Emerging Horizons Travel Resources
Travel resources for wheelchair users, scooter users, and slow walkers
101 Accessible Vacations
Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Candy B. Harrington (2007)
Penned by the editor of Emerging Horizons, this travel idea book focuses on the vacation planning needs of wheelchair-users and slow walkers. It contains access information on over 101 cities, lodging options, national parks, tourist attractions, cruises and recreational activities around the world. Organized by the type of travel and activity, there’s something for just about everyone. Lots of resources and a recommended reading list are also included.
101 Accessible Vacations
There is Room at the Inn
Inns and B&Bs for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Candy B. Harrington (May 2006)
Penned by the editor of Emerging Horizons, There Is Room at the Inn is a guide to accessible inns and B&B throughout the US. Grouped geographically by state this handy guidebook contains 117 properties in 40 states. It features a wide selection of lodging choices from Victorian Inns and quaint B&Bs to mountain retreats, a dude ranch and even two safari parks.
Each listing includes a detailed description of the access features in the inn, with emphasis on the access features in the accessible guestrooms. The emphasis in There Is Room at the Inn is on describing the access so that travelers can make appropriate choices. Also included are comments from the innkeepers, an access checklist and accessible sightseeing suggestions for each property. A great resource for your next road trip.
There is Room at the Inn
Barrier-Free Travel; A Nuts And Bolts Guide For Wheelers And Slow Walkers
Billed as the definitive guide to accessible travel, the third edition of this indispensable resource features detailed information about the logistics of planning accessible travel by plane, train, bus and ship. The newest edition features updates on newly enacted access rules and regulations, a chapter devoted to planning accessible shore excursions and a worldwide list of accessible van rental companies. Chapters include important details about protecting your wheelchair when you fly, traveling with oxygen, cruising, accessible ground transportation, choosing a travel agent, on-line booking, accessible recreation and budget travel. Also included is a comprehensive chapter devoted to self-advocacy, consumer-rights and what to do when things go wrong. A great resource for wheelchair or scooter-users, slow walkers, travel agents, CILs and libraries.
Toll-Free: (800)532-8663
Barrier-Free Travel
Access Africa: Safaris for People with Limited Mobility
Gordon Rattray (2009)
This comprehensive volume includes lots of pratical information; from the basics of planning a accessible safari and contact information for accessible tour operators, to information about wildlife and the history of the area. Part one covers all the basics, while part two contains detailed access descriptions of nearly 300 camps lodges and hotels in Kenya, Tanzania, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. It’s a great resource for anyone considering a safari, as the detailed accommodation descriptions make it easy to find lodging options suitable for a variety of access needs.
Access Africa
Access Anything: Colorado (2005)
By Craig P. Kennedy & Andrea C. Jehn
This resource-filled volume includes detailed information about accessible outdoor fun and activities throughout Colorado. It includes information about adaptive sporting activities for all seasons; from snow skiing and dogsledding to hiking, biking, fishing and camping. Also included are lodging and dining suggestions plus lots of resources. All sites contained in this book were visited and evaluated by the authors.
Access Anything: Colorado
Access For All
A Guide for People with Disabilities to New York City Cultural Institutions
Published by Hospital Audiences, Inc. (1998)
This informative guide includes accessibility details on theaters, museums, landmarks, galleries, performing arts centers and stadiums in New York City. Information includes physical accessibility details along with information about the availability of assistive listening devices, large print materials, sign language interpreters, and audio recordings. A great resource, and a "must-have" if NYC is on your travel itinerary. HAI also operates a hotline for updated accessibility information on cultural venues in NYC. $5.00.
Phone: 888-424-4685
Access For All
Access In London
by Gordon Couch (2003)
Researched by a London-based non-profit organization (Access Project), this handy resource includes information on accessible tourist attractions, toilets, accommodations, recreation and transportation in the London area. The access criteria is clearly defined in the beginning of the book and most entries also include a brief narrative about their access features. A number of maps and access diagrams are also included. All information in this guide was compiled from site inspections conducted in 2002.
Access In London
Access in San Diego
Produced annually by Accessible San Diego, this guide contains access information on selected hotels, restaurants, public transportation and tourist attractions. Price is $5-$7, depending on version. Also available free at the Abilities Expo in Anaheim.
Access in San Diego
Accessible Connecticut
By Nora Ellen Groce, Lawrence C. Kaplan and Josiah David Kaplan
This well researched guide includes information on accessible kid-friendly venues, throughout Connecticut. Listings include zoos, aquariums, museums, playgrounds, parks and places of historic interest. Each listing includes access information presented in a narrative format. Access to trails and outdoor areas is described in great detail. Very Comprehensive. Complete contact information is included for all listings.
