No destination should be off-limits from your travel or vacation bucket list. Although planning an accessible vacation may take a bit more forethought, taking the time to research some travel tips, location information and accessibility services at various venues and attractions ensures a seamless and enjoyable vacation for every traveler. Thankfully, there are many accessible vacation options you can explore, whether you want to navigate a new city, find exciting thrills or explore the world by water. Here, we'll provide some of the most popular and accessible vacation destinations to help you decide where to go next.
Accessible City Vacations
Whether you want to explore the vibrant offerings of a busy city, expand your historical knowledge or find a location the entire family will enjoy, the United States offers many accessible experiences across the nation. Our top four accessible vacation destinations include:
1. Washington, DC
Washington, DC, is an excellent vacation spot for travelers with limited mobility. This popular tourist spot is packed with well-known museums, historical monuments and gorgeous architectural sights to explore. The city has well-maintained sidewalks, making it easy to navigate the many sights with a walker, wheelchair or other mobility aids. There are also various mobility-friendly attractions, including the Smithsonian and the National Zoo. Many sites, such as the Lincoln Memorial, offer elevators and ramps to ensure all visitors can experience the breathtaking views, and travelers can also utilize wheelchair taxis and wheelchair spaces on the Washington Metro to encourage exploration across the city.
2. Las Vegas, Nevada
Las Vegas has a plethora of accessible activities. From experiencing “Sin City” at the casino tables to watching entrancing live shows to finding poolside relaxation, travelers with limited mobility can experience nearly everything Las Vegas has to offer. The Las Vegas Strip is a very accessible pedestrian route, and the city is filled with ADA-accessible attractions like the many fountains, casinos and more. This destination also has the most ADA-accessible hotel rooms across the United States, and with the many themes and unique events at various lodging venues, you're sure to enhance your travel experience inside and outside your room.
3. New York City, New York
"The Big Apple” is one of the most diverse and popular tourist destinations. New York City hosts events, parades and shows throughout the year, drawing millions of visitors annually. This destination features many accessible landmarks, including the Empire State Building, the Met and the Statue of Liberty. New York is also one of the best locations to ensure every traveler gets to do something they love. From shopping on Fifth Avenue to seeing a Broadway show to catching a major sporting event, the entire family can participate and enjoy all that New York City has to offer.
4. Chicago, Illinois
Travelers who want to experience land and water attractions can enjoy Chicago, Illinois. Chicago draws many sports fans, history buffs and foodies due to the abundance of sports franchises, historical sites and famous food offerings and locations. Travelers with limited mobility can enjoy attractions like the Willis Tower, the Art Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Theatre, Cloud Gate, Grant Park and more. The city has many accessible-friendly travel options, including wheelchair taxis and elevated train system stations with accessible entrances and exits. The sidewalks are also adequate for wheelchair users, and the city does a passable job clearing snow in the winter, allowing you to visit the "Windy City" at any time of the year.
Accessible Amusement Parks
Travelers that enjoy rollercoasters and fan-favorite food often find themselves in amusement parks. The wonder of an amusement park is a feeling like no other, and finding an accessible theme park destination can ensure you have an exciting and seamless experience. Some of the best vacation spots for wheelchair users looking for a thrill include:
1. Disneyland and Disney World
Some of the most well-known amusement parks are Disneyland and Disney World. Both Disney parks are known for their on-site services and exceptional support. Wide walkways and on-site transportation make it easy to navigate the park, and additional accessibility features ensure each guest can enjoy the many attractions.
Disneyland in Anaheim, California, offers an extensive list of attractions accessible for wheelchair guests and provides many services for limited mobility guests, including assistance entering and exiting vehicles, moving guests between a wheelchair and a ride seat and options to remain in a wheelchair to experience some attractions. Orlando also has many wheelchair-accessible things to do, including visiting the popular Walt Disney World. This destination offers more than 40 wheelchair-friendly attractions at varying levels of access.
2. Universal Studios
Universal Studios is another accessible Orlando park. Visitors with mobility devices can enjoy queues for attractions, empowering them to experience the many rides and attractions. Universal offers shuttles with lifts to transport guests from on-site hotels to various locations around the park. The amusement park also hosts parades and stage shows with accessible viewing areas for limited mobility guests.
3. SeaWorld
Orlando's SeaWorld is another great place to stop. This destination offers on-site assistance for guests with mobility issues and has a Ride Accessibility Program (RAP), allowing guests to use special access to certain rides. SeaWorld's website also details information regarding accessible restrooms, ride escorts and additional accessibility features.
Accessible Cruise Lines
Some of the best wheelchair-accessible vacations are those that take you on the seas. When you want to explore the deep blue through accessible cruise ports, be sure to check out these mobility-friendly cruise lines:
1. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line promotes inclusivity and seeks to ensure each traveler can enjoy world-class vacation experiences. The team goes above and beyond to provide dedicated support, and you can even request airport transfers with advanced notice. This cruise line offers accessible public spaces, including restrooms and restaurants. Guests with limited mobility can also request accessible cabins with roll-in showers with benches, high-rise toilets, large entryways and more.
2. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean ensures each of its ships features accessible wheelchair staterooms to ensure accommodations for guests with limited mobility. This cruise line also supports mobility challenges by utilizing wide hallways, public bathroom access and automatic doors for easy ship navigation. Their accessible cabins feature accessible bathrooms and wide doorways, with some rooms offering accessible balconies. The line also encourages guests to rent mobility devices directly, with Scootaround being a preferred provider.
3. Carnival
With Carnival Cruise Line, you can find accessible restrooms, seating and elevators along with several types of accessible cabins for guests to enjoy. Public spaces, like pools, include lifts, ensuring each guest can enjoy the various attractions on board. The staff is supportive, and guests can also rely on posted signs to determine accessible routes throughout the ship. Each ship features accessible tables in the dining venues, and the line offers 24-hour room service, ensuring guests always receive the support they need.
Rent Mobility Devices for Your Mobility-Friendly Vacations
At Scootaround, we want to enhance your travel experiences. We make it easier for people with limited mobility to navigate cities all across the country, including the various amusement parks and historical sites we've mentioned here. We offer mobility device rental services across more than 2,500 locations so you can enjoy a seamless vacation. Our mobility equipment and devices include wheelchairs, mobility scooters and many other walking aids. Our team of mobility experts cares deeply about your satisfaction and safety, and we look forward to enhancing your next trip. Book your next mobility rental with Scootaround!
