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If you’re a first time cruiser, you may be unfamiliar with the term “tendering.” Essentially, tendering is another way of disembarkation at port. The method involves anchoring somewhere close to shore (but not adjacent to the dock) and then taking a smaller boat to shore. These boats run back and forth, on a schedule, so that passengers may come and go throughout the day.     Photo courtesy of freocruisers.com.au Tendering for Special Needs Passengers:   Most of the time,…

When traveling abroad, it can be tremendously helpful to know some key accessible terms in the native language of your destination! Below, we have listed some of the most common, useful terms that special needs travelers might find helpful in Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and German. Feel free to print this information and carry it with you during your travels!   In addition to some of these helpful terms, it is also advisable to carry a translation phrase book with…

Essentials -- The Checklist:   -Tickets (airline and cruise) & ID/Passport (carry an extra picture ID, just in case)   -Vaccination Certificate (if required) -A Travel Visa (if required) -Wallet & fanny pack -Credit cards & cash -Appropriate clothing: Depending on the duration and location of your cruise. Be aware that many cruises offer nightclub, entertainment, or even formal events and dinners while onboard. -A watch -Bathing suits -Sunscreen -Extra reading glasses or contact lenses, plus sunglasses -Cameras & film or memory cards -Adaptors & converters, currency conversion charts, guidebooks & language guides, if traveling internationally -A first-aid kit, especially if traveling with children -Bug spray & sunscreen -Toiletries -Headache, seasickness or other over…

  The Olympic Games are a great opportunity for travel, cultural diversity, and wonderful family entertainment! For travelers who are thinking about attending the 2012 Olympic Games, it’s time to start making plans (if you haven’t already).     According to the LOCOG (London Olympic Games Organizing Committee) Chief Executive, Paul Deighton, the 2012 London games are promising to be the “most diverse and inclusive Games possible.” As a testament to this promise, there are a variety of accommodations and…

  Planning a trip with a special needs traveler requires a bit of extra preparation. When traveling within the US, it can come in handy to be aware of your rights! If you plan to travel with medical equipment or a service animal, be sure to do some research beforehand.   Medical Equipment: If you’ll be traveling with medical equipment such as oxygen, medications, or disability-related aids and devices, be aware that some items may have to be declared to…

Recently, we read a truly heartwarming article on npr.org entitled “Building Better Houses For Wounded Soldiers,” which detailed an innovative military experiment dubbed the “Wounded Warrior Home.” Located at the Army’s Fort Belvoir in Virginia, Wounded Warrior Home is an attempt to accommodate injured or handicapped soldiers who wish to reside close to the army base. The initiative provides housing for soldiers with special needs or injuries, particularly for those who are full-time wheelchair users.          The…

  We had an inspirational comment on our Facebook wall last week from one of our fans, Sheryl, who writes: “I’m partially disabled, but I take that word and divide it into two different meanings. ‘Dis’ is for whatever…physical ailment and ‘Abilities’ is the Bucket List of what I can do.”   This is truly the backbone of our philosophy! At Special Needs Group, we firmly believe that everybody deserves the right to travel. Below, we’ve outlined some of the…

If you’re planning a vacation sometime this year and struggling to find the perfect option that the whole family will enjoy, you may want to consider booking a cruise. Below, we’ve outlined some of the benefits of cruising to help you decide if a cruise is the right option for you.     Benefits of Cruising: One of the top benefits of cruising is that it’s a great “bang for your buck” option. Entertainment and onboard activities/performances are typically included…

Traveling, especially with a member of the family who has special needs, can be an overwhelming experience. Luckily, in today’s world, there are a number of gadgets, gizmos and smart phone apps that can help alleviate some of this stress. If you’re planning a trip with a friend or member of the family who has special needs, we’ve compiled a list of the most helpful apps to make your trip a little smoother.     CitiRollers & Wheelmap: Specifically developed…

Traveling can be a wonderful experience, filled with new places and cultures to discover. However, the experience can be much more enjoyable when working with a travel agent, who can plan every aspect of the trip ahead of time, eliminating a great deal of stress for the traveler. This especially holds true for travelers with special needs. Individuals with special needs have more travel planning to do than others, to ensure that their trip is not only enjoyable, but also…

Summer is almost over, the lines are shorter, and it’s a great time to visit a theme park. For individuals with special needs, the off-season is a prime time to enjoy theme parks to the fullest, as smaller crowds equal easier navigation. Whereas in the past, even in the off-season, many individuals and families with children with special needs skipped theme park vacations because they didn’t feel comfortable with the facilities and services; today, there are many more options for them.…

More and more cruise lines are now enforcing smoking policies that prohibit smoking in staterooms. Princess Cruises, Carnival Cruise Lines and Holland America Line recently announced that smoking will soon be banned in all of their ships’ staterooms. The three companies join other cruise lines including Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Disney, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania and Azamara in banning passengers from lighting up in staterooms.   Officials from the three companies stated that the change is a reflection of guest preferences.…

  It’s a fact: 93 million Americans are overweight. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly one in three Americans is overweight. Another one-third is obese, meaning they are at least 20 percent heavier than their ideal body weight. Approximately one in 20 people is morbidly obese, or 50 to 100 percent above his/her ideal body weight. Being overweight or obese increases the risk of acquiring serious medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, certain types…

As baby boomers are now in or reaching their mature years, a record number of people are driving around in mobility scooters, whether it be on vacation, in a supermarket, at a convention, etc. While those driving scooters deserve the respect of others in order to smoothly operate their equipment, driving a scooter is a two-way street. If scooter drivers are conscious and courteous of those around them, they make it safer and more pleasurable for pedestrians and others. Surprisingly,…

  The New Year is here. Whether your journeys are to foreign lands or to visit family and friends, Special Needs Group offers these tips to help you stay healthy while away from home.   Be Informed Before traveling, check with the Center for Disease Control for updates on any outbreaks or health warning for the countries on your itinerary. The recent outbreak of Cholera in Haiti is an example. The CDC will also recommend any shots or vaccinations required…