As a travel writer since 1977, Candy Harrington has been writing about accessible travel exclusively since 1996. She’s the founding editor of Emerging Horizons, and the author of the popular Barrier-Free Travel national park series. With thousands of bylines to her credit, Candy hits the road often, in search of new accessible travel finds. Candy and her travel photographer husband Charles Pannell reside in NE Washington, where they tend to their chicken flock and enjoy a rural lifestyle.
Headquartered in South Africa, Access 2 Africa provides wheelchair-accessible South African safaris and tours. Safari offerings include 7 to 12-day wheelchair-accessible safaris to Kwazulu Natal from Durban, and to Kruger and Swaziland from Johannesburg. All safaris include transportation in accessible vehicles — either a ramped van or a bus with a hydraulic lift — with tie-downs and air conditioning, as well as accessible tours and lodgings. Day tours, which include elephant interactions, hot air ballooning, the cat and cheetah rehabilitation center and whale watching, are also available.
Accessible Van at Access 2 Africa
Additionally they offer a floating beach wheelchair at Cape Vidal, where guests can enjoy the surf, and spot turtles and whales. It’s truly a unique experience to enjoy an accessible game drive, and then hit the beach in a floating beach wheelchair.
Access 2 Africa’s floating beach wheelchair at Cape Vidal
And if you happen to cruise to South Africa, Access 2 Africa can arrange for accessible shore excursions from Richards Bay and Durban to Hluhluwe Umfolozi Game Reserve and the Zulu Cultural Village. For more information about their wheelchair-accessible South African safaris and shore excursions, visit www.access2africasafaris.com.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
A project of the Paris Convention and Visitor Bureau, this online resource offers information on visiting Paris in a wheelchair.
It includes a detailed section about getting around, including information on wheelchair-accessible bus, metro, tramway and RER routes in the City of Lights. Also included is a list of adapted taxi companies, information about hiring a wheelchair-accessible vehicle with a driver, adapted van rental resources, and even the low-down on wheelchair-accessible airport transfers. Additionally there are links to local providers that can provide personal travel assistance, as well as information on accessible car parks.
Also included is detailed information about accessible lodgings, restaurants, tours, attractions and even self-guided walks. And if you still have questions, visit their comprehensive FAQ page. This well researched guide is an excellent resource for visiting Paris in a wheelchair. parisjetaime.com/eng/article/accessibility-a646
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
These ACAA changes would make air travel safer and more comfortable for slow walkers and wheelchair users. The ACAA changes were scheduled to be implemented in 2025, and they include important items such as the prompt return of wheelchairs upon arrival, promptly repairing damaged wheelchairs and providing appropriate rentals (https://emerginghorizons.com/2025-air-carrier-access-act-updates/).
And because of this litigation, these ACAA changes are all on hold.
Interestingly enough, many of the airlines that are publicly opposing these access regulations have previously claimed to be working hard towards making the whole air travel experience easier for disabled passengers.
So my question to them is, are they REALLY committed to improving wheelchair access in the air?
What Airlines Oppose the ACAA Changes?
The plaintiffs in this case include the member organization Airlines for America (AIA), as well as five airlines — United, American, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest. The filing is a bit redundant, as AIA includes those five airlines as well as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Atlas Air.
So what exactly is AIA? According to their website, this member organization “advocates on behalf of its members to shape crucial policies and measures that promote safety, security and a healthy U.S. airline industry.” In short, it’s basically a trade association headquartered in Washington DC.
Ironically, AIA also has a section devoted to accessibility on its website, which proudly states that “member airlines are dedicated to providing accessible air travel to all passengers”. It goes on to state that their member airlines ” have long been engaged in a variety of initiatives to increase air travel accessibility and meet or exceed all DOT accommodation standards.”
Of course my question is, if they are so devoted to accessibility, then why are they opposing the DOT’s latest updates to the ACAA — updates that will make air travel safer and more comfortable for many wheelchair-users and slow walkers.
Sounds like a bunch of wolves in sheep’s clothing to me.
Delta Airlines
Although Delta Airlines is a member of AIA, they are also listed as an individual plaintiff in the ACAA case. And they deserve a special mention because of all the press they have received in the past few years for trying to improve access for wheelchair-users. More specifically Delta Flight Products, which is a subsidiary of Delta Airlines, has worked on a cabin design that would allow passengers to remain in their own wheelchairs for their flights.
