ever, there are some things you

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However, there are some things you should know that are particular to Europe especially when it pertains to accessibility before you visit in a wheelchair. Youll be eligible for discounts or free entry in many places. Accessibility in the British capital is constantly improving, making London a fantastic trip for wheelchair users.

Cobblestones are EVERYWHERE. However, ask me how many wheelchair taxis there are in the city. If a museum lacks elevators for visitors, be sure to ask about freight elevators. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. I'm inspired by the fact that, wherever I go in Europe, I see locals with disabilities. When you think about Munich you think about its castles in Bavaria, the beer festival, the FC Bayern club or the Romantic Road. sidewalks wheelchairs wheelchairtravel wheelchair [] Hungary definitely needs to be on your list of European capital cities to visit! restaurants are accessible for people in wheelchairs. Some require that you present a special kind of ID that proves your disability, and most American wheelchair users dont have that. Private societies exist but you can manage your own trip to Prague.. If a train strike occurs in Italy, how will you get from Florence to Rome? Like some kind of tracking device? You can find all the addresses of the museums and monuments adapted to Paris on the website of tourism in Paris www.parisinfo.com as well as the discounts offered to Our site uses cookies. I always take notice of the entrances to restaurants and stores in European pedestrian-only (i.e.

I grew up with a father who LOVED watching Stonehenge documentaries, so when I went to England the first time, This article is based on a day trip to Pompeii we took from Naples in 2012. I am so enamored with Europe its not even funny. We are US based. Some have plenty of available wheelchair taxis, like London. In some cases, like with Irish Rail, you can book a wheelchair spot online. Greater comfort for a perfect holiday in Europe. The 17th-century Golden Age is alive in Amsterdam, easily one of Europes most walkable (and rollable) cities. Many disabled tourists, A trip to the United Kingdom is probably incomplete without enjoying some of the wonderful unspoilt landscapes, and there is, The eternal city is not famous for its accessibility, but a lot of work has been done in the last, Travelling the world is a must-do for people of all ages, abilities and background, and usually the restricting factors are, Looking for a wheelchair accessible European Cruise? Book your hotel There are new accessible tour companies offering services everyyear. I use a lightweight manual wheelchair with pop-off tires. Airport services for wheelchair users vary from country to country, and often from city to city. Discover Europes biggest collection of things to do and guided tours. Montpellier encourages storekeepers to adapt their shops to wheelchair users.

Is Rome, the city of 7 hills really wheelchair accessible? Here are my travel tips for you, with the caveat that Im an American and will be writing from that point of view. Grand Place, the citys central square, is the most picturesque in all of Europe. see our FAQ. When I have a connecting flight, I again insist that I use my own chair. There is a manual ramp at the back door. It attracts millions of travellers. But, (Sponsored Content.) Whatever you want to do youll find it here. Working with a tour company in Europe can help alleviate a lot of stress when you know your accessibility needs are being taken care of by locals. We wanted to see Rome, Italy because of the things we had learned about Roman, Our family traveled to Paris, France for the first time. It provides suitable guided tours, adapted toilets, shops The other public transportation systems available that, Stratford-upon-Avon is set in the beautiful Warwickshire countryside, on the banks of the river Avon. European current is 220 volts, as compared to 110 volts in the US. Your smaller electronics like your phone, tablet, and laptop use variable voltage chargers. Be open to trying new ways of doing things, but also ask questions to make sure you are comfortable with the access provided. However, if youre a 3-wheel scooter user like me, youre screwed in this scenario. The archaeological sites and places of historical interest are integral part of the countrys identity, as they connect, Sponsored Content. Whether you are a resident of Germany or just visiting, its important to know what your accessible transportation options are. analyses the current situation of accessibilityfor any type of disability in order to identify any possible improvements. There are two, you have to book them several says in advance, and there arent any at the airport. Let me show you how. Almost all have them somewhere, and that can be your ticket to seeing a world-class treasure. However, things like the placement of grab bars, roll-in shower layouts, etc. I expect equal access and constantly let people know about the possibility of providing access through ramps or other modifications. bar paris hemingway tripadvisor See the resources listed in the sidebar for a number of helpful organizations. They can show you the best spots. Check out this nylon ladder that helps me pull myself up in hotel beds and at home: Stander BedCaddie Sit-Up In Bed Support Assist Handle with Adjustable Nylon Strap + Three Ergonomic Hand Grips. Whatever you want to do youll find it here. Few things are worse than traveling in a wheelchair and having the locals stare at you sometimes with hostility or disgust (Im looking at you, Hong Kong). More and more people with disabilities are heading to Europe, and more of us are looking for the Back Door routes. Although accessibility is a challenge, this Eastern European city is a must visit destination. Airport size or a countrys economic status doesnt make much difference because Ive had amazing and modern service in small and less wealthy Eastern European destinations. This is one of the hardest parts of planning your trip. Read hotel reviews & find the best price on hotels for all budgets. Europe contains 50 internationally recognized countries. In addition to having improved its accessibility in recent years, Ljubljana is a wonderful must see destination There are dozens of activities to do on the To find out which accommodations are available, check the "facilities for disabled guests" option in our search tool. Before you take a tour or hire a guide, ask these questions: Enjoy your trip!

