June 21, 2025
Source: Washington Post.
Accessible-travel expert Cory Lee and [Washington] Post reporter Andrea Sachs answered your questions during a live chat [on June 17, 2025].
[Note: This story is edited to make it easier to read and understand. Image descriptions are added and enclosed in brackets.]
Reported By Andrea Sachs and Alexandra Pannoni
Featured Questions
Airlines and wheelchairs
Airplanes and bathrooms
Beach travel
Caribbean destinations
Wheelchair travel in Greece
Accessible cruising
Cory Lee
Accessible Travel Blogger / CurbFreeWithCoryLee.com
Hi there! I’m Cory Lee, the voice behind the accessibility-focused travel blog CurbFreeWithCoryLee.com and today, I’m here to chat with you about traveling as a wheelchair user. Let’s get started!
Andrea Sachs
[Reporter with the Washington Post]
Hi everyone! Thank you for joining us today. I have worked with Cory on several stories throughout the years. He’s an incredible source of knowledge on so many topics and is such a seasoned traveler. Where hasn’t he been?!?!? I am so excited you get him for the hour. Ask away! I know I will be doing the same.
Traveling with a power (foldable) wheelchair
Claire
I live in Portland, Oregon. I’m wondering if you have any suggestions for accessible travel in the Pacific Northwest. This can also include Canada. We love the outdoors, so nature spots would be great, but accessible cities would be great, too. Thank you!
Cory Lee
[Image: Cory Lee in his power chair, smiling at the camera. View of trees and distant city buildings in the background.]
I actually just returned from the Oregon Coast a couple weeks ago and loved it! I was able to get out on the beaches thanks to David’s Chair, so I had a lot of fun. Outside of Oregon, I love Seattle and Northern California. If you haven’t already explored Yosemite National Park, that could be a nice place to enjoy the outdoors. Or Craters of the Moon in Idaho is pretty awesome and accessible as well!
[Image: Cory with back to camera wheels uphill along a narrow, raised, paved path in a rough, rocky area.]
Airlines and wheelchairs
Angie
How to best protect a wheelchair from damage during air flights? Are any airlines notoriously better or worse, in comparison? Ty!
Cory Lee
According to a recent Air Travel Consumer Report, Delta damages the least amount of wheelchairs (0.63%) and Spirit Airlines damages the most wheelchairs (2.07%). I actually wrote a book titled “Air Travel for Wheelchair Users” with all of my tips and tricks in it, and I hope you’ll check it out!
Wheelchair travel
Melissa
Hi Cory! I’m a mom of a child with SMA [Spinal Muscular Atrophy]. Thank you for all you do to spread inclusion and lift barriers for people with disabilities. I get so frustrated when we want to fly somewhere, but [we] then have to pay exponentially more to rent a wheelchair accessible van. Have you found any reliable rental agencies that you use or tips and tricks to make this less of a financial burden?
Cory Lee
Thank you so much! Honestly, I wish I had something better to tell you, but it is often more expensive for an accessible rental van. Trust me, I wish it was cheaper, but on average it’s about $150 per day. I usually rent from MobilityWorks because they have a lot of locations across the country (and they’re the only option usually), but they can certainly be pricey.
Cruise ships
Guest
Is there a cruise line or ship most accessible for people with limited mobility? Is a river cruise easier than ocean (no zodiacs for getting off the boat)? What’s a recommended cruise for seeing sights from the ship?
Cory Lee
Ocean cruises are definitely more accessible than river cruises. And typically, the newer the ship is, the more accessible it will be. One of my favorite cruises for sightseeing without getting off the ship was Antarctica. I did a cruise to Antarctica with Holland America Line and it was absolutely incredible! From the ship, I saw whales, penguins, seals and giant icebergs! We were in Antarctica for 4 full days, and it was beautiful. My accessible room on that ship was also really great.
[Image: Cory enjoys looking at rocky, snow-covered mountains from the deck of a cruise ship.]
Accessibility
Country to countries
What is your favorite national park and why?
Cory Lee
I love national parks sooo much, and I actually just returned from Yellowstone and Grand Teton a couple days ago. After visiting Yellowstone, I really think it’s my favorite national park. And it’s the most accessible national park that I’ve visited by far! There were so many great accessible trails, which I really loved because many national parks will usually only have one or two accessible trails. But in Yellowstone, it really seemed like my options were limitless. I spent 3 full days in Yellowstone, and published a lot of content about it on my Instagram, but I’m already dreaming of going back to Yellowstone and experiencing even more!
