Road trips are an excellent vacation choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. They offer the freedom to motor through the countryside at your own pace, and stop whenever you want. There’s no tour group to keep up with, no mandatory stops at oddball attractions, and no worries about personality conflicts with other tour participants. You can go wherever you want, and do whatever you choose on a road trip. Additionally, road trips are a great way to explore small towns that are often overlooked on large group tours. Of course road tips require some serious planning and advance research, so here are some tips to help you plan a wheelchair accessible road trip (emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-road-trip-tips/)
Half the fun of a road trip is stopping at quirky roadside attractions along the way. It’s a great way to take a break, get off the highway and get some fresh air. And although you’ll probably not find these fun and funky stops splattered across the pages of high end travel magazines, they are all great spots to take a break and enjoy the local color. So here’s a fun assortment of wheelchair-accessible roadside attractions to consider for your next getaway.
Road trips are an excellent vacation choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Not only can you take things at your own pace on a road trip, but you can also map out a custom itinerary that includes accessible attractions, rest stops and lodging choices. Plus you can pack along all of your equipment, and you don’t have to worry about wheelchair damage by airline baggage handlers.
Additionally, a wheelchair-accessible road trip is are a great way to explore small towns that are often overlooked on large group tours. And although some small towns may lack accessible facilities, that’s not the case across the board. With that in mind, here are 36 towns across America that have wheelchair accessible lodgings, attractions and even trails. Some are along less traveled byways, some are near national parks, and some are located on popular road trip routes; however they’re all worthy of consideration on your next road trip adventure. So add them to your itinerary on your next wheelchair-accessible road trip.
The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which has been on the books since 1986, details what services US airlines must provide to disabled passengers. These regulations also cover foreign air carriers that fly routes to and from the US. Although it’s a good idea to read the regulations in their entirety at www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382, there are a few key provisions that every traveler should note. With that in mind, I’ve created a Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights, which highlights those provisions.
Of course, sometimes there’s a big difference between the regulations that dictate what should happen, and what actually happens in real life. With that in mind, not only have I pointed out some possible air travel “realities”, but I’ve also included some helpful tips and tricks about how to remedy access missteps that could pop up along the way. And for your reference, I’ve also noted the specific parts of the ACAA that convey each right.
1. You Have the Right to Curbside Wheelchair Assistance
Curbside wheelchair assistance tops the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights. Some airports are huge, and slow walkers who use a cane or walker literally can’t manage the distance. Under § 382.91 of the ACAA, airlines are required to provide wheelchair assistance from the terminal entrance (or vehicle drop-off point) to the gate. Not only must they provide a wheelchair, but they must also provide someone to push that wheelchair and offer luggage assistance.
The reality of the situation is that sometimes this just doesn’t happen, even when you make advance arrangements. So what should you do if you are left stranded at the curb? The solution to this dilemma actually starts before the trip. Contact the airline prior to your departure and ask for the local number of the airline. Then put it in your cell phone so you have it handy if the airport wheelchair is a no-show. That way you won’t have to spend precious moments on hold and be forced to navigate through endless prompts, in order to get assistance.
And when all else fails call the airline out on social media. This shouldn’t be your initial response, but when your requests for assistance go unanswered, it’s sometimes the fastest way to get results.
Additionally, when you get to your gate don’t let them take the wheelchair away, even if you can easily make it down the jetbridge to the aircraft. The reason for this is that if there’s a gate change – which isn’t uncommon – you will need a wheelchair to get to your new gate. If they take that airport wheelchair away, you will be stranded. And sometimes that new gate can be quite a hike from the original gate.
2. You Have the Right to Remain in Your Own Wheelchair to the Aircraft Door
This is called gate checking your wheelchair and it’s absolutely something that you want to do. Why? First and foremost you will be more comfortable in your own wheelchair. Additionally, the less time the airline has your wheelchair, the less time they have to damage or misplace it. And under the ACAA US carriers are required to gate check wheelchairs whenever possible.
