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.
Southwest Airlines has long been a favorite airline for many manual wheelchair-users, because they can bypass the aisle chair and use their personal wheelchairs to board the aircraft. This is largely due to the configuration of Southwest Airlines 737 aircraft, as the wide entrance aisle allows many folks to roll right up to the first row of aircraft seats, and skip the aisle chair. Unfortunately, new security additions mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration will change the configuration of the aircraft; and many wheelchair-users who previously used their personal wheelchairs to board Southwest aircraft will now have to use an aisle chair.
New Secondary Cockpit Barriers
So what are these new security additions to Southwest aircraft? Well, after the September 11 attacks, the FAA began to consider implementing higher security measures for US aircraft; however the regulations were not put into place until 2023. These regulations include the installation of secondary cockpit barriers for new aircraft placed into service after that date.
The secondary cockpit barrier is a fold-away door that is attached to the cabin side of the forward galley. This security device is deployed when the cockpit door is opened and closed while in flight. So when someone in the cockpit wishes to exit the cockpit to use the lavatory, the cockpit barrier will be closed by a flight attendant until the crew member returns to the cockpit. Previously, flight attendants used beverage carts to block the aisle, and they stood there until the crew member returned to the cockpit. The new cockpit barrier is a safer and more secure option for the flight crew.
Unfortunately the installation of the secondary cockpit barrier takes a few inches off the already narrow passageway; and as a result many wheelchair-users will no longer be able to access that first row of seats in their own wheelchairs.
Aisle Chair Required
As the new secondary cockpit barriers began to appear on Southwest Airlines 737s in mid-2026, many wheelchair-users reported that their wheelchairs no longer fit past these new security barriers.
It appears that that the addition of the new secondary cockpit barriers have taken off approximately three inches of aisle space. From reports we’ve received, anyone with a wheelchair narrower than 23 inches should still be able to navigate the aisle and transfer into an airplane seat from their own wheelchair. Wheelchair-users with wheelchairs that are wider than 23 inches will now have to use the aisle chair.
Some people ask if this is legal? In a word, yes. The Air Carrier Access Act is the regulation that covers wheelchair-access on commercial airlines in the US. These regulations do not require aircraft aisles to be wide enough to accommodate personal wheelchairs. They do have to be wide enough to accommodate an aisle chair, and this new design allows for that.
So how do you tell if you are going to be on a new 737 with the secondary cockpit barriers installed? Well, unfortunately there’s no 100% way to tell, as equipment changes occur often. Right now only a few of the planes are outfitted with the new devices; however as time passes more and more of the new planes will have them.
Future Flight Preparation
The bottom line is, that if you can’t walk to your seat, you will most likely have to use an aisle chair on Southwest Airlines when the secondary cockpit barriers are installed. And I know that’s a difficult adjustment. Many folks fly Southwest specifically because they don’t have to use an aisle chair to board the aircraft. And that will no longer be an option for many folks in the future.
The good news is that aisle chairs are readily available at the gates, and if you need one, it’s easy to get one. It’s also a good idea to always request one when you book your Southwest flight, even if you could previously roll to your seat. If you happen to find out later that you can roll down the aisle, you can always decline the aisle chair. It’s also wise to be mentally prepared for the possibility that you will need an aisle chair on your future Southwest flights. Be aware of the possibility, so you won’t be disappointed. And don’t let these new secondary cockpit barriers ruin your trip!
I’m taking a Canadian vacation next year and I will be basing myself in Calgary for a few weeks. I use a manual wheelchair and I’d like to take a side trip to Banff for a few days. I’m looking for an accessible transportation provider that will allow me to say in my manual wheelchair for the trip between Calgary and Banff. I’ve found one company that can provide accessible transfers in a private van, but they are out of my price range. Can you recommend a company that can provide affordable wheelchair-accessible transportation to Banff from Calgary?
Hop Aboard Flixbus!