[Image: Cory smiles at the camera in front of the National Park Service sign at Yellowstone National Park. There are tall evergreen trees behind him. The sun is shining, and the sky is bright blue with a few clouds.]
Airplanes and bathrooms
Guest
Any tips for a wheelchair user regarding needing a bathroom on a long airplane flight?
Cory Lee
If you’re able to transfer to an onboard wheelchair, you can request to use an onboard wheelchair during the flight to get to the restroom. However, if you’re like me and you cannot transfer to an onboard wheelchair during flight, you could use a TravelJohn (for guys) or a TravelJane (for girls). Just cover yourself with a blanket and you can use that. It isn’t the greatest option, I know… but I’ve done that multiple times and it’s worked. Until airlines want to become truly inclusive, we’ve gotta do what we’ve gotta do.
Beach travel
Gary
I am not in a wheelchair yet but use walking sticks and cannot do stairs at all. So I thought this would apply. My wife and I were trying to do a beach type resort (Link Sandals) but seems many of their hotels are old and cannot even handle a wheelchair through their doors. Any beach destinations that are accessible? Scooter rentals would be good as well.
Cory Lee
There are so many great beach destinations! I recently stayed at the Dreams Jade Resort in Cancun (it’s an all-inclusive) and found it to be very accessible. They even had an access mat on the beach, so I could roll out on the sand. Other beach possibilities can be found here, here, and here.
[Full links to beach information:
California: https://curbfreewithcorylee.com/2023/12/27/wheelchair-accessible-beaches-in-california/
Florida: https://curbfreewithcorylee.com/2020/09/12/best-wheelchair-accessible-beaches-in-florida/
World: https://curbfreewithcorylee.com/2014/11/20/most-wheelchair-accessible-beaches-in-the-world/]
[Image: Wearing shorts and sunglasses, Cory enjoys the sun in his reclining power chair. He is parked on a beach mat near the ocean shore. Waving palm trees, beach umbrellas, and a hotel are in the background.]
Hotels
Guest
How do you find hotel rooms you know will work for you and that the room will actually be available when you get there?
Cory Lee
I usually call the hotel when I am actually booking the room and request to speak to a manager. I request photos of the actual accessible room that I will be getting. This isn’t typically a problem, and they are happy to check things such as bed height. And then the day before I call again directly to the hotel to make sure that I will be receiving the accessible room.
Newly disabled with a walker and must move (and fly) in August with a walker
Guest
My recovery from multiple fractures of the right ankle is slow as a soon to be octogenarian. I’m moving in August to South Florida and must fly with my walker. How should I go about this? I’m traveling alone and likely will need to check one bag. How should I approach this? Thank you!
Cory Lee
Definitely call the airline and let them know that you will be flying with a walker. They’ll probably want some information about it (what kind of walker, and its length/width) and then they’ll put in their system that you’ll need accessible accommodations. When you actually arrive at the airport on the day of your flight, just let a staff member know at check-in if you’d like assistance getting from check-in to your gate. They can provide a wheelchair and an assistant to push you through the airport, if that’s helpful. Also, medical equipment (like your walker) flies for free, so you won’t have to worry about it being an extra cost.
Andrea Sachs [Theme parks]
Hi Cory! I am curious about which theme parks are best for people in wheelchairs or use other mobility devices. How do you decide which rides and attractions are best? Which parks or rides are your favorites? Any you are looking forward to visiting this summer?
Cory Lee
Disney World is definitely my favorite because you can find fully accessible rides that you can remain in your wheelchair on, within each of their parks. Also, Morgan’s Wonderland in San Antonio is the world’s first fully accessible theme park. It is amazing! Every single ride within the park is wheelchair accessible. They also have a water park that is accessible as well with changing rooms with lifts. I was able to go in the various splash zones with a wheelchair that they provided. I’m really looking forward to visiting the brand new Epic Universe at Universal this October.
Snorkeling
Craig
Can you recommend any trips where a hemiplegic swimmer can see lots of fish?
Cory Lee
There are some companies that offer adaptive snorkeling, which might be a good option. I’d suggest checking out Snorkel and Dive Hawaii, Rincon Diving in Puerto Rico, or the company Diveheart might have some good recommendations for you.
