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How to Arrange Cruise Travel If You Have a Disability

If you have a disability, are disabled in any way or have some special needs or a special handicap you can still enjoy a great cruise experience and learn all about disable travel. The first step in planning a cruise ship adventure is to consult with a travel agent who specializes in cruise travel for people with disabilities to make sure you have an accessible trip.

Because the cruise lines are all different you need to compare the cruise lines and all they have to offer; this requires a little research on your part. However travel agents who specialize in cruise travel can really shorten your work and prevent a lot of problems and help you gain the best access. I encourage you to seek out their help and not try to go it alone.

There are many differences in the cruise lines. Some cannot accommodate wheelchairs easily. Most cabins are small and you’ll need to get the dimensions of the cabin to know if your wheelchair will fit.

Some of the larger cruise lines have cabins that have wider doorways. These cabins have bathrooms that will fit wheelchairs that can roll around inside. The closets are usually built so you can reach them from a lower vantage point. But make sure to double-check that the cruise line you’ve picked has these special accommodations. This is another reason a special needs travel agent or travel specialist can help.

Most of the cruise lines have elevators that have control panels within easy reach from a wheelchair.

The cruise lines have collapsible wheelchairs available but I would consider taking my own. It may be a concern if it is going to be uncomfortable in any way. Also there is a remote possibility that they might run out of them. If you bring a motorized or power wheelchair make sure to bring your charger along – one that is adaptable to 110 volts.

Make sure to discuss with your travel agent how your visit to the various harbors or ports of call on the cruise, will be handled. This can make or break your trip. Small boats, which are called tenders, are used to take travelers and disabled travelers from the cruise ship to the port of call. These tenders are not always accessible or even safe for people with disabilities, so make sure you travel agent has had experience with these tenders before you book any cruise travel. And it is just as important make sure to find out if once you reach the shore, that they’ll be able to handle your specific special needs.

In general some of the larger cruise lines will have ADA (American Disabilities Association) compliant rooms on their cruise ships. If you’re deaf or hearing impaired, you can request special accommodations, for example tele-typewriters (TTY) or telecommunication devices for the deaf (TDD). Some of the cabins may have the ADA approved kits. These kits include visual smoke alarms and alarms that vibrate and door sensors so you know when someone is at the door.
For blind travelers who bring along their guide dogs or other service animals, they’ll have a difficult time finding the best cruise. Each of the ports of call has different rules and regulations regarding guide dogs and service animals. Service animals may not be allowed to leave the cruise ship.

It’s important to work with a travel agent who specializes in disability travel who knows how to do this and may be familiar with your chosen cruise already.

Special diets are usually easily accommodated on most of the cruise lines. Vegans and vegetarians have fresh fruit and vegetable options and special diets are available for those passengers who need a low fat, low salt or low cholesterol diets. People with celiac disease may need to discus this with the cruise lines to see if their chefs are familiar with how to prepare gluten-free foods. Cruise passengers with lung impairments who will need oxygen can cruise but make sure you arrange to have plenty of oxygen on board.

Make sure that you’re not traveling alone and have someone travel with you who knows your specific needs. Don’t take anything for granted. Check everything out and double check with your travel agent. You may want to call the cruise line yourself too. Make sure your travel agent is experienced and ask for references from someone they have arranged travel for with similar needs.

Don’t forget to check with your travel agent about any discounts, free add-ons, or good deals on cruise travel too. The cruise lines want your business whether you are disabled or not.

As soon as your travel agent books your cruise, make sure the cruise line is notified of your special needs and know of your disability. With help from your travel agent for the disabled or cruise line specialist you should be able to have a worry-free and carefree holiday, vacation or adventure and make you an expert on disabled travel.

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Visiting the Best Vacation Destinations in Europe

Have you ever been to Europe? If you have not, then you are pretty much dreaming of having a vacation there someday and for those who have, are probably planning for their next visit. It is not surprising why tourists feel this way. I myself am dreaming of touring Europe one day. In fact, I have my list of the best vacation destinations in Europe just in case I was lucky enough to finally be able to go there.

