Maximize Mobility: Travel-Friendly Wheelchairs and Must-Have Accessories

What’s the best travel wheelchair for long trips? Make your vacation stress-free with portable wheelchair ramps, a power bank for wheelchairs and other convenience items. 

When getting around unfamiliar environments, wheelchair users often feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed by new obstacles. That’s where travel-approved accessories come in handy. Wheelchair-friendly accessories for traveling can act as solid helpers that ensure comfort and safety. 

“Let’s face it: Much of the world isn’t ADA-compliant. ”

How to Choose a Travel Wheelchair

When it comes to travel-friendly wheelchairs, there are several key factors to consider. First, it has to be compact and portable. That’s essential for navigating tight spaces and fitting into vehicle trunks or overhead compartments on planes. And best of all, you don’t have to sacrifice power; many are electric, which is helpful for long days exploring a new city. 

Lightweight construction, often made from materials like aluminum or carbon fiber, makes the wheelchair easier to lift and transport. 

For long trips, you’ll want a wheelchair with robust, puncture-resistant tires. Let’s face it: Much of the world isn’t ADA-compliant. A travel wheelchair must be able to handle various terrains and surfaces without the risk of flat tires or excessive wear. Look for chairs with large rear wheels and caster wheels in the front. They provide better maneuverability and stability on uneven ground.

Many travel-friendly wheelchairs feature quick-release or detachable components like footrests, armrests and wheels. This construction allows the chair to be disassembled and packed into a compact carrying case for transport. Such modularity also makes it easier to store the wheelchair in tight spaces like car trunks or cruise ship cabins.

Adjustability is another desirable trait in a travel wheelchair. Models with customizable seat heights, backrest angles and leg rest positions can accommodate users of different sizes and mobility needs.

Wheelchairs designed for travel often prioritize durability and low maintenance, with features like rust-resistant frames, sealed bearings and easy-to-clean surfaces. This ruggedness and ease of use helps the chair withstand the rigors of travel while minimizing the need for frequent repairs or adjustments.

But you’ll want more than just a wheelchair to get around. There are dozens of handy accessories that can help make your trips hassle-free. 

Wheelchair Accessories for Stress-Free Travel

1. Portable Ramps

One of the most useful accessories for wheelchair users on the go is a portable ramp. These lightweight, foldable, or telescoping ramps allow you to overcome curbs, steps and other obstacles. Multi-channel ramps are versatile, providing multiple slope options for different terrain.

When choosing a portable ramp, consider the weight capacity (to accommodate your wheelchair’s total weight), the length (longer ramps have a gentler slope) and the surface material (aluminum or suitcase-style models offer durability).

2. Wheelchair Bags and Cases

Storage for accessories and personal items is always welcome while traveling.

Backpack-style bags distribute weight evenly across your back while hanging bags hook onto the back of your chair. For maximum protection, hard cases with foam interiors are the way to go — just be mindful of added bulk. 

Key features to look for include ample capacity, multiple pockets for organization and weather-resistant materials.

3. Mobility Aid Accessories 

Don’t overlook the small details that can significantly enhance your comfort and independence during a long trip. 

Cup holders allow you to keep drinks within reach and minimize spills. 

Wheelchair gloves with textured palms provide better grip strength and traction for self-propelling.

And specialty seat cushions not only alleviate pressure points but also wick away moisture, helping to prevent skin irritation from prolonged sitting.

4. Power Solutions

One of the biggest concerns for wheelchair users on extended trips is ensuring a reliable power source for battery-operated chairs or other mobility devices. Invest in a high-capacity power bank (aim for at least 20,000mAh). Make sure it’s compatible with your wheelchair’s charging requirements.

Solar-powered chargers are a versatile option, harnessing the sun’s energy to keep your batteries topped up. 

For those with non-motorized wheelchairs, attachable motors can provide a power boost when needed.

5. Convenience Items

It’s the little things that make a big difference in everyday comfort and convenience. A lap desk or tray attachment serves as a surface for meals, work or leisure activities while on the go.

For those requiring catheters or incontinence products, discreet carrying cases provide simple access without compromising your dignity.