Accessible Connecticut
Accessible Walks: A Guide To Scenic Walks In The South Island Of New Zealand
by Anna and Andrew Jameson (2000)
Penned by the brother and sister team of Anna and Andrew Jameson, this handy resource contains access information on nearly 100 scenic walks on the South Island of New Zealand. The walks are rated for access (from excellent to challenging), and the rating system is clearly defined in the introduction of the book. Each listing contains a general description of the walk, plus detailed access information about the gradient, surface, and obstacles on the trail. Information about accessible parking, toilets, playgrounds and picnic areas is also noted. NZ $23.07 (111 pages)
Scenic Walks In New Zealand
Around the World Resource Guide
Fifth Edition - 2003
published by: Access for Disabled Americans
This helpful guide is filled with accessible travel and recreation resources. Published annually, it includes updated listings and contact information for publications, tour groups and travel agents, disability websites, access guides and more. Spiral bound for easy reading. A good reference book.
Around the World Resource Guide
Avoiding Attendants from Hell
by June Price
Although technically not a travel book, much information in Avoiding Attendants from Hell is quite useful for people who need to hire a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) or companion for travel. The author speaks from first hand experience and offers helpful tips for finding, screening and interviewing a PCA. The book also covers training a new PCA, mediating disputes with your PCA, and how to fire a PCA. Helpful communication techniques and personal accounts are interspersed with good down to earth advice. A great resource for anybody who needs to hire a PCA.
Avoiding Attendants from Hell
Breathin' Easy
by Jerry Gorby
This essential guide is a must have for all oxygen users. Published annually, it includes over 2,500 updated listings for oxygen outlets in more than 100 countries. Also includes helpful tips for traveling by air, sea or land with oxygen. A great resource -- pack it with you when you travel. $28.60.
Breathin' Easy Publications
225 Daisy Drive
Napa, California 94558
Phone: (707) 252-9333
Fax: (707) 252-3028
Breathin' Easy
California Coastal Access Guide
Billed as as the essential handbook for exploring California's 1,100 mile shoreline, this handy volume includes helpful details on more than 890 publicly accessible coastal lands. Although it's not an access guide in the strictest sense, this mainstream publication does a good job of integrating access information throughout the book.
A short access section, which details the availability of beach wheelchairs and accessible campsites and lists access-related resources, is featured in the front of the book. The rest of the book is divided by county, and contains basic information about the recreational facilities at each coastal area. A chart depicts the availability of accessible facilities for each area. Brief details about accessible trails, restrooms, picnic sites and beaches are also included where applicable. This book is a good starting point for access information, but will most likely have to be supplemented with other access resources.
California Coastal Access Guide
Choosing A Wheelchair
By Gary Karp
So what does choosing a wheelchair have to do with travel? As the author points out, choosing the "right" chair can make a big difference in the quality of your life. Even people with severe disabilities can have a considerable level of independence and activity, and choosing the right chair is the key.
Choosing A Wheelchair
Circling the Earth in a Wheelchair
Stan Morse (2005)
This lighthearted travelogue chronicles the 1997 around-the-world journey of wheelchair-user Stan Morse. Stan's travels took him from Washington to Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the Far East before returning home to his law practice in Seattle. Although Stan researched his trip before setting off, he chose to travel without advance reservations in many cases, which makes for some entertaining copy. Not a good choice for those looking for specific accessible travel resources, as the few resources that are included are a bit dated. Instead, Stan focuses on the spirit of the journey rather than the nuts-and-bolts planning details. An entertaining read.
Circling the Earth in a Wheelchair
Easy Access Australia
Second Edition (2000)
By Bruce M. Cameron
First published in 1995, Easy Access Australia is packed full of helpful accessibility information. Divided by states, the author lists the major tourist attractions and hotels in each section. The second edition contains approximately 600 accommodations, with 300 bathroom floorplans. Information on accessible transportation is also included, along with lots of contact information, phone numbers and maps. Very nicely done!!
Bruce M. Cameron
P.O. Box 218
Kew, Victoria 3101
Australia
Easy Access Australia
Easy Access Europe
by Rick Steves and Ken Plattner (2006)
The second edition of this European travel guide includes listings for accessible hotels, restaurants and attractions in London, Paris, Bruges, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. All listings are rated for access, but because of the off-the-beaten track focus of Steves' titles, the majority of the listings are only appropriate for slow walkers (or those people who can do one or two steps). Still it's a useful resource for budget travelers and for people who can make do with less than perfect access. On the plus side it does include many useful features such as a Tube access map. By Steves' own admission, complete barrier-free access is a rarity in Europe, but this guide helps wheelchair-users and slow walkers make informed travel decisions.
