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misinformation

Accessible Travel Misinformation — Don’t Believe Everything You Read Online!

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With the evolution of the internet, information is just a few keystrokes away. On the other hand, some of that information is a far cry from accurate. This is especially true where accessible travel is concerned. Unfortunately with the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) the credibility of online information has greatly decreased, and a glut of accessible travel misinformation has surfaced. With that in mind, here are some accessible travel misinformation tidbits recently found online; followed by the true facts, and topped off with a handful of accessible travel resources.

Accessible Travel Misinformation — Air Travel

Misinformation: The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is the law that covers air travel for disabled passengers.

Truth: The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA), which actually predates the ADA, covers airline and aircraft accessibility on US airlines and on foreign airlines on flights to and from the US. The ADA does not cover airline access.

Resource: Air Carrier Access Act www.ecfr.gov/current/title-14/chapter-II/subchapter-D/part-382

Misinformation: You will get upgraded to first class when you fly if you have a disability.

Truth: Although coach seats may not have enough room for many wheelchair-users, upgrades are few and far between these days. It never hurts to ask for an upgrade, but don’t expect one unless you are a top tier frequent flyer. Occasionally wheelchair-users get upgraded, but it’s far from the norm.

Resource: Flying With a Wheelchair — Air Travel Tips and More emerginghorizons.com/flying-with-a-wheelchair-air-travel-tips-and-more/

Misinformation: Wheelchair-users are guaranteed bulkhead seating on airplanes.

Truth: Under the ACAA, people with a fused leg and those who travel with a service animal are the only passengers guaranteed bulkhead seating. On the other hand, some air carriers voluntarily block bulkhead seats for wheelchair-users; so check around and then deal with the air carriers that can best meet your seating needs.

Resource: Disabled Air Travelers Bill of Rights emerginghorizons.com/the-disabled-air-travelers-bill-of-rights/

Accessible Travel Misinformation – Hotels

Misinformation: You don’t need to make advance arrangements for accessible rooms.

Truth: Well you don’t need to make reservations for any hotel room; however that doesn’t mean there will be a room available when you arrive. The same holds true for accessible rooms. The only way to ensure your room will have the access features you need, is to make an advance reservation. In practice, only a small portion of hotel rooms have access features.

Resource: How to Tell if You’re Really in a Wheelchair-Accessible Room emerginghorizons.com/how-to-tell-if-youre-really-in-a-wheelchair-accessible-hotel-room/

Misinformation: Making a reservation at a property assures you that the accessible room will be there when you arrive, because you have guaranteed it with your credit card.

Truth: Guaranteeing a room with your credit card only locks in a specific rate. Blocking a room sets aside a specific room for a specific guest on a specific date. All accessible rooms in the US are required to be blocked under the ADA.

Resource: The Hotel Gave Away Your Accessible Room? Practice Self Advocacy emerginghorizons.com/the-hotel-gave-away-your-accessible-room-practice-self-advocacy/

Misinformation: All accessible guest rooms have roll-in showers.

Truth: In the US, only hotels with over 50 rooms are required to have accessible guest rooms with roll-in showers. Those with under 50 rooms are merely required to have tub/shower combinations with grab bars.

Resource: ADA Standards for Accessible Design www.ada.gov/law-and-regs/design-standards

Misinformation: All hotels have to have shuttles that are wheelchair-accessible.

Truth: If a hotel provides free airport transfers, they must also provide accessible transfers at no charge. They don’t have to own their own accessible vehicles though. They can contract out the service or pay for an accessible cab or Uber, but they cannot charge disabled customers for a service that they provide free to other guests.

Resource: Are Hotels Required to Provide Wheelchair-Accessible Airport Shuttles? emerginghorizons.com/are-hotels-required-to-provide-wheelchair-accessible-airport-shuttles/

Accessible Travel Misinformation – Cruises

Misinformation: The ship-sponsored shore excursions on most cruises are usually accessible.

Truth: In order to take most ship-sponsored shore excursions you have to be able to walk a few steps and climb up into a bus. Most of the ship-sponsored tours do not include accessible transportation. The exception is in Alaska, but you have to specifically request an adapted vehicle there, even on tours that are designated as “accessible”.

Resource: Accessible Alaska Shore Excursions emerginghorizons.com/accessible-alaska-shore-excursions/

Misinformation: Wheelchair-users can easily roll off cruise ships at all ports, so even if you don’t book a shore excursion you can still explore the area around the port.

