. There are many stairs inside throughout and because of this, there is no admission fee for a wheelchair user and his or her companions. For someone in a power chair, viewing the inside of the monastery is almost impossible. However, the courtyard is accessible via an unpaved ramp. Furthermore, the National Park of Gorge du Verdon is the largest canyon in Europe and although it is not accessible, you can still enjoy the incredible views by driving around it.
 |
 |
 |
 |
brought to you by:
wheelchairtraveling.com
making adventure accessible
SF’s Marina District
Jun 18th
San Francisco, CA -
With views of Alcatraz and the Golden Gate Bridge, the Marina District of San Francisco is a beautiful way to explore the shoreline of the bay. One of the most popular areas is the Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s a bustling hub of fresh fish markets, tourist shops, and restaurants. The Fisherman’s Grotto is by far the most well-known because it was the first sit-down restaurant at Fisherman’s Wharf. Nearby is a wonderful place called Buena Vista to get Irish coffee. There is no permanent ramp to the front entrance but a wooden one can be brought out. It’s a little cramped once you get inside but oh so worth it. If you are not in the mood for an Irish coffee then you have the choice of a full bar and large pub menu.
Also in this area are ferry’s that can take you to Alcatraz. From June-September is a high tourist season for this attraction, so it’s highly recommended that you purchase your tickets online at least a day in advance (if available). It is possible to get tickets the day of during this time but if this is your plan then get to there in the morning. Once you get over to the island there is an accessible front entrance to the famous cellblock where the Birdman of Alcatraz was incarcerated.
If you follow along the Embarcadero eventually you’ll see Ghirardelli Square a couple of block away up the hill on the corner of Beach and Larkins Street. This is a very steep hill so some assistance may be needed if not traveling by car. A good distance down the road, there is a great bay-side walkway that wraps around Fort Mason. In this neighborhood you can escape the over-crowed tourist areas and enjoy some refreshing open and views of Alcatraz and the Gold Gate Bridge. There are not that many places to get food really close by but there is the Safeway grocery store where you can get sandwiches and use the restroom.
The Fort Mason Center is a multi-complex that is rented out by various companies and organizations, check out the calendar of events. Some of spaces are home to resident non profit organizations provide you with information on printmaking, river rafting, broadcasting, theater, dance, marine ecosystems, and more. Located on the 3rd floor of Building is the Environmental Traveling Companions that takes groups of people with physical disabilities on outdoor adventures, like kayaking and white water rafting. This organization does not limit itself to the Bay Area or even California.
In the distance over the roof tops of the lavish bay-side homes you might catch a glimpse of a giant gold dome from the marina. This beautiful structure is actually the San Francisco Exploratorium: the museum of science, art and human perception. It is designed to spark curiosity—regardless of your age or familiarity with science. Touch, pick up, and tinker with hundreds of exhibits. It is open Tuesday-Sunday from 10am-5pm and is a great place to take young children. There is handicapped parking outside and admission is at a reduced rate for the physically disabled and if you are traveling with a large group and make a reservation they will also receive a discount, see complete disabled access information.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
brought to you by:
wheelchairtraveling.com
making adventure accessible
Interview: A Quad Hunter & Outdoorsman
Jun 15th
Chad is a hunter and outdoor journalist who has always had a great love for adventure. He knows his boundaries but doesn’t let it stop him from being who he is. Recently, wheelchairtraveling.com was able to interview him on his experiences and his personal website, followmeoutdoors.com, that encourages others to get outdoors and enjoy some recreational activities.
1. Please tell me a little about yourself.
Well, I recently turned 41, which will mark my 25th year as a quadriplegic, or as I like to tell people… professional disabled hunter. I grew up hunting on the Texas gulf coast, and really fell in love with it the day my dad took me on a duck hunt when I was about 12. From then on, I knew I’d be involved with hunting for the rest of my life.
When I was paralyzed back in the summer of 1986 in a diving accident, it was the one thing I knew I couldn’t stop doing. Three months later, I was back in the woods deer hunting. Eighteen years after that, Streamlight & Buckmasters’ American Deer Foundation voted me Challenged Hunter of the Year for 2004.
In the between time, I’d been going afield after big game all across the United States and in three different countries. I created a website called Follow Me Outdoors in 1996 which has been one of the longest running and most extensive websites for disabled outdoors & recreation.