Easy Access Europe
Easy Walks in Israel
This well written Israel guidebook contains over 40 easy walks, scenic drives and roadside stops; including 16 which are wheelchair accessible. The author, a former travel columnist for the Jerusalem Post, does a good job describing the walks and detailing the historical significance of the sites. Lodging suggestions and other resources are included in the appendix. Many nice photos.
Easy Walks in Israel
England On a Roll
by Carole Carsey (2002)
This lighthearted travelogue chronicles the author's 12 day trip to London and the West Country. Carole uses a power wheelchair and a ventilator and she traveled to England in 1999 with her husband. The book details some aspects of her pre-trip planning, but it's not an access guide. Limited access information is included, but much of it is dated, as access continues to improve in England. Additionally, Carole just started using the internet four months prior to her trip, so few internet resources are included. Still it's a fun read for those planning a UK trip, as it gives readers a taste for the sights and sounds of the UK.
England On a Roll
Kids On Wheels
This two-volume set addresses disability issues as they pertain to kids. Volume 1 is written for kids while Volume 2 acts as a resource for parents and professionals. The accessible travel chapter in Volume 2 (written by Emerging Horizons editor, Candy Harrington) covers the secrets of enjoyable travel with kids on wheels, and contains updated accessibility information on kid-friendly favorites from theme parks and campgrounds to science museums, zoos and interactive dolphin programs. A good all-around primer about family disability issues.
Kids On Wheels
Le Quebec Accessible
6th Edition (2005)
This helpful directory lists more than 1,000 accessible hotels, attractions and restaurants located throughout Quebec. Grouped by city, each listing features pictograms and notes about accessible services. The accessibility criteria is clearly defined in the beginning of the guide and detailed access notes are included about any listings that are rated as "fully accessible". Information about local resources, accessible transportation and medical equipment is also included. In French only. Available from Keroul or at Ulysse bookstores.
Keroul
4545, av. Pierre-De Coubertin, C.P.1000
Succursale M, Montr�al, Quebec H1V 3R2
Canada
info@keroul.qc.ca
Phone: (514) 252-3104
Le Quebec Accessible
On The Level San Francisco
by Marilyn Straka
On The Level San Francisco presents a new concept in travel guides; a unique cross between a guide book and an access map. Actually billed as pamphlets by the author, On The Level San Francisco guides highlight accessible walks in San Francisco. Each guide contains a detailed map of the walk, plus a point by point narrative of points of interest along the way. Access features such as curb cuts and accessible routes are highlighted. Good for slow walkers or wheelchair-users. All walks are a mile or less, with no hills or steps. Accessible parking is located near all routes. Priced at $3.95 each, On The Level San Francisco guides are currently available for Yerba Buena Gardens, Fort Mason, Pacific Heights East and Pacific Heights West. Look for more titles to follow soon. Available at Stacey's and Borders book stores or by mail from the author.
On The Level SF
PO Box 470002
San Francisco, CA 94147
Phone: (415)776-1253
On The Level San Francisco
Open Britain
Open Britain (2010)
Billed as the definitive travel guide to accessible Britain, This excellent guidebook was made possible by a unique partnership between Tourism for All UK and RADAR. Together they pooled their knowledge and created one comprehensive resource. Divided by geographic regions, the volume includes over 1,000 hotels, B&Bs, self catering properties and caravan parks throughout England, Scotland and Wales. All listings include information about the location, price and property amenities, along with icons representing access features. The access icons are clearly defined in the beginning of the book and include items like a roll-in shower, shower chair, toilet riser, hoist and manual wheelchair. Properties inspected under the National Accessibly Scheme are also reported. Lots of good resources included.
Open Britain
PassPorter's Open Mouse for Walt Disney World
By Deb Wills and Debra Martin Koma (2007)
This title includes access information on Walt Disney World (WDW) for a wide range of disabilities and medical conditions; from autism and chronic fatigue syndrome to mobility disabilities. The access information presented is detailed and accurate and it's evident that a great deal of research went into this title. An excellent choice for multigenerational groups who may have to deal with a wide range of mobility issues and medical conditions.
PassPorter\'s Open Mouse for Walt Disney World
Sticks and Wheels
Ellen Frank (2006)
This compact coil bound guidebook covers the coastal area north of Vancouver, from Langdale to Egmont, and includes access information on accessible transportation, accommodations, restaurants and tourist attractions. All listings are rated on Ellen’s own “sticks and wheels rating scale”, with the access criteria for each level clearly described in the front of the book. Additionally each entry includes access details that cannot be represented by pictograms. A must-have resource for this beautiful area of British Columbia.
http://www.sticksandwheels.net
Take Your RV To Europe
by Adelle and Ron Milavsky (2005)
Based on the first-hand experiences of the authors, Take Your RV To Europe is an excellent resource for travelers who want to explore Europe from the comfort of their own rig. This concise resource contains information about preparing and shipping your rig, finding campgrounds, shopping for food and navigating around the Continent. Also included are cost estimate worksheets, detailed contact information on suppliers and the specifics about roadway regulations in 17 western European countries. No disability specific information, however the topic may be of interest to travelers who own their own accessible RV.