And boy do they ever have a great PR department, because they have been all over the news, with tons of mainstream coverage, as well as photo ops by a passel of bloggers that happen to use wheelchairs or fly with someone that does.
Delta Flight Products is very proud of their work. They proudly extoll their dedication to making air travel a comfortable reality for more wheelchair-users on their website. Their statement reads, “Delta Flight Products’ applications, which could ultimately enable this first-of-its-kind seat to be installed on an aircraft, is a remarkable milestone in the industry’s journey to make travel more inclusive for all. Delta has long pioneered efforts to increase air travel accessibility and will continue to invest in technology and innovation to support all our customers.”
And when they failed to properly accommodate a disabled passenger in 2022, Delta reaffirmed their commitment to access. Their statement proudly declared, “We believe travel is for everyone, and it is our priority to deliver the best service and ensure accessibility for all Delta customers.”
So again I ask, why is a company that has “pioneered efforts to increase air travel accessibility” and makes it a “priority to deliver the best service and ensure accessibility” a plaintiff in this lawsuit?
The Other Plaintiffs
To be fair, Delta is not the only plaintiff that professes to support safe and comfortable wheelchair access in the skies.
Let’s start with United Airlines. This one is a bit of a puzzler to me, because back in April 2024 United was in the news everywhere for launching their new wheelchair-sizing tool (https://emerginghorizons.com/new-united-airlines-wheelchair-sizer-tool-unveiled/). Granted it was the result of an ACAA complaint, but the end result was a digital tool that helps wheelchair-users select flights that can accommodate their specific assistive devices.
And United execs bragged about their accomplishment. “By offering customers an easy way to know if their personal wheelchair fits on a particular airplane, we can give them the peace of mind they deserve when they fly with us,” United executive vice president and chief customer officer Linda Jojo said in a statement.
Then why is United a party to the current lawsuit that objects to — among other things — the new ACAA regulation that requires airlines to publish the dimensions of their cargo holds so wheelchair-users can determine if they can accommodated their wheelchairs?
And let’s not leave out American Airlines. After they were fined by the DOT in 2024 for their treatment of disabled passengers, they put a positive spin on it all, when a senior vice president said, “Today’s agreement reaffirms American’s commitment to taking care of all of our customers.”
And again, if they have such a big commitment to “all” of their customers, then why are they a party to this lawsuit; a lawsuit, which if successful will take away the rights of “some” of their customers.
Time Will Tell for ACAA Changes
In the end, time will tell how this lawsuit will end. If the court decides to throw it back in the DOT’s lap to rework things “according to the procedural rules,” then we could see an entirely different version of this ACAA update.
On the other hand, there’s a slim possibility that the court will rule in the DOT’s favor and the regulations will stand as previously released.
Either way, don’t let the PR spins fool you. The plaintiff airlines definitely do not want to see improved access in the air. And that’s something to remember when you choose an airline for your next vacation.
El Capitan, the southern-most point of the Guadalupe Mountains
Named for the mountain range that dominates the landscape, Guadalupe Mountains National Park (www.nps.gov/gumo/) contains the four highest peaks in Texas, and boasts an impressive share of backcountry acreage. If all that sounds a little foreboding for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, then think again.
The park also contains a historic stage stop as well as the ruins of an 1800s ranch — both of which are wheelchair-accessible. They can be easily reached from Highway 62/180, which runs from El Paso to Carlsbad and passes through the southwest section of the park. Not only is Guadalupe Mountains National Park a destination by itself, but it also makes a nice add-on to a Carlsbad Caverns visit. Either way, it’s a good choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who want to explore a bit of southwest history.
Pinery Stage Station
The Pinery Trail in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
The Pinery Visitor Center makes a good first stop in the park. Located just off the highway, there’s accessible parking in front, with barrier-free access to the building. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair around the exhibits and ranger information desk, and level access to the accessible restrooms.
But the real attraction — The Pinery Trail — starts just outside the visitor center and leads over to the site of the former Pinery Stage Station. The paved accessible trail is dotted with benches, while interpretive plaques that detail the desert plants line the walkway.