Of course the reality is that not everybody can stay in their own wheelchair all the way to the gate. In order to gate check your wheelchair it must have non-spillable batteries. If your wheelchair has spillable batteries you must arrive one hour earlier, surrender your wheelchair at check-in and then transfer to an airport wheelchair.
If your assistive device has Li-ion batteries, you may be able to stay in it all the way to the gate. Airlines are allowed to – but not required to – accept assistive devices with Li-ion batteries. And all the airlines have different requirements for the packaging, labeling and transport of these batteries.
Bottom line – know your battery, and travel with a non-spillable battery if at all possible. And contact the airlines directly to find out about their requirements or restrictions on Li-ion batteries. Finally, consult § 382.125 of the ACAA to find out the specifics of this provision.
3. You Have the Right to Preboard the Aircraft
Next up on the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights — preboarding. Under § 382.93 of the ACAA, airlines must offer preboarding to disabled passengers who request this service. Preboarding simply means that you board the aircraft before general boarding is announced.
There are several advantages to preboarding. First and foremost, you can take your time going down the jetway, and you don’t have to worry about being trampled or crowded by other passengers. Additionally, you’ll get first crack at overhead storage space, and people won’t be staring at you as you transfer to your seat. Finally, if your seat doesn’t have a flip-up armrest (it happens), the flight attendant can easily reseat you before the other passengers board.
The reality of the situation is that many airlines no longer make preboarding announcements. And under the ACAA, they aren’t required to announce preboarding, they are just required to offer it. With that in mind, make sure and arrive at your gate early, and tell the gate agent that you need to preboard the aircraft. Then — and this is the important part — make yourself very visible at the gate. Do not wander away. Out of sight is out of mind, and you certainly don’t want the gate agent to forget you.
4. You Have the Right to a Dignified Boarding
A very important facet of the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights is the right to a dignified boarding. A dignified boarding is either a level boarding or access to the aircraft by a lift. Under § 382.101 of the ACAA, US airline employees are never allowed to hand carry disabled passengers on board the aircraft.
Accessible boarding — either by a level jetway or a lift — is required on aircraft with 19 or more seats at US airports. Most larger airports have jetbridges, so you can just roll on the aircraft. At airports without jetbridges passengers deplane directly to the tarmac, via a portable stairway. At these airports, lift boarding is required if the airport has more than 10,000 enplanements (passengers) per year.
And although these boarding requirements also apply to foreign carriers that land in the US, it’s not a requirement at foreign airports. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to inquire about your boarding and deplaning options before you buy your ticket, especially on international flights. Additionally, don’t forget to ask about the weight limit of the lift if the airport doesn’t have jetways.
Also keep in mind, planes may enplane or deplane directly on the tarmac, even if the airport has jetbridges. This is usually a traffic issue, and it’s not uncommon at large airports. When this happens passengers deplane directly to the tarmac and are then bussed to the gate. If this is a possibility, it’s important to not only inquire about the availability of a lift, but also of an accessible bus.
5. You Have the Right to Appropriate Seating
Seating is another important topic addressed in the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights. To be honest, there’s a lot of confusion about what type of seating is required for wheelchair-users. Under § 382.61 of the ACAA, US aircraft with more than 30 seats must have movable armrests on at least half the seats. These flip-up armrests make transfers from the aisle chair a bit easier, and they are the only seating accommodation required for wheelchair-users.
That said, airlines cannot require a wheelchair-user to sit in a window seat or bar them from occupying an aisle seat. They can however prohibit a disabled passenger from sitting in an exit row.
Seating is further addressed in § 382.81 of the ACAA, which states that passengers with a fused leg or those who travel with a service animal are guaranteed bulkhead seating. It doesn’t require bulkhead seating for wheelchair-users or slow walkers. And if you qualify for bulkhead seating, it’s important to note that they do not have flip-up armrests.
The good news is, even though bulkhead seating is not required for wheelchair-users under the ACAA, many airlines routinely set aside these seats for any disabled passenger. Check with the carrier about their bulkhead seating policy if this is an accommodation you need. If they can accommodate you, great. If not keep checking until you find an airline that can. It’s also a good idea to check for airlines that offer open seating; because if you preboard you’ll have first pick of seats.
