I finally did it!

[Virga]

Goodness, I hope that as long as I don't put in any links or contact information, I don't break any rules. Anyway, my boyfriend and I have been taking care of my disabled father since he lost his wife almost two years ago. We've dealt with a lot, and one of the things that has irritated me the most is how darned hard it is to travel.

 

There are so many things I never considered - it's more than just having a wheelchair for long days in airports or on tours. We needed safe bathrooms and cars with enough leg room and large print EVERYTHING and so many little things we've mitigated for at home but didn't even know how to prepare for on a trip. During rougher phases, it was anything but relaxing for us - any break from normal life is a gift, but... Medical staffing for travel is expensive, and there isn't much out there for folks who only need basic personal care help and companionship.

 

So I finally incorporated. I don't have much of a business plan yet - but I have literally hundreds of pages on research I've done on different aspects of disabled travel. I signed on with a host agency to be able to make money off my services without charging separately. I've been able to access SOOO much corporate policy in the past few days! I'm talking to the local nursing schools about staffing a totally different sort of 'escorted travel' at a reasonable cost. I'm so excited! I feel certain that my dad isn't the only one out there who worked hard his whole life with the thought of traveling during retirement - and can't be the only one who finds it difficult or obscenely expensive due to health considerations!

 

Anyway, this isn't meant to be an ad and I hope it isn't taken as such - I'll remove it if needed though. I mostly wanted some general encouragement (if deserved, I suppose) and would of course appreciate input on what you guys see as the biggest difficulties or outright gaps in the travel market for folks in situations like ours.

Edited June 7, 2014 by Virga

[dorisis]

We find the lack of accessible cabins the biggest drawback.

[montgomeryfamily]

Dorisis, I noticed on another thread that you have booked a suite on a back to back. Was it an accessible suite? I would be interested in your experiences as we also have difficult finding accessible cabins, especially in suites. I would appreciate any information you can share at kacruiser@sbcglobal.net

[Boozebabe]

Virga I applaud you for finding a need and trying to fill it. There will probably be a lot more interest than you could imagine. I am sure you have encountered all the buracracy involved, not to mention permits, licensing and liability insurances. Probably your biggest problem will be hiring people that can be bonded and trusted.

 

Good luck in your venture.

[whiterose]

Don't forget people with hearing disabilities. I'm so tired of places that claim to be fully accessible but turn out to have nothing that helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

 

Good luck!

[dorisis]

Dorisis, I noticed on another thread that you have booked a suite on a back to back. Was it an accessible suite? I would be interested in your experiences as we also have difficult finding accessible cabins, especially in suites. I would appreciate any information you can share at kacruiser@sbcglobal.net

 

The suite we booked was on the Caribbean. it was one of 5 Window Suites. No balcony.And the price was not too bad. Usually suites are expensive and rarely do the prices come down. But accessible are hard to find unless you book early.

 

There are some good post of the Window Suites on the Princess forum. I am sure we will enjoy The Suite life. We have done it before on the Princess and the suite perks are the best.

[dorisis]

Don't forget people with hearing disabilities. I'm so tired of places that claim to be fully accessible but turn out to have nothing that helps people who are deaf or hard of hearing.

 

Good luck!

 

We have it both ways. DH is in a wheelchair and I am hearing impaired. They all just think I am a nuisance not handicapped.