Traveling
the world opens doors to different cultures, new experiences, and most
importantly—fun! We firmly believe that travel should be enjoyed by everyone—no
matter what their age or level of mobility. This notion makes the access to
accommodating travel information more vital than ever. As travel begins to
become one of the world’s biggest industries, tour groups and other popular
vacation destinations are becoming more conscious of those who suffer from
limited mobility. Don’t let inaccessible travel destinations and attractions
get you down. Instead, start packing your bags and consider heading to one of
the wheelchair accessible destinations listed below!
1. Playa del Carmen, Mexico
Just
an hour away from Cancun International Airport lays Playa Del Carmen, a
beautiful ocean-side town that boasts relaxing beaches, beautiful vistas, and
exceptional Mexican food! The town is full of accessible hotels and beaches,
making it an ideal vacation spot for beach bums and adventure seeks alike! All
major tourist destinations in Playa Del Carmen are conveniently located in
walking distance of each other, which means you won’t have to worry about
taking long hauls from the beach to your hotel room! Many resorts and
businesses in this destination offer adaptive swimming equipment for wheelchair
users. They can go snorkeling and check out all the indigenous sea life without
missing out! The main attraction, however, is the wheelchair accessible Mayan
ruins of Chichén Itzá and Tulum. These ruins give visitors a rare chance to get
close up the monuments and ornate structures that date thousands of years back!
2. Sicily, Italy
Italy
may not be the first vacation destination that comes to mind when thinking
about wheelchair-accessible travel, but the city is actually perfect for those
with limited mobility and adventure seekers alike! Sicily is home to a tactile
museum and Europe’s only sensorial botanic garden, making it an exciting and
engaging destination for those with disabilities! Looking for more of an
adventure? No worries! The city also features Europe’s largest active volcano,
Mount Etna, which is partially accessible to those in wheelchairs. Enjoy scenic
views, take in Italy’s vibrant culture and taste traditional European cuisine
as you experience a truly unforgettable Italian getaway!
3. Melbourne, Australia
Pack
your bags for an exciting trip “down under!” Full of sprawling beaches,
beautiful downtown views and a bunch of tourist attractions, Melbourne,
Australia boasts one of the most accommodating and accessible public transport
systems in the entire world. Melbourne features a compact city center that
makes travel extremely easy for those with disabilities. Seeking an adventure
like no other? Try floating 2500 feet above the city’s skyline with Global
Ballooning’s disability-friendly hot air balloon rides. You can also explore a
wide selection of wheelchair-friendly restaurants, scenic beaches, zoos and tourist
hot-spots. Melbourne has something for everyone and is a destination you won’t
soon forget!
4. San Diego, California
California
is packed with gorgeous beaches, beautiful boardwalks and exciting night life activities.
San Diego is no exception and is widely considered one of the most accessible
cities in California! The city itself is laid out in a classic grid system.
It’s flat and has a fully-accessible trolley system that runs through all parts
of the city. Ocean lovers are able to enjoy a variety of wheelchair accessible
beaches, such as La Jolla Shores, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Ocean Beach!
All of the beaches listed are specially designed to cover sand and harsh
terrain that impede wheelchair mobility. Traveling with kids? In less than an
hour, you can take a trip up north to Legoland, a Lego-themed amusement park in
Carlsbad, CA. This park is completely wheelchair accessible and an excellent
choice for children or those who are young at heart!
5. San
Antonio, Texas
San Antonio is perhaps Texas' most historic city. Featuring the Alamo
and the equally famous River Walk, San Antonio has made its way into the hearts
of tourists both within Texas and across the country. Even sidewalks and
wheelchair accessible buildings make this city a must-see for all people with
limited mobility. This Texan city is especially a favorite among children, as
it features Morgan’s Wonderland, a 25-acre theme park that was specially designed
for those with special-needs and physical handicaps. The park offers more than 30
accessible rides, a music garden and a sensory village, making it unlike any
other amusement park in the country. The park is also currently in the midst of
constructing an accessible water park, which is expected to open this year!
6. Vienna, Austria
Steeped
in rich history and widely recognized for its amazing architecture, Vienna is a
city that has become an epicenter of European culture. Unlike many of its urban
counterparts, Vienna’s cobblestone streets have been removed and completely
refurbished, making travel tremendously easier for those in wheelchairs. The
city is both flat and compact, making most central shops and cafés fully
accessible for all tourists. Getting around the city is also fairly simple.
There are several working elevators that go to the metro and the subway itself consists
of low floor trams.
Love
history? It’s nearly impossible to visit Vienna without going to one of their
world-renowned museums. Luckily for you, nearly all museums and tourist hot
spots are equipped with ramps and elevators!
Never
let your wheelchair get in between you and amazing travel opportunities! The
world is your oyster. Travel to faraway lands and open doors to new experiences
that will stay with you for a lifetime! Did we forget to mention your favorite
wheelchair-friendly tourist destination? Share your go-to vacation spot in the
comments section below!