Tokyo tips
Guest
My partner and I would love to travel to Tokyo. Do you have any tips or advice for wheelchair accessible travel in Japan?
Cory Lee
Japan is one of the most accessible countries in the world! I’ve written a lot about Tokyo and Kyoto on my blog, and you can read my accessible travel guides for those cities here – https://curbfreewithcorylee.com/category/where-have-i-been/asia-where-have-i-been/japan-asia-where-have-i-been/
[Image: Cory smiles as he looks up, many feet above his head, at a very tall bamboo cluster. Most of the leafy tops of the plants are not visible in the photo.]
Shore excursions
Guest
What cruise lines offer shore excursions for people who need wheelchairs? What are the destinations?
Cory Lee
Most cruise lines offer very limited accessible shore excursion options, so I usually end up booking my excursions with a third party. I’ve booked many accessible shore excursions in the Caribbean with Accessible Caribbean Vacations. In Europe, I’ve booked shore excursions with Disabled Accessible Travel. However, most cruises that go to Alaska (Holland America, Disney, Princess, etc) do offer pretty good accessible shore excursions! Alaska could be a nice option!
[Image: Wearing a knit cap and cold weather gear, Cory smiles in front of outdoor signs reading “Welcome to Skagway Alaska. Klondike Gold Rush National Park.” In the background are a large mountain, evergreen trees, people walking around, and cloudy, gray skies.]
Any advice for flying with a motorized wheelchair? I don’t trust baggage people.
mac
Flying with a motorized wheelchair
Cory Lee
Flying with a motorized wheelchair can certainly be challenging! I’ve done it hundreds of times, and it is still a challenge, but I’d love to share a few things that might make it a little easier for you.
First, take off any parts of your wheelchair that are easily removable and put them in a carry-on bag to take on the plane with you. I always take off my headrest, knee pads and my cushion. The less parts that are left on your wheelchair, the less parts that can be damaged. I always remove these pieces when I’m at the gate about to board the plane.
Secondly, bubble wrap the rest of your wheelchair before it’s loaded into the plane. You should at least bubble wrap the joystick (and tape the bubble wrap on there).
And lastly, print out a sign and attach it to your wheelchair. On the sign, put instructions for the ground crew letting them know how to properly load your chair, how to push it, if it can or can’t be laid on its side, and you could also put your phone number on the sign. That way, the crew can call you if they have any questions while loading your chair.
Caribbean destinations
Guest
What destinations in the Caribbean are the most wheelchair accessible?
Cory Lee
I would say Barbados. There is an organization called Fully Accessible Barbados that is working to make the island as inclusive as possible. They have accessible transportation, beach wheelchairs and accessible tour options. There is even a cave called Harrison’s Cave in Barbados that has a wheelchair accessible tram that you can remain in your wheelchair and ride through the cave!
Wheelchair focused travel companies in Morocco
Meredith
My 83-year-old mother has not lost her zeal for travel. She would like me to take her to Morocco, but I don’t feel comfortable planning this trip without a company who specializes in accessibility. Would you have a recommendation please?
Cory Lee
I visited Morocco back in 2018, and it was one of my favorite trips of all time. It really is an incredible place, and it was surprisingly accessible thanks to a company known as Morocco Accessible Travel Consultants. They provided wheelchair accessible transportation, accessible hotels, and they even invented an adaptive camel saddle, so wheelchair users can easily ride a camel in the Sahara Desert. I’d highly recommend checking out Morocco Accessible Travel Consultants! You and your mom will love them, I’m sure.
[Image: Cory rides a camel near a sand dune, using a customized saddle. Two attendants are dressed in traditional clothing.]
Bathroom accessibility
Guest
I am reluctant to go anywhere unless I know the bathroom will be accessible for me in a wheelchair. Any suggestions?
Cory Lee
I can totally relate. I usually try to find a Starbucks on any road trip. Most of them have an accessible companion care restroom which makes it easier for me. I have also heard of people going to an emergency room and using the restroom there.
Wheelchair travel in Greece
Guest
My daughter just returned from a cruise to Greece and Turkey – I have always wanted to go but wheelchair use looks pretty impossible – too many steps and cobblestones. Have you been there???
Cory Lee
Yes! I actually went to both last year and loved them. I toured Greece with the company called Care Under Sun and they were great! I toured Turkey with the company Disabled Accessible Travel and loved it as well. Both know where to take you and provide accessible transportation and offer hotel recommendations for your needs.
