AbilityTrip.com

Anchorage, Alaska, USA

admin — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 15:58:20 +0000

ANCHORAGE : Overview

OVERVIEW

Anchorage, Alaska is a wonderful place to visit for people who love wildlife and the outdoors. Alaska has relatively good accessibility features, and people of all disabilities can enjoy this wonderful place. Summers are typically mild, and is the best time to visit.

LANGUAGE

The official language is English

CURRENCY

The U.S. Dollar

QUICKLINKS

LOGISTICS: Air – Water – Ground
ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotels – Resorts
ENTERTAINMENT: Tours – Activities – Restaurants & Nightlife
EMERGENCY SERVICES: Hospitals – Medical Equipment
ABILITYTIPS: Precautions

ANCHORAGE : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport: Travelers with a disability should make arrangements through their airlines if assistance is required (arrangements for an aisle chair, help with transfer) before departure so that they can easily plan for your arrival.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

Alaska Yellow Dispatch: Contact the Alaska Yellow Dispatch if for your accessible transportation needs. The Alaska Yellow Dispatch has 2 wheelchair accessible vehicles. Reservations should be made well in advance!

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

“Buses from the airport to downtown and around the city are also wheelchair accessible. Paratransit service is also available. The trick is the transit service between Anchorage and Seaward and the closer port where the glacial cruises leave from. The service that provides ground transportation for the glacial crew services only have one wheelchair accessible Boston must rent from another service and they do not like to run it unless they have a full bus since it costs them more. the owner sits on the panel concerning accessibility accommodations, but our partners at Assistive Technology of Alaska mentioned people knew his own minibuses were not wheelchair accessible.” Mark, 7/19/2010

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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TRAIN (Heavy Rail)

Alaska Railroad: The Alaska Railroad trains are ADA compliant. They offer wheelchair lifts at each station. Passengers are able to remain in their wheelchair for the duration of the ride, if they wish. There are designated areas which allow space for wheelchairs. If special needs are required, please advise the railroad in advance.

Note that the Hurricane Turn would not offer any stopping along the way, since there are no stations along the route. However, passengers can still ride roundtrip.

Also Spencer and Grandview would not be available since they are more remote. Passengers can still ride to those areas, but would not be able to disembark.

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ANCHORAGE : Accommodations

HOTELS

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ANCHORAGE : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Boat Tours: “Also certain boats provided and run by the glacial crew services are far more wheelchair accessible and enjoyable than others. 2 of them are more modern and do not have a large threshold you must step over when going outside the heated cabin area. Otherwise as a wheelchair user you are relegated to one spot and are not able to take in the sites like all of the other clients.” Mark, 7/19/2010

Sightseeing by Air: ”For flight seeing services there is one that actually operates off of floats and has a mini ramp to get you into a small aircraft, I looked for one that operated off of wheels and found one willing to accommodate me with my Comfort Carrier Travel, Recreation, and Emergency Preparedness Transfer Sling that I patented and manufacture.” Mark, 7/19/2010

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ACTIVITIES

Denali National Park: The Denali National Park has accessible features for people who utilize mobility devices and for individuals who have hearing impairments. Please visit the link listed to learn more about the park’s accessible features and accessible transportation.

RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about medical equipment rental services for this destination.

ANCHORAGE : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

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ADDITIONAL LINKS

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Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, United States

admin — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:33:54 +0000

GETTYSBURG : Overview

OVERVIEW

Located in Southeastern Pennsylvania, not too far from D.C. or Baltimore, Gettysburg is a quaint town with great historical Civil War significance. In 1863 a historic 3 day battle was fought there, costing the lives of over 51,000 soldiers and turning the tide of the war towards the Union Army (North). Today Gettysburg remains a small town with a large national memorial / battlefield park. It is a great stop for any history fan. Accessibility in Gettysburg is relatively good.

LANGUAGE

The official language is English

CURRENCY

The U.S. Dollar

QUICKLINKS

GETTYSBURG : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Getting to Gettysburg does require some driving. You can fly into one of the D.C. airports – National or Dulles. Alternatively you can fly into Baltimore, Maryland or Harrisburg, PA. The drive from these locations varies – about 45 min from Harrisburg, 1 hour from Baltimore and 1 hour 45 min from D.C.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

There are few taxi’s in the town of Gettysburg. You should plan on renting / driving your own accessible vehicle.

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GETTYSBURG : Accommodations

HOTELS

Country Inn and Suites: Located conveniently outside the center of town. The hotel has 2 accessible rooms with roll in showers. It is also near an outlet mall and right off the highway for easy access.

Best Western Gettysburg: Located in the center of the town, the Best Western Gettysburg is a historic hotel built in 1797. They have two accessible rooms, one with a roll in shower.

