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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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