Well if you are looking for affordability, then look no further than Flixbus (www.flixbus.com). They offer accessible bus transportation between Calgary and Banff that won’t break the bank. Instead of standard fares, Flixbus uses a dynamic pricing model, where fares are driven by demand, booking time and seat availability. This model is similar to the one used by airlines, with fares usually increasing as the departure date approaches. So if you have the ability to plan ahead, you can save more money. That said, even the highest Flixbus fares are still a deal.
Flixbus also offers good accessibility, and you can certainly stay in your wheelchair for the entire journey. In fact they can accommodate wheelchairs or scooters with a combined total weight (including the passenger) of 600 pounds and dimensions of 30 inches X 48 inches for wheelchairs, and 30 inches X 30 inches X 48 inches for scooters. Additionally, some buses have hydraulic lifts with weight limits of 800 pounds to accommodate heavier devices.
Booking a wheelchair ticket on Flixbus is pretty easy. After you choose your destination, you can book the kind of fare you need from the drop-down menu. One of those choices is for “traveling with a wheelchair or mobility device”. After you book your ticket, customer services gets an automatic notification of the booking, so that accessibility can be confirmed and the appropriate equipment is dispatched. If the wheelchair spaces are already book on your first choice, you will automatically be rebooked on the next available bus.
And of course, if you have any problems or issues, you can always contact customer service at (855) 626-8585. So give Flixbus a try – it’s an affordable and accessible option for your Canadian vacation.
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Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a trip to Cancun is in your future, then look no further than Accessible Cancun (www.cancunaccesible.com/en/) for your day tours, accessible transportation and equipment rental needs.
A variety of wheelchair accessible day tours are available, including shopping excursions as well as trips to Chichen Itza, Playa Del Carmen and the Tulum ruins. And there’s even a dolphin swim excursion. All day tours include transportation in an accessible van and a tour guide, and of course accessibility at the site.
If you’d prefer to set out on your own, accessible van transport is also available from Accessible Cancun. They can provide airport transfers as well as transport to local attractions and nearby towns. Their accessible van is equipped with a ramp and tie-downs. It can accommodate one wheelchair-user and five companions, or two wheelchair-users and three companions. It’s the perfect option for planning a independent family shore excursion.
Last but certainly not least, this Cancun agency also has a wide variety or rental equipment. From scooters and beach wheelchairs, to patient lifts, shower chairs and even hospital beds, they can provide whatever you need to make your stay more comfortable and accessible.
For more information about their offerings, visit the Accessible Cancun website or drop them an e-mail at reserve2@cancunaccesible.com. Start planning your Cancun vacation today!
Barrier-Free Travel
101 Accessible Vacations: Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Revelation Trail at Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park
Located 50 miles north of Eureka, Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park (www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=415) features one of California’s last stands of old growth redwoods. And although there are several accessible trails through the grove, the recent acquisition of a track chair makes it easier for everyone to get up-close-and-personal to these majestic beauties. This lush state park makes a great day trip; however if you’d like to linger on a bit, there are also wheelchair-accessible camping cabins in the park. Either way, it’s a relaxing, refreshing and remote getaway.
Drive Through the Redwoods
Although a hike through the redwoods is grand, the drive to the park on Newton B. Drury Parkway is equally appealing. You can access the parkway from Highway 101, six miles north of Orick or four miles south of Klamath – just watch for the signs. This is probably the top scenic drive in the park. It’s about 10 miles long and it takes about 20 to 30 minutes to complete the whole thing. This two-lane road winds through an old growth redwood forest, with a number of pullouts along the way.
Be sure and stop at the Big Tree Wayside, which is on the right, just north of Cal Barrel Road. There are accessible parking spaces and vault toilets near this wayside exhibit, and a 100-yard paved level path to the tree. Even better, there’s ramp access up to this 304-foot giant, which towers over the surrounding forest. Even if you can’t walk or roll very far, you’ll still be able to experience this exhibit.
