Consumer Newsletter – September 2011
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September 2011 |
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WHY IT’S IMPORTANT FOR TRAVELERS, ESPECIALLY THOSE WITH SPECIAL NEEDS, TO USE A TRAVEL AGENT
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 safe and hassle-free. Using a travel professional to do all the legwork can result in a positive experience – before, during and after a vacation. Many agents now offer special travel plans and information for those with special needs. What are some specific ways that travel agents can help travelers with special needs? – They know which locations, ships, hotels, museums, historic landmarks, etc. are more accessible than others. This is very important when it comes to everything from dining to beds, restrooms to excursions, hearing/vision impaired equipment availability, and much more. Read More.
CITY OF HIGHLIGHT: NEW YORK, NEW YORK
New York is a one-of-a-kind destination. Whether you lived there your whole life or visited many times, there is always something new to see and do. Some people with special needs may think they shouldn’t visit New York because it’s large, congested and inaccessible, but the fact is that most of the tourist destinations are accessible. Transportation around the city can be a little challenging as not all the subway stops are accessible and only a small percentage of taxis are wheelchair accessible. However, New York is a very walk-able (or wheel-able) city and definitely not to be missed.
Museums
New York is home to many of the world’s best museums. The Metropolitan Museum of Art is New York’s most popular single-site tourist attraction. The museum has more than 1.5 million square feet of exhibit space and includes paintings from artists like Monet, Degas, Van Gough and many others; Greek, Roman and Egyptian galleries; Medieval collections; photography and more. The museum is wheelchair accessible through an alternate entrance and all of the museum’s public galleries are accessible to wheelchair users. For individuals with hearing impairments and visual impairments, assistive listening devices and audio guides are available. Special programs are also available upon request for individuals with visual and hearing impairments. Read More.
Interesting Fact: Dutch explorer Peter Minuit purchased the island of Manhattan from the Native Americans for goods worth about $24. Some 370 years later, the average sale price of an apartment in Manhattan during the first quarter of 2011 was a whopping $1.4 million. |
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Follow us on: Subscribe to our Newsletter What would you like to see in our newsletter? QUOTE OF THE MONTH "If you wish to travel far and fast, travel light. Take off all your envies, jealousies, unforgiveness, selfishness and fears."
ATTENTION TRAVEL AGENTS If you are a travel agent and are receiving this newsletter, please email Vanessa at vanessa@specialneedsgroup.com. Special Needs Group has a different travel agent newsletter and we will change your subscription. |
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Delivering an Accessible World.
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Toll Free: 1-800-513-4515 2860 West State Road 84, Suite 107, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 |
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About Special Needs at Sea and Special Needs Group…
Special Needs Group, Inc. is a one-stop resource for special needs travel around the world. We offer a broad range of special needs equipment for purchase and rental including wheelchairs, scooters, power chairs with capabilities to support 500 pound or more; oxygen (liquid, cylinder, and concentrator); hearing impaired equipment, Braille printing, baby cribs and more. Recommended by the world’s major cruise lines and hotels for superior service and value, we also provide consultation services regarding special needs policy and new-build design. Special Needs Group, a U.S. company, is not a travel agency; we do not compete in any way with travel agents. |
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