Disabilities shouldn't stop anyone from traveling. There are more options and resources out there than ever before. With that said, Hungary is not a friendly country to the disabled traveler. Access is limited and it is difficult for wheelchairs to get into most hotels, restaurants, and public transportation. There are only a few exceptions to the rule, the 4 and 6 tram lines have platforms level with the tram door; however, other trams do not have accessibility. The metros have stairs and escalators, not elevators. For the few metro stops that have wheelchair elevators, a key is needed, but there is no attendant available to acquire it. Sidewalks do not have ramps or slopes for a wheelchair and the majority of the stores have barriers that would make wheelchair access improbable to impossible. The disabled in Hungary have been fighting for better access since the change in government, but change is very slow.
With that said, many travel agencies offer customized tours and itineraries for travelers with disabilities. Flying Wheels Travel (tel. 507/451-5005; www.flyingwheelstravel.com) offers escorted tours and cruises that emphasize sports and private tours in minivans with lifts. Access-Able Travel Source (tel. 303/232-2979; www.access-able.com) offers extensive access information and advice for traveling around the world with disabilities. Accessible Journeys (tel. 800/846-4537 or 610/521-0339; www.disabilitytravel.com) caters specifically to slow walkers and wheelchair travelers, their families, and friends.
Avis Rent a Car has an "Avis Access" program that offers such services as a dedicated 24-hour toll-free number (tel. 888/879-4273) for customers with special travel needs; special car features such as swivel seats, spinner knobs, and hand controls; and accessible bus service. Not all of these services may be available at locations in Hungary.
Organizations that offer assistance to travelers with disabilities include MossRehab (www.mossresourcenet.org), which provides a library of accessible-travel resources online; the American Foundation for the Blind (AFB; tel. 800/232-5463; www.afb.org), a referral resource for the blind or visually impaired that includes information on traveling with Seeing Eye dogs; and SATH (Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality; tel. 212/447-7284; www.sath.org; annual membership fees: $45 adults, $30 seniors and students), which offers a wealth of travel resources for all types of disabilities and informed recommendations on destinations, access guides, travel agents, tour operators, vehicle rentals, and companion services. AirAmbulanceCard.com is now partnered with SATH and allows you to preselect top-notch hospitals in case of an emergency for $195 a year ($295 per family), among other benefits.
Also check out the quarterly magazine Emerging Horizons (www.emerginghorizons.com; $16.95 per year, $21.95 outside the U.S.); and Open World magazine, published by SATH (tel. 212/447-7284).
