Travel with Special Needs

A physical limitation shouldn’t be a barrier to exploring the world.

If you’re a disabled traveler, or traveling with someone who has a condition requiring extra assistance, you’ll want the advice of a professional when it comes to planning your trip. A JetSetGO travel advisor can help you explore options for transportation, accommodations and sightseeing.

Keep in mind that the more information your travel professional has, the better he or she can assist you in putting together the perfect vacation. So be specific when describing what you can and can’t do.

It’s always a good idea to plan ahead, but booking accommodations is especially important for travelers with disabilities, since hotels have a limited number of accessible rooms. To make sure that you’ll be comfortable, try to replicate what you have at home. If you use a roll-in shower, a bench or grab bars in your bathroom, let your travel advisor know that you’ll need those in your room. You may also want to request a visual alarm to let you know when someone is at the door.

While transportation and accommodations in the United States are required to follow the Americans with Disabilities Act, you can’t assume the same level of compliance in other parts of the world.

If you’re planning a trip outside the United States, the State Department’s travel website, travel.state.gov, has a section with information for travelers with disabilities. There are limitless possibilities for your trip, but here are a few ideas to get you started.

National parks are a great way to explore America’s natural beauty, and the National Park Service has taken steps to make the experience more accessible. If the Grand Canyon is on your bucket list, you’ll find scenic views that can accommodate wheelchairs, as well as assistive listening devices and tactile exhibits at the museums and visitor center. If you request it in advance, the park will arrange for an American Sign Language interpreter for a ranger-led program.

Europe’s capitals are also working to make their landmarks accessible. This year, Athens unveiled improvements to the Acropolis that make the site easier to navigate for visitors in wheelchairs. In Paris, the first and second levels of the Eiffel Tower are wheelchair accessible.

Like many museums, the Louvre offers a variety of aids for visitors with disabilities, from noise-canceling headphones for people with sensory impairments to tour routes that avoid the need for escalators and elevators.

Theme parks provide assistance for guests with a wide range of needs. For example, some attractions at Disney World allow guests to remain in their wheelchair or Electronic Conveyance Vehicle. Handheld devices are available that amplify sound or provide captioning. If requested in advance, Universal Orlando offers ASL interpreting for select live-action shows. At SeaWorld Orlando, Sesame Street Land has been designated as a Certified Autism Center, with trained staff, quiet rooms and a low-sensory area.