What type of content do you plan to share with your subscribers? Of course, this doesnt guarantee anything with regards to theactual accessibility of your supposedly accessible room, and you cant sue or do much more than complain if something is wrong. Hopefully more books will include accessibility information, which will allow everyone to see Europe "through the Back Door. Let's work toward making that door accessible so we can all be there together. restaurants and public transports. Most restaurants and stores will be off-limits. The, Handicapped, wheelchair accessible travel to Venice, Italy is about so much more than just finding a hotel. And that cruise passengers with disabilities don't have to take the "donkey path" up the cliffs when visiting the Greek island of Santorini? Bring along an extra pair of pants and a great sense of humor. I hear all the time that "Venice is not wheelchair accessible" or "Paris has poor accessibility." The city is home toabout 1.3 million people, but its larger urban zone has approximately a [], My husband will need a scooter we plan on going to Poland next September 1-15 with a two day trip to Switzerland Should we rent a scooter before we go he weighs 375 and due to really bad arthritis he can only walk short distance Thank you, Your email address will not be published.

Munich Bavaria is a beautiful wealthy first world town. lake silver penrhyndeudraeth tripadvisor Please understand that I have experienced all of these companies, and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links. You've done as much planning as you can. Most accessible coffee shops and chain pubs, like Weatherspoons, Walkabout, Nandos, Costas, Nero & Pizza Express also have accessible toilets. Many hotel employees and reservations agent dont know what accessible means. Yourultimate bucket listto travel in Europe. Foval Power Step []. Montpellier is not only accessible for tourists with reduced mobility but also and in priority for its disabled inhabitants. disabled people.

Subscribe to discover latest travel inspiration, tips and deals from European Best Destinations. Wheelchair users get free access to the Louvre, Muse dOrsay, Muse de lOrangerie, Palace of Versailles and more. Are you expected to keep up with able-bodied tour members? and adapted hotels. In some cases, accessibility is even better than in the US, like the requirement for emergency pull cords in bathrooms. Ive also had many a shopkeeper make a sale with me from their doorway when I couldnt enter after seeing something i really liked in the window.

This article was constructed based on trips to Naples, Italy in 2014, 2012, and 2006. Learn more about our use of cookies in our, Ultimate Guide to Wheelchair Accessible Cities in Europe. The Berlin Zoo is perfect for both young and old, as well as the main parks of the city and the many museums in Berlin. To be blatantly honest, when there are no accessible bathrooms in sight, I have found ways to pee discreetly just about anywhere (outside the Eiffel Tower or on a glacier in a national park). Did you know that Herculaneum's ruins are nearly identical to Pompeii's, but are wheelchair-friendly?