The trail ends at an interpretive plaque that explains the importance of this one-time stage stop. Built in 1858, the stop was named for a nearby stand of pines, and since it had an abundant water source it was one of the most favored stations along the 2,800-mile mail route from St, Louis to San Francisco. It’s about a .7-mile round trip hike from the visitor center, however if you can’t manage the distance, there’s also a pullout along the highway near the stage stop. Although the Butterfield Overland Mail Coach only operated for a little over two years, it should be noted that it never missed a run — even in adverse weather.
Ruins of the Pinery Stage Station
Frijole Ranch History Museum
Frijole Ranch History Museum
Another must-see in Guadalupe Mountains National Park is the Frijole Ranch site, which is located just up the highway. Accessible parking is located near the accessible vault toilet. And since there are accessible picnic tables in a nearby covered pavilion, this stop is also a good spot for a lunch break.
The accessible Manzanita Spring Trail begins near the parking area, and leads over to the Frijole Ranch History Museum — an open-air exhibit which focuses on the history of this parcel, which was first settled by the Radar brothers in 1876. It was later acquired by the John Thomas Smith family in 1906. They grew apples, peaches, apricots and other fruits, and transported their harvest by wagon to Van Horn — a two-day ride away. The Smith farmhouse still stands, and it’s furnished as it would have been in the early 1900s. The Smith family operated the orchard until 1942, and it later served as a ranger residence, before it was added to the National Register of Historic Sites.
The paved undulating trail continues on past the old farmhouse and ends at Manzanita Spring. It should be noted that there’s a short 15-foot section of the trail that has rocks and dirt along it, from a washout. The good news is, that section is at the beginning of the trail, and if you can make it past that, you won’t have any problems completing the trail. On the other hand, if it’s been repaired, this trail is entirely passable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. All it all, it’s a one-mile round trip hike that offers an interesting look at the farming history of the area.
Manzanita Spring Trail
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Although some welcome access updates to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) were released in December 2024, there’s been a slight glitch in the implementation of these new regulations. It seems that the airlines have commenced legal action to prevent the ACAA updates from being enacted.
The Airlines Argument
These new ACAA updates (https://emerginghorizons.com/2025-air-carrier-access-act-updates/), which were released by the Department of Transportation (DOT) on December 17, 2024, include stricter guidelines for the repair of damaged wheelchairs and improvement of communication with passengers who check their mobility devices. They also include some general regulations for insuring the prompt return of checked wheelchairs, informing passengers of the dimensions of the aircraft hold and generally updating the policies regarding flying with a wheelchair. Collectively they were seen as a huge improvement for wheelchair-users and slow walkers who take to the skies.
But the airlines didn’t exactly share the enthusiasm for these ACAA updates that was generated by the disabled community. In fact, five American airlines — United, American, Delta, JetBlue and Southwest — have filed a petition in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals for a review of the new ACAA updates. Also included as a plaintiff is Airlines for America, an organization that includes the above carriers as well as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Atlas Air. In short, these airlines have asked the court to set aside the new rule because the provisions in it exceeded the DOT’s statutory authority.
Specifically they claim that the rule violates the Administrative Procedure Act. (APA) This act requires a reviewing court to set aside agency actions that are found to be “arbitrary, capricious, an abuse of discretion or otherwise not in accordance with the law”.
Venue Could Make a Difference
I find it interesting that this petition was filed in the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, which is headquartered in New Orleans. The Fifth Circuit includes Louisiana, Texas and Mississippi. Two of the plaintiff airlines — American Airlines and Southwest Airlines — are headquartered in that district. American Airlines home offices are in Fort Worth, while Southwest Airlines calls Dallas home.
On the surface it would seem logical to file in the district where two of the plaintiffs are located. On the other hand, it left me scratching my head a bit because the attorneys are located in New York. And not only is New York located a fair distance from New Orleans, but JetBlue also has its home office in New York. So why didn’t the plaintiff’s attorneys file in New York? It seems like that would be easier for everyone.
Then I looked at the recent court decisions of the Fifth Circuit, and one really stood out. It was another DOT case. On January 28, 2025 the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the DOT failed to comply with the APA in their fare disclosure regulation. That regulation was then remanded back to the DOT so they could make appropriate changes to comply with the law
In other words, the court ruled against the DOT. And if they did that once, then perhaps the attorneys for the plaintiffs were hoping that’s how it would go with this case.
What Happens Next?
