Category: Around the World with Jules
How does someone who has written more than 50 articles on travel and disability plan his own vacation? Probably just like you do – talking to people he trusts and dreaming.
Eric Lipp, founder of the Open Doors organization, studies that organization’s regular surveys of US travelers with disabilities. His 2002 survey revealed that, as a group, we are diligent and resourceful travel planners who weave elaborate webs of relationships to expand our worlds through travel.
I am a woman with a disability. Years ago, before the polio vaccine, I contracted the polio virus which would leave me with limited use of my arms and legs.
My life has been pretty ordinary and normal, school, marriage, children, divorce, and a work life. That was until 1997 when I packed my suitcase, polished my wheelchair, and traveled to South Africa – alone!
It’s that time of year. Family reunions for the holidays. While some people dread the idea of flying, others would rather go to the dentist for a root canal than have to deal with the airport”s security. The tragedy on September 11, 2001 has changed so many aspects of our lives that it is inevitable to avoid the extra security. Since that day, I have made more than 16 trips by plane. The advice I give you is based on my personal experiences.
In 1993, at age 21, I decided to travel on a cruise around the Pacific with a friend. At the time, I was fairly mobile, so the only things I was concerned about during the trip were the stairs on board between the levels and the rockiness of the ship. We approached our local travel agent, who suggested we sail on a Fairstar cruise with P&O Cruises. They departed from Sydney, where I live, so I didn’t have to do any other traveling before departure, which would save us money. We booked a 10-day cruise around the Pacific. We were told that it was not cyclone season, so the trip should be fairly smooth sailing. The agent also told me that there was an elevator between the floors, so I would not have to walk up and down the stairs.
Jules takes the time while recovering from an injury to answer flying questions.
Fabulous article! Very informative and I can’t wait to read more in future aricles, it’s the type of info that you can’t get anywhere normally.Excellent idea! I’ll probably contact you personally one day when I get brave enough to venture out on a trip with my daughter Chloe. I love to tavel, but that was before Chloe! Is there ever a situation where a wheelchair bound person stay in their chair through the flight? Does the chair always have to go cargo style