First on my list of the best vacation destinations in Europe would definitely be Paris, France. They say that “all roads in France lead to Paris”. I would definitely like to confirm if it is really the case. The best way would be getting in top of the Eiffel tower for my eyes to see what the scenery of Paris from the top of the tower. Afterwards, I will tour the Louvre Museum for various collections of antiques and see the painting of Mona Lisa.

The next on my checklist will be Italy because in such a country there are many tourist destinations. In fact, my second, third and fourth favorite sites can be located in this country. My second would be Rome. I like this place because of its architectural designs and historical significance. The buildings like the Coliseum which was used by the Roman Empire to showcase their gladiator’s valiant fight in the arena. The Vatican which is a historical and seat of power for Christian Catholicism is just neighboring Coliseum. The third destination would be Venice, the “City of Water”. I would like to explore Venice by using a Gondola boat as my lover and I cruise through its waterways. It is most definitely a lover’s paradise. If you want to experience the renaissance period then without a doubt you should not leave Italy without going to Florence which is my fourth favorite location.

My fifth itinerary would be to go to London. I would love to hear the Big Ben ring its bells as Clock Tower hit midnight and to watch while the Tower Bridge rises up while there is a ship crossing. To ride on top of London’s Eye, a gigantic Ferris wheel, to view from above the city of London.

The next destination would be Barcelona, Spain. To experience the Spanish culture while walking along La Ramblas, a well renowned place for its café and superb shops that offers good Spanish delicacies and cuisines. They say the Spanish dialect is a language of love. Learning a thing or two of Spanish like, “Me Amore”, would be an added bonus.

Being one of the oldest civilizations that greatly influenced our society today, I think Athens deserves to be on my seventh must see destinations in Europe. It would be nice to look back on where it all started, to explore the remnants of its magnificence. The Greeks vast culture is really something to marvel upon. Their philosophers like Aristotle, Plato and many others help develop our way of thinking through their philosophies. They gave us spectacular stories of their gods and goddesses through their mythology. Until this day we still marvel their great stories.

When touring Europe it is worthwhile to rest a bit in my eight favorite destinations which is Amsterdam. They have very affordable hotels and the sweets and delicacies are marvelous.

The last two places I would like to visit before I end my journey are definitely Stockholm in Sweden and Berlin in Germany. Stockholm have a very rich history and culture and the solstice is something to look forward. The last would be to visit Berlin the capital of Germany.

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Tips For Good Health On Your Trips

It is great if you are planning a trip or a holiday with your friends or family. If you want to visit some exotic location or some other vacation spot, you would be making some great plans for having fun with others. But there could be something that would spoil all the fun. This would be that you may fall prey to some illness or disease. Now, when you are bedridden with some problem, you may find the holiday or vacation rather tiring. So, here are some valuable and handy tips for being fit and healthy in your trips and tours.

If you are going for a trip like a hike or a trek through dense forests, you need to be in the right shape. Essentially, holidays which involve adventures like mountaineering or jungle trips need you to be physically fit and flexible. You need to be in good shape. If you are a frequent visitor to the gym, you will be in the right shape for some high treks and other adventures as well. Also, if you are good in sports, you will be fit and perfect for some mountaineering or trekking with friends. A good and well-built physique does help a lot.

When you are on the road or up in the skies inside an airplane, you need to take some medicines with you. You may be vulnerable to car sickness or air sickness. These problems may make you feel uncomfortable in your travels. Often, your plans may go awry. So, do carry medicines which will help to make you feel better in airplanes and cars. Also, you need to carry some medicines which will help to cure some of that jet-lag or travel exhaustion. Otherwise, you may be too tired to go out for your trips and tours with your friends.

You can get yourself immunized with vaccines for common diseases and health problems like cholera, meningitis and so on. You need to carry medicinal options for common problems like sore throat, fever, headaches and so on. Also, if you suffer from some injuries, you need a first-aid kit to tend to your wounds. Also, as preventive measures, stay away from polluted food and drinking water. Always eat at good and clean establishments and drink bottled water. Also, as an additional safety measure, do keep track of the nearest doctors and clinics. Such handy tips will be very useful for you.