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GETTYSBURG : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Gettysburg Battlefield / National Park is the main attraction in Gettysburg. This large battlefield has been well documented and there is a very thorough auto tour that goes throughout. You can easily spent several hours in your car driving to the various sites that track the three days of the historic battle in 1863.

In addition to the auto tour there is a visitor center located in the National Park.

The downtown area of Gettysburg also offers a variety of walking and other historic tours.

During the July 4^th weekend there is an annual reenactment of the historic battle. It is by far the busiest weekend in Gettysburg but does offer a unique historical perspective on the event.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

The downtown area of Gettysburg has many restaurants and bars. Most are accessible but a few are more difficult due to their age.

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Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Caring Hearts Ambulance Service

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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GETTYSBURG : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

The summers in Gettysburg can be very hot and humid.

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ADDITIONAL LINKS

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Chicago: Accessible taxi hijinks at O’Hare and Midway

admin — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 15:50:48 +0000

By far, Chicago is my favorite city for accessible taxis. There are a lot of them, they are mostly side entry, and the system for ordering one is pretty robust. That is, of course, unless you are at O’Hare or Midway airport… then the proper process is anyone’s guess. At first, I used to go to the taxi stand and ask the starter to call forward a wheelchair accessible taxi. I found modest success with this technique – most of the time there happens to be a wheelchair accessible taxi in queue, so calling them forward does them a favor. Then I got totally yelled at by a taxi driver for using this technique. This is because one of the “incentives” for driving a wheelchair taxi in Chicago includes giving vouchers to taxi drivers to go to the front of the line at the airports, which they earn by taking wheelchair fares, but only get if the fare is called in ahead of time. Therefore, the driver got greedy and decided to express his frustration on me (because he wanted the voucher in addition to the fare). Even though the guy was a jerk, I do want to incentivize drivers of wheelchair taxis, but I don’t want to be stuck at the airport forever, so I modified my behavior. My latest technique is now the following: I order a wheelchair accessible taxi while still on board my airplane awaiting my wheelchair. This seems to work out best. While I gather my belongings, get in my wheelchair, and collect my baggage, Flashcab officially assigns me a taxi (even if it is just one in the queue), leaves me a voicemail with the taxi number, which I then ask the taxi starter to call forward when I am ready. This works pretty well, except that about 30% of the time the dispatcher at Flashcab throws a tantrum about my decision to call from the airplane and either doesn’t fill my order, or does so grudgingly. Ironically, when the order doesn’t get filled, I revert to technique number one and get my cab the old-fashioned way.

Boston: Logan Airport Terminal C family bathroom

admin — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 04:06:54 +0000

I finally found the family bathroom in Terminal C. Having flown out of Terminal C of Boston’s Logan International Airport on countless occasions, I had given up on hopes of a family bathroom, and I settled for using the “maternity” room located in the front of the women’s room to take care of business. It’s not completely barbaric, as there is a sink… the challenge is that sometimes the accordion door opens up, which creates an awkward situation for sure! My flights usually take me to one side of the terminal, but just last week my flight left out of another gate. It was then that I found the family bathroom, randomly tucked between the newsstand and the Dunkin’ Donuts, identified by a microscopic sign. The lesson of the story for me is to make sure I always check out both the map of the terminal and ask about family restrooms. In this case, it was nowhere near the regular restrooms, and there was no signage indicating its existence.

Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico

admin — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 21:23:43 +0000

PUERTO VALLARTA : Overview

OVERVIEW

Puerto Vallarta is a popular resort town situated on the western coast of Mexico, south of Baja. Puerto Vallarta has a lot to offer visitors with mobility impairment, but accessibility can be a bit challenging. In the older part of town, there are many streets paved with cobblestones, and there are also a lot of sidewalks that are missing curb cuts. The city is still continuing to work on making Puerto Vallarta a more accessible travel destination for people who utilize mobility devices. Accessible transportation is a must because the town is very spread out. The best time to visit is between November and March.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Mexico is the Peso.

QUICKLINKS

PUERTO VALLARTA : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Puerto Vallarta Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport: We were unable to locate any information about accessibility at this airport.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

TAXI

There are taxis in Puerto Vallarta, but unfortunatelly we weren’t able to locate any with accessible features (e.g. ramp, lift).

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RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

Mexico Accesible: Mexico Accesible offers wheelchair accessible transportation complete with a driver. The company has one van and it cannot be rented without using the company’s driver. The vehicle is a full size van with a pop top and a rear lift. There is plenty of room for an individual utilizing a power wheelchair, plus family and friends. The service is for rent by the hour. Mexico Accesible will also provide a car seat upon request. Mexico Accesible also offers scooter rentals and beach wheelchair rentals.