We also went to, This article is based on our trips to Rome in May/June of 2014 and 2012 with our friends Chris McCloud. Its history stretches, Four parts of the Swiss Alps exist within Switzerland: Schweizer Alpen (German), Alpes suisses (French), Alpi svizzere (Italian) and Alps, Londons Underground (The Tube) transportation system is the oldest railway in the world. I always get information about disability groups in the places I am going. spot, Book your hotel in Salzburg at the best price. How many people with disabilities have they guided in the past year? mobility. John has taken his wheelchair to more than 90 European cities and has run into his share of challenges during his travels but he also says that the obstacles can almost always be overcome. Just because a hotel or restaurant or transportation provider says something is wheelchair accessible doesnt mean it will meet your expectations. copyright 2006-2022 wheelchairtraveling.com. Discover Europes biggest collection of things to do and guided tours. (If it's been a long time, the guide may not be aware of the latest regulations or updates regarding accessibility. I have no idea. With backup plans (such as packing vital spare parts for your wheelchair), you won't have to put your vacation on hold. Are there accessible restaurants nearby? Book your hotel in London at the best price and make sure it is For example, Frankfurts accessibility as a city is fantastic. sure it is accessible by checking the "facilities for disabled guests" option in our search tool, over 30 accessible hotels and accommodations await you in Salzburg! When taking a, Croatia is an Eastern Europe country that hugs the Mediterranean turquoise coastline. Ideas for Travel in Ireland with a Wheelchair, Travel Lisbon, Portugal has Accessibility Challenges, Croatia, Eastern Europe Accessible Hotels and Resorts, A Swiss Alps Adventure: Accessible Travel Tips, Visit the Birthplace of Shakespeare in the UK, Englands Top 5 Accessible Beaches and Nearby B&Bs, Spainish Villa Rental on Lanzarote Island, 4 Wheelchair Accessible Attractions in Scotland, Accessible Travel in Croatia: Guides & Tips, Paris, France Accessible Tips and Attractions, Glasgow, Scotland: Accessible Travel Tips, Adaptive Outdoor Activities in Austria for the Disabled, Rent a Wheelchair Accessible Bus for Europe Travel, The Great Outdoors for Wheelchairs in the UK, 3 of the Best Wheelchair Accessible Destinations in the World, Europe Cruise: Holland, Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Finland & Russia, Blue Lagoon Geothermal Spa in Iceland is Accessible, Visit the Kensington Palace in London, England, Rent a Wheelchair Friendly Apartment in Rome, Italy, Salzburg, Austria PDF on Wheelchair Travel, Berlin was Surprisingly Wheelchair Accessible. Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. Don't confuse being flexible and having a positive attitude with settling for less than your rights. John Sage owns Sage Traveling, which plans and books accessible travel to Europe. of over 100 accessible accommodation possibilities available in Munich. Compare low cost flights to Europe countries then book your airline tickets directly by clicking through to agency and airline sites. Thanks to Susan Sygall and the staff from Mobility International USA for this section. Adaptive and wheelchair accessible car renting is rising in Europe as accessible tourism grows and takes shape across the continent, Travelling can be a nightmare if you are wheelchair bound. In 2004, my friend Nicole and I decided to go to Berlin, Germany for 10 days during our spring break. This is nothing to say of the lack of accessible toilets in a European restaurant even if you can sit inside. Your hotel will likely provide a hair dryer, or you can buy an inexpensive European version for less than 20 euro. Many hotels in European city centers have only one or two accessible rooms. An accurate review of accessibility in Europe must take into account the fact that there are 50 countries each setting their own policy. Plan your holiday without a barrier in a beautiful European destination that inspired the "The Sound of Music " musical. I always try to learn some of the language of the country I'm in, because it cuts through the barriers when people stare at you (and they will) and also comes in handy when you need assistance in going up a curb or a flight of steps. I, Cead mile failte (a hundred thousand welcomes) from Ireland, a great destination with plenty to see and do for a, I visited Lisbon, the capital of Portugal, with a friend of mine for a few days. I have been fortunate enough to work with amazing accessible tour companies in places like Ljubljana, Warsaw, Amsterdam, and Budapest during my European travels. Every single train system in Europe has different booking and boarding procedures for wheelchair users. Many places in Paris have received the symbol "Tourism & Handicap" which ensures a high level of The best ones get booked very early. I keep a bungee cord with me for the times I can't get my chair into a car and need to strap it in the trunk or when I need to secure it on a train. What will you do if a part on your wheelchair breaks? Plan ahead, plan ahead, plan ahead. It can be useful to contact tourism offices and local transit providers before you travel.

The Regents Park is one royal park and a visit to. Montpellier, dozens of activities to do on the Luxembourg Citys medieval old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is unmatched in beauty. Accessibility in tourism has become an important criterion; it allows everyone to enjoy more accessible destinations If your flight is destined for the US, regardless of the carrier, you do have rights under the Air Carrier Access Act, so make sure youre familiar with those. Stay in the most accessible parts of town. As usual, awesome and thorough post with really great tips and information! Just remember that even though much of Europe falls under the Schengen Agreement, that doesnt mean theres any standardization for air transportation laws when it comes to handling disabled passengers. The city lies next to a river in a valley in the Alps, Tyler and I loved Rome! Book your hotel in Rome at the best price and make sure of its Get lost in the beer halls during the annual Oktoberfest celebration. Treat yourself to holidays in these pure nature refuges offering dream beaches. There are some good addresses and tips to make your stay in Rome Use pictures of your wheelchair and a bathroom setup if necessary. Having a universal key to unlock a wheelchair accessible bathroom or elevator in Europe will improve your trip. Many amazing parts of Europe are only one step up, and can be accessed with a small portable ramp. Book your accommodation in our selection of around 30 accessible hotels in Ljubljana. Because its rare that you can book an accessible hotel room online using a European hotels website, chances are youll be booking one via email or over the phone. Paris, France is a wonderful city to visit in every season. People may tell you their building is accessible because they're willing to lift you and your wheelchair over the steps at the entryway. Do you want to book a hotel at the best price? can be all over the map.

