Vacation Tours for difficulty walking or other help

Posted by thurlibier @thurlibier, Apr 10 10:01pm

I have neuropathy in my feet and have some difficulty in walking and balance. I love to travel but cannot join a tour group which usually means climbing stairs, walking on uneven terrain, etc. Does anyone know of a travel group/s that cater to people who need some kind of help now and then and where the tours are designed to be very interesting and not physically demanding. For example, I would love to go on a cruise around the Greek Isles or cruise Alaska but I would need help in getting there and maybe a little help in getting on and around the ship. Thanks for any information

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mermaid7272 | @mermaid7272 | Apr 11 8:19am

Great post!
I would second that question, as due to a back/leg condition, I would love to travel again.
Having traveled extensively in the past, I know that many tours consist of practically running from one site to another. Other things such as bad sidewalks and climbing over rough areas make it impossible to visit many interesting places.

John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 11 8:42am

I'm in the same boat so to speak although my desire to travel afar is no longer with me. Here are a few sites that may be what you are looking for...

--- Educational Slower Paced Tours For Seniors - Browse our collection of slow-paced tours for seniors with limited mobility or little walking included: https://www.roadscholar.org/collections/at-a-slower-pace/
--- 10 Vacation Ideas For Seniors With Limited Mobility - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FlZkUDnvxs

thurlibier | @thurlibier | Apr 11 8:52am

In reply to @johnbishop "I'm in the same boat so to speak although my desire to travel afar is no..." + (show)

Thank you - I will definitely check them out.

NJ Ed | @njed | Apr 12 4:52am

@thurlibier I know where you are coming from with this topic. My wife and I have done many cruises and before booking, I will normally call the cruise line and ask if the port has transportation from the ship to the area beyond the check point which can be a long walk. I have found many ports offer this as a convenience. I also have walking and balance issues so we will also book tours that show a rating of minimum physical activity. Yes, many tours we can longer do but we ask many questions about the tours and use our own judgement. So far, it has worked. I hope you continue to travel. As usual, mentor John ( @johnbishop ) has pulled a few rabbits out of his hat and provided very helpful information. Ed

mitfit | @mitfit | Apr 12 7:57am

That is a really good question! I am with you - same situation.

davidwrenn | @davidwrenn | Apr 12 11:59am

A great question.my wife and I used to travel extensively until the effects of chemo and immunotherapies for my cancer caused a massive relapse and progression of my MS. I have issues with ataxia, balance and stamina. I use a cane or a rollalator walker most days but occasionally must resort to a wheel chair for mobility. I've not found a lot of affordable tour or travel services that seem to cater to our unique demographic. I think it represents a reasonable business opportunity for those in the travel industry as it meets an unmet need.

ZeeGee | @fourof5zs | Apr 13 5:39am

@thurlibier

I did not do a deep search .. but typing into my browser's search engine “travel tours for the disabled” I came up with several helpful sites. Other terms to use instead of disabled: handicap - wheelchair accessible - special needs - limited mobility.

ZeeGee

harley22 | @harley22 | Apr 14 2:15am

I recently did a cruise to the Greek isles,and I must admit some of it was very difficult for me.
The Parthenon was too uneven for me to navigate,even with my travel wheelchair.
Getting on a couple of the tenders, to get to the islands were also hard for me.
At times I stayed back while my family went on several excursions.
In Santorini there were many steps throughout the shopping areas, and it was difficult for my husband,but he did it.
You need to take a cable car up from the port, and there was assistance to wheel my chair on the car,thank god.
Even though my daughter asked about handicapped accessible tours, one in particular was not even though they said it was, so you have to be careful.
The cruise ship was fine with my chair, so that was good.

memyselfi | @memyselfi | Apr 14 3:12am

This question is a new thing for me. I'm still at the stage where my mind is bigger than my feet. Why just last Christmas vacation (I'm a school teacher) I planned this great weekend in the city of Seattle with my partner. A real whirlwind of a trip right before Christmas Day. I started planning it a few months in advance.

The thing is, I sort of forgot to take into account my new "condition". Long story short, there were several times when my pain spikes in legs and feet went so high it brought me to the sweats and dizziness from fighting down the pain. I still loved the trip, but it came with a reminder of how strategic I might have to be when planning my next trip. I mean you do want to have fun.

An interesting topic for those with nerve damage pain.

davej | @davej | Apr 15 2:28am

I have read all of these posts and feel so lucky and sad at the same time. I'm lucky I can travel and not be limited and sad for all of you that dont get to enjoy the sights and sounds of a vacation. So my advice is take that vacation or travel to places now because if you wait unexpected life issues come up and the pain or excitighty might be to much to bear.