Unlock Your Travel Potential

Embarking on a long trip while using a wheelchair doesn’t have to mean limiting your itinerary. With the right accessories tailored to your needs, you can navigate your journey with ease. From travel-friendly wheelchairs to charging solutions, investing in quality accessories will help ensure an enjoyable travel experience. –Thomas Brown 

5 of the World’s Most Underrated Adventure Travel Destinations

The lemurs of Madagascar, the prayer flags of Nepal, the rock faces of South Korea, the azure waters of Slovenia and the mountainside fortresses of Bhutan: These are the best-kept secret destinations for trekking and other outdoor activities.

The Temple of Guru Padmasambhava is just one of the many delights found in Bhutan, one of the lesser known (albeit a bit tricky to visit) adventure travel destinations.

Choosing a destination for your next adventure can feel downright overwhelming. Trekking in Greenland? Bouldering in Utah? Paddling the Caribbean? Throwing a dart at a map and hoping it lands somewhere cool?

When the entire globe is your playground, it can be tough to choose. Hey, nothing like a list of suggestions to get the wheels turning, right? 

“Madagascar is an adventure travel destination that rivals the Galapagos in the “did I just step into a Dr. Seuss book?” factor. ”

Here are five of the world’s most underrated adventure travel destinations, all with their own unique appeal. Maybe that means the bucket list just got five lines longer. Better get planning!   

Baobab trees in Madagascar definitely up the Dr. Seuss factor.

1. Madagascar 

This far-flung island off the eastern coast of Africa isn’t just dancing lemurs — it’s an adventure travel destination that rivals the Galapagos in the “did I just step into a Dr. Seuss book?” factor. For lovers of nature, this island boasts biodiversity in spades, with chameleons, primates, frogs and sealife calling it home. For adventurers, its lack of cars means every step becomes part of an exploratory trek. 

Many spots on Madagascar are home to lemurs.

Between Madagascar’s Mantadia and Ranomafana National Parks, visitors will find miles and miles of hiking trails seemingly from another planet. After exploring inland, adventurers can migrate to the coast to unwind at pristine stretches of beach, like the impossibly turquoise Nosy Be island, which doubles as a lemur habitat. 

Prayer flags are found throughout Nepal. They’re said to carry prayers and mantras on the wind.

2. Nepal 

Perched atop the spine of the planet, Nepal might not seem “underrated” at all. Here’s the thing: With big names like Everest within its borders, it’s certainly one of the ultimate adventure destinations of the world. 

The base camp at Everest, the highest mountain on the planet, is a colorful spot to kick off a trek.

However, it’s a country that can feel entirely too challenging or out of reach for many travellers. When its main attraction is the tallest mountain on Earth, Nepal can be a bit intimidating to the masses. But you can, and should, visit even if you’re not planning on setting foot in a base camp. There’s something about trekking in Nepal, prayers flag fluttering overhead, rhododendrons blooming, towering peaks in the foreground… It’s magical. Don’t keep putting it off until you’re better, older, wiser, whatever. 

Paro Taktsang, a Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, clings to the cliffside.

3. Bhutan 

As much as the idea of isolation has taken on an entirely new meaning in the recent past (curse you, COVID!), Bhutan exemplifies one of the most fascinating applications of isolation in the tourism world. Having only just allowed television into the country in 1999 and still prohibiting the sale of goods like tobacco, Bhutan has opened to the ideas of the rest of the world on its own schedule. This includes tourism.

The masked dances of Bhutan take place annually. Try to catch one — it’s said to purify the soul and bring good luck.

Even getting into Bhutan feels a bit like jumping through hoops. You’ll need to be invited by a citizen of the country (unless you hold a passport from India, Bangladesh or the Maldives), or be a guest of the government. You’ll be required to pay a set daily fee to see the country, and the geographical isolation of the nation makes flights costly and complicated. 

However, if you manage to wrangle a visit, you’ll be rewarded with some of the most exceptional, unspoiled scenery the world has to offer, as well as a rich culture developed without interruption from the outside world. From 7,000-meter summits to lush green valleys, the natural landscape is simply unreal. Of course, the dzongs (fortresses) perched atop impossibly steep cliffs are one of the gems of Bhutan. The chance to explore this unknown destination is a rare treat and undoubtedly worth the effort. 

Cycling and great food come together for wellness travels in South Korea.

4. South Korea 

This small country (slightly larger than the U.S. state of Indiana) is an absolute goldmine when it comes to outdoor adventure. And South Korea’s relative lack of “hype” in the adventure travel world is a blessing in disguise. 

