Traveling with a wheelchair should never mean having to settle for anything less than the best possible experience. At Angie Banks Travel, our primary mission is to assist every traveler in enjoying vacations that are not only exciting and adventurous but also fully inclusive and completely stress-free from start to finish. We deeply understand that travelers with mobility needs frequently encounter numerous challenges, including inaccessible hotel rooms that do not meet their requirements, complicated and time-consuming boarding procedures at airports, or a frustrating lack of reliable and accessible transportation options at their destinations. This is exactly where our expertise and dedicated services come into play to make a significant difference.
We take care of all the research and planning for you. From finding accessible hotels and reliable transportation options to arranging mobility equipment rentals and selecting cruise ships that are thoughtfully designed with your specific needs in mind, Angie Banks Travel manages every single detail so that you can concentrate fully on enjoying every moment of your journey. Whether you are dreaming of unwinding and relaxing on a scenic cruise, exploring the vibrant culture and attractions of a bustling city, or heading to a thrilling theme park adventure with your family, we have compiled some of the top destinations, cruise lines, and essential planning tips to help you create an unforgettable and accessible vacation experience.
Top Destinations That Prioritize Accessibility
Traveling to the right place can truly make all the difference in your overall experience and enjoyment. These carefully selected cities are renowned for their excellent accessibility infrastructure, featuring smooth and well-maintained pathways, as well as accommodations that fully comply with ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) regulations or other recognized international disability standards. Angie Banks Travel is dedicated to helping you select the perfect destination that not only matches your personal interests but also meets your specific accessibility requirements to ensure a comfortable and memorable trip.
🌟 Las Vegas, Nevada
Nearly all major resorts on the Strip are ADA-compliant, offering roll-in showers, accessible pools with lifts, wide automatic doors, and step-free public spaces. Attractions such as the Bellagio Fountains, The LINQ High Roller, and Cirque du Soleil shows offer wheelchair-accessible seating.
🌟 Orlando, Florida
Home to Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, this destination has some of the most inclusive vacation experiences in the world. Each theme park offers accessibility maps, disability access programs, and rental services for wheelchairs and ECVs (Electric Conveyance Vehicles). Resorts also feature accessible suites and transportation options.
🌟 San Diego, California
This sunny coastal city offers accessible trolley lines, smooth beachfront walkways, and beach wheelchair rentals. Attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and SeaWorld offer accessible entrances, seating, and restrooms. Many local hotels are designed with wide corridors and ground-level access.
🌟 Washington, D.C.
The nation’s capital provides excellent public transportation with elevators at every Metro station. All Smithsonian Museums are free and wheelchair-accessible. Historical monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial feature paved paths and ramps.
🌟 Barcelona, Spain
This European favorite features curb cuts throughout the city, accessible buses and metro lines, and barrier-free access to popular sites like Park Güell, Las Ramblas, and La Sagrada Família. Many hotels are certified accessible by Spanish tourism authorities.
Cruise Ships That Go the Extra Mile
Cruising is one of the most wheelchair-friendly ways to explore the world. Many modern cruise ships are designed from the ground up to support guests with mobility needs. At Angie Banks Travel, we will recommend cruise lines and ships that offer top-tier accessibility and help you book the right stateroom, accessible excursions, and onboard experiences.
🚢 Royal Caribbean – Oasis of the Seas
This mega-ship features spacious corridors, dozens of accessible staterooms, ramped pool areas with lifts, and wheelchair seating in every entertainment venue. Accessible shore excursions are available in ports such as Cozumel and St. Thomas.
🚢 Norwegian Cruise Line – Norwegian Encore
The Encore has accessible rooms with automatic doors, roll-in showers, and extra maneuvering space. It also features wide public areas and ADA-compliant tendering at select ports.
🚢 Carnival Cruise Line – Carnival Panorama
Sailing from Los Angeles, this ship offers accessible balcony staterooms, easy-access dining rooms, and spacious theaters. Carnival provides a Special Assistance Coordinator to ensure guests with disabilities receive personalized support.
🚢 Celebrity Cruises – Celebrity Edge
The Edge class ships are designed for accessibility, including the Edge Accessible Stateroom with wider doorways, roll-in showers, lowered closet rods, and step-free verandas. Elevators, public restrooms, and restaurants are designed to accommodate all mobility levels.
🚢 Holland America – Nieuw Statendam
Holland America is known for its Access & Compliance Program. The Nieuw Statendam includes accessible public restrooms, roll-in showers, and shore excursions in Europe and the Caribbean adapted for wheelchair users.
Booking Hotels with Verified Accessibility
It is not enough to assume a hotel is accessible just because the website says so. At Angie Banks Travel, we call each property directly to verify the following before confirming your reservation:
- ADA-compliant rooms
- Roll-in or transfer showers
- Raised toilet seats with grab bars
- Lowered counters and closet rods
- Wheelchair clearance at beds, desks, and balconies
- Ground-floor or elevator-accessible rooms
We confirm these details so that when you check in, everything is exactly as you need it to be comfortable, accessible, and ready for you to enjoy.
Accessible Transportation Services
Getting around safely and comfortably is key to an enjoyable trip. Angie Banks Travel will research, reserve, and confirm the transportation you need based on your mobility preferences:
- Airport transfers with wheelchair lifts
- ADA-compliant ride services or accessible shuttles
- Cruise port mobility assistance
- Public transportation routes with ramps and elevators
- Guided tours with wheelchair-accessible vehicles
We also provide information on the transportation policies of your destination, including how early to request assistance and where accessible pickup zones are located.
Understanding Your Travel Rights
It is important to know your legal rights while traveling:
- The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) requires airlines to accommodate passengers with disabilities. This includes assistance through the airport, accessible seating, and stowage for mobility devices.
- Cruise lines departing from the United States must comply with ADA requirements, including accessible cabins and public areas.
- Many hotels and ground transportation providers are required to follow the ADA or similar laws in their country of operation.
Angie Banks Travel will ensure you are informed of your rights before travel and will advocate for you when working with airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators.
Extra Time Means Extra Comfort
Traveling with mobility needs may require more time than usual, especially during boarding, security, or excursions. We build in extra time into your itinerary, so you are never rushed and always prepared. Flexibility allows you to enjoy each experience at your own pace.