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

Buses in Puerto Vallarta are currently not wheelchair accessible.

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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FERRY

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PUERTO VALLARTA : Accommodations

HOTELS

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PUERTO VALLARTA : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Mexico Accesible: Mexico Accesible offers wheelchair accessible tours. The vehicle is a full size van with a pop top and a rear lift. There is plenty of room for an individual utilizing a power wheelchair, plus family and friends. Mexico Accesible will also provide a car seat upon request. Tours are for rent by the hour.

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ACTIVITIES

Aquaventuras Park: Aquaventuras Park is a water park 30 minutes north of Puerto Vallarta. A featured activity of the park is “swim with the dolphins,” where visitors can swim in a pool with dolphins and interact (e.g., kissing, touching belly, shaking fin). There are 3 tiers of interaction available at varying prices. Trainers educate participants about the dolphins and how to be more responsible with our environment so we can preserve the oceans. People with disabilities are welcome to participate; however, there is not a wheelchair accessible beach entry. Life jackets are provided and must be worn in the dolphin pool. Only water proof cameras are allowed in the dolphin area.

Beaches: There are some fabulous beaches in Puerto Vallarta. Unfortunately, none are accessible without the use of a beach wheelchair. Beach wheelchairs are available for rent from Mexico Accesible.

The Malecon (Boardwalk): The Boardwalk is a scenic walkway along the downtown seaside and is a popular place for both locals and tourists to visit. The curb on the boardwalk is very high but there are access points for individuals utilizing wheelchairs or scooters. There are numerous sculptures along the boardwalk, and it’s also a great place to people watch. There are also many restaurants and bars lining the road opposite the Malecon, but most have steps at entryways.

Cathedral of our Lady Guadalupe: The Cathedral is a landmark site in Puerto Vallarta and was built in the early 1920s. The cathedral is ornately decorated on the inside with large columns and elaborate molding. Unfortunately, the Cathedral of our Lady Guadalupe is not wheelchair accessible. There is a small step at the entrance of the cathedral making it difficult for people who use mobility devices. There has been talk about rennovation to make this landmark accessible in the near future.

City Tour: A city tour is a great way to visit Puerto Vallarta and gives visitors a taste of what Puerto Vallarta has to offer. It’s also a great tour if you’re just visiting Puerto Vallarta for a day and want to see the highlights. Mexico Accessible listed above offers city tours.

Galleria Dante (Art Gallery): “The Galleria Dante has ramps into the garden areas. Because of the high sidewalks in Vallarta, for the rainy season, getting to the gallery may be the biggest obstacle. Most street corners have ramps, but not all sidewalks are level.” Claire, 5/10/2010

Olas Altas (Romantica Zone): Olas Altas, also known as the Romantica Zone, is a popular area in Puerto Vallarta for both visitors and locals. There are several restaurants and shops with either ramps or flush entryways in Olas Altas. Compared to other areas of Puerto Vallarta, Olas Altas is relatively wheelchair accessible.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

Finding a wheelchair accessible restaurant can be difficult in Puerto Vallarta due to the overall age of the buildings in the city. There are steps at entrances of the majority of restaurants. However, there are some that are accessible; below we have listed some restaurants, which are accessible to varying degrees. Although some of the restaurants in Puerto Vallarta are wheelchair accessible, most do not have accessible bathrooms.

El Dorado by Boca Bento: El Dorado restaurant is located on the Los Muertos beachfront in Olas Altas (Romantica Zone). The restaurant’s entrance is wheelchair accessible, and there is also outdoor dining underneath palapas. Note that only portions of the restaurant is wheelchair accessible.

La Palapa Restaurant and Lounge: The La Palapa Restaurant and Lounge is wheelchair accessible, and is located on Los Muertos Beach in Olas Altas (Romantica Zone). Live Jazz music is featured in the evenings.

Mi Querencia: Mi Querencia offers traditional Mexican cuisine. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible via ramp and is located on Morelos #426 Col. Centro.

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PUERTO VALLARTA : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Mexico Accesible: Mexico Accesible offers medical equipment rentals including wheelchairs, roll in showers, and beach wheelchairs. These items are available for delivery.