6. You Have the Right to Onboard Wheelchair Stowage on Most Aircraft
According to § 382.67 of the ACAA, US airlines must provide one priority wheelchair stowage space on aircraft with 100 or more seats.
This area must be at least 13 inches by 36 inches by 42 inches, which is deemed large enough to store a typical adult-sized wheelchair without having to remove the wheels. Although this space is usually located in the onboard closet, airlines can also strap a wheelchair to a row of seats. If the onboard wheelchair stowage space is in the closet, a sign must also be installed indicating that assistive devices stowed in this area get priority over all other items, including crew luggage.
The one thing to remember is that there is only one wheelchair stowage space per aircraft, and in order to use it you must preboard. So that’s one more reason to arrive at the gate early and take advantage of preboarding.
§ 382.123 of the ACAA also states that airline personnel are required to move other items — including crew luggage — in order to make room for a passenger’s wheelchair. Of course this doesn’t always happen, and sometimes the crew is reluctant to move their luggage. It’s a good idea to print out this section of the ACAA and take it with you in case that happens. And if that doesn’t work, then you’ll just have to enlist the assistance of the CRO (see #10 below).
7. You Have the Right to Fly
A very important tenet of the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights – airlines cannot deny you passage just because you are disabled. This is detailed in § 382.19 of the ACAA.
And although the airlines cannot deny disabled passengers passage, they can require them to travel with a safety assistant if they feel that they are unable to assist with their own emergency evacuation. That said the the only duty that a safety assistant has is to assist a disabled passenger in an emergency. And anybody – even someone you don’t know – can be a safety assistant. This is detailed in § 382.29 of the ACAA.
So if the gate agent says you can’t fly unaccompanied, all you have to do is ask another passenger to act as your safety assistant. Problem solved. Unfortunately not all gate agents know the law, so it’s a good idea print out this section of the regulations.
And if you have to, contact the CRO (see #10 below).
8. You Have the Right to Relieve Yourself on a Flight When Nature Calls
According to § 382.63 of the ACAA, accessible lavatories are required on all post-1992 US wide body aircraft. And if the aircraft has an accessible lavatory, it is also required to carry an on-board wheelchair.
The reality of the situation is that there are minimal requirements for an accessible lavatory. Basically they have to be big enough to accommodate the onboard wheelchair, and they must include an accessible call button, grab bars and faucets. There are no provisions for enough space for a caregiver or a transfer, so many folks can’t realistically use “accessible” airline lavatories. And again, they are only required on wide body (twin aisle) aircraft.
The good news is, that a revision of the ACAA to require accessible lavatories in single aisle aircraft is currently underway. Unfortunately the timeline for implementation is painfully slow, and if adopted as written, full implementation is at least 45 years away
For now, if you need a large lavatory, look to the newer wide body jets. Specifically, the 787 Dreamliner has a very spacious accessible lavatory. Also the newer Airbus 320 models have large space-flex accessible lavatories. Both of these models have plenty of room for both a wheelchair-user and a caregiver.
And last but not least, if you will need the on-board wheelchair during the flight, ask the flight attendant to check and make sure it’s on the aircraft before takeoff. Sometimes they get offloaded and aren’t promptly replaced. And you don’t want to find this out in the middle of your flight.
9. You Have the Right to Compensation for Wheelchair Damage
Unfortunately wheelchair damage is sometimes a reality of air travel. § 382.131 of the ACAA addresses compensation for wheelchair damage.
On domestic flights (within the US), the airline liability limit for damaged assistive devices is the purchase price — not the replacement cost — of the item. And on international flights the airline liability limit for damaged assistive devices is covered under the Warsaw Convention ($25.29/kilo) or the Montreal Convention ($1731 limit).
So, if you have an older wheelchair, that costs more to replace today, you’ll be responsible for the difference. You’ll only be reimbursed for the original purchase price on domestic flights.