Big Tree Wayside
The Prairie Creek Visitor Center is located about a mile south of the Big Tree Wayside. There’s accessible parking nearby, and level access to this small park office. Inside you can pick up a map, get your questions answered and buy a souvenir
The .7-mile Redwood Access Trail begins at the visitor center and winds through the redwood grove and the day use area. Along the way the accessible Revelation Trail branches off the Redwood Access Trail and then reconnects to it about .3-miles down the road.
The Elk Meadow Picnic Area, which is located near the end of the Redwood Access Trail makes a good lunch stop. There’s level access to accessible picnic tables on a level grassy area, and accessible restrooms are located nearby. As an added bonus, elk are known to visit the meadow across from the picnic area, so keep your eyes peeled.
Spend the Night
Cabin 3 at Prairie Creek Campground
If you’d like to spend a night or two in Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park, there are four accessible camping cabins in Elk Prairie Campground. Cabins 1, 2, 3 and 4 are all grouped together and they each have accessible parking with ramp access up to the front porch.
Each cabin can sleep six, with two bunk beds which have a single bunk on the top and a double bunk on the bottom. There are no mattress pads on the beds, so it’s best to bring foam padding or an air mattress. Guests also need to bring their own bedding, as it’s not provided. There’s also space outside for a small tent that can accommodate two more guests. Other cabin features include a small counter, electricity, lights and a heater. And there’s a raised grill, an accessible picnic table and a bear box outside in a level area.
There’s no water in the cabins, but there’s a paved path to a showerhouse with accessible family shower rooms. These shower rooms include a toilet with grab bars, a roll-under sink with an angled mirror, and a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold down shower bench. There’s also a full five-foot turning radius in these spacious units.
Family shower room near the accessible cabins
And since the cabins are just across the street from the meadow frequented by the Roosevelt elk, they also offer a prime elk viewing location. It’s a relaxing and accessible spot to spend a night or two.
Barrier-Free Travel California National Park Road Trips for Wheelchair-Users and Slow Walkers
Skyline of Kyoto, Japan at NightIf a trip to Japan is in your future, then check out the wheelchair-access information at Flat Travel (flatcare.jp/en/travel). Although this website largely advertises their own tours, there’s also some good access information there.
Along with the details of their accessible tours, some basic access information on Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Okinawa, Yamanashi (Mt. Fuji), Hokkaido, Kumamoto, and Fukuoka is also included. The most helpful access information is located in their hotel listings though. Each hotel listing details the wheelchair access in the public spaces and guestrooms; and includes lots of photos, including photos of the bathrooms in the accessible rooms. And although the goal is to get customers to book rooms on their website, there’s enough access information included for folks to feel comfortable booking these rooms on their own.
There’s also some good access information in the tips section. It includes numerous articles on everything from wheelchair travel in Japan, and the most accessible places to see the cherry blossoms, to a detailed access guide of Tokyo Disneyland. All in all it’s a good wheelchair-accessible Japan resource and definitely worth a read.
Barrier-Free Travel Yosemite, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks Travel Ideas for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Located in Northeastern Utah, East Canyon State Park (https://stateparks.utah.gov/parks/east-canyon/) is the perfect place to take a quiet break, and enjoy a scenic overnight stay in a wheelchair-accessible lakeside yurt. Perched on the hillside, the yurt village overlooks the reservoir, and offers visitors a scenic and serene place to spend the night.
Spend The Night
Inside the Wells Yurt in East Canyon State Park, Utah
Accessible parking is located next to the Wells yurt, with ramp access up to the spacious deck. The wide front door features level access, and there’s plenty of room to navigate a wheelchair inside the yurt.
Furnishings include two Adirondack chairs, a futon, a coffee table, and a bunk bed with a double on the bottom (19 inches high) and a single on the top. There’s also an eight-inch high trundle bed under the bunk. Round it out with electricity and propane heating and you have a very comfortable yurt. Just bring your bedding, towels, cooking gear and food and you’re good to go. And since there are just four yurts in the village, this lakeside yurt is also a peaceful spot to spend the night.