Now that the papers have been filed we basically have to wait until the plaintiffs present their case to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. And then the court will either rule that it stands, or it will throw it out; or like in the fare disclosure regulation, it will be sent back to the DOT with instructions to fix it.
Time will only tell. Until then the new ACAA updates are on hold, and because the regulation has been challenged they will not go into effect as previously outlined.
And so we wait. Hopefully this issue will be resolved soon.
Thanks to Friends of Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offers three loaner track chairs for use by wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The Mama Bear Chair and the Baby Bear Chair can be used on the Bay View Trail. The Mama Bear Chair is 24 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 350 pounds; while the Baby Bear Chair is 18 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 300 pounds. The newest track chair, The Platte Bear Chair, is 22 inches wide between the armrests and can carry up to 300 pounds. It can be used on the Platte Plains Trail.
Reservations are required to borrow the Sleeping Bear Dunes track chairs, and they are available Friday through Monday, during the summer season. A waiver of liability must also be signed. Minors are required to be accompanied by an adult. Track chair-users must be able to transfer independently or bring a companion to assist with transfers. After a short orientation a volunteer host will accompany the track chair-user on a hike.
Although it’s possible to snag a wheelchair-accessible taxi at the port in Cozumel, it can be a hit or miss proposition. If you want to make sure you have accessible transportation while you’re in port, then it’s best to book a wheelchair-accessible Cozumel tour through This is Cozumel thisiscozumel.com/tours/packagedetails/cozumel-wheelchair-accessible-tours).
This local tour company has ramped vans with the rear seats removed, so there’s plenty of room for a wheelchair, a scooter, or even two manual wheelchairs. Tours can be customized to individual tastes, and they can include stops at the Hacienda Antiqua Tequila Center, the Discover Mexico Exhibition or an accessible beach bar and restaurant. Along the way knowledgeable English-speaking guides give visitors the low down about the local sights, history and culture. Alternatively, if you’d like to enjoy a beach day, they also offer a wheelchair-accessible beach excursion (thisiscozumel.com/tours/packagedetails/cozumel-accessible-beach-tour).
The tours depart from local hotels, cruise ship piers, or any downtown meeting place. For more information, or to book your wheelchair-accessible Cozumel tour, call (866) 677-0058 or e-mail info@thisiscozumel.com.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
February is the month of love, and many folks celebrate it with a Valentine’s Day romantic retreat with their sweetheart. And although most chain hotels have at least minimal wheelchair access, that can’t always be said for quaint inns, rustic lodges and cozy cabins. With that in mind here’s a selection of some unique wheelchair-accessible picks that will simply wow your sweetie this Valentine’s Day.
Black Bear Inn
The Black Bear Inn in Arnold, California
emerginghorizons.com/sleep-near-the-big-trees-in-calaveras-county/
Located in the logging town of Arnold, this Central California mountain lodge is surrounded by the forest. The accessible Calaveras Suite is furnished with a comfy king-sized bed and includes a spacious bathroom with a roll-in shower. Add in a cozy fireplace in the gathering room and you have the perfect romantic package.
Asilomar
The “Stuck-Up” Inn at Asilomar Conference Center
emerginghorizons.com/escape-to-the-monterey-peninsula/
If you’d prefer a coastal escape, then look no further than Asilomar, which is located near Monterey in Northern California. Two accessible rooms are located in the historic section of this property, and they both include a bathroom with a roll-in shower. It’s not unusual to look out your window to see deer grazing outside; and there’s nothing better than a romantic stroll along the beach on the accessible Dunes Boardwalk.
Jim Bridger Cabins
Rooftop deck on Cabin 2 at the Jim Bridger Explorer Cabins
emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-yellowstone-lodging-at-jim-bridge-explorer-cabins/
Located in the northern gateway to Yellowstone National Park, this small complex of nine cabins includes an accessible unit. It features two bedrooms, a small kitchen and living area, and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. Enjoy s’mores around a nearby fire circle or watch the sunset from the accessible rooftop deck. Or just snuggle up next to the fire inside.
Victoria Inn
Entry to room 15 at the Victoria Inn
emerginghorizons.com/spend-the-night-at-the-murphys-victoria-inn/
This California Gold Country Inn exudes a decidedly old world ambiance. The accessible unit is located a short walk from the main building, and has its own private entrance. It’s furnished with a queen-sized bed and the bathroom includes a 36-inch square transfer-type shower. And there’s a cozy front porch where you can enjoy a glass of wine, before you stroll down Main Street for dinner.