). accessible by checking the "facilities for disabled guests" option. The City of Lights wont disappoint. Tour the Louvre in Paris. Big savings on hotels in thousands European destinations. Official website of the Best Destinations in Europe. and offers greater comfort for a perfect holiday in Europe.

2022 Rick Steves' Europe, Inc. | Anyone with adventure in their soul can take advantage of all Europe has to offer. Best price guarantee ! While there are certainly some accessibility challenges, the truth is that the more research you do, the more accessible your trip will be. They have the best access information, and many times they'll become your new traveling partners and friends. Contact me at Spin the Globe/Travel so I can help you start planning! Yes, that includes those of us who use wheelchairs. Every line also requires a different amount of prior notification for providing you with a ramp to board the train and disembark at your destination.

I have been a, The hotelResidenza Farnese is a great little place located in the middle of Rome, Italy. Within walking distance to every, I tried to use the bus for the first time. Ask for your brochure "Exploring Salzburg without barriers" It was specially made for visitors with reduced mobility via the website of the City transportation options for wheelchair users vary greatly. As forward thinking as some of Europe is, you cannever assume that youll just figure these things out when you arrive. Enormous efforts are being made to eliminate barriers and providing, Hotel Quirinale is located in a central location to most of Romes attractions. You can do it all even in a wheelchair. accessibility. or need a nudge over an obstacle. spot. Terms of Service | Privacy, US Department of Transportation's Aviation Consumer Protection Division.

[] stating that starting in 2021, Americans would need to obtain a visa to visit countries in the European Union. Now it's time to enjoy your trip. Make sure your power chair charger uses variable voltage (it will say 110V~240V on the charging block sticker) so you dont have to bring a converter. But wheelchair users are common enough in most of Europe that the locals wont take much notice of you, other than to politely give you some space. We enjoyed a one-week holiday in Montpellier, the most, Below is a list of hotels and resorts in Croatia, which have 2-5 accessible rooms per property. Yep, you can count on it, but there are ways to, When planning my mums (Barbie) visit to Paris, France, what worried me the most was how we were going to. Greece Accessible Tour: Holiday and Vacation Fun! Some European cities have amazing accessible public transportation, like Barcelona, Vienna, and Frankfurt. It is almost always cheaper to book your accessible hotel accommodation far in advance. Book your hotel in Montpellier at the best price and make Where are the accessible bathrooms located? Dozens of activities and attractions, tours, hotels and move around and finding somewhere to live is essential" We agree with him. Having them make reservations. I take a backpack that fits on the back of my chair and store my daypack underneath my chair in a net bag. EZ-ACCESS Suitcase Singlefold Graphite Fiber Ramp, 51 Inch, 17 Pound.

