About wheelchairtraveling.com

Created in 2006, wheelchairtraveling.com works to empower people
with limited mobility, their friends and loved ones to access and
experience the world of accessible leisure and adventure travel.

Be kind yet firm when speaking about your needs and pack a patient and positive attitude wherever you travel.Ashley Lyn Olson

wheelchairtraveling.com, the largest database dedicated to accessible travel, was launched in 2006. Originally starting as a personal blog, the site has grown into a comprehensive travel guide offering detailed information on accessible destinations, transportation, accommodations, and activities worldwide. With over 1,000 articles and contributions from more than 150 wheelchair traveler reporters, wheelchairtraveling.com provides a diverse range of perspectives and experiences.

Know Before You Go!

wheelchairtraveling.com is designed as a travel guide to help wheelchair users explore the world with confidence. The site features information on over 900 destinations, with articles by Ashley Lyn Olson and other wheelchair traveler reporters. Here are some of the key resources and features available on the site:

Travel Basics and Tips: Learn the essentials of wheelchair travel, from packing tips to navigating airports and using public transportation.
Wheeling Around and Transportation Options: Find information on accessible transportation options, including buses, trains, and rental vehicles.
Hotels and Where to Sleep: Discover accessible accommodations worldwide, with detailed reviews and recommendations.

Activities for Wheelchair Travelers

wheelchairtraveling.com covers a wide range of activities suitable for wheelchair users, ensuring that everyone can find something that interests them:

Parks and Hiking: Explore accessible trails and parks that offer breathtaking views and the opportunity to connect with nature.
Active and Adventure: Find information on adaptive sports and adventure activities, from kayaking to zip-lining.
Leisure and Learning: Discover cultural attractions, museums, and other leisure activities that are wheelchair accessible.
Accessible Tours and Cruises: Learn about tour operators and cruise lines that specialize in accessible travel, making it easier to explore new destinations.

Adaptive and Inclusive Products

The site also features reviews and recommendations for adaptive and inclusive products that can enhance your travel experience or improve your daily life. Whether you are traveling solo, with friends, or with family, wheelchairtraveling.com aims to help you travel with confidence, knowing what to expect, how to prepare, and how to adapt to different situations.

Happy Travels,
Ashley Lyn Olson
info@wheelchairtraveling.com
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About Ashley Lyn Olson

I am Ashley Lyn Olson, a pioneering force in accessible travel and the founder of wheelchairtraveling.com, the largest database dedicated to accessible travel, which I launched in 2006. Paralyzed at 14 by a car accident, I transformed my personal challenge into a global mission. Awarded a full scholarship, I graduated with honors from the University of Southern California. My globe-trotting adventures, shared through firsthand insights, empower wheelchair users with practical advice. My site features my journeys alongside contributions from the community, fostering a supportive network.

My Access 2 Parks Project earned me recognition at the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History. Honored with the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life Award, I have spoken at major conferences such as the Abilities Expo, the Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) World Congress, the Annual Meeting of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA), and the International Conference on Accessible Tourism (ICAT). I have also written for top publications including New Mobility Magazine and Lonely Planet.

One of the most rewarding moments in my journey was helping a young traveler with a disability plan their dream vacation to Yellowstone National Park. Seeing their excitement and knowing I helped make such an adventure possible reinforced my belief that with the right resources, the world can be accessible to everyone. I continue to engage with various communities and organizations to enhance accessible travel and foster inclusivity, including the United Spinal Association, Mobility International USA, and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Looking ahead, I am excited about upcoming projects aimed at further breaking down barriers in travel. My work has been featured in several media outlets, including National Geographic, Travel + Leisure, and The New York Times, broadening the reach of my advocacy. Through ongoing initiatives and collaborations, I remain committed to inspiring and driving change in the world of accessible travel.

Where have I been? As of 2024, I’ve traveled to 20 countries, 29 states in the USA, 37 U.S. National Parks, and hundreds of others parks around the globe.

DIMENSIONS: How big/wide are the wheelchairs that I use seen in the photos? Manual wheelchair is 2 feet wide by 2 feet long. Power wheelchair is 2 feet wide by 3.7 feet long.

Share your wheelchair travel story to help others and the world to be more accessible for all.