Maumee Bay Cabin
Cabin 17 at Maumee Bay Lodge
emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-maumee-bay-cabin/
This northern Ohio cabin is located a short drive from the main lodge. There’s an accessible bedroom with a king-sized bed downstairs, as well as a bathroom with a roll-in shower. Other features include a spacious deck which overlooks the adjacent marsh, and a large fireplace in the great room. Even better, it offers plenty of privacy for a romantic retreat.
Skamania Lodge Treehouse
Angels Rest Accessible Treehouse Suite at Skamania Lodge, Oregon
emerginghorizons.com/sleep-in-a-wheelchair-accessible-treehouse-at-skamania-lodge/
Last but not least in our Valentine’s Day picks is this romantic treehouse at Skamania Lodge. It’s located in a quiet corner of this Washington property, and it offers ramp access to the front door. Inside, windows line the walls, so you feel surrounded by the forest. It’s furnished with a king-sized bed, and the bathroom includes an oversized roll-in shower. Top it off with a spacious deck and an indoor-outdoor fireplace and you have the perfect romantic retreat. So perfect, that a segment of The Bachelorette was filmed at this property!
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Every time I book a trip these days, it seems that I’m asked if I’d like to purchase travel insurance. Some of the queries are pretty low-key, while others almost border on alarmist, as the perils and possible financial losses that could befall me on my trip are described in graphic detail. Truth be told, if I wasn’t so well traveled, I might be afraid to even venture outside of my own living room after listening to some of the high-pressure doomsday sales pitches.
To be fair though, there are valid reasons for the aggressive travel insurance sales tactics. First and foremost travel agents and providers want happy clients, and if a medical emergency happens and a client loses a lot of money when they have to cancel a trip, then they are not happy. On the other hand if a client is reimbursed for their covered expenses through travel insurance, they are happy campers.
Second, some policies also protect commissions, so agents get paid even if clients cancel. And last but certainly not least, there’s a high commission to be made on most travel insurance policies, so it only makes sense to try and upsell clients.
But do you really need travel insurance?
Well, that depends on many things. There are several types of travel insurance, so in the end it really depends on the type of coverage you need, and your own personal situation. With that in mind, here’s a short primer on the different types of travel insurance, along with a few reasons you may or may not need the coverage.
Trip Cancellation Insurance
Trip cancellation insurance is pretty straightforward. If you have to cancel the trip, you will be reimbursed for any non-refundable deposits and other expenses that result from the cancellation. Typical policies allow for cancellations due to illness, injury, weather and unforeseen disasters. Additionally, you can purchase a “cancel for any reason policy”; which offers comprehensive coverage; however that type of policy usually has to be purchased within 10 to 30 days of your initial deposit. The same is true for policies that cover pre-existing conditions.
Generally speaking, if you or any member of your family has a pre-existing condition or a chronic illness, trip cancellation insurance is prudent. That said, if you just booked a cheapie cruise and can afford to lose the deposit, then you may be ahead of the game to skip the trip cancellation insurance. Many frequent travelers “self-insure” against trip cancellation. In other words, they forego the expensive policies and instead ante up when they do have to cancel a trip. If they only have to cancel one out of every 20 trips, they’re usually still ahead of the game.
Travel Medical Insurance
Travel medical insurance covers medical costs that you incur while away from home – in most cases, at least 100 miles away from home. Typically it pays secondary to your own medical insurance; which means it covers what your personal medical insurance policy doesn’t cover. That said, it’s a good idea to find out what your personal medical plan covers, including if it offers coverage away from home, and outside the US. It’s also important to remember that Medicare does not include coverage outside the US. Some Medicare supplement plans do provide this coverage, so if you plan to travel a lot in your retirement years, then choose a Medicare supplement plan that includes overseas coverage.
It also pays to do a little research and find out if the country you plan to visit has a national healthcare plan. You’ll also need to find out if visitors are covered under that plan. If so, then you’re in good shape. Be diligent in your research though, and don’t just rely on word of mouth.
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to purchase travel medical insurance if you or anyone in your party has a pre-existing condition. And it goes without saying that if your personal medical policy doesn’t extend outside of your home area, then travel medical insurance is also a good idea.
