The World is Now More Accessible Than Ever – Explore and Enjoy It!

The World is Now More Accessible Than Ever – Explore and Enjoy It!

 

The world is now more accessible than ever before. Twenty percent (62 million) of the U.S. population has some form of disability, and the number of these individuals is increasing daily. These people need to, want to, and can travel. If you’re part of that twenty percent, a world of travel awaits you. A Special Needs Certified Travel Agent can handle everything for you.  You will not pay extra for my services. Visit my website to get some ideas of where you would like to go.

Travel professionals such as myself  who are accessible travel advocates certified by Special Needs Group, the leading global provider of special needs equipment for the travel industry, have unique, specialized knowledge about how to help individuals with disabilities enjoy a wonderful, hassle-free and memorable trip.

Here are a few tips from Special Needs Group to ensure that when your next travel opportunity arises, you are ready to go.

Outline your travel needs

Take time to evaluate the logistics of your trip in relation to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation will you be using? Airplane, motor coach, train, ship, transit vans for ground transfers? Make a list, referring to relevant brochures, your trip organizer or travel agent to make sure you don’t miss anything.

Now, make a list of your specific requirements. Be honest: what types of special needs equipment do you depend on at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had!) when shopping, sightseeing locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending concerts, the theater, street fairs or sporting events at home?

Can you hear and see clearly without special auditory equipment or visual aides?  How far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you get in and out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance?

Travel, whether solo or in a group, is no time for roughing it or trying to “tough it out.” If a wheelchair, scooter or portable oxygen will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home feel more comfortable using these mobility aides for tour and excursions. In fact, most of Special Needs Group’s wheelchair and scooter rentals are to individuals who only use such aides when traveling.

Plan Ahead

If you already own a scooter or portable oxygen, it’s important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from planes to taxis to ferry boats. Does that transport have a way to stow your scooter or wheelchair? Is oxygen allowed on board? Some airlines prohibit certain types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours’ notice to make special arrangements, and be prepared to fill out forms.

Overall, cruise ships are more lenient in allowing oxygen, but some disallow certain types of oxygen. All require that the oxygen be delivered to the ship, and that you have enough for the entire voyage. Oxygen may never be brought aboard in your luggage. Requirements vary, so check your cruise line for proper instructions.  Again, documentation and paperwork are required.

Whether you are headed for a cruise ship, hotel or all-inclusive resort, double check for wheelchair access at that venue, plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip.  Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort accommodations or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator, if these issues are important.

Check on the access to public rooms, restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area and other amenities. Are there TDD phone devices? How will you get in and out of the shower or bathtub? Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille room numbers? Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when you do. Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits and special mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental.

Will road travel or car excursions be part of the trip? Many car rental companies have vehicles that are modified for drivers or passengers with mobility limitations. Check ahead to make sure a suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates. If you will be hiring a car or van, make sure the company is aware of your special needs.

When traveling with a limitation or disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad and trip cancellation insurance are even more important and strongly advised.

Ask the Right Questions

When making the final bookings, be sure you ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are categorized as “accessible.”

For example, are doorways wide enough for the largest wheelchairs? Do the doors open outwards or into the room?

Are all the public areas of the hotel, resort or ship accessible? Do you need to make special arrangements in the dining room to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter?

Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your needs? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter? Is there a roll-in shower? Grab-bars?

Are there facilities for companion/assistance animals?

Are there shopping and entertainment facilities close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort?

On shore excursions or tours, does the van have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters?

Simply stated, don’t take anything for granted. It’s easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is wonderfully accessible, once you know what’s needed, what’s available and how to find the necessary equipment.

I look forward to helping you with all of your accessible travel needs!

Diana, Your Travel Agent

(352) 302-6190

http://www.LetsGoToday.com

Diana Kreisle, Travel Agent
352-302-6190
http://www.LetsGoToday.com

This article compliments of:

 

A short story – Why You Want to Use a Travel Agent

Here’s a perfect example of why everyone should use a Travel Agent. This is a true story. Although I feel really badly for my potential client, it is her own fault for not calling me. Don’t let this happen to you. Always call me to check on availability and rates — especially when looking for a cruise.

I have a group of friends wanting to go on a Caribbean cruise in April. So, I secured a great rate with the cruise line with group rates and some wonderful extra amenities for my group. The majority of the people have already booked and are telling others about this awesome cruise they are getting ready to enjoy. Of course, more of their friends want to come along as well. Sounds pretty typical, right?

Well, as the new clients called and inquired, I checked availability and pricing for them. Bear in mind this particular sailing is fast approaching so the ship is getting sold out of many types of cabins. One of the new ladies needed a triple cabin, but could not put a deposit down until the following week. Now, as we all know, no deposit means no guarantee that anything will be available later. At the time, there were no inside triple cabins, only oceanview triples.  I told her that when she was actually ready to book, to call me and I would check again.