But Wait…There’s More
Deck at the Wells Yurt in East Canyon State Park, Utah
Outside, there’s plenty of room to wheel around the deck, which is furnished with a gas bbq, an accessible picnic table and two benches. And if you’d like to toast a few marshmallows, there’s also a fire ring in a level area near the deck.
The accessible yurt is located next to the bathhouse, which is equipped with a private shower room that’s outfitted with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a fold-down shower bench. A family restroom is located next door, and it features a full five-foot turning radius, toilet grab bars on the back and left walls (as seated), and a roll-under sink. A mirror image family restroom, with toilet grab bars on the back and right walls (as seated), is located on the other side of the accessible shower room. It’s a very accessible setup, and usable by folks with a variety of disabilities.
All in all, this wheelchair-accessible lakeside yurt is a great place to rest your head while exploring Northeastern Utah.
Barrier-Free Travel Utah National Parks for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Rasar State Park (https://parks.wa.gov/find-parks/state-parks/rasar-state-park) offers a peaceful taste of the forest with some great Skagit River views, a few barrier-free hikes, and several wheelchair-accessible deluxe camping cabins. This lush state park is located about 40 miles west of the North Cascades National Park Visitor Center in Newhalem, just off Highway 20. And with a second-growth forest filled with big-leaf maples, Douglas firs and western red cedars, it’s the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy all that Mother Nature has to offer.
Stay in Style
If you’d like to spend the night in Rasar State Park, but don’t want to pitch a tent, then check out one of their three wheelchair-accessible deluxe camping cabins. There’s accessible parking in front of the accessible Chinook Cabin, with paved access over to the front porch. Outside there’s an accessible picnic table and a raised grill, and two oversized Adirondack chairs.
The cabin features a level threshold, wide doorways, lever handles, good pathway access and laminate floors for easy rolling. There’s a small kitchen counter area, with a few cabinets and a sink, with a dinning table and four chairs next to it. The kitchen includes a microwave, a small refrigerator and a K Cup coffee maker (bring your own K Cups).
This rustic cabin features exposed beams and natural wood, and includes hand crafted log furniture. For sleeping, there’s a 16-inch high futon in the living area and a bunk bed near the bathroom. The bunk bed includes a 16-inch high double on the bottom and a single on the top. There’s a night table next to the bunk beds, and a floor lamp in the living area. Top it off with a roomy closet, overhead lights, heating and a ceiling fan, and you have a pretty comfortable setup.
The bathroom features a full five-foot turning radius and includes a 36-inch-square transfer-type shower, with a fold-down shower bench, a hand-held showerhead and grab bars. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and left walls (as seated) and the bathroom also has a roll-under sink.
The Coho Cabin, which is located next door has the same access features, but if you want more privacy, choose the Skagit Cabin across the road. On the plus side, all of the cabins are surrounded by the lush forest.
Living Area in the Chinook Cabin at Rasar State Park
Bathroom in the Chinook Cabin at Rasar State Park
Bedroom in the Chinook Cabin at Rasar State Park
Take a Hike
Even though it’s fairly small, Rasar State Park offers a varied landscape with several accessible trails. Most of the trails are located in the south area of the park, near the Skagit River. There’s accessible parking near the picnic area, and level access over to the trailheads. There are also accessible picnic tables on the grass, if you’d like to stop for a short lunch break.
The paved Skagit River Access begins near the picnic area, and winds through the meadow out to the river. It’s about a .3-mile jaunt down to the river, and although you can walk a little further on the hard-packed sand beach, the wheelchair-access ends at that point. After that you’ll encounter steps, bumps, rocks, and a significant uphill climb. Still, it’s a nice accessible out-and-back trail to the river.
Skagit River Trail at Rasar State Park
The Cedar Trail also starts in the picnic area. This hard-packed dirt trail leads through a canopy of trees, before the access ends at the .25-mile point. Still it’s another nice out-and-back walk, and there are a few shaded picnic tables along the way.
