During these cold winter months, it can be nice to stay at home and hibernate with a warm blanket, a hot drink, and a new TV show. However, if you're like me and have wanderlust running through your veins, winter can also be a wonderful time of year to travel. Whether you're looking for a fun snowy destination or want to trade out the snow for some fun in the sun, the seven destinations below are wheelchair accessible options for you during winter!
Bend, Oregon
Bend is a fantastic winter destination for wheelchair users, offering a blend of accessibility and outdoor adventure. A highlight for adventure seekers is adaptive snow skiing at Mt. Bachelor with Oregon Adaptive Sports. This non-profit provides specialized equipment and instruction, enabling people with disabilities to experience the thrill of skiing. Beyond skiing, Bend boasts numerous wheelchair accessible trails for exploring the Deschutes National Forest. The paved Deschutes River Trail offers stunning views, and Pilot Butte State Scenic Viewpoint provides a panoramic vista of the Cascade Mountains. Bend's vibrant downtown area features a variety of wheelchair-friendly restaurants, shops, and breweries, ensuring a delightful experience for all. For those seeking indoor activities, the High Desert Museum offers accessible exhibits showcasing the region's natural and cultural history.
Vermont
Vermont is a fantastic winter destination for wheelchair users, offering accessible adventure amidst snowy landscapes. You can experience the thrill of adaptive snow skiing with Vermont Adaptive, which provides specialized equipment and instruction at various mountains. Vermont's charming towns are also incredibly welcoming, with accessible shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. Explore historic sites, indulge in local cuisine, and enjoy the cozy atmosphere. Getting around is easy with wheelchair accessible rental vans available from MobilityWorks in Burlington. Whether you're seeking adventure on the slopes or a relaxing getaway, Vermont provides a truly accessible and unforgettable winter experience.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Escape the winter chills and head to Rio de Janeiro! While it's winter in the northern hemisphere, Rio is basking in the sunshine, offering a vibrant and accessible escape. Famous for its iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, Rio offers accessible beach wheelchairs and ramps, allowing everyone to enjoy the sand and sea. Soak up the sun, people-watch, or even try adaptive surfing! You can explore the city's iconic landmarks with ease, thanks to Rio Accessible Tours. The company provides wheelchair accessible transportation and guided tours to attractions like Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain, ensuring an unforgettable experience. With its beautiful scenery, welcoming atmosphere, and accessible infrastructure, Rio de Janeiro is the perfect destination for a wheelchair-friendly winter getaway.
Miami, Florida
Escape the winter blues and head to sunny Miami! With its warm weather, beautiful beaches, and accessible attractions, Miami is a remarkable winter destination for wheelchair users. You can enjoy Miami's famous beaches with ease, thanks to the availability of beach wheelchairs. Roll along the sandy shores, soak up the sun, and take a dip in the ocean with accessible beach access points. For those seeking adventure, Shake-A-Leg Miami offers a variety of adaptive water sports. Experience the thrill of sailing, kayaking, or paddleboarding with their specialized equipment and trained instructors. Beyond the beach, Miami boasts numerous accessible attractions. Explore the vibrant Wynwood Walls, stroll through the lush Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, or immerse yourself in the art deco architecture of South Beach. With its accessible transportation options, including the Metromover and wheelchair accessible taxis, getting around Miami is a breeze, so you can fully enjoy delicious cuisine, vibrant nightlife, and a welcoming atmosphere in this sunny paradise.
Cancún, Mexico
Cancún could be a wonderful winter destination for you! Enjoy Cancún's famous turquoise waters and white sand beaches with ease. Manny resorts offer beach access, and some, like the all-inclusive Dreams Jade Resort, even have beach wheelchairs available. Soak up the sun, relax by the pool, and enjoy the Caribbean paradise. You can also explore the ancient Mayan ruins of Chichen Itza with Cancun Accesible. This company provides wheelchair-accessible transportation and tours, ensuring everyone can experience the wonder of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cancun Accesible also offers accessible tours to other popular attractions such as Xcaret, Xel-Ha, and Tulum. Discover the natural beauty of the Riviera Maya, explore cenotes, and immerse yourself in Mexican culture.
Sydney, Australia
Escape the winter chill and head Down Under to Sydney, Australia! While it's winter in the northern hemisphere, Sydney is enjoying warm summer days, making it an ideal escape for wheelchair users. Explore iconic landmarks like the Sydney Opera House and Harbour Bridge, both offering accessible entrances and facilities. Sydney also boasts a fantastic public transportation system with wheelchair accessibility on buses, trains, and ferries, making it easy to navigate the city. Explore vibrant neighborhoods, visit museums & galleries, and enjoy the city's beautiful parks and gardens. For a unique experience, head to Bondi Beach, where you can find beach wheelchairs and accessible ramps, allowing everyone to enjoy the sand and surf. With its commitment to accessibility, Sydney offers a truly memorable and inclusive travel experience.
Antarctica
Believe it or not, Antarctica is becoming an increasingly popular destination, even for wheelchair users! While it may seem like a challenging environment, advancements in accessible travel have made it possible to experience the breathtaking beauty of this icy continent. Cruises are the primary way to visit Antarctica, and Holland American Line stands out for its commitment to accessibility. Their ships offer spacious, wheelchair-accessible cabins, roll-in showers, and accessible public areas. While in Antarctica, you can experience the unique landscapes and wildlife from the comfort of the ship. Imagine witnessing penguins waddling on the ice, majestic whales breaching the surface, and towering icebergs glistening in the sunlight. With careful planning and the right resources, a trip to Antarctica can be a truly unforgettable experience no matter what your abilities are.
Now that you have some options of incredible (and accessible!) places to visit, it's time to start planning your own winter getaway. With so many possibilities, there really is no "wrong" season to travel, so have fun exploring this winter!
About the author
After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory Lee's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the U.S. when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned 15. Since then, Cory has traveled to 21 countries across six continents, all while managing to start up his travel blog Curb Free with Cory Lee, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not-so-accessible travel adventures with others. Cory is a member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and the North American Travel Journalists Association (NATJA). He has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, USA Today, in a nationwide segment for CBS News, Lonely Planet, and many others. His blog won the 2017 Best Travel Blog Gold Lowell Thomas Award. He hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.
Cory Lee's ride is a Quickie Q500 M.
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