Handicap Access (iStock)
For those with disabilities, the challenges of traveling go beyond just getting to the airport on time and figuring out the TV in their hotel rooms. But fortunately, numerous destinations in the U.S. and abroad continue to work towards making travel for the handicapped as smooth as possible. We’ve visited quite a few spots during our travels and have come up with a list of the most handicap-friendly destinations around the world. First up, Seattle!
Seattle, WA
Seattle is continuously ranked as one of the most disabled-friendly cities in the U.S., thanks in large part to its condensed downtown area and public transportation system. Since the city did not begin operating its first rail system until 2009, it is entirely built to comply with ADA standards, unlike older major railway transits in cities such as New York and Boston. The Emerald City also has tons of entirely accessible attractions such as the Seattle Museum, Pike Place Market, and even the Space Needle.
Stay: Hyatt at Olive 8
This hotel is not only known for its chic and eco-friendly decor and design, but also for its great downtown location and variety of assistance services. The hotel has just about every feature offered in Braille, along with audio-visual smoke detectors and ADA-approved rooms.
Montreal, Canada
As Canada’s second most populated city, Montreal has a great public railway that offers seven (and counting!) wheelchair accessible stations. The city also has plenty of wheelchair-friendly attractions, including a beautiful botanical garden, a fine arts museum, and classic European-style cathedrals, many of which are entirely accessible.
Stay: Fairmont Queen Elizabeth
The Fairmont is located right downtown, and has 13 rooms that can accommodate wheelchairs and are equipped with teletype phones, vibrating alarm clocks, and door sensors for the hearing impaired.
Las Vegas, NV
With an economy centered on tourism, Las Vegas is a city that caters to all travelers. In addition to the city having great ADA-standard transportation services and lodging, many casinos have ramps, wheelchair-accessible slot machines and gaming tables, and hearing devices at live shows.
Stay: Treasure Island
Treasure Island is one of Sin City’s most accessible hotels, offering 71 ADA-approved rooms, lift equipment for the handicap-accessible pools, and hearing kits that include a door knock light and bed shaker. Plus, the resort’s location right on the Strip makes it easy to get from attraction to attraction.
London, England
Though London may have an old-time feel, the city has plenty of modern conveniences and assistance services for the impaired. Though its a town full of history, London is up-to-date on accessibility, with attractions like St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Tower of London, and even the London Eye all boasting services for the disabled.
Stay: DoubleTree by Hilton – Tower of London
At the DoubleTree, special needs guests are able to book one of the 29 accessible rooms, which include roll-in showers with handrails and wide doorways, among other supportive features.
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