News

Cruising is an ideal option for travelers seeking a mostly inclusive vacation, and a cruise can be a wonderful option for travelers who have Special Needs.   As we covered in our previous post, some of cruising’s biggest perks include the many on-board activities, events and amenities found on most cruise lines.  Below, we’ve outlined a few of the most common, on-board, entertainment options, as well as a few tips on how best to take advantage of them as a traveler with Special Needs: …

Cruise ships are often referred to as floating resorts, and for good reason! Cruising generally offers more benefits, amenities, and services than traditional resorts, plus the chance to see a variety of ports and destinations in one trip, making them a perfect option for travelers looking for the complete vacation package. For travelers with Special Needs, one of the biggest benefits of cruising is that cruise ships offer a variety of entertainment options right onboard. There’s no need to find…

There’s nothing quite like traveling, and today, having a special need or disability does not deter anyone from seeing the world. A famous quote states, “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page.” However, when planning a trip, individuals with special needs or disabilities can benefit greatly from working with a travel agent; even more so with agents who have achieved the Special Needs Group Certified Accessible Travel Advocate™ designation. Image courtesy of bls.gov…

  Fewer things are more exciting to a child than the promise of a family vacation in an exotic, new location. Such experiences offer wonderful opportunities to learn, explore, and see the world at a young age! For families with children with special needs, however, planning a vacation can pose a few challenges. Cruising can be an ideal vacation choice for families with children with special needs. A cruise offers a chance to visit multiple destinations, without the hassle of…

At some point in most individuals’ travels, the question has been asked: should I take it with me or rent it? For travelers with Special Needs, the conversation can get a bit more complicated, as the discussion involves specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, power chairs, supplemental oxygen, walking aides, etc.     To help make the decision a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons of taking your own personal equipment vs. renting. Do you have…

For some, Feb. 14 is the most romantic day of the year, and with it comes feelings of joy, love, and excitement. For others, Valentine’s Day brings the pressure of planning the perfect date for that special someone. However you look at it, there are many wonderful ways to celebrate the holiday, especially for individuals with special needs.        Image courtesy of europeweddingdeals.com If you or your special someone has limited mobility or impaired hearing/vision,  or is a slow…

You’ve finally made the decision to go on your first cruise. Congratulations! Cruising can be a wonderful way to see the world, especially for travelers with limited mobility, special needs, or who are slow walkers.     As a first-time cruiser with special needs, you can accomplish a lot during the planning process that will make your trip easier and more enjoyable. Following are a few tips to ensure smooth sailing:   Image courtesy of charlotteobserver.com   · We can’t…

With modern technology, accessibility and the efforts of advocacy groups such as Special Needs Group, it’s easier than ever before for individuals with Special Needs to travel. Although these individuals can travel alone, when it comes to cruising, traveling with a companion or group can make their vacations much more enjoyable. Today, those who are cruising with someone with Special Needs can be confident that their travel companion will benefit from ships’ accessible features. Since the inception of the American…

Airports: most of us have a love/hate relationship with them.  They can be a total nightmare to navigate, and who likes waiting on endless security lines and the idea of lost luggage? Yet, they can be our best friend, as they are often the starting point for an amazing vacation! If your travel includes a cruise, a trip abroad, or even a domestic excursion, flying is one of the fastest and most convenient ways to reach your port or destination.…

Few things are more inspiring than the dedication of an Olympic athlete. Every four years, we are reminded of the heart, the hope and the home team pride that goes into qualifying, training, and performing on the world stage. As we watch from the stands or from the comfort of our homes, it is almost impossible to avoid getting pulled into the action… Who hasn’t found themselves unexpectedly cheering out loud at one of those “hundredth of a second” wins?…

Will my room have an ocean view? On which floor will my cabin be located? These are the typical questions that arise while arranging cruise accommodations. For those traveling with Special Needs, there’s another consideration that may need to be added to the equation: how accessible is my stateroom? For Special Needs travelers, there are a number of things to consider when booking a cruise. Each unique situation dictates the appropriate level of cabin accessibility to request: Maybe you’re not…

Recently, we have focused many of our blog posts on travelers who have full time special needs. Senior Citizens and others who do not have a full time special needs, however, also benefit greatly from our products/rental equipment - which provide assistance in their travel adventures, too. Cruising can be a wonderful choice for senior travelers, as it cuts down on the hassle of driving and multiple transportation modes. A cruise allows you to see a number of destinations in…

As the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympics draw near, we thought it appropriate to dedicate a blog entry to some of the most remarkable special needs athletes, Olympians and Paralympians of the past century. These incredible athletes have overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles and have gone on to become some of the most inspirational figures in their sports and events. Marla Runyan Image courtesy of nwhm.org  Blind at the age of 9 due to Stargardt’s Disease , Marla Runyan went…

We’ve all spent those days cooped up in the office or stuck at home dreaming of the perfect beach vacation. The sun on your face, the sand between your toes… pure heaven! With the summer months heating up, now is the perfect time of year to plan some fun in the sun. If you’ve been following along with our blog, you’ve heard us mention our pride and joy: The Joy on the Beach wheelchair. This amazing, innovative beach wheelchair for…

  Are you considering your first cruise as a special needs traveler?  Still wavering on your final decision? Read about the benefits of cruising and why, for those with special needs, cruises are a wonderful way to travel.   Planning your trip might take some time, but there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind throughout the process. Below, find some of our top tips.   1.   Book through a travel agent: Using a travel agent is…

Did you know that more than 18 million people in the U.S. and Canada have difficulties with mobility?   This May marks the first ever “National Mobility Awareness Month.” The National Mobility Equipment Dealers Association, or NMEDA, is teaming up with local communities in an effort to promote mobility and accessibility education for seniors, veterans, caregivers and those with special needs.   "The statistics are clear," said Dave Hubbard, executive director and CEO for NMEDA. "The disability community deserves recognition…

Cue the April showers, May flowers! It’s official: summertime is just around the corner. Summer is one of the most popular times of year for cruising, and a quick weekend sail-away, a week-long, or longer cruise/land extension may be the perfect, hassle-free way of spending a family vacation.     Photo courtesy of sunsafetybarbie.blogspot.com A summer cruise is a great solution for the entire family, and, as we have mentioned in previous blog entries, has a number of benefits for…