[xMaddiex]

ok, so me and jason have decided to take a trip somewhere after our exams, we went to ibiza last year and had a great time, but he wasnt in a chair then, so ive decided to call upon everyone here's wisdom of travelling and get some help...so...

wheres a good place for two teenagers, and maybe a few friends the same age, to go with good wheelchair accessibility?

theres a good chance that there will be another wheelchair user with us, is the whole process of flying/boarding/unboarding the plane the same with more than one person needing the aisle chair etc?

what airlines are the best for wheelchair accomodation and basically not scratching up a new wheelchair and throwing it onto the plane etc.?

if the wheelchair is only given back to the user at baggage claim, where you collect your suitcases, where does the wheelchair user sit until then?

and, um, the whole going through the airport and getting on the plane, flying and getting off the plane and through the airport process really...

i know its a lot to ask of you all to explain it, but im so confused as to how it all goes on and i know youll all do your best to help me, thanx a million, maddie xxx

[chimneygirl]

Hey,

Its no problem.

1) make sure you tell your flight operator your in a chair (the code for own wheelchair to aircraft door lift on and off is WCHC ) Worked for Gold Medal Travel Airline Network for 11 years prior to my accident!

2)Call or Fax the hotel a couple of days before arrival to make sure they have allocated you an accessible room, if no Accessible rooms avail ask them to measure the door widths especially the bathroom, as often this can be a smaller door!

3) When you check in for you flight make sure they tag your chair and each wheel if they are going to take them off, i usually put mt scissor brakes on, on most the staff cant figure out how to take them off, so your cahir is most likly to go in whole
Sorry must go im late for lunch, please let me know if you needa anymore advise.
ta ta

[mttb14]

Hi,

Most hotels these days are listed on the internet and have email addresses. You can email them and ask them all the questions you want.

Also make sure you tell your travel agent as they can make sure they specify your exact requirements. It may also be worth paying the premium for extra baggage allowance when you book, because over weight baggage can be extremely expensive at the airport if they decide to charge for it. Cost us £65.00 extra.

I'm feeling very jealous as we need a holiday, but due to John's compensation claim, we have too many appointments one after the other, and don't know when we can fit in a break away.

Have a great holiday.

Maria

[Lucydog]

Ok, Id forget going on a beach holiday for now sand sea and wheelchairs dont mix. Id suggest a really cool place to visit is Stockholm. The Swedes are really clued up over accessibility and you will have no trouble getting anywhere or getting public transport. Try the youth hostels first of all. The city is great for shopping, sight seeing, clubbing or just a fun time all round. Failing that try Amsterdam. Holland is flat and good for getting around. You can visit lots of places by public transport and again its good for clubbing, shopping or whatever you want to do.

As for airlines, I found Easyjet very good. I booked on the internet and had no trouble. You basically need to tick the box that says I cannot walk at all. I was taken right onto the plane and then just transfered from my chair to seat no problem. My only tip would be to get some foam stuff and tape it round the corners of your chair as mine was dropped and the corners where scraped off my expensive green RGK paintwork. I think its inevirtable you just live and learn I guess.

anyway hope this helps.

L

[mttb14]

Hi Maddie,

If you do want the sun, look for a resort which has lots of pools, in Majorca, the Belle View in Alcudia, is on the flat, with lifts to every floor, it has somewhere in the region of 6 or 7 pools. The area was quite flat, and the beach was about 900 metres away, sand and wheelchairs would be a pain, but lots of beaches these days have long proms you can walk along for miles.

Admittedly, the beach would pose a problem, and SCI's have to be really careful not to dehydrate as it can bring on AD, so can sun burn.

You need to check resorts out for hills, steps etc. Ask Simon, he has a place in Portugal attached to his postings with regard to disabled holidays.

Maria

[DaveP]

Hi Maddie

I specialise in accessible holiday facilities in the Algarve and one of the accessible apartments may be suitable for you. Check out the Gill Apartment at www.player.pt as this has private jacuzzi and is some 75m from an accessible beach with 3km beach-front promenade with lots of shops, bars, restaurants, etc.

If I can help, feel free to email me.

Regards
Dave Player
dave@player.pt

[Carly/Kevin]

does anyone know of any good places in the u.s. that is wheelchair accessible.. cause last year kevin and i took a trip to hawaii and that was AWESOME but that was also before his accident and i would love to surprise him with a trip during christmas but im not sure where would be a good place to go.. any suggestions would be helpful! thanks

[Shanna]

Carly/Kevin, on Jul 13 2006, 09:48 PM, said:

does anyone know of any good places in the u.s. that is wheelchair accessible.. cause last year kevin and i took a trip to hawaii and that was AWESOME but that was also before his accident and i would love to surprise him with a trip during christmas but im not sure where would be a good place to go.. any suggestions would be helpful! thanks

Come to Georgia......lol. Nick needs a friend who is in a wheelchair. There isn't really anyone around here...close to our ages. I am 26 and he is 23.

[Carly/Kevin]

Shanna, on Jul 17 2006, 02:24 AM, said:

Carly/Kevin, on Jul 13 2006, 09:48 PM, said:

does anyone know of any good places in the u.s. that is wheelchair accessible.. cause last year kevin and i took a trip to hawaii and that was AWESOME but that was also before his accident and i would love to surprise him with a trip during christmas but im not sure where would be a good place to go.. any suggestions would be helpful! thanks

Come to Georgia......lol. Nick needs a friend who is in a wheelchair. There isn't really anyone around here...close to our ages. I am 26 and he is 23.

lol.. been there, done that.. haha.. yeah, we dont know really know anyone else that is in a wheelchair either.. especially no one close to our ages, he is going to be 20 in aug. and i am 17.. which sucks.. i really want to surprise him though.. even if i know i cant top the trip to hawaii that he gave me.. but i can try .. i just have no clue what to do!!