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PUERTO VALLARTA : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

“We rented a wheelchair accessible sightseeing tour in Puerto Vallarta and visited the Aquadventuras Park to swim with the dolphins. Our friends wanted to stay longer with their child while we explored the downtown area of Puerto Vallarta. When we came back to pick them up, a taxi service contracted with Aquaventuras would not allow us to pick up our friends without paying a fee $15 (wanted to charge us $30). He claimed we were taking a taxi fare from his company, although we clearly rented the van service as a group. We feel he took advantage of us because we were tourists.” Christopher, 5/3/2010

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Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA

admin — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 14:47:50 +0000

MILWAUKEE : Overview

OVERVIEW

Milwaukee is located on the southwestern shoreline of Lake Michigan, and features many accessible activities to enjoy. It’s a great stop if you’re planning a wheelchair accessible vacation; there are many accessible hotels. Milwaukee is a popular destination for disabled travelers that love to spend time outdoors, especially in the summer time, where one can take advantage of the beautiful waterfront.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the dollar.

QUICKLINKS

MILWAUKEE : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Mitchell Airport: Mitchell Airport is wheelchair accessible. The airport has both family restrooms and restrooms with wheelchair accessible stalls available throughout its terminals. Not all flights board via jet bridge. If boarding will take place on the tarmac instead of jet bridge, airport personnel will be available to assist with on-and-off-boarding the aircraft.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Milwaukee offers a variety of transportation options for people who utilize a wheelchair or mobility device.

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TAXI

American United Taxi Cab: A portion of American United Taxi Cab’s fleet is comprised wheelchair accessible vans. Reservations should be made at least 24 hours in advance.

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RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

Mobility Works: Mobility Works offers wheelchair accessible vans for rent in Milwaukee.

Wheelchair Getaways: Wheelchair Getaways is located in Milwaukee and offers wheelchair accessible transportation for your vacation or personal needs. Vehicles are equipped with a lift or ramp.

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SHUTTLE

Transit Express: Transit Express is a transportation service that offers accessible transportation. Reservations should be made well in advance, and accessible vehicle needs must be specified when making the reservation.

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BUS

Milwaukee County Transit System: Buses are wheelchair accessible, however, if a rider is unable to board the bus, there is an alternative form of transportation called Transit Plus. The public buses have special seating areas reserved for seniors and people who utilize a wheelchair or mobility device. For bus riders who are hearing impaired and would like to utilize TTY, click here for more information.

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

AmTrak: There are two stations in Milwaukee, one located at Mitchell Airport and the other at the Intermodal Station. For questions about accessibility, Amtrak asks riders to call 1-800-USA-RAIL (1-800-872-7245).

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FERRY

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MILWAUKEE : Accommodations

HOTELS

Hyatt Regency Milwaukee: The Hyatt Regency Milwaukee is located downtown conveniently near the river and many historic sites. The hotel has 5 accessible rooms with roll in showers. Reservations for an accessible room with a roll in shower should be made well in advance.

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MILWAUKEE : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

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ACTIVITIES

Milwaukee County Zoo: The Milwaukee County Zoo is wheelchair accessible. The zoo rents wheelchairs and motorized scooters for a small fee. Rentals are located near the zoo’s main entrance. If you are attending a special function at the zoo, contact them 72 hours in advance so they can accommodate accordingly.

The Miller Brewing Company Brewery Tour: Reservations are not required for small group, only for groups of 15 or more. The plant tour is not wheelchair accessible, but the visitor center, which includes a video, the Miller Inn (where visitors get to taste the Miller product), and the caves are accessible.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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MILWAUKEE : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

St. Luke’s Medical Center

Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

On the Go Mobility: On the Go Mobility rents a variety of medical related equipment rentals.

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MILWAUKEE : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

The weather in Milwaukee can be quite extreme in every season. Bring layers for comfort. During the summer months bring along a spray bottle to keep cool.

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Montego Bay, St. James, Jamaica

admin — Thu, 20 May 2010 18:24:52 +0000

MONTEGO BAY: Overview

OVERVIEW

Montego Bay, the second largest city in Jamaica is a popular tourist destination and is a great getaway for an accessible vacation. Visitors buzz about the aqua blue waters, the friendly people, and the sandy white beaches. There are many accessible hotels to choose from, and accessible tours and transportation to explore the beautiful island.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Jamaica is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Jamaica is the Jamaican dollar. US dollars are accepted in Jamaica.

QUICKLINKS

MONTEGO BAY : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Sir Donald Sangster International Airport: Assistance is available upon request. Visitors must contact your airline to request special assistance (e.g. aisle/straight back transfer chair). There are wheelchair accessible restrooms located in the terminal. There are no family/companion bathrooms available at the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Tours by Solomon: Wheelchair accessible tours are provided by driver/tour guide Solomon. The vehicle is a Toyota mini-van with a hydraulic ramp at the rear. The vehicle can accommodate six people including the person who utilizes a wheel chair. The tours are custom tours, to fit each group of people. A general tour is 3hrs, which offers a small historic tour of Montego Bay, shopping and Highlights. Solomon also offers tours in Ocho Rios, from the pier.