Although this coverage is limited, there are some steps you can take before your flight to make sure you will be adequately compensated. First and foremost, you should determine how much it would cost to replace your assistive device. Then check your homeowners insurance to see how much — if any — coverage you may have. Most policies cover personal property even when it leaves your residence; however some policies exclude assistive devices. And if your policy isn’t clear on this matter, call your agent for the most authoritative answer.
If you find that you don’t have any homeowners coverage, then shop around for a high deductible travel and baggage insurance that includes assistive devices. Again, it’s good to talk to a live person to make sure that you get adequate coverage. And make sure you get it in writing — don’t just rely on a random phone conversation.
10. You Have the Right to Have Your Disability-Related Complaint Addressed
This is perhaps one of the most important aspects of the Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights, as it offers an avenue to problem resolution. All US airlines and foreign airlines that fly to and from the US are required to have a Complaints Resolution Official (CRO) on duty during operating hours. This person knows the law and is specifically trained to solve access related problems. This provision is included in §382.151 of the ACAA.
The reality of the situation is that not all airline employees are acquainted with the CRO or the disability complaint process. They are also sometimes not even aware of the ACAA. This is especially true of new hires.
So whenever you run into a wall on an access-related issue, always ask to speak to the CRO. If the employee you are dealing with does not know who or what the CRO is, then ask to speak to a supervisor. They are well aware of CRO duties, and they may even be a CRO; as it’s not uncommon for the airlines to have more than one CRO on duty at a time.
It’s also a good idea to bookmark the ACAA, so you can point out the law if you feel you are being mistreated.
Of course the goal of the CRO is to solve the problem on the spot, but if that doesn’t happen you can most certainly follow up when you return home. You can file an access related complaint directly with the airline within 45 days of your flight.
Additional Recourse For ACAA Violations
Even if you have already filed a complaint with the airline, you can also file a complaint with the Department of Transportation (DOT) for ACAA violations when you get home. This most likely won’t result in a solution to your specific problem, but the DOT has the authority to fine airlines for access shortfalls. And that usually results in better policies and procedures for passengers with disabilities.
When I first started writing about wheelchair-accessible travel some 30 years ago, I was definitely the odd duck in the pond. I remember approaching tourism reps and explaining my niche — travel for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Usually the response was a polite smile, a nod, a deafening silence or the ever so popular, “we have accessible restrooms in our visitor center” reply.
While I certainly don’t long for those days, it seems that things have come full circle today, and now wheelchair-accessible travel is the cool niche. Diversity is “in”. And although this visibility is a good thing, it’s a double-edged sword. Everyone wants accessible travel content, but the majority of folks don’t want to take the time to appropriately research it, which unfortunately has led to a glut of misinformation. And the internet has made it easy to cobble together articles by cherry picking “facts” from online “resources” that may or may not have been properly researched.
So how do you separate the wheat from the chaff as far as reliable and accurate wheelchair-accessible travel content is concerned? Truth be told there’s not one sure-fire test, but here are a few tips that will help you weed out those poorly researched pieces — ones in which the writers have never actually visited the destinations in question — and direct you to the more useful and accurate access resources.
In this day and age of outsourcing tasks, writing is no different. In fact there are many sites online that offer custom content for as little as $5. And to be honest, who can blame people for going the economical route when getting content for a website? The thing is, you get what you pay for, and in many cases this content is being crafted by folks who speak very little English, and just put their finished work through an on-line translator. And of course, for $5 their research is almost non-existent.
And with the increased usage of Artificial Intelligence to craft articles, credible content is getting harder and harder to find. So, if you start to read an article that makes little sense, keeps repeating the same thing in different ways, or begins to sound like those e-mails that you receive from that Nigerian prince who wants to give you millions, chances are the content is not well researched.
Shower at the Little River Inn, Mendocino County, California
There’s just no way to get around this requirement. That said, all photos are not created equal, as far as website usage is concerned. Be clear, I’m not talking about quality here, but instead photo content. Be wary of wheelchair-accessible travel articles that only show the beautiful glossy tourism photos, and have no specific access photos.
For example, if an article talks about an accessible hotel, but includes a photo of the well manicured gardens under the hotel sign, but fails to feature any photos of the accessible rooms, that’s a huge tip-off that the writer has never been in the accessible room. Chances are they are getting their access information second-hand, which in most cases is incorrect, or at the very least inaccurate. Look for photos that accurately depict access.