Take Your RV To Europe
The Accessible Guide To Florence
by Cornelia Danielson
This guidebook to Florence contains lots of detailed access information on local tourist sights, transportation, restaurants and accommodations. The access information is presented in a narrative format and includes pertinent details such as the number of steps, ramp locations and threshold heights. An appendix with local resources is also included.
The Accessible Guide To Florence
The Creaky Traveler
By Warren Rovetch
The Creaky Traveler is billed as a "journey for the mobile but not agile". It is the travelogue of a 70-something year old history buff, about his journey through the Atlantic Scottish Highlands. The author describes himself as a creaky traveler, which in his book means he can only climb one flight of stairs. He traveled with his equally creaky wife (again self-defined), who added some levity to the manuscript. That said, there is no access information contained in the book, nor is there any solid information or travel advice for wheelers. What it does contain is a detailed account of a slower paced trip in the off season through a beautiful part of the Scottish highlands. If you are interested in the history of crofting in northern Scotland, then this is the book for you. It's a good armchair travel read, but look elsewhere for access information.
The Creaky Traveler
The Level Guide To The South West
by Peter Watts (2003)
Published by How To Books of Oxford, this excellent guide presents accurate access information on hotels, restaurants and attractions throughout Southwest England. Access information is presented in a narrative format and detailed contact information is included with each listing. The author, a wheelchair-user himself, personally visited all of sites covered in the book.
The Level Guide To The South West
The Practical Nomad: How To Travel Around The World
by Edward Hasbrouck (2007)
Although "The Practical Nomad: How To Travel Around The World" is billed as a resource on long-term and third-world travel, it's really a must read for all travelers. Now in its 4th edition this comprehensive volume includes authoritative information on everything from air and surface transportation to baggage, budgets and health issues. The book contains a few paragraphs and some resources on accessible travel, however for the most part it's not an accessible travel title. It should be noted that Mr. Hasbrouck has a very enlightened attitude about accessible travel in third-world countries; an attitude which serves to encourage rather than discourage people from giving it a try.
The Practical Nomad
The Safer Travel Directory
by Nancy Westrom
This directory contains information and resources for people with Environmental Illness or Multiple Chemical Sensitivities (EI/MCS). It contains a list of B&B’s, hotels, Inns and other lodgings that are appropriate for people with EI/MCS. Each listing includes a description of the property, plus detailed information about EI/MCS friendly features. There is also a section about rooms for rent, share housing and campgrounds. The appendix contains general resources and a list of hotels which have “Ever Green Rooms”. Updated frequently. The author is always searching for and adding new listings. $17 (including shipping)
Nancy Westrom
10832 NW 10th Place
Ocala, Florida 34482
USA
MCSTravel@aol.com
Phone: (352) 861-9196
The Safer Travel Directory
The Wheelie's Handbook of Australia
By Colin James
This handy guide contains those hard-to-find details on over 500 accessible accommodations throughout Australia. The access criteria, developed by ACROD, is clearly explained in the beginning of the book, and all properties listed in the book meet those (minimum) standards. Properties are listed by city and divided by geographic region. Each listing contains a detailed description of the property including access features, contact information and (sometimes) unexpected extras. Accessible tourist attractions are also noted. A list of helpful organizations in Australia is included in the appendix. A must-have resource! $AU22.95-Australia, $AU35.25-international. Available from the author.
Colin James
Unit 4, 2 - 4 Bosquet Street
White Hills, Victoria 3550
Australia
The Wheelie's Handbook of Australia
Watch It Made In The USA
By Karen Axelrod and Bruce Brumberg
This handy guide contains detailed information on over 300 factory tours across the US. Every listing includes general information about the tour, plus details on everything from free samples to wheelchair access. The access section specifies if the tour is wheelchair-accessible. If the tour is not fully wheelchair-accessible, details about the accessible parts (if any) are also included. Alternative experiences (such as movies and photo albums) are described in the access section. A solid well-researched resource.
Watch It Made In The USA
Wheelchairs on the Go
By Michelle Stigleman & Deborah Van Brunt
This comprehensive guide to accessible fun in Florida includes access information on everything from bicycling and water fun to beaches and accommodations. The information is divided by geographical region and a short narrative is included on each listing. Access details on attractions include information on accessible parking, restrooms, entrances and programs. The access criteria is clearly defined in the beginning of the book, and additional details are included with each listing. Accommodations are listed for most every area and they include very detailed access information such as bed height and the availability of open platform beds. Complete contact information is included for all listings. An excellent access guide.
Wheelchairs on the Go