Truth: If you can get off the ship you may be able to roll around and explore the port, but cruise ships don’t always dock at all the ports. In many cases cruise ships drop anchor offshore and shuttle passengers to and from the port in tenders. And in many cases these tenders are not wheelchair-accessible. Check with the cruise line to see what ports are tender ports, and then ask about their policy of tendering wheelchair-users. And remember that any port could become a tender port due to high traffic or other operational issues.

Resource: Cruise Critic Disable Cruise Travel Board boards.cruisecritic.com/forum/114-disabled-cruise-travel/

Misinformation: Cruise lines provide manual wheelchairs for passengers who cannot walk very far.

Truth: Most cruise lines provide manual wheelchairs and boarding assistance to slow walkers, during embarkation and disembarkation only. These manual wheelchairs are not for the exclusive use of passengers, and cannot be taken to a cabin. If you need a wheelchair during the cruise or for shore excursions, you need to rent one and have it delivered to the ship, or bring your own from home.

Resource: Wheelchair Accessible Cruise Tips emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-cruise-tips/

Accessible Travel Misinformation — Miscellaneous Travel

Misinformation: Theme parks let wheelchair-users go to the front of the line so they don’t have to wait.

Truth: In some cases, wheelchair-users are allowed to access certain attractions through the exits, because the main entrances are not accessible. The newer rides and attractions are being built with accessible entrances, so this alternative access (which results in skipping the line) is no longer needed for wheelchair-users. And under the new new Disability Access System, only “developmentally disabled guests who cannot wait in line” are eligible to get a return time for popular rides and skip the queues.

Resource: New Disney Disability Access System Criteria emerginghorizons.com/new-disney-disability-access-system-criteria/

Misinformation: Under the ADA, car rental companies must also rent lift-equipped vans.

Truth: Car rental companies are not required to provide ramped or lift-equipped vans. They are however required to install hand controls on vehicles, given 48-hours notice. If you require a lift-equipped van, you need to deal with a specialty rental firm.

Resource: PVA Accessible Car Rental Information pva.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/Rental-Car-FAQs-DESIGN.pdf

Finally, take a look at how the article is written, when you are ferreting out misinformation. Does it seem completely unbelievable? Does it include photos? Is it written by someone who has actually traveled to the destination? If not, then you may be reading misinformation generated by AI. Here are a few more tips to help you weed out the misinformation when you research your next trip.
emerginghorizons.com/wheelchair-accessible-travel-sorting-through-the-misinformation-on-the-internet/.

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airboat

Looking for a Wheelchair-Accessible Airboat Tour

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Everglades Airboat Excursions’ wheelchair-accessible airboat

I plan to take a Florida cruise next winter and I’d like to spend an extra week exploring South Florida before I fly home. I’d really like to take an airboat tour of the Everglades. I called one place that said they had wheelchair-accessible airboats, and they told me that I’d have to be carried aboard. I use a manual wheelchair, and I’d rather not be carried, but prefer to roll aboard. Do you know of a wheelchair-accessible airboat tour of the Everglades that is truly accessible?

A Truly Wheelchair-Accessible Airboat

I’m glad you are taking some extra time in Florida after your cruise, because there are really some great accessible sites to see, including the Everglades. And although I applaud the tour operator that you contacted for being willing to try and get you on the boat, carrying someone aboard does not equate to “accessible” in my book. Fortunately I’ve found a company that has a truly accessible airboat — Everglades Airboat Excursions (evergladesairboatexcursions.com).

Everglades Airboat Excursions has one wheelchair-accessible airboat. It’s equipped with a ramp in front, so wheelchair-users can just roll aboard. It can accommodate manual or power wheelchairs, and depending on the size of the wheelchairs there’s room for one or two in the level area in the front of the boat. There is also a railing around the accessible seating area, and a place to grab on if you feel you need a bit more support. And, because of how the boat is configured, you can also be close to the rest of your party. Best of all, you’ll get a great unrestricted view of all the action from the front seat.

The Tours

“River of Grass”

Everglades Airboat Excursions offers a number of private tours in their wheelchair-accessible airboat. At the top of the list are the one hour, 90-minute or two-hour day tours. These private tours depart from the Francis S. Taylor Wildlife Management Area and travel through the Everglades sawgrass marshes. Along the way Captain Gerald shares fun facts about the ecosystem, and points out the alligators, sea turtles and sea birds. It’s a fun outing — no matter the length — with plenty of great photo ops along the way.

