Population 4,529
Billed as one of the most beautiful small towns in America, Jim Thorpe was named after the 1953 Olympic medal winner, James Francis Thorpe. And although the town does have some access problems, with a shortage of curb-cuts and accessible sidewalks, it’s worth a stop for a ride on the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway (www.lgsry.com ). There’s accessible parking at the station, with level access to the ticket window. Lift boarding is available for the coach car or the open-air car, and wheelchair-users can stay in their own wheelchair or transfer to a seat for the 70-minute narrated tour. The train travels into Lehigh Gorge State Park, with plenty of scenic views along the way. And if you’d like a closer look at the scenery after the excursion, there’s a 2.5-mile section of the Lehigh Gorge Trail that’s wheelchair-accessible. This paved multiuse trail runs alongside the river, and it’s especially beautiful in the fall.
Population 5,072
Located in Western Massachusetts, Lenox makes a nice stop on any trip through the Berkshires. If you’d like to explore the outdoors a bit, then stop by the Pleasant Valley Wildlife Sanctuary. This 1,000-acre preserve features the .3-mile All Persons Trail that winds through a hemlock grove and circles Pikes Pond. The beavers are usually quite active, and it’s also a good birding venue. The Norman Rockwell Museum, which is located a short drive away in Stockbridge, is also worth a visit. There’s barrier-free access to the museum, which is home to the world’s largest collection of Norman Rockwell’s work. And if you’d like to overnight in Lenox, look no further than the Brook Farm Inn (brookfarm.com). This quaint country property has two wheelchair-accessible rooms, both of which have a roll-in shower. And you just can’t beat the yummy breakfast buffet that’s set out for guests each morning.
Population 177
Last but certainly not least, Midpines makes a great stop on a Yosemite road trip — plus it’s the perfect home base for day trips to the park. And there are not one, but two wheelchair-accessible properties in town. The Yosemite Bug (www.yosemitebug.com) tops the list, as this rustic mountain resort offers a wheelchair-accessible room that’s furnished with two queen beds and has a bathroom with a roll-in shower.
And if you’d like to try something different, AutoCamp Yosemite (https://autocamp.com/location/yosemite/) offers several accessible glamping options. Their custom built wheelchair-accessible X Suite is reminiscent of an upscale RV. It’s furnished with a small galley, and includes a queen-sized bed and a bathroom with a roll-in shower. Alternatively they also have two accessible Classic Suites and an fully furnished accessible glamping tent. And the YARTS (yarts.com) shuttle stops at the Yosemite Bug in Midpines, which allows folks to sit back and enjoy the ride to the park, and skip the sometimes long entrance lines.
Based in Krakow, Active Poland offers a number of accessible Poland tours for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. The customized Krakow tours can include everything from a stroll around town, to a museum hopping itinerary, and even attending concerts and festivals. All accessible tours are conducted in a wheelchair-accessible van with seating for one wheelchair-user and five other passengers.
Other tours that are doable for wheelchair-users and slow walkers include excursions to Auschwitz-Birkenau, the Bochnia Salt Mine, Zakopane and the John Paul II Trail. Active Poland can also book accessible accommodations and assist with restaurant and nightlife suggestions. Rental wheelchairs and stair lifts are also available. For more information on Active Poland accessible offerings, visit poland-active.com/en/Trips/Trips-For-Handicapped-In-Krakow,ig.
Barrier-Free Travel 101 Accessible Vacations Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
I know you’ve visited a lot of places, and I wondering what you think the most accessible destination for wheelchair-users and slow walker is. And why.
I’ve been covering accessible travel for nearly 30 years, and I’ve certainly seen some great examples of accessibility; including many places which go above and beyond the letter of the law.
Las Vegas (www.lvcva.com) tops my most accessible destination for wheelchair-users and slow walkers list. They truly have made it accessible to everyone. You can easily hail an accessible taxi at the airport, the monorail is accessible, and many hotels have wheelchairs or scooters for loan. Many properties have more than the minimum number of accessible rooms, and some hotels even have ceiling track lifts, (which are not required under the law.)
San Diego Marina
I also love San Diego (www.sandiego.org). Not only does it have the perfect climate year round, but there are free loaner power beach wheelchairs at many beaches. This is important because standard beach wheelchairs are heavy and awkward to push, while the power beach wheelchairs offer wheelchair-users independent access to the beach.
Old Faithful in Yellowstone National Park
And of course I love the US National Parks; in fact I’ve written many books about them. People with a disability can get a lifetime pass that’s good for free admission to all the national parks, and most of them have accessible trails, lodging and facilities. A National Park road trip is a good choice as you can easily pack along all your medical equipment, and take things at your own pace.
Cruise ship in Curacao
Of course cruises are also a popular choice for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. That said, before you pick a cruise, make sure that accessible shore excursions are available at your ports of call. Additionally, check to see if any of the ports are tender ports, as most tenders cannot accommodate wheelchair-users.
Houses of Parliament, London, England
Overseas, I like London, as all London Black Cabs are required to be wheelchair-accessible. Visit London Taxi Tours (www.visitlondontaxitours.com) even offers a wide variety of wheelchair-accessible tours. The tours are conducted in new London Black Cabs that are equipped with ramps, and each tour includes a knowledgeable local driver and guide.
Hope that helps. Accessibility is really improving worldwide, and wheelchair-users and slow walkers have many more choices today than they did 20 years ago. And I can imagine it will be even better 20 years from now.
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Barrier-Free Travel National Park Lodges for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
Population 4,529
Las Vegas (