Candy enjoys a Moroccotini at the El Morocco in Desert Hot Springs, California
Although the jury is still out on whether you actually have to visit a destination to write a general travel article about it, there is absolutely no way you can pen a wheelchair-accessible travel piece without a site visit. Unfortunately some people are taking shortcuts and gleaning information from online sites and putting it into their accessible travel articles — all without ever leaving their desk. This of course leads to a lot of misinformation, and then that content is subsequently copied by others and repurposed into more inaccurate articles. It’s a vicious cycle.
So how do you tell if a writer has been to a destination? Well some folks just come right out and tell you, while others weave it subtly into their narrative. And then some folks tell it with detailed photos or stories about their trips. Beware of any article that reads like a travel brochure and gives absolutely no indication that the writer ever visited the destination. Also watch out for articles that continually quote websites — “xyz.com says that the Acme Hotel has accessible rooms with roll-in showers” — as that sometimes indicates the writer has not visited the destination to check out the access first-hand.
And then there are the influencers, who are paid to promote specific destinations. Some influencers present honest reviews, while others just praise destinations and post photos of themself frolicking on the beach in a designer outfit with perfectly coiffed hair. Be wary of any article that paints a picture of a “perfect” destination, without at least taking some of the drawbacks or access shortfalls into consideration. There is no one destination that’s perfect for everyone.
Covering wheelchair-accessible travel is not as easy as it looks — trust me on this one. Not only do you have to do site inspections, but you have to know what to look for. There’s no shortage of places that I’ve visited that claimed to be wheelchair-accessible, but instead had one or two steps at the entrances. And let’s not even talk about the B&B that had two two-by-fours as an entrance ramp. Suffice it to say that if an article only says that a place is wheelchair-accessible, but gives no other concrete access details, chances are either the writer has not visited the place, or they have absolutely no idea about the access needs of wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And remember, everyone’s access needs are different.
Bathroom at the Olea Hotel in Glen Ellen, California
If an article gives little more than the catch phrase “ADA compliant” as the entire access description for a hotel, chances are the writer didn’t visit the property. Additionally, since the average traveler has no idea of the actual ADAAG regulations (https://www.access-board.gov/ada/), that phrase is pretty meaningless. For example, let’s say you are looking for a hotel with a roll-in shower and you read in an article that a certain hotel is “ADA compliant”. Chances are you’d probably assume that hotel has a roll-in shower — and that assumption might be incorrect. According to the ADAAG, only hotels with over 50 rooms are required to have accessible rooms with roll-in showers; so if the hotel only had 45 rooms that “ADA compliant” property would probably only have accessible rooms with tub/shower combinations. And a detailed access description — instead of a short catch phrase — would have clarified that fact.
Don’t automatically rule out an article that includes archaic — by US standards — terminology, like “handicapped” and “infirmed”. Although it would tend to show a lack of understanding if these words were used by someone in the US, they are the norm in some developing countries. Look beyond the words for a true understanding of access issues.
For example if the article assumes that all wheelchair-users can walk and that one or two steps won’t be a problem, then that person does not understand the realities of life in a wheelchair. Moreover, that lack of understanding will most likely result in an inappropriate evaluation of the access. On the other hand, if you find an article by someone who doesn’t quite get the language right, but still has a good understanding of access needs, it may actually provide some important access information on a less-touristed region of the world.
Accessible Red Bus in Glacier National Park, Montana
In order to evaluate access, you need to look at the big picture. Be cautious of destination articles that don’t include access information about ancillary services, such as public transportation. If the author has traveled to the area, they most certainly know about the availability of accessible public transportation, and understand the importance of including this detail in the article.
I’ve seen many an accessible travel article filled with flowery prose, about areas that I know have no accessible public transportation. The authors mention the sandy beaches and gorgeous sunsets, yet fail to acknowledge there is no accessible way to get from the airport to the hotel. Conversely, watch out for articles that claim a destination is accessible because it has an accessible bus system, yet lacks any concrete access details about lodging or attractions.
