AbilityTips
Airport – earlier is better!
Be sure to arrive at the airport early if you require assistance boarding the plane or if you are gate checking a wheelchair or other equipment. Alert the gate attendant about your needs so they can plan ahead, make any necessary accommodations, and pre-board you.
LATEST DESTINATION REVIEWS
St. Croix, USVI
St. Croix, the largest of the US Virgin Islands spans 82 square miles. Besides beautiful beaches scattered around the island, this island paradise has many cultural events throughout the year. The largest event begins the first Thursday of December and runs through early January, and is known as the Crucian Christmas Festival.
St. John, USVI
St. John is one of the most tranquil islands of the Caribbean and one of the smallest of the Virgin Islands. It’s known as a popular honeymoon destination and for possessing some of the most beautiful (accessible) beaches in the world. St. John’s beauty has remained pristine and welcomes everyone to come enjoy what the island has to offer.
San Juan, Puerto Rico, US Territory
The charming city of San Juan, Puerto Rico, is a famous Caribbean port known for its impressive defense system and beautiful buildings. Touring the city by foot can be challenging, as the elevation changes rapidly, and many streets are paved with cobblestones. And while many of the buildings in old San Juan are not wheelchair accessible, exploring the city is still well worth the effort. There is also a free public wheelchair accessible transit system which makes getting around a little easier.
Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
Half Moon Cay, Holland America’s private island in the Bahamas, is a surprisingly nice stop. Considering the island is located in the middle of the Caribbean, where ADA laws do not apply, it is mostly accessible, and offers plenty to do for people with mobility challenges. The Holland America tender is also very wheelchair accessible, so getting on and off the island in a wheelchair or scooter is doable.
Cockburn Town, Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos
Grand Turks is a small, seven mile long Cay, lined with white, powdery sand beaches. Cockburn Town is the capital of the Turks and Caicos Islands, and is located on Grand Turks. Currently, there are no accessible modes of transportation available, so even though the island is small, it is limited for wheelchair access. One way for the disabled to access this island is via boat or cruise ship, but beware that adventuring beyond the beach and shops at the port will be difficult if transfer from a chair into a vehicle is not possible.
Hamilton, Pembroke, Bermuda
Hamilton, the capital of Bermuda, is a beautiful port city rich with parks. A visit to Bermuda can be difficult for the physically challenged traveler, especially if wheelchair accessibility is required.
George Town, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
George Town, located on Grand Cayman island, is the largest city and capital of the Cayman Islands. It is famous for its financial district and its duty-free shopping. A frequent port for cruise ships, George Town does not have a dock large enough to accommodate cruise ships, and must be accessed by tender or airplane.
Punta Cana, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
Punta Cana is located in the Dominican Republic, on the eastern tip of the island. Punta Cana is known for its all inclusive resorts and picturesque sandy white beaches. For the physically challenged traveler, a vacation in Punta Cana is totally possible. We visited in 2007 and had a great time.
Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas
Nassau is the largest city of the Bahamas, and also serves as the capital. It is a busy port on the Caribbean cruise ship circuit, and is worth a visit. Paradise Island, home to the famous Atlantis Resort and Casino, is a short drive from both the cruise terminal and Lynden Pindling International Airport.
Princess Cays, Bahamas
The Princess Cays is a private island owned by Princess Cruises. Princess uses the island as a port itinerary on many of its Caribbean cruises. There isn’t a dock large enough to support the cruise ship, so passengers must tender to the island, which could potentially pose a challenge for wheelchair bound travelers.
TOP 10 DESTINATIONS
- Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, USVI
- Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas
- Washington, District of Columbia, USA
- Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Punta Cana, La Altagracia, Dominican Republic
- Colon, Colon Province, Panama
- Half Moon Cay, Bahamas
- Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Hamilton, Pembroke, Bermuda