Accessible Europe
Foot-loose and fancy-free is not so easy if you have a disability. Which countries take better care of travelers with physical limits, and how? Any practical tips for those dreaming of travel but concerned about mobility?
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Accessibility Information
Just FYI, I am in a wheelchair and was able to visit London without any major issues in December. Nearly all the busses are accessible and Westminster Abbey, the London Eye, and the Cabinet War Rooms were all wheelchair accessible. I found a lot of useful information at http://www.sagetraveling.com that helped me out before the trip.
Don Koffee
Baton Rouge, LA USA 03/08/2010
Kyiv, Minsk, St. Petersburg and Moscow metros - almost no access
The metros of Eastern Europe, particularly in countries that were once part of the USSR, are inacessible to mobility-limited passengers. It is already apparent with the heavy doors that can swing in and out, and require a bit of strength to keep open. They have "hold the doors" signs. From there, there can be several steps to the ticket counter. Some stations don't have escalators, especially those in the outskirts. Minsk's metro is shallow compared to Kyiv, St. Petersburg and Moscow. It will therefore have almost only steps at Ploshchad Lenina and Oktyabrskaya. Other metros will have line transfers called perekhod in Russian and perekhid in Ukranian, that will require the use of stairs. They can get extremely crowded. The metros of Eastern Europe just aren't meant for those with mobility impairments, from what I observed.
Josh Hanz <email>
Plano, TX USA 10/23/2009
Senior with limited mobility
I've travelled to France & England several times with my Mom who has limited mobility. Most recently, she used a 4-wheel walker (one with a seat), and was able to get around quite easily. We've found that while many of the buildings are not easily accessible, the people are very nice and ready to help when they see someone with a disability. She's 86 now and we're planning another trip for next fall. We did have a problem at Heathrow. They checked her walker at check-in, rather than at the gate. Several times we were asked if she can "do stairs." They were vague on how many, but we said yes, then when we got out to the gate (transported by electric cart), we discovered a long, very steep ramp down to a shuttle out to the plane, and stairs from the tarmac to get into the 747! Next time the answer to that question will be "no." Mom knows that she may not be able to get into all the places she might like to see, but she enjoys those that she can get into and doesn't miss out on very much. We try not to pack too much into the day, and leave a few days for rest & relaxation.
CT
Seattle, WA USA 10/15/2009
getting on Helpline
I tried to get on the Travelers Helpline but could not figure out the
part about the internet server. I
use gmail in the USA
Susan Goodman <email>
NYC, NY USA 09/15/2009
Limited walking
For Rick or someone on his staff, Thank you for providing this space but I'd like information from someone.... anyone with limited mobility who has had a good experience. This is an area where we need help.
Like most people we don't expect a remodling of historic places and I'm willing to climb stares with the best of 'em, but if I have to walk a mile and a half to get past the ramparts or over a bridge before starting I simply can't. I think all we're (many of us) looking for is a tram, bus or cart to the cite before we do. Could we please get a list? Thank you
AR
Sacramento, CA USA 08/01/2009
HOTEL AUTOMOBILE ACCESS
We had planned our trip to the Provence for months. Shortly before we were scheduled to leave my hip becamed inflamed and I could barely walk. Cancellation of our trip was considered but we decided to go ahead regardless. Our first reservation was at Chambres Clerissy in Moustiers-Ste-Mariie. After driving around looking for Clerissy for an hour without success. my wife set out on foot and finally found it only to discover that there was no auto access to Clerissy to unload luggage. We simply could not stay there. Sophie was very helpful and found us the Hotel Columbien which was very nice and with easy access. It would be helpful if Rick Steve's Provence Guidbook Indicated those accommodation which do not have Auto access to deliver luggage.
Milo Johnson <email>
Huntington, NY USA 06/13/2009
Neuschwanstein Castle, Fuessen, Germany
We traveled to Fuessen to see Neuschwanstein. Prior to departure when I consulted the website, it showed that "handicapped tours" were available on on Weds afternoons. I contacted the information site, asked about accessibility for those w/trouble walking, and after several e-mails in English, was assured they could accommodate us. We called ahead the day before and were told to arrive in the early AM.On the day of our visit, I reported to the main information office in the courtyard of the castle, was told our 2 struggling walkers needed to report to the exit of the tour, at the bottom of the tower, which meant they had to walk back down the hill. There is a new elevator which took them to the top where they joined the previous tour-in Japanese- so they were give the audio tour handsets. They still had to come down the stairs even though I thought they might have access to the elevator down as well. It was better than cancelling and going to another castle.
Linda
Lake Tapps, WA USA 04/02/2009