Beaches and waterfront access on East Coast
Eli H.
Thank you for your time. Where should wheelchair users go if they are looking to go sailing or go to the beach on the East Coast? Thank you!
Cory Lee
On the East Coast, there are some fantastic accessible beaches! I really love Panama City Beach, Florida, because they have smooth beach access mats at St. Andrews State Park and you can rent motorized beach wheelchairs from Beach Powered Mobility. Another beach destination that I really like is Miami, Florida. In Miami, they have motorized beach wheelchairs available on a complimentary first-come, first-served basis and you can enjoy adaptive adventures (like sailing!) with Shake-A-Leg Miami.
[Image: Cory wheels across the sand in a beach wheelchair, with rolling surf in the background.]
Andrea Sachs [Paying for trips]
Are there any organizations or resources you can recommend that may cover trip costs for people who use a wheelchair and might not have the money for a trip?
Cory Lee
I run a nonprofit called The Curb Free Foundation, and we grant wheelchair users with their dream trip. If someone is interested in applying, they can complete the application form on our website at www.thecurbfreefoundation.com. So far we have sent people to some incredible places such as Morocco, Paris, on a [Caribbean] cruise, Disney World and more!
Cushions
Guest
In general, what wheelchair cushions are the most comfortable?
Cory Lee
I use a Roho cushion as it has air pockets to help disperse my weight. I really like it and have used it most of my life. But I suggest talking to your wheelchair manufacturer about all of the available options to find the one that is best for you and your needs.
Accessible cruising
Sandra
What would you say is the most accessible cruise line?
Cory Lee
My personal favorite cruise line is Virgin Voyages. I love how inclusive their ships are and even on their private beach club in the Bahamas, The Beach Club at Bimini, there are beach access mats, beach wheelchairs, and pool lifts. Virgin Voyages is only for ages 18+ though, so if you’re traveling with someone under 18, Disney Cruise Line is a great accessible option as well! I’ve sailed on four Disney ships so far, and I’m constantly impressed by them. They have pool lifts and their accessible staterooms are extremely spacious! By the way, I’m leading an accessible group trip in the Caribbean with Virgin Voyages next March! We have a few spots remaining, so if you’d like to join us, you can sign up right here.
[Photos from past cruises I’ve done with Virgin Voyages]
[Image: Cory sitting in his chair on the edge of a beach mat. A view of palm trees, the sea and a sandy coastline is behind him.]
[Image: Cory and three friends enjoy the casino.]
Best airline for wheelchair travel
Christian
In your experience, which airline is your favorite for wheelchair accessibility and service?
Cory Lee
My personal favorite is Delta. I have flown with them hundreds of times and my wheelchair has been only severely damaged twice. I find that they are improving, and Delta Flight Products recently announced that they are working on creating and developing a wheelchair parking spot inside the cabin on the planes. This will allow the person using a wheelchair to remain in their wheelchair during flight. This will be life changing.
Travel outside of the U.S.
Jana
What countries or cities outside the U.S. (Europe for instance) have you found to be especially accessible? My husband uses a folding mobility scooter and finds cobblestones punishing.
Cory Lee
Barcelona is one of my favorites! I absolutely love it there. They have accessible beaches with beach wheelchairs and hoists that can transfer you from your wheelchair to the beach wheelchair. Popular sights like Sagrada Familia are also accessible there. Another destination in Europe that I love is Iceland. The company, Iceland Unlimited is ran by a wheelchair user, and offers accessible tours and transportation.
Hotels
Doug Nelson
Trying to avoid large hotels, how has your luck been reserving ground floor rooms ahead of time?
Cory Lee
I’ve had mixed luck getting accessible ground floor rooms. So often, I find that the accessible rooms are on the top floor, which doesn’t make any sense to me. But if you use sites that are dedicated to finding accessible hotel rooms and accommodations, like AccessibleGO, Wheel the World, and Becoming Rentable, you may have better luck.
Travel agencies
Guest
Please give names of travel agencies who are priced for middle class budgets. Thanks
Cory Lee
I use Fora Travel and really like them because they have travel advisors that specialize in accessibility. They can also customize a trip for your budget, which is nice. Fora is doing incredible work in the accessible travel space, and you can reach out to them here.
Book with Fora
Outdoor recreation
Paul Bollinger
When wheelchair users want to go sailing or fishing on Chesapeake Bay near Washington D.C. where should they go?
