Best Holiday Destinations For Disabled Travellers

These days there is more awareness about the mental and physical disabilities. These people are visible, important and a part of society. This awareness has made more people to be understanding and want to be more accommodating. Some countries and cities have also taken it a step further by designing their cities and tourist packages to cater to the disabled, so they can equally have a positive experience of their vacation. Other countries and cities are slowly becoming aware and making changes to accommodate.

We cannot deny the fact that a lot more work still needs to be done in order to make the travelling experience better and enjoyable for disabled travellers. For those of you who may be disabled or have friends, family and colleagues that may be disabled. We created a list of the top travel destinations that provide suitable facilities. Enjoy!

The top friendly destinations that have great access for the disabled list as follows:

1.   Berlin, Germany

Berlin, the capital of Germany, commits to provide better opportunities for the disabled. The city is barrier-free. That means the city is easily accessible to those who use wheelchairs.

The city provides mobility opportunities to blind and partially sight people as well as the deaf and hard of hearing equally. Berlin has a new accessible building and public transport for the disabled. The city also received the European Commission Access City Award. The hotels, tourist’s places and other events are in access of disabled too. Please be aware that some of the main attractions are not wheelchair friendly.

In terms of flying to Berlin. Please note that wheelchair access is available at Tegel airport or Shönefeld Airport. Alternatively you can take the train to the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (which is has wheelchair access).

2.   National Parks of the United States

National Park services decided to build the Accessibility Task Force in 2012. The plan was developed for five years to increase accessibility throughout the parks.

Moreover, National Park Services provides lifetime free pass to permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Therefore, with pass disabled can get free entrance to 2000 recreation sites as well as a discount on the amenity fees.

The top accessible parks in the list are Congaree National Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

3.   Sydney, Australia

Sydney is the topmost disabled-friendly destination. It provides public transportation facilities to the disabled. More than 2000 tactile and Braille Street signs and accessibility map are available for disabled. The map gives information related to searching for accessible restrooms and mobility parking spaces.

The map warns the disabled in case of any barriers and stair inclines. Sydney is working on even more opportunities for the disabled. which is amazing!

4.   Disney World

Disney world is included in top destinations that have great access for the disabled. The park provides a wheelchair, audio descriptions, captioning, and assistive listening rental.

Disney World provides a guide for disabled Guests and offers a Disability Access Service (DAS). The services offer comparable return time for disabled who cannot wait in conventional lines.

5.   Dublin Ireland

Dublin provides digital information to search for the disabled-friendly places in the city.

The website Mobility MOJO provides current information. The information includes pubs, parks, restaurants, transportation, and other attraction in Dublin and beyond.

Dublin is trying to redesign its old historic buildings so it can make it more accessible for the disabled. However, the city has several accommodations for the disabled. Please note, that there are a lot of cobbled stones and little hills in the city, so you may need assistance or a private tour guide to make the trip more accessible. Overall, the main tourist attractions have very good accessibility.

6.   Hanauma Bay, Hawaii

Hanauma Bay provides fabulous facilities for the disabled. The disabled can relax on the beach on wheelchairs free of cost.

The other facilities like transport buses and tram to are accessible. The special screen in movie theatres is also accessible.

The other accessible destinations for disabled are listed as Pattaya Thailand, LEGOLAND, Loutraki Greece, Sicily Italy, and South Africa, Seattle WA U.S of America.

If you know any more destinations, feel free to leave a comment and share them with us. :-)

Into Seoul and Beyond: See, Do and Experience it Beyond the Touristy Stuff

The vibrant city of Seoul in South Korea is a metropolis that’s brimming with action. There is so much to do and see there that you’ll never be able to see it all. Unless you pack up and move there, which isn’t a bad idea either.

You’ll definitely want to visit popular tourist destinations like Insadong, where you can check out art galleries, eat temple food while watching a traditional performance, and scoop up amazing souvenirs to take back home with you. You’ll also want to take the subway to Lotte World for a Korean version of Disney World. Plus, there are museums that will help round out your experience. And the palaces! You can’t miss those either. The most famous of them all, Gyeongbokgung Palace, has two museums on-site too.

The DMZ tour is also another popular thing for tourists, and honestly if you’ve got the time to do it, you shouldn’t skip the chance to visit. You’ll need to take a long bus ride for it, but most hotels can set you up for a tour if you ask the concierge.

While these touristy things are incredible and you should make time for them, if you stick to just those things, you’ll miss out on a whole other side of Seoul that you’ve simply got to see. Here are some other things you should make time to do and see while you’re in Seoul.

1. Go for norebang

Korean karaoke rooms, called norebang, are amazingly fun. You get your own private and comfortably outfitted room with a state-of-the-art sound system. This singing room allows you and your crew to sing songs, order plenty of Hite or Cass (Korea’s domestic beers), and have an absolute blast. They have them everywhere so just pick a place that looks good and go. 

2. Take line 2 for a view

The line 2 subway will give you the most impressive view of the Han River. You can also get out at Dangsan and walk out exit 3 to walk across the walkway and take selfies to your heart’s content.

3. Seoul Children’s Park

Most people that visit Seoul for a trip don’t know about this awesome place. You could spend the entire day here and still not do it all. It’s free to get in too. You’ll find a zoo and a stunning botanical garden. There’s also an amusement park. You only have to pay for rides or any food purchases that you make, making this a fantastic way to stay entertained even if you’re low on funds.

4. Food, drinks, and nightlife

Go out like the Koreans do. Start at one place, like a Korean barbecue where you can grill your meats right in the center of your own table. Make sure you wash it down with plenty of soju, an alcoholic beverage akin to vodka. Then, amble on to the next place. Often, fried chicken joints are an inevitable stop where you and your friends will get spicy crispy fried chicken and a pitcher of beer. Want to dance or do the bar scene? Itaewon practically caters to foreigners, while Hongdae gives you more of that college set. Either place is great for a fun night out with plenty of restaurants, bars, and clubs to fill your night!

5. Go shopping

Seoul is one of the fashion capitals of the world. Look at the way the women here style themselves and in a few months, you’ll see the trend take hold in the states. It’s an excellent place to shop. You’ll see plenty of malls filled with sparkly stores that will tempt you to spend. But one place you have to look is underground. Take the subway to the Gangnam Terminal where you’ll find the Goto Mall. Or head to Yeungdeungpo or Jamsil for more underground shopping madness. There are gobs of trendy clothes, shoes, jewelry and more, and the prices are outstanding. Hopefully, you’ve brought an expandable suitcase to take all your goodies home with you. If not, you can find one in one of these underground malls for super cheap.

If you do these things and get in some time at the many other touristy stops you can make, you’ll get the best taste of Seoul. It’s impossible to do it all so plan wisely and you’re experience in this majestic city will be truly unforgettable.