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RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

There are rental cars in Montego Bay, but no wheelchair accessible vans for rental use.

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TAXI

Taxis are a popular way to get around the island, but unfortunately there are no “traditional” taxis equipped with a ramp or lift for people with a disability who utilize a mobility device.

Kens Wheelchair Service: “There is an Accessible Taxi Service with vans that have a lift on the back. They are great and do airport to Hotel Transfers as well as day trips.” Alex, 5/24/2010

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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FERRY

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MONTEGO BAY : Accommodations

HOTELS

Breezes Runaway Bay and Breezes Trelawney: “Both have accessibe rooms and are excellent hotels providing super all inclusive service. Staff are great and accomodationg. You have to ask in advance for accessible rooms as they have a limited number available.” Alex, 5/24/2010

Iberostar All Inclusive Resort: “In March, 2010 we went to Montego Bay, Jamaica. We stayed at one of the all-inclusive Iberostar Resorts. I had an accessible room which worked very well. We enjoyed the resort very much.” Thomas, 5/19/2010

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MONTEGO BAY : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

“We were also able to arrange documentation with a taxi driver who had a wheelchair accessible van. He was also excellent, very reliable, and very personable and we wholeheartedly recommend him also. His name is Solomon Hutchinson. His phone number is 876-368-7820, his e-mail address is solomonhutchinson@hotmail.com.” Thomas, 5/19/2010

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ACTIVITIES

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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MONTEGO BAY : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Nursing Care: “The information I would like to add is that of a nurse who provided my home healthcare. I’ve had a spinal cord injury at C6 and require assistance in mornings getting up and going.

The travel agency we used, AAA, actually found a nurse who provided my care. She works several part-time jobs, among them she works as an on-site nurse for the Iberostar resort.

I was able to care for over a month’s notice and she was able to arrange her schedule to provide two or three hours of assistance for me every day that we were there.

As one might expect, wages for nurses are far below what they are in the US. She told me that for an eight hour shift she works occasionally in the emergency room as a registered nurse, she makes $50. I paid her what I would have made at a minimum in the US, $25 an hour. She was extremely grateful. She did a wonderful job, at least as good as anyone I have ever had on my travels before. Her name is Romeyann Hibbert. Her e-mail address is Romeyann.hibbert@Yahoo.com . I wholeheartedly recommend her.” Thomas, 5/19/2010

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Cornwall Medical: 876-952-5210 Tourism Board, 6/3/2010

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MONTEGO BAY : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Add your accessible travel knowledge about precautions for this destination.

Israel, Western Asia, Asia

admin — Thu, 13 May 2010 16:00:20 +0000

ISRAEL : Overview

OVERVIEW

Israel is located on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea. Known for its religious and cultural history, Israel is a popular tourist destination with 3 million people visiting in 2008 alone. Overall, it is a developed country with a significant amount of information and resources for physically challenged travelers and senior travelers.

AbilityTrip thanks The Israel Government Tourism Corp and Access Israel for their cooperation and support. They have posted a significant amount of information on accessible destinations – “For example, the summit of the Massada fortress near the Dead Sea is now accessible, and wheelchairs can now reach the upper level of the site. A special area on Masada has been adapted so that persons with visual disabilities can touch and feel the surroundings.”

LANGUAGE

The official language(s) of Israel are Hebrew and Arabic, although English is spoken by most as well.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Israel is the Shekel

QUICKLINKS

ISRAEL : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Ben Gurion International Airport: “Ben Gurion Airport’s ultra-modern terminal, Terminal 3, was opened in 2004 and serves all international flights.” Please contact your airline directly to ensure your flight will be properly supported and assistance will be arranged according to your needs.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Public transportation in Israel does not fulfill the needs of the majority of the disabled population.

Milbat: The Israel Center for Technology and Accessibility. Milbat, situated at the Sheba Medical Center (972-3-5303739) specializes in building, transport and other aides for people with disabilities. The center gives advice on transport solutions for people with disabilities. The website is written in Hebrew, but there is an English tab located at the top left of the website.

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

Israel Railways: According to accessibility regulations, a passenger with disabilities must notify the railway company at least 12 hours in advance of the trip. Notify Israel Railways by calling their national call center at 03-5774000 or abbreviated dialing code *5770. Before you plan to travel, it’s best to plan out the course to verify all stops are wheelchair accessible. Visit the Israel Railways website to verify accessible stops. All accessible trains and train stops are designated with the international symbol for access.

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FERRY

Add your accessible travel knowledge about ferry services for this destination.

