We believe strongly that travel is for everyone, no matter their age, interest—or ability. That’s why we especially love assisting travelers with mobility issues so they can explore the world with a trip that’s tailored to them (Lee, Heirloom Journeys’ co-founder, has mobility issues of his own, so we have experience making these kinds of trips possible!).
Whether you use a cane, walker, or wheelchair—or simply can’t move around too far or fast on your own—there is a discovery-focused vacation option out there for you. Here are four to consider:
1. A Rail Vacation
Steep, remote terrain or the type of vacation that has you hopping around to multiple destinations doesn’t have to be off limits to travelers with mobility issues—just consider a rail journey to make it possible! Vacations via train are becoming more and more popular, with the refurbished trains themselves being one of the main attractions of the vacation. For example, the iconic Venice Simplon-Orient-Express offers sumptuous accommodations, gourmet dining, and posh piano entertainment as the train whisks you right from one gorgeous European city to the next.
Trains geared toward tourists will usually have expansive windows that make it easy to admire the scenery rolling by—like the Rocky Mountaineer train, which boasts full glass-dome windows and outdoor areas that provide marvelous views of the snow-capped Rockies as you chug past.
2. River Cruises
Another option to visit many destinations on a single journey—with minimal navigation on your own? A refined river cruise. Nimble ships snake down some of the world’s greatest rivers, like the Danube and Seine in Europe and the Nile in Egypt, and you only have to unpack once. Watch beautiful countryside roll by from the deck or your cruise cabin (many river cruise cabins come equipped with their own balconies).
Excursions are often tailored to different mobility levels as well, such as gentle guided walking tours. Because towns and cities tended to grow up around river banks, many of the central attractions in each destination will be a short distance from where you dock. If you have a wheelchair, just be sure that the cruise ship you choose has cabins that will accommodate you plus an elevator (we can help you with this!).
3. U.S. National Parks
Our incredible national parks system has a mission to make America the Beautiful accessible to all Americans. That’s why many parks take accessibility seriously, providing enhancements and services to aid travelers with mobility issues. For example, at Grand Canyon National Park, if you show your handicap placard you’ll receive permission to use bus-only routes—which get you much closer to site entrances.
Some parks even have special mobility devices, like beach wheelchairs and all-terrain manual wheelchairs, that make more parts of the parks accessible, and they’re available at no cost. Plus, many of the roads that wind through the parks were developed with views in mind; you can pull off at the plentiful viewpoints to admire the landscape without having to hike!
4. An African Safari
No, you don’t have to take a “walk” on the wild side to enjoy a bucket-list safari experience. African safaris are a fantastic nature-oriented vacation for travelers with mobility issues, because the vast majority of your game viewing will be done via 4×4 vehicle with your guide.
You’ll spend all day in the bush tracking animals from the comfort and safety of your Jeep, no hiking required (though you will want to make sure you have the ability to get in and out of the vehicle via steps). Back home at your safari lodge, you can take it easy with spa services, a dip in the infinity pool, and dinner underneath the thickest blanket of stars imaginable—it’s the ideal balance of adventure and relaxation.
Ready to embark on your own escape, and don’t want a mobility issue to hold you back? We would love to plan it for you—connect with Heirloom Journeys on a complimentary consultation call to get started.