Finally be wary of roundup articles and listicles. These short pieces are all the rage with editors today, and most have a catchy title like “25 of the Best places to X”. Although they are fun to read, they generally contain very little substantive information; as the writer usually didn’t visit the destinations.
Instead these articles are filled with access information gleaned from the internet and combined with flowery prose from tourist brochures. That said, some legitimate travel writers — myself included — sometimes pen roundup pieces that contain useful access information. In the end, the key is in the access details — look for them. If they are missing or glossed over, that article is probably chock full of misinformation.
I recently ran into an old friend at the grocery store, and as old friends do, we spent a few minutes excitedly catching up with one another. I told Christy about my upcoming book projects, Charles’ battle with Dupuytren’s and the new additions to our flock; while she updated me about her now-teen daughters, her husband’s new job and her growing catering business.
As we were saying our good-byes she added, “Oh yeah, I’m a travel agent now. I signed up last week. I write a travel blog, and people always ask me for advice, so I figured I may as well get paid to help them out now. I might even venture into disabled travel, and if I do I’ll hit you up for advice on that for sure. Catch ya later.” As Christy walked away I just stood there in a state of shock. I mean, how much travel agent training could she get in a week?
I have a number of good friends who have been travel agents for well over 40 years, and I know how hard they work, and how much training they have. Is it really possible for Christy to just sign on the dotted line and become a travel agent – with absolutely no training? This especially concerned me because of her comment about accessible travel – a growing travel niche for sure. So I decided to do a little digging to find more about travel agent training.
For a little primer on travel agent training. I had several discussions with long-time travel agents — those with several decades of experience under their belts. These folks are not only intimately familiar with all aspects of the business side of things, but they are also well versed in the training that new agents may or may not receive.
First and foremost, there’s no national licensing or training requirement for travel agents in the U.S. That said, some states require travel agents to post a surety bond or obtain a sellers permit in order to do business in that state. There are however several business models for travel agents.
The most common business model is an agency owner, who can have independent contractors working for them. In this case the agency, often called a host agency, trains the contracted agents and sometimes provides them with errors and omissions insurance. The independent agents book clients through the host agency and the host agency pays them a commission. A big advantage to this business model is that the host agency has agreements with preferred suppliers and consortiums, who offer extra perks for the agency’s clients. The downside is that the agent training really depends on the host agency – some provide a good deal of training, while others offer minimal support.
Another business model — the employer travel agency model — is much like the independent contractor model. The big difference is that employer travel agents are paid a flat wage and are subject to agency rules and oversight. Like the host agency the employer agency also has agreements with preferred suppliers and usually provides ongoing training to their agents. Examples of employer travel agencies are American Express and AAA.
Another business model is where experienced travel agents buy into a national franchise. It’s not a cheap investment, so these travel agents — now franchise owners — are usually committed to providing their clients with a high standard of service. Like the host agency business model, franchise owners also have access to preferred suppliers for extra client perks. The other advantage to this model is that the franchise owners benefit from the name brand and advertising reach of the national franchise. Some examples of franchises are Cruise Planners and Dream Vacations (formerly Cruise One). Generally speaking franchise owners undergo a large amount of travel agent training.
At the bottom of the food chain in travel agent land is the Multi Level Marketing (MLM) business model. In order to join a MLM, you need to fill out a few forms and pay a fee. Travel agents in this business model receive minimal training — usually in the form of webinars — and in fact their main focus is on building their downline (recruiting more agents) or earning prizes and free trips instead of actively booking travel.
The MLMs recruit new agents by promising free or discounted travel, and in some cases the agents don’t even actively seek out clients. And as my experienced travel agent friends told me, many long time travel agents feel that the MLM agents give them a bad name, because of their narrow focus, little experience and lack of real training.
Travel Agent Training and Professional Memberships
Although there’s no license required to become a travel agent, there are a number of training courses and designations that give travel professionals the extra knowledge and expertise needed to deal with a wide variety of travel-related issues.