Cory Lee
I just discovered an organization called Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating. It looks like they offer adaptive sailing and fishing in Chesapeake Bay.
Sailing Programs – Chesapeake Region Accessible Boating
Accessible travel in Ireland
Grace
Hi, my husband has muscular dystrophy and is currently ambulatory, though he needs some accommodations and can only walk limited distances. We’re planning a road trip in Ireland. What has your experience been traveling there as far as accessible hotel and sightseeing accommodations? Thanks!
Cory Lee
I’m actually planning my first trip to Ireland for this September! I’m so excited to finally visit! So far, I’ve booked accessible accommodations at Ashford Castle and I have arranged all of my accessible transportation with Dublin Wheelchair Taxis. They’ve been great to communicate with!
Thanks!
Guest
Thanks so much for doing the chat. It was of enormous benefit to me.
Alexandra Pannoni
Talent & Community Editor
You’re welcome! So glad you were able to join us!
Wheelchair travel
Sherri
My husband is a heavy man, and he uses a heavy power wheelchair. I have a lift on our car so I can transport him where cars can go, but I find there are still obstacles. We had tickets for the African American museum in Washington, D.C., and we were assured there was plenty of handicap parking. But it was parallel parking. I get the wheelchair off the lift and then drive it around to the passenger seat door and he gets out and the way he goes… Unless I have to park up against a curb. And if there isn’t enough room behind me, I can’t lower the lift, get on it and drive it back even if there were a ramp to get to him. I find that so many places that think they have wonderful ADA accommodations just don’t understand a lot. How do I find places that really get it?
Cory Lee
I completely agree with you. A lot of places claim to be “ADA-compliant,” but they do the bare minimum in regards to accessibility. I often rely on first-hand experiences from other wheelchair users to find out if something is truly accessible. And I find those first-hand reviews in a few different places. Accessibility-focused travel blogs like Spin the Globe, Wonders Within Reach, and Wheelchair Traveling do a great job (and I’ve got to give my own blog a plug – CurbFreeWithCoryLee.com), and I also love Facebook groups that are about accessible travel. A couple of my favorite groups are Accessible Travel Club and Accessible Travel Community. You can ask any questions in these Facebook groups and get fantastic insights from other wheelchair users. It’s super helpful and reassuring!
Travel by ship
Guest
I have yet to visit my grandson in
England from CA … I need to take a ship, are there any?
Cory Lee
It does look like there are some options for cruises from California to the U.K., but I’m not sure how accessible these ships are. If you need accessibility, I’d recommend calling the cruise lines. Here are the options I’ve found – https://www.cruisecritic.com/find-a-cruise/destination-uk/departure-port-california
Oxygen
Guest
I’d like a similar article about (me) needing oxygen. I have an “eclipse” battery portable.
Andrea Sachs
My mom also uses oxygen (just for night) and travels with her portable by car, but we have yet to take a flight with it. The first step is to make sure it’s FAA approved. If not, we thought of renting from a company such as Oxygen to Go. You can also check for rentals at your destination. Cloud of Goods and Oxygen Worldwide seem like two good options.
Portable Oxygen | Portable Oxygen Rental | Oxygen to Go
Travel planning companies
Jake
Are there any good travel planning companies that could help plan an accessible trip? I would one day want to travel to Paris, but the planning for such a trip seems too daunting, and I would appreciate someone who could help with the planning and have a knowledge of the city.
Cory Lee
You should contact the company Disabled Accessible Travel for Paris tours. They can provide accessible transportation and tours. I have worked with them in other European cities, and they are fantastic! Also, Wheel the World is a great company to help with trip planning for accessibility. And I also offer group trips every year to different destinations and have the itinerary planned for you. Stay tuned to my blog, Curb Free with Cory Lee for new announcements!
Have you ever tried a river cruise?
Guest
My spouse would like to take a Rhine cruise, but they have limited mobility. They can walk short distances, but for any touring would need a wheelchair. I understand that most river cruise ships do not have elevators and may have to tie up to other ships in ports, so you’d have to traverse across another boat to access the port.