They also have a sunset airboat tour. This two-hour tour lets visitors enjoy the colorful sunset over the Everglades, while cruising along on the water. It’s a great choice for photographers, and it also makes for a nice romantic excursion.

And for a real treat, book their Red Eye Gator Tour. This two-hour night tour offers a close-up look at the resident alligators. And although it sounds a bit risky, the tour is actually quite safe because the alligators are momentarily blinded by the lights on the approaching airboat. And since they are unable to see, the airboat can safely get closer. It’s also easier to spot alligators at night because you can see the light reflecting off their eyes, even under cover of the tall grass.

No matter what tour you choose, it’s essential to make advance reservations, as walk-ups are not accepted. It’s also a good idea to book the accessible tours as far in advance as possible, especially during the peak season. And if you have any questions or other concerns, then give the folks at Everglades Airboat Excursions a call at (561) 662-2419, or e-mail Captain Gerald at gerald.motes@gmail.com.

Have fun!

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Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise Tips

Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise Tips

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Cruises are an excellent choice for an accessible vacation, as most of the newer cruise ships have good wheelchair access. Additionally, you can visit many ports on a cruise, but you only have to unpack once. And cruises are also a great multigenerational vacation choice. With that in mind, here are a few helpful tips to help you plan a wheelchair-accessible cruise. 

Planning Your Wheelchair-Accessible Cruise

  • Contact the cruise line’s Special Needs Department for detailed access information or special access requests.
  • Remember to request pier assistance when you book your cruise. Disabled passengers are given priority boarding upon advance request.
  • Most ships have wheelchairs that can be borrowed for embarkation. If however , you need one full-time or ashore, you need to bring your own or arrange for a rental to be delivered to your cabin. Contact the cruise line for a list of their approved vendors.
  • Outside vendors can also provide Hoyer lifts and other medical equipment; but make user you order these from an approved vendor.
  • Some cruise lines can also provide special equipment, such as commode chairs or shower chairs, upon advance request.
  • Don’t assume all accessible cabins are the same. If you need a specific feature, such as a roll-in shower, ask if it’s available.
  • The best advice comes from people who have recently cruised, so check out the “Disabled Cruiser” section of the Cruise Critic website (cruisecritic.com). It’s an excellent place to gather information about accessible shore excursions that you can book on your own.
  • Plan ahead! Accessible cabins are in short supply so try to book at least 6-9 months in advance to get your first choice of sailing dates. Accessible balcony cabins on Alaska cruises go like hotcakes, so book those as soon as they become available.

Things to Remember

  • Slow walkers who use scooters and don’t have the need for an accessible cabin need to make sure that standard cabin doorways are wide enough to accommodate their equipment. Most cruise lines don’t allow scooters to be parked in hallways.
  • If you use a power wheelchair or scooter, make sure the electrical supply on the ship is compatible with your battery charger. It’s also a good idea to pack an extension cord and a power strip, as electric outlets are limited.
  • If you use a scooter or a wheelchair, request a table near the door in the dining room. There’s very little space between the tables, and the closer to the entrance you are, the easier it will be navigate.
  • Become familiar with the tendering procedures of your preferred cruise line. Some cruise lines hand-carry wheelchair-users aboard tenders, some use mechanical devices and some do not permit power wheelchair-users to tender at all.
  • It’s also important to recognize that any port has the potential to become a tender port, due to port traffic and conditions. 
  • Ask a lot of questions about ship sponsored shore excursions. In some cases you have to be able to climb up the steps of a tour bus in order to participate. Do your research and plan your own accessible shore excursions if possible.
  • It’s also important to plan your shore excursion as far in advance as possible. In some ports they are very limited, and they are usually not available for last minute bookings.

Once Aboard

  • If you’d like to use the pool, make sure the lift is in working order on the first day. If it’s not, then report it, so the crew will have plenty of time to recharge or repair it.
  • If you take along a manual wheelchair, mark it clearly with your name or personalize it in some way, so it won’t be mistaken for one of the ship’s wheelchairs.
  • Take a tour of the ship on the first day and locate the accessible restrooms on each deck. Make note of the locations for future use.
  • Last but not least, if you use a power wheelchair or scooter, consider bringing along a manual wheelchair for use in port. This is especially helpful in Caribbean ports, where it’s difficult to find lift-equipped transportation.
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Accessible Alaska Shore Excursions

Accessible Alaska Shore Excursions

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If a cruise to Alaska is in your future, then you’re in luck if you’re a wheelchair-user or slow walker. Although most of the larger cruise lines have made great efforts to make their ships more accessible, the same cannot be said of shore excursions outside the US. On the other hand, not only will you find accessible transportation in most Alaska ports, but there’s also an interesting collection of accessible attractions to choose from. With that in mind, consider these accessible Alaska shore excursions on your next Inside Passage cruise.