ISRAEL : Accommodations

HOTELS

Access Israel: There are several types of accommodations in Israel. The most accessible options will be hotels. Some information on house exchanges, B&B’s, etc. can be found on Access Israel.

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ISRAEL : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

There are many featured trips and areas of access here.

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ACTIVITIES

Accessible Beaches: There are a variety of beaches located throughout Israel, which vary in levels of accessibility.

Massada: “For example, the summit of the Massada fortress near the Dead Sea is now accessible, and wheelchairs can now reach the upper level of the site. A special area on Masada has been adapted so that persons with visual disabilities can touch and feel the surroundings.”

Jerusalem: There are many accessible places including the open air market (shuk), the Western Wall and Yad Vashem (the Holocaust memorial) to visit in Jerusalem.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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ISRAEL : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Yad Sarah: Yad Sarah is a volunteer organization with branches all over Israel that lends tourists wheelchairs, crutches and other aides without charge and only a secutity deposit. More information is available on the Yad Sarah website or by calling +972-2-6444555.

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ISRAEL : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

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Maui, Hawaii, United States

admin — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:37:20 +0000

MAUI : Overview

OVERVIEW

Maui is the second largest island in the volcanic chain of Hawaiian Islands and a great place for a disabled holiday. The beautiful lush, green landscapes on Maui are breathtaking, and nature lovers will be able to enjoy a variety of accessible activities on the beautiful island. Overall, Maui is relatively wheelchair accessible compared to other islands in the Pacific and is a relaxing destination for mature travelers and physically challenged travelers.

LANGUAGE

The official language of the United States is English.

CURRENCY

The official currency of the United States is the US dollar.

QUICKLINKS

MAUI : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Kahului Airport, OGG: The Kahului Airport has two levels. The second level is accessible by elevator. The building is a modern airport with air conditioning, a jet bridge, and an accessible bathroom with wide stalls and grab bars. There is not a companion bathroom available at this airport. Wheelchairs are on hand upon request, however arrangements should be made with your airline ahead of time if you require an aisle chair, or transfer assistance. There are porters available at this airport to also assist with luggage.

For people who have hearing difficulties, TTY’s are available at the Kahului Airport. The text telephones are located at the ticket lobby, next to the gift shop, and in the baggage claim area.

You can find more accessible information at the Kahului Airport Government website.

“Maui is a relatively small airport that has an easy flow. After passing though security you go up an elevator to the secured area for flights. There is easy access to baggage claim. Handicapped parking is plentiful and pretty close. Many direct flights into Maui from US and Canada.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

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TAXI

Maui has a robust taxi network on the island. The storage space in the taxi is large enough to store a manual wheelchair. At this time, Maui does not have taxis equipped with ramps or lifts to serve people who utilize a power wheelchair or scooter.

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RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

Wheelchair Getaways: Wheelchair Getaways offers accessible rental vans equipped with a ramp for rent on the island of Maui. For convenience, the company offers pickup and delivery for a fee, and emergency service. Note that Wheelchair Getaways vans in Maui have manual ramps.

Wheelers Van Rentals: “Wheelers Van Rentals has accessible vans available for rent on Maui equipped with a power ramp.” Bruce, 5/10/2010

“Maui is quite rural, so having an accessible rental van is a nice to have so that you can explore and see more of the island. There are two accessible van rental companies on island.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

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SHUTTLE

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BUS

Maui Public Bus Transit System: “The Maui Public Bus Transit is wheelchair accessible.” –Bruce, 5/4/2010

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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FERRY

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MAUI : Accommodations

HOTELS

Maui Accessible Condo: “Wheelchair accessible 2 bedroom 2 bathroom ground floor condo with roll in shower. Owner is a C5/6 quad and had the property set up for his needs. The condo has a roll under sink, levered handles on doors, remote control ceiling fans and drapes. The condo sits 100 feet away from the ocean.” – Bruce 5/4/2010

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MAUI : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

Polynesian Adventure Tours: The Polynesian Adventure Tour company is located on Maui, and other Hawaiian islands. The tour company has a tour bus that is equipped with a lift for people who utilize a mobility device. Tour arrangements should be made well in advance.

