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Winter may seem like a dreary season, but that’s all the more reason to get out there and brighten your day. Mobility issues won’t restrict your activities if you look out for wheelchair accessible travel destinations. Below are some of the best accessible holiday destinations for disabled travel – all that you need are lightweight wheelchairs and a sense of adventure.
Vienna, Austria
What better place for a winter holiday than Austria, home of artistic quaint European towns surrounded by picturesque snow-capped mountains? You might worry that the cobblestone streets would be a barrier to getting around, but the streets of Vienna have been smoothed for greater accessibility. The centre of the city is a pedestrian zone, making it easier to get around whether you have a wheelchair or a walker. The majority of public transport and buildings have been adapted for wheelchairs, so everyone can enjoy the historical sights.
Ljubljana, Slovenia
This lesser-known European city is the capital of Slovenia, a country which used to be part of Yugoslavia. It is not only one of the greenest cities in Europe, but also one of the most accessible. In the city centre, restricted traffic allows pedestrians, cyclists, and wheelchair users to explore along the banks of Ljubljanica River freely. All public buildings in the city have accessible entrances and ramps, including museums. The city is small enough to get around without public transport, but there are two free wheelchair accessible electric taxis.
Vancouver, Canada
Cold and snowy Canada conjures up the image of a picture-perfect winter scene, but you might not know that the city of Vancouver is also extremely accessible. Taxis and public transport are all wheelchair-accessible, and lowered curbs and cuts in curbs mean that wheelchairs and scooters won’t face unwanted barriers. The crosswalk signals are also audible for the visually impaired. There are beautiful parks, restaurants, and Christmas markets, not to mention accessible winter sports with Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports.
Utah, United States
Utah probably isn’t the first place you might think of for a winter holiday, but the American state is well-known for its ski resorts. It is one of the best places in the world for accessible winter activities. The National Ability Centre in Park City is the perfect place to go if you want to try skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and more. The airport in Utah is fully accessible and there are accessible vehicles to transport visitors to the resorts. To participate in any of the programs at the National Ability Centre, you need to apply for acceptance in advance.
Accessible Cruises
If you would rather experience some winter sun, it is possible to have a disability-friendly holiday on the sea. Consider a winter cruise on an accessible cruise ship, travelling to any number of destinations. Most cruise ships will offer accessible facilities, though you will have to request a disabled cabin with ramped thresholds, lowered furniture, and a roll-in shower if required. Cruise companies often offer onshore side tours with accessible transport vehicles. You could go on a cruise to the Caribbean, or to a wintery destination like Alaska in the US.
This list is just a rough guide, and nothing in this review should be taken as medical advice. Always be sure to check with your doctor before you start on any new treatment or protocol.
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