Cedar Trail at Rasar State Park
Another accessible trail option is located on the north side of the park. This hard-packed dirt trail loops through the second-growth forest, past the cabins and group campsites. This 1.5-mile trail begins across the road from the Chinook Cabin and to the right of the Skagit Cabin, and continues past the group camps and the private lands that border the park. And if you’d like a shorter hike, it’s easy to exit the trail at the halfway point.
Finally, if you’d like to hike through some old growth forest nearby, be sure to check out Rockport State Park and Baker Lake for some accessible options. It’s a great way to extend a Rasar State Park Visit.
Barrier-Free Travel Washington National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
If a trip across the pond is in your future, then make sure and get a Eurokey for access to wheelchair-accessible restrooms in many European countries. This universal key provides access to restrooms that have accessible toilets, lifts, and lifting platforms, which are usually locked for safety or maintenance reasons. This key allows travelers with a disability independent access to toilet facilities in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and many other European countries.
After you receive your key, be sure and download the Eurokey app. This handy resource gives users the locations and detailed information about accessible restrooms that can be accessed with this universal key.
For more information about this program, or details on the key ordering process, email info@eurokey.ch.
Barrier-Free Travel the Grand Canyon for Wheelchair-users and Slow Walkers
Located just outside the West Entrance to Glacier National Park (emerginghorizons.com/glacier-national-park/), West Glacier Cabin Village (www.glacierparkcollection.com/lodging/west-glacier-village/ways-to-stay/west-glacier-cabins/) makes the perfect home base for a national park visit. This quiet cabin complex boasts the best of both worlds, as it’s far removed from the hubbub of West Glacier Village, yet it’s within easy walking distance of the shops and restaurants. Access wasn’t overlooked in the construction of the units either, as the complex includes two wheelchair-accessible cabins, which makes it an excellent lodging choice for slow walkers and wheelchair-users.
West Glacier Cabin Village
Nestled in a peaceful mountain forest, West Glacier Cabin Village features accessible parking next to the campstore, with level access to the entrance. Inside there’s plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair over to the cabin check-in counter.
Accessible cabin 103 is located next door. There’s parking in a large level area across from the cabin, and level access over to the cabin. The cabin features ramp access up to a covered front porch that’s furnished with a small table and two chairs. There’s also a propane grill near the cabin.
The cabin features a level threshold, and includes wide doorways, good pathway access and wood floors. The large living area is furnished with a 13-inch high sleeper sofa, a television, and a dining table with four chairs. The cabin also has reliable Wi-Fi, which is a hard-to-find feature in the area.
The kitchen is equipped with a refrigerator, a two burner cooktop, a lowered microwave, and a dishwasher. It also includes an ample selection of dishes, utensils and cookware. And to complete the access equation, the kitchen sink features a kneehole for wheelchair access.
The bedroom, which is located in the back of the unit, is furnished with a 24-inch high queen-sized bed with wheelchair-access on the right side (as you face it). The bathroom includes a full five-foot turning radius and is equipped with a roll-in shower with grab bars, a hand-held showerhead and a padded fold-down shower bench. The toilet grab bars are located on the back and right walls (as seated), and the bathroom also includes a roll-under sink with a lowered mirror.
And if cabin 103 is booked, cabin 104 has the same access features. Either unit makes a comfortable, homey and accessible place to stay near Glacier National Park.
Living Room in Cabin 103 at West Glacier Cabin Village
Dining Area in Cabin 103 at West Glacier Cabin Village
Kitchen Area in Cabin 103 at West Glacier Cabin Village
Bedroom in Cabin 103 at West Glacier Cabin Village
Bedroom in Cabin 103 at West Glacier Cabin Village (view 2)
Toilet and Sink in Cabin 103 at West Glacier Cabin Village
Shower in Cabin 103 at West Glacier Cabin Village
Barrier-Free Travel Glacier, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks for Wheelers and Slow Walkers
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/)