Juneau

Gold Belt Tram

www.goldbelttram.com
Juneau boasts several accessible options, including the Gold Belt Tram, which is a short level walk from the cruise ship dock. The tram features roll-on access and the six-minute ride climbs 2,000 feet from the waterfront station up to the Mt. Roberts observatory. It should be noted that although the view from the top is spectacular, it’s difficult for wheelchair-users to see much on the ride up the mountain. A restaurant, theater, and retail shop are located at the top of the tramway. And although most cruise lines offer shore excursion to this site, you can also walk up to the Waterfront Station and purchase your tickets on the spur of the moment.

Mendenhal Glacier

Mendenhal Glacier

fs.usda.gov/detail/tongass/about-forest/offices/?cid=stelprdb5400800

If you’d prefer to book an organized shore excursion, the most accessible choice is a ship tour to Mendenhall Glacier. All the cruise lines offer at least one tour to this attraction. Billed as Alaska’s drive-up glacier, Mendenhall Glacier features excellent access with level pathways and a barrier-free visitor center. For a great view of the glacier, take a short walk on the Photo Point Trail; a .3 mile asphalt trail which terminates at a prime glacier viewing area on Mendenhall Lake.

Coastal Helicopters

coastalhelicopters.com
Coastal Helicopters gives folks a birds eye view of the area on their glacier flightseeing tours. They have lift access to their helicopters, and the employees will assist with transfers. The lift has a capacity of 250 pounds, and passengers may leave their wheelchair at the terminal during their tour. After they land on the glacier employees will give wheelchair-users a good overview of the area and answer any questions, but due to the difficult terrain — and no assistive devices — they must stay on the aircraft. Still it’s an exhilarating experience to land on a glacier.

Allen Marine Tours

 

Whale breaching on Allen Marine Tours

allenmarinetours.com
Last but not least on the list for accessible Alaska shore excursions in Juneau is Allen Marine Tours. They offer a four-hour whale watching expedition aboard their deluxe catamaran, with a naturalist on board. Snacks, coffee and tea are provided along the way. The catamaran is accessible, but the combined weight of the assistive device and the passenger cannot exceed 600 pounds. Additionally, mobility devices are limited to a maximum length of 48 inches, a maximum width of 32 inches and a minimum ground clearance of 3.5 inches.

Skagway

Skagway is a great tourist town, with plenty of shops, a small visitors center, renovated storefronts and a Yukon gold rush atmosphere. Access-wise it’s very nicely done with curb cuts on nearly every corner, wide walkways and a good selection of accessible shops and restaurants. Although it’s a level roll into town, it can as far as a mile away, depending on where your ship docks.

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad

www.wpyr.com
The most popular attraction in Skagway is the White Pass & Yukon Route Railroad, which offers a three-hour rail excursion from Skagway to White Pass summit and back. The restored rail cars are pulled by vintage diesel locomotives and the fully narrated tour passes alongside ice fields, over trestles and through gorges before arriving at the 2,865 foot summit. Some of the cars have lift access, but you must book this in advance. You can buy your ticket directly from the railway, but it will depart from the depot in town. If however, you book through the cruise line you will get dockside boarding from your ship. Be sure and pack your binoculars for this trip, as there are many wildlife viewing opportunities along the way.

Sitka

Previously a tender port, Sitka was once a no-go for most wheelchair-users. That all changed with the addition of new docks and a cruise ship terminal at Halibut Point. Completed in 2022, the Halibut Point facilities are located about seven miles north of downtown Sitka. There’s level access to the cruise ship terminal, which houses a number of shops and restaurants. There’s also a free accessible shuttle to downtown. And if slow walkers need some help making it to the bus stop, cart service is available. This new terminal is a huge improvement for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. Even if you don’t want to go into town, you can still have a bite to eat and do some shopping at the dock. And if you do go downtown, most of the area is accessible with curb-cuts and sidewalks, although a few shops do have a step or two.

