Know Before You Go
Access Upgrades Coming to Lassen National Park
Lassen Volcanic National Park has had a rough summer season. For starters, due to a unseasonably late snowfall, the main park road didn’t open until the second week in July. And even then, some of the major trails were still closed. Again, a weather issue. And if Mother Nature hadn’t dealt this Northern California gem enough blows, add in a major road project with a number of construction delays along the way. In the end, it all sounds pretty grim. So, does that mean you should just skip Lassen in 2010? Absolutely not! In fact, with a little insider information, you can plan a relatively stress free visit, and still enjoy many of the wheelchair-accessible areas of the park. Plus, with some exciting access upgrades in the works, it’s definitely a spot to keep on your travel radar.
Lightweight Travel Scooters: The Nuts and Bolts of Flying with Lithium-Ion Batteries Part 2
Last month we looked at the regulations governing air travel with mobility devices powered by lithium-ion batteries. We discovered that due to a recent clarification of the law by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), declared they are indeed prohibited on US airlines. This month, we’ll look at what the future may hold, as well as explore some practical options to avoid being denied passage on your next flight.
Lightweight Travel Scooters: The Nuts and Bolts of Flying with Lithium-Ion Batteries Part 1
Lightweight travel scooters are an excellent solution to a myriad of accessible travel problems. Since they're extremely compact and easy to break down, they can be transported in just about any vehicle, so you don't have to waste time searching for accessible taxis. Additionally, many lightweight scooters will also fit through standard cruise ship cabin doorways, so if you don't need an adapted bathroom, you don't have to book an accessible cabin. That means you’ll be able to book later, get better deals and even accept upgrades, as you'll have a much larger cabin selection.
Cruise News: Wheelchair-Accessible European Shore Excursions
Cruising has long been a popular vacation option for slow walkers and wheelchair-users; however, wheelchair-accessible shore excursions have been traditionally hard to locate. In the past, some cruise lines have booked adapted vehicles for passengers, but the fees for these tours were prohibitive — sometimes topping $1500 per day. The good news is, the times are changing. More specialty tour operators are now offering accessible tours, and accessible ground transportation is becoming more plentiful. This is especially true in Europe, where it's now possible to plan accessible shore excursions in just about any port. With that in mind, here are a few resources to help you out on your next European cruise.
Florida Bound? Free Cruise Parking and Toll Exemptions Available to Disabled Visitors
Many states offer a variety of free parking options for people that have disabled license plates or parking placards. And although the exemptions vary by state, most include free parking at meters and in no parking zones. Florida goes one step further in this respect, and extends free parking privileges to include airports and cruise ship piers, and even exempts qualified disabled drivers from toll road charges. That’s good news for anyone planning a vacation to the Sunshine State, as these exemptions are also available to visitors. And although the required paperwork is minimal, it’s essential to know the rules and regulations, in order to take advantage of these money-saving programs.