Cory Lee
Unfortunately, I haven’t tried a river cruise because as you said, most of them aren’t very accessible. I would love to do one and have talked to companies like Viking and AMA Waterways, but they just aren’t up to the level of accessibility that I need. However, I do know of one company that has fully accessible river cruises, and I’m thinking about booking a cruise with them in 2026. Here’s a video that my friend Sylvia Longmire made about her time on the Prins Willem Alexander river cruise ship – https://youtu.be/5ehsP7KN5rU
Currently, they have an accessible cruise on the Rhine scheduled for this November that looks wonderful! You can learn more about it here: https://www.stichtingheinzreizen.nl/en/blogs/news/riviercruise-prins-willem-alexander-schip
[Image: Wheelchair user being pushed along a paved path toward a river cruise boat, with a green mountain on the opposite shore. Caption: Prins Willem Alexander Rhine River Germany]
Wheelchair Accessible Rhine River Cruise Prins Willem Alexander
YouTube |
Traveling with seniors with mobility issues
Christian
We are thinking about taking a family trip to the Philippines, but my 79-year-old mom with bad knees and hips, and walks with a cane, is worried about navigating through the airports, sitting on flights for almost 18 hrs, and being constantly on the go sightseeing. We suggested using a wheelchair for this trip, but she kind of pushed back on that idea. How can we make seniors with mobility and accessibility issues more comfortable when traveling? She hasn’t taken a vacation in years because of this.
Cory Lee
Maybe explain that you could take a wheelchair just in case it is needed as the trip will entail lots of walking. That way, if she does get tired it would be available for her. There are some great travel wheelchairs available on the market now that are light weight and easier to maneuver. I hope this helps to encourage her to get out there and see new things.
Invisible disabilities / accommodations
Guest
How do you recommend someone with invisible disabilities manage the challenges of touring historic properties/other destinations with multiple stops/starts and periods of time standing, without causing a disruption to the tour? (I am mostly ambulatory but do use a cane sometimes – especially if I am otherwise required to stand for long periods of time).
Cory Lee
I would recommend calling the attraction ahead of time and mentioning your concerns. They may be able to provide you with a private tour, or they may recommend a time to tour when there will be a smaller group. Alternatively, there are some companies that offer fully accessible group trips, so you’d be traveling with other people with disabilities. If you’re interested in a group trip, check out Wheel the World or Limitless Travel. They offer group trips in the U.K., Greece, Spain, Costa Rica and many other destinations.
[Image: From the deck of a boat on the water, a group of men and women smile and wave at the camera. There are people with and without disabilities, including Cory Lee and at least three other wheelchair users.
Pacific island travel
Cheryl
I recently traveled to Guam to visit a good friend. As a non-ambulatory wheelchair user it was difficult to get around and each access was limited. I was thinking of traveling to the Philippines or Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, but I’m concerned about accessibility options
Cory Lee
I’m not sure about accessibility in Laos or the Philippines, but I recently visited Thailand and had a phenomenal experience! I toured with the company Nutty’s Adventures and they arranged accessible hotels, transportation and activities. They made it as accessible as possible, and I can’t wait to return! And I’ve heard that Nutty’s is currently working to launch accessible tours in Vietnam within the next few months hopefully.
[Image: Cory is pictured with a young elephant, whose trunk stretches over the fenced barricade between them.]
[Image: Cory and his powerchair are loaded into a van using a platform lift.]
[Image: Cory visits the beautiful palaces in Thailand.]
Are there hotels with ceiling track lifts?
Guest
All we would have to bring for our 29-yr-old daughter would be a sling, and it would make travel easier if this were the case.
Cory Lee
In Europe, many Scandic hotels offer hoyer lifts. You can view a list of the Scandic properties that offer that here. Or in the U.S., several hotels in Las Vegas have ceiling hoists, including Aria, Treasure Island, MGM Grand, the Bellagio, and the Wynn. I’d also recommend checking out the site Becoming Rentable. On that site, you can filter for accessibility at vacation rentals all over the U.S. and many of their properties have hoists or hoyer lifts.
Accessible Short-Term Rentals Directory – Find Accessible Short-Term Rentals – Becoming rentABLE…
Wheelchair shower chairs/commode availability in hotels
Guest
Is it possible to get the shower wheelchairs/commode in the hotels for rent or other ways to get them. Appreciate your input.
Cory Lee
According to the ADA, hotels should provide a chair or bench seat in the accessible room showers. Unfortunately, most rental companies don’t rent commode chairs due to cleanliness. I always travel with my own travel shower/commode chair so that I am certain to have what I need when I arrive.
