ADA Needs: Traveling with Mobility Challenges (and a Sense of Humor)
Traveling is always an adventure—but when mobility issues join the party, that adventure sometimes becomes a comedy, a puzzle, and a workout video all rolled into one. Getting to your destination isn’t always easy, especially when elevators disappear, ramps don’t exist, and stairs multiply like they’re auditioning for a musical.
Here in the United States, we live with ADA laws that make travel manageable—sometimes even pleasant. But once you leave the country? Those laws stay home, drink iced tea, and wave goodbye as you discover what “accessibility optional” really means.
Ambergris Caye, Belize: Beautiful, Charming… and Full of Surprises
Ambergris Caye is a tropical paradise, and the main mode of transportation is the humble golf cart. Sounds cute, right? Until you try climbing into one and realize the seat sits at approximately knee height. Perfect—if you happen to be part mountain goat or an off-duty CrossFit champion. Otherwise, you’ll need to channel your inner Tarzan to swing yourself up.Andthenholdontight,therearenoseatbeltsandtheroadsaresuperbumpy!
Our resort adventure was a whole extra episode. We specifically asked—and paid—for a ground-floor room. When we arrived, the staff proudly told us, “Good news! We’ve upgraded you!”
Fantastic!
Except… the upgrade was on the second floor. With two long flights of stairs.
My husband, who is disabled, took one look at those stairs and mentally prepared for battle. He made it—slowly, thoughtfully, with rest breaks—but the moment felt less “vacation getaway” and more “annual fitness test.”
We asked again for a ground-floor room, but none were available. And at this resort, even the ground floor wasn’t exactly ground floor—there were steps to the lobby, steps to the rooms, steps to everywhere except maybe the ocean.
If you use a cane or walker, you can probably make it work (with patience and a sense of humor).
If you use a wheelchair, however… let’s just say the resort might remain a beautiful postcard in your imagination.
Airports: A Full-Body Workout You Didn’t Ask For
Getting through airports these days is a challenge for anyone—but throw in mobility issues, and it becomes a strategic mission. Gates are miles apart, connections require cardio training, and restrooms appear only when you don’t need them.
I always request wheelchair assistance for my husband, and depending on the trek, for myself too. Early on, I tried walking behind the wheelchair, dragging luggage like a determined pack mule. But attendants often move at a pace that suggests they’re trying to catch a flight home to another galaxy. I couldn’t keep up!
Now I simply request two wheelchairs. We sail through the airport together like fancy dignitaries—minus the entourage but with all the attitude.
Alaska Airlines (especially in Seattle) has taken things a step further with autonomous wheelchairs. These chairs travel at a civilized walking pace and politely ask people to move aside. Watching an empty chair glide through the terminal saying “Excuse me” is an unexpected bonus feature of modern travel. Honestly, it’s delightful.
Moral of the Story
If accessibility matters for your trip—even a tiny bit—verify every detail before you pack your bags.
- Ask about ramps.
- Ask about stairs.
- Ask about ground floors.
- Ask if the “ground floor” actually involves climbing steps. (Yes, it happens!)
- Ask how far your room is from the lobby.
- And if golf carts are involved… ask how high the seats are!
Paradise is still paradise—but navigating it is much easier when you know what’s waiting for you.
Helpful Resources for Accessible Travel
AccessibleGO
Accessibility-focused hotel and travel reviews
Society for Accessible Travel & Hospitality (SATH) this non-profit organization’s site provides a wealth of resources and tips for travelers with disabilities or mobility issues. https://sath.org/
