Wheelchair Accessible Honolulu, Hawaii, Moab, Utah, Krakow, Poland, Greek Sailing, Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, Madrid, Segovia

GLOBAL ACCESS NEWS TRAVEL E-ZINE
VOLUME V, NUMBER 8, August 2004
Copyright © 2004, Global Access News
http://www.globalaccessnews.com/

Please note: Any Internet links mentioned in this E-Zine were verified as functioning as of the date on this E-Zine. Websites and e-mail addresses, however, change frequently, so changes may have occurred after that date.

================================

Welcome to the August 2004 issue of the Global Access News Travel E-Zine. Thanks to everyone for taking the time to write us and share your travel experiences.

======================================================================================

CONTENTS

1. HONOLULU, HAWAII: BARRIER-FREE CRUISES
2. UTAH: MOAB ACCESS
3. POLAND: KRAKOW ACCESS
4. CHINA INSIGHTS
5. GREECE: ACCESSIBLE SAILING HOLIDAYS
6. STROLLING IN SPAIN: BARCELONA, GRANADA, CORDOBA, SEVILLE, TOLEDO, MADRID, SEGOVIA
7. LONDON JOURNEY

======================================================================================

1. HONOLULU, HAWAII: BARRIER-FREE CRUISES

Kamla Fukushima, of Paradise Cruise, Ltd., wrote to share the news that
Hawaii’s accessible Star of Honolulu Cruise is now available for barrier-free sightseeing and sunset dinner cruises. On the 1,500-passenger Star, wheelchair-users may opt for round-trip transportation to and from the boat aboard motor coaches outfitted with wheelchair lifts and seating accommodations.

Upon arrival, cruise-goers may utilize spacious boarding ramps, panoramic walkways, and comfortable dining arrangements. The Star’s barrier-free facilities also include A.D.A-approved restrooms, elevators, personalized crew assistance upon request, and exclusive high-tech stabilizers for a smooth ride. Written safety briefings are available for hearing-impaired passengers, restroom and ballroom signs are posted in Braille, and special seating for guests accompanied by guide dogs may also be provided.

The Hawaiian Cultural Cruise features a sumptuous lunch buffet, cultural activities such as lei-making and hula lessons, and whale watching from December to April. Fees are $41.95 per adult and $25.00 for children ages 3-11. Sunset cruises offer steak and seafood dinners, live entertainment, and dancing, with prices starting at $65.95 per adult. Round-trip transportation from the Waikiki area may be purchased for $9.00 per person.

To guarantee requests, reservations for special disability services are recommended at least 24 hours in advance. For more information or to make a reservation, call toll-free at 1-800-334-6191 or visit www.starofhonolulu.com

======================================================================================

2. UTAH: MOAB ACCESS

The state of Utah contains some spectacular scenery, and now a web site details disabled access to some of its many outdoor attractions. Whether it’s Arches National Park or Canyonlands, check out the access here before hitting the highway. http://www.moab-utah.com/rack/disabled.html

======================================================================================

3. POLAND: KRAKOW ACCESS

Krakow, Poland, the cultural center of the country, is gradually making their facilities more accessible for disabled visitors and residents. The following site provides a range of accessible venues to sites, hotels and transportation.
http://www.krakow-info.com/disabled.htm

======================================================================================

4. CHINA INSIGHTS

Jennifer Engler wrote to share the following insights on her recent visit to China.

Jennifer writes: “I just returned from spending three weeks in China! It was awesome!!! It very well considering I walk on crutches due to having spina bifida. There are steps at many, many locations through China, particularly in Beijing and the city of Wuhan, which is in south-central China.

Unfortunately, I did not see a lot of wheelchair access, though I was quite impressed when I got to the Great Wall, when I saw several Chinese men CARRYING a man in a wheelchair up the steep hill and up several steps so he could sit on and experience the Great Wall!

People are very kind there and will go out of their way to help someone in need. However, overall, China does not seem to be extremely accessible. There ARE wheelchair accessible toilets at many of the locations I went to.

My flight from JFK airport in New York City to Seoul, South Korea was 14 hours long. This was not a problem for me, but it is not particularly good for a wheelchair user who is unable to use the toilets on the plane, especially if they have toileting needs that require attention frequently. The flight from Seoul, South Korea to Beijing was only two hours. I'd be happy to share more information with anyone interested in visiting China, so please keep me in mind should the need arise.”

======================================================================================

5 GREECE: ACCESSIBLE SAILING HOLIDAYS

DR Yachting, of Athens Greece, now has its newly accessible boat available to suit disabled visitors. This is perfect timing for visitors to the upcoming Olympics and the Paralympics Games. Check their web site and photos and decide if your sailing dreams can become reality. http://www.disabledsailingholidays.com/disabled.htm

======================================================================================

6. STROLLING IN SPAIN: BARCELONA, GRANADA, CORDOBA, SEVILLE, TOLEDO, MADRID & SEGOVIA

In May, Howard L. Chabner and Michele E. DeSha explored the access of Spain’s most notable cities. Come along as they tour Barcelona, Granada, Cordoba, Seville, Toledo, Madrid and Segovia. Their excellent article is now the definitive access guide to that country on the Internet. http://www.globalaccessnews.com/spain04.htm

======================================================================================

7. LONDON JOURNEY

After a whirlwind trip through Italy, Albert Elias continues his adventure in London, England with his friend, Susan.
http://www.globalaccessnews.com/london04.htm

======================================================================================

Global Access News welcomes your travel reports, tips and comments at clearpath@cox.net Thanks for sharing!

======================================================================================

Back to Travel E-Zine Archives
Back to Global Access News Index Page