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ACTIVITIES

Kealia Pond National Wildlife Refuge: “Parts of the Wildlife refuge is wheelchair accessible, but it can be a bit bumpy. The National Bird Sanctuary has an accessible boardwalk which is quite long. You can watch endangered Hawaiian Stilts and Hawaiian Coots.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

Accessible walkway in Wailea: “This is a wonderful accessible pathway in front of the beautiful resorts in Wailea. There is public parking with handicapped stalls at this park and nearby Ulua park. All beaches are public on Maui so enjoy these beautiful beaches and stay a while.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

Enchanting Floral Gardens: “The Floral Gardens are wheelchair accessible. It’s a beautiful 8 acre botanical garden. The garden is paved, and has somewhat steep walkways through the garden. It’s a bit rundown but still my favorite on island.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

Maui Ocean Center: “The aquarium is just down from our accessible condo. It’s an incredible place to see what is living in the oceans around Maui without getting wet. It’s very accessible and wheelchair friendly. Minimum of 1/2 day to see everything and with the close proximity to our condo I recommend getting a weekly pass so you can scoot back at will and really explore it.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

Accessible Sea Kayaking: “Sea kayaking is an incredible way to enjoy the water and it is accessible. Ron Bass has taken me and many of my renters out over the years and the reviews are good. Actually it was a lot of fun.” – Bruce, 5/4/2010

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

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MAUI : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

Gammie HomeCare: Gammie HomeCare is located on the Island of Maui and they provide medical rental equipment and supplies. They also have a beach wheelchair for rent if you’re looking to relax on one of the wonderful beaches in Maui. Gammie HomeCare also provides delivery service for convenience.

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MAUI : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

“Maui is a world class destination with incredible views and gorgeous weather. As with anyplace theft does occur but it usually opportunistic. Lock your car and condo doors and use common sense.” - Bruce, 5/4/2010

“September and October can get a bit toasty so drink a lot and avoid getting over heated.” - Bruce, 5/4/2010

“My name is Bruce Bernhardt and I own the accessible condo mentioned above. I am a C5/6 quad and have owned my condo on Maui since 1991, so I know the accessibility of Maui. It is good with curb cuts and other basic accessibility although you’ll run into older stores which have stairs. Sand and wheelchairs don’t do well together, so access to beach and other natural areas are limited in many areas but that’s just part of our life. More than enough places and activities to keep you busy and entertained so you don’t feel short changed on the Maui experience.” - Bruce, 5/4/2010

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Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico

admin — Wed, 05 May 2010 02:08:20 +0000

MAZATLAN : Overview

OVERVIEW

Mazatlan, a popular tourist destination for handicap accessible travel, offers activities for people of all abilities. It is definitely worth visiting the city and accessible transportation is available to explore what Mazatlan has to offer on your disabled holiday. The city offers exciting performances from the local cliff divers, exquisite seafood harvested from local waters, and beautiful architecture in various states of restoration to original beauty. If you’re a sponge for culture and history, Mazatlan has a lot to offer.

LANGUAGE

The official language of Mexico is Spanish.

CURRENCY

The official currency of Mexico is the Peso.

QUICKLINKS

MAZATLAN : Logistics

AIR TRANSPORTATION/AIRPORT

Mazatlan International Airport: The Mazatlan International Airport, also known as General Rafael Buelna International Airport, is wheelchair accessible. The airport has elevators, escalators, accessible parking, and restrooms. Airport officials advise that travelers who utilize a wheelchair or need assistance should call and make arrangements with airlines well in advance of a visit.

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GROUND TRANSPORTATION

Wheelchair accessible transportation in Mazatlan is limited, so accommodations should be secured well in advance of a visit.

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TAXI

In Mazatlan, a network of taxis is present; unfortunately, they are not wheelchair accessible. The taxis found in Mazatlan resemble a cross between a golf cart and Volkswagen beetle. They are convertible, so theoretically it could be possible to transfer into the vehicle and stash a small chair or walker somewhere. However, it may be extremely difficult to get into the back seat, and again, the vehicles are so small that there may be no room for even a small wheelchair.

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RENTAL VEHICLE (Accessible Van)

Tailor Made Tours: Tailor Made Tours are available for booking by the hour and include a driver/guide. The vehicle is a full sized van with rear wheelchair lift. The van can accommodate one individual in a wheelchair plus an additional 6 guests. The company can also provide a car seat upon request if children are in the group. Note that users of large motorized wheelchairs or individuals that are tall should check with Tailor Made Tours in advance to ensure the van can accommodate. The van has a standard height rate ceiling, so it may be necessary to recline to get through the rear door.

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SHUTTLE

Trolley shuttle: There is an open air trolley located at the cruise ship dock that is wheelchair accessible via ramp. The trolley will take passengers directly from the ship through a restricted cargo area to a drop-off point at the terminal. This is the only mode for passengers to get to the terminal unless there is prearranged transportation waiting at the dock.

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BUS

Buses in Mazatlan are not currently wheelchair accessible.