At the top of the list are the Certified Travel Associate (CTA), Certified Travel Counselor (CTC) and Certified Travel Industry Executive (CTIE) designations available through the Travel Institute. Although any travel agent can become a rank-and-file member of the Travel Institute and take advantage of their continuing education webinars, travel agents are required to have at least one year of experience in order to attain CTA status. CTC and CTIE designations require at least five years experience in the industry. All of the designations require a significant time and financial investment. In short, if your travel agent has any of these designations, you know you are dealing with a seasoned professional.
Many travel agents also boast about their memberships in trade associations such as the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA). These trade associations are open to both both independent contractor and employee travel agents. CLIA requires members to generate at least $5000 in commissions every year, and offers a number of advanced designations, from Certified Cruise Counselor to Elite Cruise Counselor. ASTA Membership, on the other hand, is open to any travel agent who is an employee or independent contractor for an employer agency or host agency who is ASTA member.
At the bottom of the travel agent credential list are certifications from destinations, tourist boards, resorts and cruise lines. Agents can obtain these by attending short informational presentations or longer webinars, training sessions and multi-day conferences. And although product knowledge is good thing, be wary of agents that are “specialists” in everything.
In the end, certifications and professional memberships can be key elements in travel agent training. That said, dedication, professionalism and product knowledge also come into play. Just because you like to travel doesn’t mean you can just pop into a travel agency, sign on the dotted line, and magically be transformed into a competent travel agent. In short, it’s a package deal – hard work, the right certifications and ongoing training will yield the desired outcome. That said, it’s more than an alphabet soup of professional initials on a business card – it’s also about how travel agents conduct their business. With that in mind, here are a few ways to spot a real pro.
First off, your prospective travel agent should ask a lot of questions – about your travel style, budget and general expectations. In travel-agent parlance this is known as “qualifying” a client, and it’s essential, so that clients get what they want, not what the travel agent happens to personally like. This is one thing that legitimate travel agents do, as they realize that the same vacation isn’t right for anybody.
This is especially important for accessible travel, as it’s not a cookie-cutter niche. All disabilities are not alike, and even individuals that have the same disability may have different access needs. For example, one power wheelchair-user may require a roll-in shower, while another person with the exact same disability may need a tub/shower combination with a shower chair. Qualifying a client with a disability takes even longer, because the agent needs to ask a lot of access-related – and sometimes personal – questions. If your prospective travel agent doesn’t spend much time on this, then you are perhaps dealing with someone who lacks the appropriate training.
Destination knowledge also factors into the travel agent training process, and this knowledge comes with experience and repetition. After all, when you book one type of travel day-in and day-out you learn the top attractions, the preferred suppliers and insider secrets. So it only goes to follow that an agency that specializes in a particular type of travel probably has better trained agents than an agency that has no specialty.
Again, that’s because these agents book the same type of travel again and again, and this repetition helps when it comes to training new agents. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to ask a prospective travel agent about their experience with booking your preferred type of travel. Going one step further, it wouldn’t be out of line to ask a prospective cruise agent how many cruises they have taken. After all, a good travel agent should be intimately familiar with their product.
Last, but certainly not least, longevity in the business is also the sign of a real professional, as that experience builds good connections that give clients better offerings. Longevity leads to a large network, and it also leads to knowing what to do – and who to contact – when things go wrong. The real professionals don’t tweet about lost luggage or a delayed flight – they know who to contact on the inside to remedy that problem. And that only comes with experience.
Bottom Line – a properly trained and experienced travel agent can help you find a vacation that suits your tastes, budget and access needs; so make sure and take the time to fully research any travel professional, before you sign on the dotted line.
Road trips are an excellent vacation choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. They offer the freedom to motor through the countryside at your own pace, and stop whenever you want. There’s no tour group to keep up with, no mandatory stops at oddball attractions, and no worries about personality conflicts with other tour participants. You can go wherever you want, and do whatever you choose on a road trip. Additionally, road trips are a great way to explore small towns that are often overlooked on large group tours. Of course road tips require some serious planning and advance research, so here are some tips to help you plan a wheelchair accessible road trip (emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-road-trip-tips/)