A week passes……. I contacted her back to see if she was ready to book her cruise so she and her family could go with her friends.  She informed me that she had booked an interior triple on her own thru one of those “highly advertised sites” and even told me what she paid.  Well, needless to say, I immediately checked and found that:  a) Yes, in fact, a few of that type of cabin had cancellations therefore making them available now, b) The PRICE I could have gotten it for was FAR LESS than what she paid and c) She will NOT receive  the $50 on-board credit that the rest of her friends will get  because they booked with me.  Wow!

The moral of the story…. ALWAYS CHECK WITH A TRAVEL AGENT prior to booking a cruise online.  Travel Agents may not have a brick and mortar “store” for you to go into, but we are just a phone call away.   I want to be YOUR Travel Agent. Call me at 352-302-6190 and I’ll help you get where you want to go.

Feel free to “dream” of your destination by checking my site at www.LetsGoToday.com then call me to make the final arrangements.

Get Your Summer Vacation Booked Now

With summer 2012 approaching quickly, it’s time to get your summer vacation booked. Cruise the Caribbean on one of the many amazing cruiselines. Princess Cruises, Holland America, and Carnival Cruiseline each offer a unique “feel”.

I like Carnival a/k/a “The Fun Ship” for their 3 – 5 day itineraries. I don’t get a lot of time away, so I like to make the best of several shorter getaway’s throughout the year rather than one 7 or 14 day cruise. I am booking now for summer vacations. Call me at 352-302-6190 and I will help you plan your perfect vacation and get the most value for your vacation budget.

Group cruises are a fantastic way to accommodate a large number of people with various interests. Some good examples of groups that cruise together are family reunions, class reunions, social clubs, photography clubs, wedding or anniversary parties, Girls Getaways, Guys Getaways, etc.  This list is endless. But the perks and benefits of cruising as a group are tremendous!

Call for details and group pricing 352-302-6190.  It’s best to book at least 9 months out to get the best rates for a group, but can be done in a much shorter period of time if needed.

What determines which online travel comp

What determines which online travel company you book your travel with? Is it the price? Is it a catchy commercial? Tell me.

It’s not what you think you are…. its

It’s not what you think you are…. its, what you think…. YOU ARE. Get it?

For those who like to save money, Ask me

For those who like to save money, Ask me how to get paid 30% commission when you book travel online. http://www.zamzuufreeagent.com/dianakreisle

I just hooked up with Hootsuite. This is

I just hooked up with Hootsuite. This is a test. This is ONLY a test. Hope everyone has an awesome weekend.

What are YOU celebrating this year? Let’s Plan a Party!

It’s time to CELEBRATE!!  What are you celebrating this year?  Leave a comment below and tell me what is happening in your life this year!

Graduation, Retirement, Engagement, Wedding, Anniversary, Mile-stone birthday, or any other special occasion can be celebrated onboard a cruise ship.  Allow me to plan the party for you! How easy is that! You just show up and enjoy yourself!

With itineraries starting from only 3 days to weeks at sea, from many ports of call, we can find the perfect way to celebrate your special event! SPECIAL BONUS: Contact  me and book your cabin on a certain Fun Ship cruise line before June 30, 2010 and you will receive up to $160 cash back to use while onboard.  If you don’t spend it onboard, a check will be given to you the last morning of the cruise for any amount you didn’t spend!!  Is that awesome, or what!!!

Are you wondering what you could possibly do to celebrate your special occasion on a ship?  The opportunities are endless!  For just the two of you or for your entire family or group of friends!! Anything from pre-decorating your cabin for a surprise celebration to booking out a lounge with an open bar and hot and cold party food. Together, we will make your celebration the most memorable yet!  Cruise rates are a terrific value when booking a group of at least 8 cabins. So get your friends and family together, pick  a date and let’s get your party started!

Contact me at 352-302-6190 for more information and pricing.  Leave me a comment! What are you celebrating this year?

See you on the high seas!

Diana

Cash Back on your Cruise Vacation!!!

Looking for a great way to stretch your vacation dollar? Carnival Cruise Lines is here to help! Book NOW for the best cabins because they will go FAST!   Book between now and June 30th, 2010 and we’ll load up your Sail & Sign® Card with up to $80 per stateroom for 3–5 day cruises or up to $160 per stateroom for 6–8 day cruises.  Many ships, ports and sale dates to choose from. Take a look here! Or call me at 352-302-6190 and I’ll take care of everything for you.

But here’s the coolest part. You can use the cash anywhere on board or on a shore excursion. And at the end of your cruise, you’ll get back whatever credit you haven’t used. How great is that?

Looking for fun-loving people!!

If you like to have fun, dance, meet new people, sunbath, simply relax, or party all night, we want you to join us for our Fall Fun and Sun Cruise! Kick off fall with us in Cozumel! Sept 30 – Oct 4th.  Carnival Inspiration, Tampa to Cozumel. This is a terrific long weekend getaway. Plan now for a little escape to kick off the fall in the tropical paradise of Cozumel. Group amenities and rates!  You MUST call me to book into this group with only $150 pp deposit! Balance due end of July.  Interior cabins start at $333 per person.  Ocean views also available.  Many other itenaries available! Call me at 352-302-6190 and I’ll help you every step of the way!