Traveling is a favorite past time of most people. Even during this pandemic people still want to travel. If you are one of the many people out there biting at the chance to jump back into that automobile and hit the road to explore places of unknown beauty, I’d like to suggest some great books to get you planning your next trip. The best part about these books is that they cover accessibility for those travelers that wonder if taking a trip is even possible.
Everyone knows that traveling away from home takes a little planning. Especially if you are disabled and need special devices to make your trip possible. It’s not just finding lodging that will accommodate a wheelchair. There are so many other things to consider as well such as the disability of the person traveling, will they need assistance or are they totally independent? What about terrain? Can it be traversed in a wheelchair or are there multiple steps to conquer? What type of assistance might be available at the location you choose to travel?
Below are 5 travel books that I have found to be extremely helpful in my traveling.
- This one is really more than one but all of her books have a wealth of information. I’m going to give you the link to all of Candy Harringtons’ books on accessible traveling. She has written about so many popular areas in the USA that it’s too hard to narrow it down to just one book. So here is the link to Candy’s accessible travel books on Amazon. I’m sure you will be able to find one to spark your brain into planning your next adventure!
2. I’m going to get a little more specific with my next suggestion. This next book is great because it addresses air travel. So many of us have heard so many horror stories about flying with a disability and having things lost or broken that many have chosen to only travel by vehicle. Well, Cory Lee is one disabled traveler who has chosen to not let that fear keep him from flying and has even written a book to help other disabled people conquer their fear of traveling by sharing everything that he has learned. I highly recommend his book, “Air Travel for Wheelchair Users“. It is available in paperback or kindle formats.
3. Now that we’ve discovered that air travel is possible let’s look at some great travel destinations around the world! Traveling to Europe has always placed high on most travelers bucket list and Rome, in particular, is a must-see! Unfortunately, the age of so many of the historical sights not to mention the terrain of the City has made for some interesting challenges for those with limited abilities. Happily, for us a book has been written offering a wealth of advice to get the most bang for your buck with the least amount of difficulty. Here is the Amazon link. Rome and the Vatican, easy sightseeing. I think you will find the information invaluable!
4. Africa! You heard me, Africa! Did you know that even if you are disabled there are places in Africa where you can experience a real African Safari? This book covers six different areas of Africa entailing everything from excursions to lodging to air travel. It was written by Gordon Rattray who himself is a quadriplegic. His book is available on Amazon at this link. Access Africa, safaris for people with limited mobility. I just discovered this book myself and can’t wait to put it to use!
5. I guess this list wouldn’t be complete without talking about Cruising! I have found cruising to be one of the most accessible ways to see far off destinations. There are however some restrictions with certain ports of call that can be very frustrating if you are not prepared. This book has helped me to understand my options when traveling by cruise ship. I think it is important to know beforehand if you are going to be able to get off the ship at the different ports and whether there will be any local transportation that can take you to see the sights, especially if you are paying the same price as everyone else to travel to these hot spots! Check out this book on Amazon for cruising info. Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Ships 2020. It’s packed full of important info to make your journey more successful.
So, these are just a few good books to whet your appetite for traveling with physical challenges. Don’t ever let someone tell you that it can’t be done. Where there is a will, there is a way. It usually just takes a little research and planning. I have found that destinations all over the world are realizing the economic importance of making their Country as disability-friendly as possible. Never give up on that dream vacation.
