November 2004 Global Access Travel E-Zine

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

1. NEW ZEALAND: ACCESSIBLE WALKS

Detailed information on New Zealand’s many accessible walks await readers of

Accessible Walks: A Guide to Scenic South Island Walks in New Zealand by Anna Jameson. To learn more about this book’s information, visit

http://www.nzbooks.com/nzbooks/product.asp?
sku=AnnaAndrewJameson0473072580

2. FRANCE: LA COUME GITES

La Coume, a renovated 17th-Century farmhouse with two accessible gites (holiday homes), is now available in the Languedoc-Rousillon Region of South West of France--1-½ hours from Spain. Carcassone, the twelfth-century medieval city is just 30 minutes away.

The gites named Aguilar and Puivert reportedly offer good access and maneuverability throughout the units. Bathrooms provide accessible showers and folding shower seats. There are also grab rails in the bathrooms, around the toilet and in the shower areas. Additional access equipment is available upon request.

La Coume is close to major road networks, trains and airports. Toulouse airport is 1 hour away and Carcassonne is only 30 minutes.

This region is known for its hilltop villages, castles, and great scenery.

To learn additional details on these gites, visit http://www.gitesrus.com/

3. CIS: GEORGIA & THE CAUCASES

It is heartening to learn that so many areas once physically inaccessible to disabled travelers are now offering accessible venues. Eastern Europe is blossoming with more accessible travel opportunities. Now Georgia, once a former USSR member, but now a member of CIS (the Commonwealth of Independent States) is one of the latest. Tbilisi, the architecturally (and culturally) rich capital of Georgia, can now be enjoyed by wheelchair users. To learn more about what access is available, visit http://www.travels.ge/ and click on the link to “Accessible Tours.”

4. FLORIDA: GULF COAST RENTAL

Kurt & Karen, of Gulf Coast Management & Maintenance, Inc. sent us the following note about their accessible Florida rental:

They write, “I manage a new large home on the Gulf Coast of Florida that has been built with disabled people in mind. It is 4/5 bedroom, two of which are master suites, with four bathrooms. There is a large solar-heated (electric heat pump option) pool and spa with a water-powered lift chair. A shower has been made into a "roll in" with a provided waterproof chair. The nearby beaches have a new ramped boardwalk over the dunes. All doorways have also been sloped as well.

Regards,
Kurt & Karen
gcmm@gls3c.com

5. WORLDWIDE ACCESS NEWS

SAN DIEGO, CA DUMPS ACCESSIBLE CABS

Bob Alba sent us the following complaint about poor transportation options in San Diego, California: Bob writes, “Yellow Cab removed accessible vehicles out of San Diego. They said there was no demand even though whenever I called they wanted notice hours in advance because it was so high in demand. So if you are in San Diego and use a chair, then you’re just screwed. I know, I've been in this situation many times.”

MORE MALLORCA ACCESS TIPS

Clive Halliday, of the UK, sent the following additional access insights on Mallorca:

Clive writes, “Wheelchair accessible toilets are not so common at some sunny destinations. I have just returned from a holiday in Majorca. My father is in a wheelchair and needs adapted facilities. I struggled to find information before and whilst on the island. so I thought I’d share this list of conveniences for people using wheelchairs.”

Majorca disabled toilets: Hotel Consul- Cala Bona harbour.

Marina at Port Alcudia. But electronic key required from one of the cafes.

Porto Cristo. Disabled toilet on harbour front next to tourist information.

Lluc Monastery. Inside main building.

Palma Airport

Also, if your considering a hotel and looking for places of interest suitable with wheelchair access, this is what we found.

Hotel Alicia - Cala Bona. Nine rooms are wheelchair adapted. But no disabled person could have been consulted for designing. Toilets are too low and not far enough forward for transfer. No grab handles. Door opens inward causing severe manoeuvring problems. The result being the door had to be removed.

You need to ring, fax or e-mail the hotel directly to be assured one of these rooms. Hotel service and food are excellent. Sea view rooms you could not ask for better with sunrise nearly everyday. Cala Bona a lovely quaint small harbour town. Not over developed and flat enough for wheelchairs. Most kerbs have easy drop off for crossing roads, but some are missing.

Arta. Wonderful old town with church and castle on top of the hill with fantastic views. You can drive a car right up into the Castle Square where the facilities are available for wheelchair users.

6. ITALY: ACCESSIBLE FLORENCE ACCESS GUIDE

Whether you’re renting a wheelchair, needing bus schedules, seeking hotel accommodation with a roll-in shower, or searching for museum access information, the new Accessible Florence Guide by Cornelia Danielson can prove helpful. Visit http://www.bftservices.it/ for additional details.

7. MEXICAN RIVIERA CRUISE

Kathleen Dunn, who frequently shares her travel insights, shares a recent cruise along the Mexican Riviera with her parents. http://www.geocities.com/Paris/1502/mexicoriveriacruise.htm

Missed a Travel E-Zine? Catch up on a previous issue by visiting our E-Zine Archive at http://www.geocities.com/Paris/1502/travelzinearchive.htm

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

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