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TRAIN (Light Rail)

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FERRY

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MAZATLAN : Accommodations

HOTELS

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MAZATLAN : Entertainment

SIGHTSEEING TOURS

“We booked a four hour city tour. Our driver/tour guide, Rene, drove our group all around Mazatlan to explore the city. We visited many sites that were wheelchair accessible. Rene is bilingual, and shares a lot of history about Mazatlan with his guests. He’s very familiar with the needs of people who utilize a wheelchair and recommends the perfect stops around Mazatlan.” – Christopher, 5/4/10

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ACTIVITIES

Boardwalk: The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible at most parts, and is the longest boardwalk in the world. The curb is high, but there are random curb cuts and ramps throughout.

Cathedral Basilica of the Immaculate Conception: The cathedral is wheelchair accessible via ramps. At the front gate there is a steep, narrow ramp, which gives access to the plaza outside the cathedral. To access the cathedral, there is a portable ramp. There is plenty of room inside the cathedral to maneuver around and view the fascinating architecture and relics. The cathedral is the only Catholic Church that has the Star of David embedded in 28 stain glass windows. Make sure to dress respectfully and remove hats when visiting the cathedral.

Cliff Divers: The cliff divers are an amazing spectacle to see. The divers perform by hurling themselves off a 50 foot high natural rock formation into a shallow ocean tide. The divers perform about every 15 minutes, whenever tour buses show up. The show is free, however tips are appreciated.

Devils Cave: The devils cave is located on the mountain side across the street from the Boardwalk (near the lighthouse). Visitors can’t walk up to the cave or explore the interior, as it is sealed by gate. Historically, the cave was used for storing dynamite, which emitted a sulfur smell. Thus, the cave was named Devil’s Cave, due to the odor.

Golden Zone (Zona Dorada): The Golden Zone is the newer zone in town (in terms of building construction) and is known for shopping and restaurants. It is also where the majority of hotels are located.

Flower Market: The flower market is an interesting place, filled with vibrant flowers lining the sidewalks. It’s a relatively small area. Not all of the area is wheelchair accessible, but the flowers can be seen from the sidewalk/street.

Mazatlan’s Lighthouse: The lighthouse is not wheelchair accessible, however, it can be seen from many parts of Mazatlan. The lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in the world (it rests at the top of a large mountain). Individuals can hike up the mountain trail that leads to the lighthouse, but it is not wheelchair accessible.

Historic Mazatlan: Historic Mazatlan is a wonderful area to tour. The architecture in the Historic Mazatlan district is vibrant. The city has been in the process of restoring Old Mazatlan. In fact, when a business owner buys or opens a new restaurant or store, they must restore the building to its original character. Accessibility can be tough in the area due to its historic nature, but accessible establishments can be found.

Plaza Machando: In this area there are many sidewalk cafes and musical events taking place. It’s a very charming area to spend the afternoon or evening. Again, accessibility can be challenging, but there are many outdoor cafes to choose from.

Shopping: There are some great shopping areas in Mazatlan. Travelers can find just the experience they are looking for, from mall to local shops to flea market.

“Our tour guide, Rene, knew exactly where to take us to find fantastic deals. We bought a “Molcajete” (an ancient Mesoamerican grinding bowl), which is used to make guacamole, to grind spices, and prepare salsa or warm Mexican dishes, such as shrimp and beans, for a great price.” – Christopher, 5/4/10

Shrimp Market: Mazatlan is a major supplier of shrimp for consumers around the world. The shrimp market is a fun tour stop as one can see all the varieties of shrimp for sale. The streets are lined with buckets of shrimp ready to be bought up by local restaurants and people.

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RESTAURANTS/NIGHTLIFE

There are fabulous dining options all over Mazatlan. One of the most popular hot spots is the Golden Zone.

Chili’s Pepper: Chili’s Pepper is a beachfront restaurant in the Golden Zone, and is wheelchair accessible in the dining area, but it can be tricky finding the ramp because the restaurant is located in the back of a plaza. Note that bathrooms and beach are not accessible. Outdoor dining in the open breeze creates a wonderful setting for sampling the local seafood and cerveza.

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MAZATLAN : Emergency Services

MEDICAL SERVICES/HOSPITAL

Balboa Hospital

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MEDICAL EQUIPMENT RENTALS

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MAZATLAN : AbilityTips

PRECAUTIONS

Accessibility in Mazatlan can be difficult due to the fact that it’s an older city and ADA laws do not apply like in the United States. Curb cuts are in random places, ramps are steep, and wheelchair accessible bathrooms are difficult to find as well. For wheelchair accessible bathrooms your best bet is to find a modern hotel, or fast food restaurant such as McDonalds or a Starbucks.

Mazatlan can get extremely hot. Travel with bottled water and a spray bottle to cool down.

Only drink filtered and bottled water while visiting Mazatlan, Mexico.

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