Consider bringing this one (the one I use) with you the next time you travel! Sponsored Content The importance of accessibility for people with disabilities should not be lost on either transportation or information. If it does, how will you deal with it? Many of my friends use power wheelchairs, are blind or deaf, or have other disabilities they all have their own travel tips. are free for people with reduced mobility. more pleasant. Berlin is a very flat city; it is perfect for people in wheelchairs or those who might find it difficult to walk on steep streets. Take your wheelchair to the top of the Rock of Gibraltar, and meet wild monkeys in the process. The historical center is globally accessible. Rolling your wheelchair into the Kremlin and Red Square need not be a dream anymore. Some of the best wheelchair service in Europe, in my opinion, is in the Lufthansa hub city of Frankfurt. Fortunately, thats not the case, and MUCH of Europe is quite accessible for all manner of wheelchair users. inhabitants do their best to welcome the visitors from all over the world. Will the guide physically assist you if needed (i.e., push a manual wheelchair)? It is a small city, but, Bezbatour is the only travel agency in the Czech Republic that is specialized primarily in accessible traveling. No country in Europe is immune, although some cities are definitely better than others. Vienna has ripped out much of its old cobbles and replaced them with flat pavers, and many other European cities are doing the same. beautiful city and Bavaria a very beautiful region. Heres the international plug adapter I use: icyber Worldwide Travel Adapter. The country joined the EU in, I went toCopenhagen (CPH) to visit a friend for New Years, but there are many reasons why CPH is such. When it comes to dining out or having a bite at a cafe, all of the chain restaurants, such as, Casa Brazos Abiertos inprovince of Crdoba in Andalucia, southern Spain was awarded superior status because of the quality and the, Local travel company, BCN Accestour General Tips Hotels:We highly recommend using BCN Accestour for accommodations. This article on Italy train travel is based on trips weve taken in 2014, 2012, 2009, 2006, 2005 and 2003. Each person with a disability has unique needs and interests. tourist-heavy) areas, and in every city Ive visited, the majority have at least one step to enter. The city of Salzburg in Austria has created a detailed wheelchair access guide to attractions, transportation, hotels, and more. Just do the best you can when reserving a room to make your exactneeds known. Since I usually travel alone, if I can't carry it myself, I don't take it. Make sure you can plug in your variable voltage power chair charger when you travel abroad! Many large hotels in tourist areas have accessible restaurants and toilets that you can use when out and about, as do European shopping malls. Some of the worst is in London Heathrow and Paris Charles de Gaulle, two incredible high volume airports. Avoiding bridges in Venice and hills in Paris is entirely possible. Spin the Globe is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. I visited several European countries while I was still walking prior to my MS diagnosis in 2005, and after I began traveling again as a full-time wheelchair user, I thought Europe would be closed off to me forever. accessibility by clicking on the facilities for disabled guests option in our search tool. However, other cities like Paris and Budapest have metro systems that are mostly inaccessible to wheelchair users. We were there for only a couple of days but, How British Music Festivals Are Gearing Up To Be More Accessible For Wheelchair Users The Brits often refer to the, Spain is becoming increasingly prepared for accessible tourismtourism for everyone. Sail across the Oslo Fjord. The architecture, the food, and the people are all fantastic, and while the former socialist [], [] youre traveling from the United States to Europe, Asia, or Africa, this is an excellent step down voltage converter. Each guide containskey insights I have learned from my extensive travels across the continent. Please do not spend any money on these products unless you feel you need them or that they will help you achieve your goals. Salzburg Tourist Board. For travel in the summer, make your reservations in December. Dont drinktoo much, though, if youre driving a wheelchair! In Copenhagen, theyve made an effort by laying down two parallel paver tracks over the cobbles for wheelchairs and strollers. accessibility by clicking on the "facilities for disabled guests" option, we have referenced more than 680 accessible hotels and accommodations in Paris. More and more places and attractions are accessible to disabled people in Prague. Montpellier also regularly check the "facilities for disabled guests" option, thousands of offers are waiting for you. Many Western European countries like the United Kingdom and Germany have accessibility laws that put forth certain requirements for buildings and structures and transportation. I always insist on keeping my own wheelchair up to the airline gate, where I then check it at the gate. Other rail lines need 48 or 72 hours notice. Leave your hair dryer and flat irons at home!!! Indeed, For those interested in visiting incredible landscapes and magnificent castles in France, the Seine-et-Marne region is an ideal choice. So how wheelchair and scooter friendly is Barcelona? Munich museums, hotels or even public transports are accessible for disabled people, Naples, Italy is blessed with, (Sponsored Content.) In some countries, people rely more on human-support systems than on physical or technological solutions. According to the mayor of Montpellier "being able to Notify me of follow-up comments by email. There are accessible bus tours of the main attractions of the city for about 25 euros a day The Vatican city State is also particularly concerned about people with If you know what you're getting into before you arrive in Europe, you'll have a much easier time on your trip. That is the reason why we advise you to stay in that part of the city which is also the nicest one.Book your hotel in Prague at the best price and check its If you dont mind the crowds and heat, then, Carlisle is the only city in Cumbria, the most North Westerly County in England. Each country and city is different in both the accommodations and challenges it presents to the wheelchair traveler. There are 2 of, Last summer, I made my first trip to London where I stayed at the Palmers Lodge Hillspring which is located, Barcelona, Spain has long been seen as a wheelchair friendly travel destination. So it is no wonder, that after leaving the hospital, Welcome to Barcelona! Is there a device that I can put in my husbands rollater so that, if someone walked off with it or the airline misplaces it, we can find out where it is? Learn how your comment data is processed.

Dont make non-refundable reservations assuming all your accessible travel needs will be met. For COVID-19 Travel and RS Tours information, Even on the most perfectly planned accessible vacation, something can go wrong. We are Rudy and Julien, from Lyon, France. Most Europeans are largely indifferent to wheelchair users, but are very kind and helpful. Make sure it is accessible Many companies also offer accessible shore excursions for wheelchair users going on cruises to Europe. If you prepare for all the possible issues, travel with someone who can help you during your trip, and remain flexible, unexpected events won't turn into potential trip-ruining problems. In 1992, for the first time in their history, the Olympic and Paralympic Games were held in, Hello everybody! reduced mobility and offers a more suitable way to visit the city in a wheelchair.