If you have always dreamed of seeing the world, you might feel discouraged if you are living with limited mobility in your later years. But the truth is that there are so many options for travel for those with limited mobility.
Certain factors such as the presence of wheelchair ramps, accessible trails, and reliable public transportation can all make a destination more enjoyable for those with mobility challenges.
While hopping on the next available Caribbean cruise is a fun and popular option, that is not the only option for older adults with limited mobility who dream of traveling. With the right planning and research, you can enjoy destinations all over the world.
Explore America’s National Parks
If you want to spend time in the great outdoors, then exploring America’s national parks is a fantastic option. All U.S. National Parks have options for accessibility, but some parks excel in providing top-notch experiences for older adults with limited mobility.
If you are interested in traveling to a national park, there are several factors to consider, including whether or not you will travel with your own car and wheelchair, and whether or not you want to participate in group tours. Some national parks will provide wheelchairs for your convenience but your own wheelchair may be more adept at maneuvering a wide range of national parks.
Grand Canyon
Grand Canyon National Park has several options for visitors with limited mobility. For one, it features the Trail of Time, which is a paved walkway over a mile long. It leads to the Geology Museum and provides visitors with amazing views of the canyon.
If you want to get off the trails, the bus and boat tours at the park are also an option. The bus tours have lifts that help wheelchair users on and off the bus, and the boat tours have ramps that comply with ADA standards.
Finally, the park allows those with limited mobility access to restricted areas of the park that the general public isn’t allowed to see.
Great Sand Dunes
Visiting Great Sand Dunes National Park might not seem like a fun trip for those with limited mobility. However, the park has taken steps to ensure that everyone, no matter their mobility, can enjoy the dunes.
The park rents out dune-friendly wheelchairs to visitors. These chairs have large, inflatable wheels that can easily move up and down the dunes.
Acadia
If you live in New England, and you want to experience the beauty of nature close to home, the Acadia National Park is a great option for your travels.
This park is filled with beautiful lakes and forests, and there are ramps, boardwalks, parking, and restrooms available that provide older adults with mobility issues. For example, Echo Lake has a wheelchair-accessible path that leads directly to the beach.
Yellowstone
Yellowstone National Park features an impressive boardwalk system that allows visitors in wheelchairs to see popular sights, including Old Faithful.
Visitors can enjoy sightseeing, activities with park rangers, and fishing. For example, the Madison River has several wheelchair-accessible spots where fishing enthusiasts can spend an afternoon. Even simply driving around the park, you can be privy to a wide range of wildlife that wanders around the park including moose, grizzly bears, and bison.
Go Ocean Fishing in Florida
If you are looking for a water adventure, then Florida is a good place to start. Florida is home to the Everglades, lakes, and swamps, and has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico.
Florida has a robust tourism industry and has many locations and activities that are specifically designed for older adults. If you are interested in ocean fishing, you can find a fishing tour that provides fun experiences for people with all levels of mobility.
Get Your Thrills in Las Vegas
Sometimes you don’t want a calm and peaceful vacation. If you are looking for thrills and excitement, then Las Vegas is the place for you.
Casinos are very wheelchair friendly. You can roll right up to any of the slot machines, and staff members are always present if you need assistance maneuvering your way to a larger table for a game of poker.
If you want to get out of the casino for a bit, there are several museums, shows, and attractions you can experience in Las Vegas. For example, the fountain show at the Bellagio takes place every day and is free to enjoy. If you are in a wheelchair, consider arriving at the fountain 15 minutes before the show to find the perfect spot with a view.
Live It Up in Hawaii
The Hawaiian Islands are a world-famous destination for people of all ages. If you are an older adult with limited mobility, this destination can provide sun, sand, and hospitality from the second you land at the airport.
When traveling, be sure to take advantage of porter services within the airport. These staff members can assist you with transporting your luggage and wheelchair and helping you to arrive at your gate promptly.
There are beaches on each of the Hawaiian islands that are accessible. For example, the island of Oahu’s accessible beaches includes the Ala Moana Beach Park, Kailua Beach Park, Kuaola Regional Park, and others.
See the Canadian Rockies by Train
The Canadian Rockies are filled with beautiful views of majestic, snow-capped mountains. While hiking these mountains isn’t always an option for those with limited mobility, there are other ways to experience the Canadian Rockies.
One popular activity in this region is to tour the Canadian Rockies by train. This allows you to see popular destinations from your train car. You can even book excursions from your train to see certain stops up close.
Soak up the Sun in Barbados
The Caribbean has captivated the hearts and minds of people around the world. From the beautiful array of culture, music, and food to the crystal clear water, the Caribbean is a popular destination for a reason.
In particular, Barbados offers visitors with limited mobility a variety of ways to enjoy the island. Visitors can rent beach-friendly wheelchairs, stay in accessible hotels, and enjoy water sports such as paddle boarding.
Experience Art and History in Rome, Italy
Rome is a city full of history and art and is known all over the world for sites such as the Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain. If you are dreaming of a Roman vacation, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
First, be prepared for a slightly bumpy ride. Like many ancient cities, Rome has quite a few cobblestone streets. Second, many of the older hotels are small and are not easily accessible, either due to the size of the doorways or the lack of an elevator. However, several larger hotels in the city are wheelchair accessible with ramps, elevators, large doorways, and spacious bathrooms.
Take In the Sights of Barcelona, Spain
In the past, Barcelona struggled to provide accessible experiences for those with limited mobility. However, in recent years, the city has made widespread efforts and is now a great vacation destination for older adults with limited mobility.
All of the main tourist attractions are now wheelchair accessible, and there are wheelchair-accessible restrooms at all of the major museums and attractions. The metro is wheelchair accessible, and if you are driving, there is an increased number of parking spots available.
With all of these improvements, now might be the perfect time to go tour La Sagrada Familia and sip some sangria.
Admire the Architecture of Kyoto, Japan
The city of Kyoto is home to 20% of Japan’s national treasures and provides a long list of activities and attractions for older adults with limited mobility. Some wheelchair-accessible locations in Kyoto include the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Nijo Castle, Nishiki Market, and more.
After you land in Tokyo, you can take a train to Kyoto. The train system in Japan is extensive, and most stations have excellent accessibility, especially in larger cities.
Limited Mobility Doesn’t Have To Stop You
If you are living with limited mobility, you may sometimes feel that your travel dreams are out of reach. But with the right planning, you can find destinations that are easy and enjoyable to explore in your wheelchair.