Additionally if you do have a pre-existing condition, make sure it’s not excluded from your travel medical insurance policy. To include pre-existing conditions, travel medical policies usually have to be purchased shortly after you make your initial deposit for the trip. Be sure and also find out what exactly constitutes a pre-existing condition, as sometimes even something as simple as seasonal allergies can disqualify you from coverage if you don’t purchase a policy that includes pre-existing conditions.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
Medical evacuation insurance covers transportation back home if your are injured or have a serious illness while you’re on the road. It should be noted that an air ambulance trip back to the US can cost $50,000 to $100,000; and air ambulance companies expect either an insurance assignment or payment-in-full at the time of service. Suffice it to say that everyone should have this coverage, because you never know when you will need it.
For example, even if you are young and healthy, a simple fall could immobilize you, and require medical evacuation in an air ambulance. I have known several people who’ve had to mortgage their homes in order to pay for air ambulance transportation, so don’t get caught unprotected.
It’s also a good idea to check to see if you have any existing coverage through work, credit cards or other travel companies. For example, I have $25,000 of medical evacuation coverage through my one of my credit cards. The extra coverage is great, but I still carry an annual $100,000 medical evacuation policy, as $25,000 won’t cover a major evacuation. And I get a better deal on my medical evacuation policy since I buy it annually rather than as I book each trip. So start digging and see what hidden benefits you can discover. You may have more coverage than you think.
My Cancellations — And Their Costs
Although I carry medical evacuation insurance, I’m in the “self-insured” group as far as trip cancellation insurance goes. In my almost 50 years as a travel writer. I’ve only cancelled my trips a handful of times. I’ve traveled while I was sick, broke my foot, and a few days after my mother passed away. This was mostly because I had to, and if I had been a leisure traveler it might have been different.
I did have to cancel a personal trip to see family once, but Delta Airlines waived my cancellation penalty because it was due to a major hurricane. That’s not unusual. The same thing happened when I was stuck in London after 9/11 – British Airways waived all cancellation and change fees. So even though trip cancellation policies insure against these perils, in many cases when there’s a big weather issue or a major disaster, most airlines step up and waive their penalties.
And after COVID shut down virtually all travel, my trip to China (Wuhan) was cancelled. I lost about $300 on that, but considering the number of trips I’ve taken, I was still ahead of the game by not buying travel cancellation insurance. Of course this may be different if you only travel once or twice a year, and you have to cancel because of sickness, a death in the family or a lost job.
As far as travel medical insurance goes, outside of being treated for cholera by a medicine man in the highlands of Thailand, I’ve never needed medical attention out of the country. That said I’m fairly healthy and I don’t have any pre-existing conditions. And I do have international medical coverage through my personal health insurance policy.
So What’s a Traveler to Do?
Of course, all travelers are different, and what works for me, might not necessarily work for you. The best thing to do is to first check with your bank, credit union, auto club and credit card companies to see if they provide any type of travel insurance as a member benefit. Once you know what you already have, you can begin shopping for additional coverage.
The best way to shop for travel insurance is to contact your insurance agent. A reputable insurance agent can point out the pros and cons of different offerings, and help you find a policy that meets your needs. Insurance agents also offer annual policies that are much more affordable than per-trip policies; in fact, you may be able to get yearly coverage for all of your trips, for less than you’d pay for single trip coverage through a travel professional.
Additionally, once you have coverage be sure to carry the insurance cards and other documentation with you. You should also know who to contact in an emergency. Some plans require that you contact them when you are hospitalized overseas, while others require relatively little paperwork. Even if you have travel coverage, if you don’t know how to use it, you still could be left out in the cold. So become an educated consumer, do your research and have a plan of action in place, in case you become injured or fall ill on the road.
Barrier-Free Travel 22 Accessible Road Trips for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
The annual return of the bald eagles to Carson Valley is once again upon us; and with it comes the four-day extravaganza known as Eagles and Agriculture (www.carsonvalleynv.org/eagles-ag). Hosted by the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce, the 2025 festival will run from February 6 to February 9. During this time attendees can get a closer look at the raptors, enjoy some great nature photography, and learn a little be more about our national bird.
Bald Eagle Festivities
The festival kicks off with the Opening Reception on Thursday evening. Held in the CVIC Hall in Minden, this event features barrier-free access throughout the venue. The reception includes a display of images shot by local wildlife photographers, and also features a number of falconers with their birds. It’s a good opportunity to get a close look at these elusive raptors. Heavy Hors d’oeuvres are served during the reception, and a cash bar is also available.
