Tips for Travelers with Disabilities

Most disabilities shouldn't stop anyone from traveling. There are more options and resources out there than ever before.

However, Bermuda is not a great place for persons with disabilities who are not planning to stay on-site at a resort. Getting around the islands is a bit difficult even for the agile, who must rely on motorbikes, bicycles, and buses. It is difficult to walk with a cane outside the town of St. George and City of Hamilton, because most roads don't have sidewalks or adequate curbs. When two vehicles pass, you are often crowded off the road.

Taking taxis to everything you want to see can be very expensive. Unfortunately, the public buses are not geared for passengers in wheelchairs. However, you can ask your hotel to check on the availability of volunteer buses operated by the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association (no phone). It occasionally runs buses with hydraulic lifts. You can also call the tourist office and request a schedule for such transportation; make arrangements as far in advance as possible.

Before you go, you can seek information from the website of the Bermuda Physically Handicapped Association (tel. 441/293-5035; www.bermuda-online.org/BPHA.htm). Visitors planning to bring a guide dog to Bermuda must obtain a permit in advance from any Bermuda Department of Tourism office.

The most accessible hotels in Bermuda are Elbow Beach Hotel, the Fairmont Hamilton Princess, and the Fairmont Southampton.

Organizations that offer a vast range of resources and assistance to travelers with disabilities include MossRehab (tel. 800/CALL-MOSS; www.mossresourcenet.org); the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) (tel. 800/232-5463; www.afb.org); and SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality) (tel. 212/447-7284; www.sath.org). AirAmbulanceCard.com is now partnered with SATH and allows you to preselect top-notch hospitals in case of an emergency.

Access-Able Travel Source (tel. 303/232-2979; www.access-able.com) offers a comprehensive database on travel agents from around the world with experience in accessible travel; destination-specific access information; and links to such resources as service animals, equipment rentals, and access guides.

Many travel agencies offer customized tours and itineraries for travelers with disabilities. Among them are Flying Wheels Travel (tel. 507/451-5005; www.flyingwheelstravel.com); and Accessible Journeys (tel. 800/846-4537 or 610/521-0339; www.disabilitytravel.com).

British travelers should contact Holiday Care (tel. 0845-124-9971 in UK only; www.holidaycare.org.uk) to access a wide range of travel information and resources for elderly people and those with disabilities.