cheryl
Administrator
Staff member
6 Ways Travel Has Become More Accessible During the Pandemic - Conde Nast Traveler
As a traveler with a neurological condition whose symptoms mimic a stroke, I’ve often wished that the travel industry would extend more flexibility and compassion to people with disabilities. Pre-pandemic, I faced a multitude of challenges when traveling: excessive fees when debilitating symptoms forced me to postpone or cancel a trip; ill-prepared tour operators that excluded me from activities without offering an alternative, or worse, put me in danger due to their lack of forethought. During the pandemic, I’ve seen glimmers of hope and guidelines for reopening safely for travelers with disabilities. While there are a number of pandemic protocols, such as face masks, that have created additional obstacles for those with disabilities, there are also a few new habits that, if made permanent, could make for a much more inclusive travel industry.
As a traveler with a neurological condition whose symptoms mimic a stroke, I’ve often wished that the travel industry would extend more flexibility and compassion to people with disabilities. Pre-pandemic, I faced a multitude of challenges when traveling: excessive fees when debilitating symptoms forced me to postpone or cancel a trip; ill-prepared tour operators that excluded me from activities without offering an alternative, or worse, put me in danger due to their lack of forethought. During the pandemic, I’ve seen glimmers of hope and guidelines for reopening safely for travelers with disabilities. While there are a number of pandemic protocols, such as face masks, that have created additional obstacles for those with disabilities, there are also a few new habits that, if made permanent, could make for a much more inclusive travel industry.