St. Michaels Russian Orthodox Cathedral

St. Michaels Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Sitka

www.stmichaelcathedral.org
If you do take the shuttle downtown, make sure and have a look at St. Michael’s Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Built it 1848, St. Michael’s features a large collection of Russian icons which date back to the 1600s. Access is excellent throughout the sanctuary with wide doorways, ramped access and good pathway access.

The Alaska Raptor Center

Bald Eagle at the Raptor Center

www.alaskaraptor.org
Although the Alaska Raptor Center is just a short walk from the shuttle bus stop, it’s an uphill trek and not a good option for most wheelchair-users. That said most cruise lines offer shore excursions to this attraction, but make sure to request a wheelchair-accessible transfer. The Alaska Raptor Center rehabilitates injured raptors of all kinds. There is level access to the flight conditioning center, where raptors are acclimated before their release, and plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair throughout the center. Outside there are accessible pathways to enclosures which house more raptors. It’s really a fascinating place.

Ketchikan

Creek Street in Ketchikan

Ketchikan offers a number of shops, restaurants and galleries near the dock. Creek Street is also within walking distance. Here you’ll find buildings perched on pilings and connected by wooden boardwalks in what was once the red light district of Ketchikan. Today local merchants cater to travelers of a different sort as the brothels and saloons have been replaced by souvenir shops and specialty restaurants. Dolly’s House is one of the main Creek Street attractions, and although there are steps at the entrance of this renovated bordello, it’s still fun to sit outside and watch the floozies entice the passing tourists.

The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show

www.lumberjacksports.com
The Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show is also located in the waterfront area, just a short walk from the cruise ship pier. The show features lumberjack classics such as log rolling, sawing, chopping, axe throwing and speed climbing. Shows are presented three times a day in a covered grandstand area, just around the corner form the Alaska Discovery Center. There is level access to the venue, with wheelchair seating up front. Tickets are available on cruise ships, at the Ketchikan Visitors Bureau, on the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show website or at the door.

Saxman Totem Park

Totem at the Saxman Totem Park

www.alaska.org/detail/saxman-totem-park
Rounding out our list of accessible Alaska shore excursions is Saxman Totem Park. Although it’s a good drive from the waterfront area, it’s worth a visit if you can find a shore excursion provider that offers accessible transportation. This unique park features 25 restored totems that were retrieved from abandoned villages. There is ramp access to the visitor center and level access to the carving shed. Some of the pathways in the park are only do-able with assistance, but most people will are able to see the majority of the carvings. The accessible route through the park begins just to the right of the carving shed. And you can tour the park on your own or sign up for a guided tour.

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Ride the Free Glacier National Park Shuttle

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Free glacier National Park Shuttle

Even with vehicle reservations required in Glacier National Park (emerginghorizons.com/national-park-entrance-reservations-required-in-2024/) the summer traffic along Going-to-the-Sun Road can get pretty congested. In fact, the parking lot at Logan Pass usually fills up by 10 AM. There is an alternate solution though. Ride the free wheelchair-accessible Glacier National Park shuttle. The Glacier National Park shuttles run from July 1 to Labor Day; and on a limited basis for the first few weeks in September. And even though there may be a slight wait for the next bus, you won’t waste your time passing by scenic viewpoints or searching for parking places. It’s the smart way to visit Glacier National Park.

The Basics

Do you need a vehicle entrance reservation in order to ride the shuttle? It depends on where you begin. Shuttles depart from the Apgar Visitor Center on the west, and the St. Mary Visitor Center on the east. The Apgar Visitor Center is inside the west entrance reservation checkpoint (the West Entrance), while the St. Mary Visitor Center is outside of the entrance reservation checkpoint (Rising Sun). So although you will need a vehicle entrance reservation to access the Glacier National Park Shuttle from the west, you won’t need one if you begin your journey on the east, at the St. Mary Visitor Center.

Visitors have two shuttle choices. They can take the regular shuttle which stops at points along the way, and offers transfer service to the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road; or opt for the express service which offers nonstop service from the east and west sides to and from Logan Pass.

Take the Glacier National Park Shuttle

The regular Glacier National Park Shuttle runs seven days a week, from 8 AM to 7 PM.

The west side route runs from Apgar Visitor Center to Logan Pass and includes the following stops.

Lake McDonald Lodge
  • Sprague Creek Campground
  • Lake McDonald Lodge
  • Avalanche Creek (transfer point)
  • The Loop

The east side route runs from the Saint Mary Visitor Center to Logan Pass with the following stops.