I also started free lance writing for magazines across the west when I discovered I had a talent for outdoor articles. To date, I’ve been published in Rack Magazine, King’s Hunting Illustrated, Eastman’s Hunting Journal, Horizontal Bowhunter Magazine, United Federation For Disabled Archer’s Magazine, and Turkey & Turkey Hunting magazine.
I have a degree in Wildlife & Fisheries Science and another in Counseling from Texas A&M and the University of Houston, respectively. I suppose both are a study of animals. More recently, I’ve been finding ways to be more involved in hunting than ever before.
2. What was the inspiration behind your website, www.followmeoutdoors.com?
When I first got out of rehab and looking for info about adaptive equipment for disabled hunters, there wasn’t much to be had. The internet was just getting started and the few bits and pieces of info I found were so hard to find that I decided to start my own site and put it all in one place.
3. Were you a hunter and outdoorsman before the chair?
Definitely! I caught the fire pretty young. I had a great childhood. My dad taught me to hunt and my grandpaw taught me how to be a fisherman.
4. Who goes with you on your trips hunting or fishing? Do you camp overnight or stay somewhere?
My dad usually goes on the big trips. Sometimes we’ll invite another hunting friend of his to come along. A lot of hunting is simply being in the outdoors. I have several friends that I’ve been on trips with too though, but those trips are mostly in Texas.
I have camped, but it’s tough. We usually stay in a lodge or in a cheap motel as close as we can to where we will be hunting.
5. Where is the furthest place you’ve traveled to go hunting? Do you have a favorite place?
That’s an easy one, South Africa last year. I believe it’s about halfway around the world. My favorite place right now is New Mexico. It’s such a beautiful state with so many different kinds of terrain, from desert plains to volcanic flats to mountains, but I haven’t been to Alaska yet.
6. Please explain a day with you hunting. What do you need assistance with? Are there times when you don’t need anyone’s help?
Cell phone alarm goes off a couple hours before sunrise. I need a little help getting dressed and then my buddy and I will get all the gear together that we’re going to need. Then he’ll load most of it in the back of my truck while I go get one of my dogs from the back. I usually drive out to the blind or whatever field we’re hunting that day, and sometimes need help getting to the blind if we can’t drive right up to it. After that, all I need some help with is getting my chest support straps on.
Oh yeah, there’s been plenty of times when I’ve hunted by myself. Those are some of the best times because it reminds me of what it was like when I was younger. It’s just nice to know you can still do some things on your own still. I savor those opportunities.
7. What do you love about fishing? What is an experience you’ll always remember?
Fishing is more peaceful. It’s a quiet sport. Gives a man a lot of time to think about things and teaches him to think about things and to listen to all the little happenings that are going on around him. I love everything about it, the smell of the salt air on the coast, the sounds of the bays at first light and a spinning reel’s drag whining when a bull red is stripping line off of it as he runs.
I’ll always remember fishing with my grandfather as a little boy on the coast & the first time I went 40 miles offshore fishing and caught my first dorado.
8. Was it the lack of available information on accessible hunting that inspired you to create your website or was it another outdoor activity?
Mainly a lack of info. I wanted to make it easy for others who were looking. Then when I started to add my stories from my own experiences, it really took off.
9. You seem to have done a lot of outdoors activities, but what is your favorite activity? Please explain. What haven’t you tired yet but would like to?
I love being in the water, so it would have to be swimming or something like water skiing or jet skiing. It’s hot in Texas so we grew up in the water. One thing I haven’t tried yet is SNUBA. It’s like scuba but you don’t have to get certified or wear those heavy tanks.
10. Are you doing these recreational activities every weekend? Couple times a month? As much as you can? What do you do the most of?
I do as much as I can, which turns out to be a couple times a month. With SCI, there are a lot of times when you’re battling infections or some other kind of mystery pain. Sometimes you just have to outlast it and then start going & doing again.
11. Do you compete in any of the activities that you do?
No, I never was one for the organized sports. The outdoors is my arena. I do compete in poker. Does that count?
12. Are you more active pre or post injury?
Definitely pre. My body just can’t handle as much now. A person can still keep their mind active though.
13. What would you say to a newly injured wheelchair user about personal growth through recreational activities?
That’s another easy one… get out and do stuff. It doesn’t matter what, and it doesn’t matter if you don’t feel like it, just get out. Figure out what it is your have fun doing and then do it. I learned several new hobbies post injury, like writing, travel, photography & poker. Be active and take good care of your skin.
brought to you by:
wheelchairtraveling.com
making adventure accessible
User Comments