By Andrea J Kennedy
Gas prices climb. Airline companies merge and ticket prices increase. Baggage allowances drop. How do we stay ahead of the game and continue to travel without it taking a chunk out of our own budget? Luckily we still have several options!
This year’s newest trend has arisen from a made-up word by the travel industry: Staycations. The point is to have you look at vacations that are closer to home or what is now being called the “One Tank Trip.” Local and regional travel is predicted to increase starting this fall through next year when the airline prices creep up and the cost of gas climbs to an all-time high of $4.50 per gallon and higher. As focus turns to the once- overlooked regions nearer to our homes, travelers will be reminded of the country’s historic, cultural, and natural beauty in our own backyards, and we will have to be a little more creative when it comes to our travel.
Not all prices will increase however, and we will no doubt see Mexico and Canada tourism competing for our dollar as it drops to an all-time low, sending out travel deals and off-season specials through our media to keep their tourism at the peak that it’s climbed to over the past 5-10 years. So if you live near a border, or a popular departure city such as Chicago or any of the Texas airports, book your tickets now for your March and April trips before they go up.
Hotels, which are not directly affected by gas prices-except for their increase in food costs due to transportation increases-will however be affected by the potential drop in tourism and will also likely target us heavily with specials, lowering their costs to bring in travelers. So keep an eye out for early deals and off-season bookings this year to be creative about getting the most out of your annual vacation budget. For instance a high-end three bedroom condo in Myrtle Beach over Christmas is now pricing at just $1,000 for the week.
Something New
Stay ahead of the curve by being creative and straying from your normal beach, ski, or family vacation this year if you need to. Do some research online as to what tourist highlights are within a gas tank or two from your home. Tourism offices and convention bureau websites are a great resource for ideas. Southern national parks are still warm in the winter months; while snowmobiling trips in Michigan or New York might be something new in the winter for you. National parks offer a free “America the Beautiful Access Pass” (once called the Golden Access Pass) to all persons with disabilities. The pass must be obtained in person. For more information, go to www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.
During rainier fall and winter months, another option is Amtrak. Focusing on keeping their prices reasonable, as well as continuing to increase their already-impressive accessibility, Amtrak and train travel will be another increasing travel trend for the coming year, and is an especially good option for people with disabilities. Discounted tickets are available for you and your companion, and as everything else increases, this perk will become more and more attractive for travelers. In addition, wheelchair seating, accessible sleeping cabins, transfer seats, and food and beverage delivery are some of the existing amenities on Amtrak, added to their commitment for 100% ADA compliance at all depot stations by 2010. Improving access on Amtrak is being extended to the dining cars as well, and the Cascades train from Eugene, Oregon, to Vancouver, British Columbia, has a beautiful Bistro dining car with ten tables viewing panoramic scenery. Special requests must be made in advance, and a proof of disability is required (such as a parking placard, transit system card, or national parks access card) and as with airlines, the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket.
In addition to Amtrak, many states have old narrow-gauge railroads that provide one accessible car with a powered lift or ramp and an accessible restroom. There are options from the Northeast to Colorado to California for a day trip of gorgeous scenery: Portland, Maine’s Narrow Gauge Railroad (NGR), Durango, Colorado’s Silverton NGR, Chama, New Mexico’s Cumbres & Toltec Scenic Railroad, and Santa Cruz, California’s Big Trees & Pacifi c Railway Company all offer accessible cabins and spectacular views.
Get Off the Land
Sea cruising, which has been a highlight for accessible travel since the late 1990s, is continuing to go above and beyond with their accessible accommodations. Worthy of an entire article in itself, cruising is a vast, yet fairly inexpensive option when it comes to travel. Still needing improvements are the day-trip excursions off the boat. But from automatic doors to service-dog grass areas, the cruise lines have spent the last ten years thinking of how best to serve you. So if you haven’t tried cruising, check winter pricing now for deals or look for our next article on the topic in November.
This last option is unquestionably the most removed from gas prices: water crafts. Canoe, raft, and kayak trips are another way to see part of the country you don’t normally see by car, and are usually available where ever water is. Lake, river, or ocean wildlife, birds, flora, and geography can make a spectacular day trip for regional fun. Access varies but most tour companies are willing to adapt if asked nicely, and many already have experience in doing so in states like Colorado, Minnesota, and New England where adaptive programs (such as for skiing) exist. Companies like Wilderness Inquiry, Environmental Trip Companions (ETC), and Adaptive Adventures have been doing this for decades throughout the country, look them up.
Get out and enjoy the planet. It’s yours to explore!
Andrea and her husband Craig are co-owners of Access Anything, travel consultants and writers specializing in marketing and education for all aspects of disability travel including recreation, adventure, eco travel, ADA rights and interpretation. Access Anything’s guidebook series, travel products, published articles and more can be found at www.accessanything.net.