The Friday evening Falconers Dinner is another popular event. It’s held at the Carson Valley Inn, which has good access for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. This fun evening includes a sit-down dinner and a keynote agriculture-related speaker. And the falconers also make a return appearance with their birds, only this time they’ll be on stage. A variety of conservation exhibits are also featured at this educational and enjoyable event.
Bald Eagles in the Wild
Don’t forget to save some time to check out the eagles in the wild while you’re in the area. State Route 88 is a popular eagle viewing location for wheelchair-users and slow walkers, as you can just pull over and see the birds from your own vehicle. Cattle placentas are the big attractant — and food source — for the eagles in this area. And since the bovine there give birth from December to February, this rural stretch of highway is a “can’t miss” winter eagle viewing location.
Another good place for wheelchair-users and slow walkers to spot bald eagles is at River Fork Ranch (www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/river-fork-ranch) — a combination nature preserve and working cattle ranch. Located off Highway 206 in Genoa, this 800 acre parcel boasts a patchwork of pastures, meadows and wetlands.
Whit Hill Interpretive Center at River Fork RanchThe trail near the Whit Hill Interpretive Center
There’s accessible parking next to the Whit Hill Interpretive Center, and ramp access up to the porch. Even if the interpretive center is closed, the large wrap-around porch is an excellent vantage point for spotting the eagles in the nearby pastures. Alternatively, the .75-mile trail that begins near the back deck may work for some folks. The trail is fairly level, but there are more than a few bumps along the way; and at times it’s only two-feet wide. Still it may work for some slow walkers, and you can always turn around if it’s too much for you.
View along the trail near the Whit Hill Interpretive Center
A Little Local History
Of course, bald eagle watching is only the tip of the iceberg in Carson Valley, so take some time to learn a bit about the local history during your visit. And the best place to do that is at the Carson Valley Museum and Cultural Center (www.historicnv.org) in Genoa. Housed in the 1915 former high school, the museum features accessible parking, a level back entrance and elevator access to the second floor.
Exhibits include a mock-up of a typical Basque sheepherder camp, complete with the tools of the trade and the ever present sheep dog. Other installations highlight the wild mustangs found in the area, Kit Carson — the valley’s namesake — and the native Washoe tribe. Top it off with a stroll down a Main Street of yesteryear, complete with an old time barbershop, mercantile and dress shop, and you’ll come away with a real appreciation for the history of the area.
For another taste of history, as well as a substantial meal, head on down the street to the J.T. Basque Bar & Dining Room (jtbasquenv.com). There’s accessible parking on the right side of the building — which was moved from Virginia City in 1896 — and ramp access up to the front door.
Over the years this classic Victorian building has served as a bar, a hotel and a dining room; and in keeping with tradition, today it offers up the same family-style meals that were once a staple of the local sheepherders and farm hands. Be sure and bring your appetite though, as a typical lunch or dinner includes an entrée with all you can eat soup, salad, stew, beans, French fries, and even a bottle of red wine. And if you have room for it, ice cream is available for dessert.
Spend the Night
Located along the main drag in Minden the Carson Valley Inn (carsonvalleyinn.com) is an excellent — and accessible — place to overnight. There’s accessible parking near the door, with ramp access up to this 149-room casino property through automatic doors. Inside there’s barrier-free access around the lobby, and over to the lowered front desk.
Room 131 features wide doorways, a lowered peephole, lever handles, low-pile carpet and good pathway access. It’s furnished with a 25-inch high open-frame king-sized bed with wheelchair access on both sides, two night stands, a chest of drawers, a desk with a chair, a refrigerator, and a table with two chairs.
Room 131 at the Carson Valley Inn
The bathroom has a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a portable shower chair. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated), and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink.
Bathroom in Room 131 at the Carson Valley Inn
The Carson Valley Inn also has wheelchair-accessible rooms with tub/shower combinations. Additionally, toilet risers and tub chairs are available for any room.
There’s good access to all the public areas of the property including the business center, CV Steak and Katie’s Country Kitchen. Best of all, it’s located right next door to the casino, which also features ramp access. It’s the perfect place to stay for a Carson Valley eagle watching adventure.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