Flying with a power wheelchair
Guest
My quadriplegic daughter has a specialized chair that suits her needs. The one time we flew, the airline damaged the chair. We were fortunate that we were at a medical center where repair was possible in a timely manner. But tourist destinations don’t have that luxury. Is there some sort of site that lists repair companies by area? And is there any specialist site that helps negotiate with the airlines for reparations?
Cory Lee
Oh no, I’m sorry to hear that you had a bad experience! I’m not aware of a site that lists wheelchair repair companies by area. In the weeks leading up to a trip, I usually just hop on Google and search something like “wheelchair repair Barcelona” (or whichever destination I’m going to visit). That way, if something does happen to my chair, I already know what repair companies are in the destination. You could also call your daughter’s wheelchair manufacturer in advance of the trip and ask them to let you know of any local operators in the destination you’re visiting. Unfortunately, I’m also not aware of a site that helps negotiate with airlines for repairs. It’s really up to each individual airline, but as long as your flight is departing from OR arriving into the U.S., you are protected by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the airline is required to repair the wheelchair.
Renting accessible equipment while abroad
Guest
To the extent you have experience renting accessible equipment while traveling (e.g., hoyer lifts, shower chairs, etc.), how have you gone about finding vendors? Have you found renting accessible equipment is generally available in the places you have traveled? If so, where? Alternatively, if rentals are not available, do you have experience/suggestions buying lower-cost accessible equipment while traveling?
Cory Lee
I personally always travel with my own equipment, but local accessible tour companies often know where items may be rented. I would suggest reaching out to a local accessible tour operator within the destination that you will be visiting.
Turkey
David
If I am correct that Istanbul is not very accessible, is there anywhere in Turkey that is accessible? Or I am wrong about Istanbul?
Cory Lee
I actually used to think Istanbul wouldn’t be accessible for me as well, but I was pleasantly surprised when I visited in late 2024. I stayed at the Conrad Istanbul Bosphorus Hotel, and my accessible room there was great, and it had a perfect roll-in shower. For transportation to/from the airport and all tours, I used the company Disabled Accessible Travel to arrange everything. The van had a lift with tie-down straps to secure my wheelchair, which was excellent. We visited some really amazing places like the Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia and ate lots of delicious food. My week in Istanbul was one I’ll never forget!
[Image: Cory visits a bazaar market stall in Turkey.]
[Image: As the sun begins to set, Cory looks out over the water from a paved observation area.]
Outdoor adventures
Guest
What are the best accessible places to get out in nature? Lots of times national/state parks have an accessible hiking trail, but it doesn’t go anywhere particularly beautiful or interesting. I love exploring outside and hate missing out on the best parts of a park. At Crater Lake National Park the Godfrey Glen trail is an exception to this norm as it offers amazing views and a variety of landscapes. Do you have any recommendations of places where the wheelchair accessible trails are really beautiful/highlights of the area and not just an afterthought?
Cory Lee
Some of my favorite places for enjoying nature (and having a full experience like any other visitor) are Yellowstone National Park (sooo many great accessible trail options there!), Yosemite National Park (there are multiple accessible options in Yosemite, including an accessible open-air tram ride!), and Acadia National Park (I love the Carriage Roads in Acadia!). And thanks for mentioning Crater Lake… I need to check it out!
[Image: Aboard the accessible tram, Cory admires the mountain scenery at Yosemite National Park.]
Cory Lee
Thanks so much everyone for joining today. I had a lot of fun answering your questions in this chat. I hope that you are now inspired to get out there and see the world. If you have any other questions, feel free to reach out to me on Instagram @curbfreecorylee
Andrea Sachs
Well that chat blew by! I learned so much from Cory and all the people who spent the hour with us. Thank you! Now, go travel!
Is chat archived?
Pat
For future reference with the very valuable links?
Alexandra Pannoni
[Washington Post] Talent & Community Editor
Yes, the chat transcript will remain here for your reference. And we’ve the turned the comments on so you can continue to chat with each other. Thanks for joining us!
About this live chat
Travel expert Cory Lee has traveled to more than 50 countries in his wheelchair. He answered your questions about accessible travel with By The Way reporter Andrea Sachs. Questions may be edited for accuracy and clarity.
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News Source: washingtonpost.com/travel/2025/06/17/wheelchair-travel-questions-answers
More Travel Resources:
Be sure to also check out the April episode of the #SoutheastADA Center’s ADA Live! podcast for more travel ideas from Cory. (Link: https://adalive.org/episodes/episode-140/)
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