Picnic area at Sun Point
  • Rising Sun
  • Rising Sun Boat Dock
  • Sun Point (transfer point)
  • Sunrift Gorge
  • Saint Mary Falls
  • Jackson Glacier Overlook
  • Siyeh Bend

It is possible to traverse the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road on the regular shuttle; however you will have to transfer three times. The transfer points and approximate length of the journey are listed below.

St Mary Visitor Center
  • Apgar Visitor Center – Avalanche Creek (30 minutes)
  • Avalanche Creek – Logan Pass (50 minutes)
  • Logan Pass – Sun Point (30 minutes)
  • Sun Point – St. Mary Visitor Center (20 minutes)

There can be a 10 to 40 minute wait between buses, depending on the crowds. Again, the crowds increase later in the day.

Alternatively, a morning express shuttle runs from both sides of the park to Logan Pass, with no stops along the way. The express shuttle departs from Apgar Visitor Center from 7 AM to 8:30 AM; and from Saint Mary Visitor Center from 8 AM to 8:45 AM. The express shuttle only operates from July 1 to Labor Day.

It’s important to remember that the last shuttle departs from Logan Pass at 7 PM. That said if you are in line at 7 PM and the bus is full, rest assured you will be accommodated on another bus. Best bet is to try and get back to your starting point earlier in the day, to avoid that last minute rush.

Wheelchair-Accessible Activities Along the Way

Of course the best way to enjoy the day on Going-to-the-Sun Road is to pack a picnic lunch and stop at some of the wheelchair-accessible trails and viewpoints along the route. A few of the most accessible Glacier National Park shuttle stops are listed below, along with a some wheelchair-accessible activities to make the most of your visit.

Lake McDonald Lodge

Lake McDonald dock

Enjoy a cruise on Lake McDonald through the Glacier Park Boat Company (www.glacierparkboats.com). The boat features ramp access, but some power wheelchair-users may have a problem accessing the bow space if they can’t make a tight 90-degree turn.

Avalanche Creek

Trail of the Cedars

Hike the accessible Trail of the Cedars, which begins near the campground and winds .8 miles through the woods.

The Loop

This viewpoint offers a scenic view of Heavens Peak, from the paved overlook in the upper parking area or near the accessible parking spot in the lower area.

Logan Pass

Logan Pass

Don’t miss the quarter-mile paved interpretive path behind the visitor center!

Jackson Glacier Overlook

View from the Jackson Glacier Overlook

One of the best spots along Going-to-the-Sun Road for an accessible glacier view.

Sun Point

A nice lunch stop. There are several accessible picnic tables sheltered by a small grove of trees.

Rising Sun Boat Dock

Rising Sun boat dock

The Glacier Park Boat Company also offers a St. Mary Lake cruise that may work for some slow walkers. There is a step down to board the boat, but employees are on hand to assist with boarding. Manual wheelchair-users can stay in their chairs for the length of the 1.5-hour cruise.

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guam

Wheelchair-Accessible Transportation in Guam

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If you’re looking for wheelchair-accessible transportation in Guam, then look no further than Accessible Van Transportation Services (www.avtsguam.com). They serve all 19 villages in Guam and can provide transfers in a wheelchair-accessible van to all the airports, seaports, and hotels on the island. They also offer customized tours of the island, based on the interests and preferences of their clients. For more information about their services call (671) 898-8695 or e-mail avtsguam@gmail.com.

Gate_d'Amboise

Wheelchair-Accessible Greece Tours & Shore Excursions

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Gate d’Amboise in Rhodes, Greece

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, then check out the comprehensive list of wheelchair-accessible Greece tours and shore excursions and accessible services available from Athens-based Care Under the Sun (www.careundersun.com). Day tour offerings include everything from an Athens food tour and Santorini wine tour, to a Rhodes old town excursion and even a visit to Cape Sounion. These wheelchair-accessible Greece tours include transportation in lift-equipped vans and knowledgeable tour guides; and many can also be done as shore excursions with transportation to and from cruise ships. And if you’d like something a little more active, then try one of their accessible diving and snorkeling day tours.

Care Under the Sun can also arrange for accessible hotels, airport transfers and accessible van rentals. Additionally, they conduct several accessible Greece group tours throughout the year. They can also make arrangements for dialysis treatments and medical equipment rentals. And if you need assistance, they can provide a personal care assistant or nurse. For more information about their accessible Greece tours, contact Care under the Sun at +30 6944319506 or info@careundersun.com.