Accessible travel resources are popping up all over this spring. And the really good news is, they're filled with accurate, authoritative, useful access information. Gone are the days of the trite "wear comfortable shoes" travel advice. Today's access guides, books, and websites contain detailed hotel reviews, attraction information and transportation resources for wheelchair-users and slow walkers. And although it's hard to single out one as my favorite, these three top my "best of show" list.
Published in plenty of time for the 2012 Olympics, Open Britain contains detailed access information on accessible properties, attractions and transportation options in England, Scotland, and Wales. This book is a product of a unique partnership between RADAR and Tourism for All UK -- two UK charities with an expertise in accessible travel. Because of their extensive knowledge on the subject, they were able create this authoritative access guide by pooling their considerable expertise and resources.
Grouped by geographic region, Open Britain lists over 1,000 hotels, B&Bs, self-catering properties, and caravan parks; with details about their locations, rates, amenities and access features. The access icons are clearly defined in the beginning of the book; and they even include hard-to-find items such as roll-in showers, toilet risers, hoists and manual wheelchairs.
The book also contains loads of access information on attractions, plus a bevy of access resources and local providers. Visit www.openbritain.net to order your copy today. It's clearly the best UK access resource on the market -- at least until they release Open London later this year.
New and Improved Hong Kong Access Guide
Years ago, the Hong Kong Tourism Authority published an excellent access guide; but as the city grew the information became outdated. Unfortunately a second edition was never developed; however author Sarah Fuller stepped in and filled the void with her excellent Wheel Away Disabled Travel Hong Kong City Guide.
This pocket-sized book is heavy on background information, such as Hong Kong's layout, weather, safety issues and general descriptions of attractions; with access evaluations of 100 hotels and over 370 restaurants. The hotel section includes a list of access features found in each property inspected by Fuller, with the access criteria clearly defined in the beginning of the lodging chapter. And although many of the reviews are slanted towards the needs of part-time wheelchair-users, the book also notes hotels that have roll-in showers; so in that respect itÂ?s a great resource for all wheelers.
My biggest disappointment with the title? It's self-published, so it's not widely available, but it can be ordered on the authorÂ?s website at www.wheelawaydisabledtravel.com.
Another Illinois Access Package
Last but not least, the Open Doors Organization (ODO) just released their second access guide and website package. Their first project, Easy Access Chicago, focused on the Windy City; while their newest effort features access information on Springfield.
The online version of Easy Access Springfield (www.easyaccessspringfield.org) features detailed access information on lodging, restaurants, attractions, entertainment venues and recreational opportunities; with a handy advanced search feature that allows visitors to find hotels and restaurants with specific access amenities. The website also includes maps, links to local resources, travel tips and information on accessible tours.
The print version of Easy Access Springfield is available online, and will be archived on the website (you can also download it as a PDF file). Best of all, there's no charge for the print guide. And the really good news? ODO is continuing across the state with their access work; with Easy Access Rockford slated for release later this year. So be on the lookout for more great access information from this up-and-coming non-profit organization.
Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of Barrier Free Travel: A Nuts and Bolts Guide For Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.barrierfreetravels.com.