Rock climbers will find numerous sites for adventure in South Korea.

While others flock to Iceland and the Rockies, you can discover South Korea’s expansive hiking trails and climbing-ready rocky cliffs in peace. There are 20 mountains a stone’s throw from Seoul, making outdoor adventure an easy outing once you’re done eating your way through the capital (which you definitely should). Rock climbers will find more places than they could hope to cover in one trip, and many of these locations are so beautiful that the locals believe spirits call them home.

Because of a robust road system, South Korea is a must for cyclists looking to put in miles somewhere new, and the snowy slopes near Pyeongchang are perfect off-the-beaten-path destinations for snow sports enthusiasts. No shortage of adventure to be had here!

A small isle in Lake Bled in Slovenia is home to the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary.

5. Slovenia

Slovenia typically isn’t considered one of Europe’s many top-notch travel destinations. But as incredible as Italy and Spain will always be, Slovenia is truly one of the most underrated adventure travel destinations in the world. 

The gorgeous Soca River in Slovenia is a great spot for kayaking, rafting and other water sports.

It’s a teeny country, but it offers the Slovenian Alps, the bright blue Soca River, hidden beaches on seaside stretches and beautiful Lake Bled. Whether you’re looking to kayak, swim, hike, go canyoneering or just savor a fantastic view, Slovenia delivers. Plus, you’re not going to be battling crowds or dodging selfie sticks while you explore. 

Apologies in advance for the wanderlust. Which of these underrated adventure travel destinations will you be visiting first? –Lukas Saville

Hammam Spa Treatments

In which our correspondent bravely tests Turkish steam baths around the world to let you know exactly what to expect from a hammam and which are her favorites.

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Turkish-style baths, or hammams, aren’t quite like this anymore

I was a bit nervous at first. Rebecca, one of the founders of the company I work for, called me into her office. As I took my seat, I saw a blurry photo of Rebecca with a massive smile on her face and asked where it was taken. Turns out it was on an African safari as she was jostled along in the back of an open vehicle. It was one of those exuberant moments you experience while traveling that bring you joy every time you recollect it.

Once I realized we shared a passion for travel, the conversation (and those that followed) came quickly and easily.

“Except for my submission to heat, steam, merciless scrubbing and pelting cold showers, the world would never know where to obtain the cleanest, most open pores. In other words, it would be a smaller, grubbier place.”

Having just returned from a trip to Morocco, Rebecca was kind enough to write up a couple of travel essays for us. The poor dear has suffered through numerous pamperings (and intense scrub-downs) on multiple continents to educate you on what exactly to expect from a hammam experience — and to tell you her favorites.  –Wally

Hammam Me

I have been to hammams in five countries. My patronage of sybaritic Turkish steam baths is not for my own enjoyment nor my need for yet more relaxation on a relaxing vacation. I once let a small, brown-skinned woman lash me with a sheaf of wet herbs while we squatted inside a pizza oven — and I paid her to do it.

I do this as a public service. Consider it my gift to humanity. Except for my submission to heat, steam, merciless scrubbing and pelting cold showers, the world would never know where to obtain the cleanest, most open pores. In other words, it would be a smaller, grubbier place.

A hammam, if you’ve never been in one, is a structure built of stone. Some are palatial — marble-lined rooms, floors, ceilings and walls — some are humble like the mud-brick pizza oven. There is a steamy heat source, maybe jets embedded in the ceiling, maybe water poured over hot bricks. You lie, naked (or with “disposable” underpants, which is as good as naked), on some stone surface which is itself warm, then hot. You close your eyes, at least in part to keep the sweat from running in them, and you wait. Maybe you doze.

Eventually, when your pores are at their most receptive, an attendant enters. (There are hammams that break the strictly unisex rule but they cater to tourists and are to be avoided just as you should avoid restaurants with pictures of the food instead of words on the menu.) The attendant has a loofah and sometimes a sponge. Attendants are large, with biceps like prizefighters and that same disapproving expression your mother had while bathing you after a tough day in the sand box. The small, brown-skinned woman was only the exception that proves the rule.

The attendant begins to scrub you with the loofah. It is a pitiless but thoroughly comforting experience. One human being performing an intimate personal service for another — again, bath time, mother and child, often with the requisite tsk-tsking.

The loofah may be followed by the sponge. Now you feel bathed rather than flayed. You skin begins to breathe again, to thank you for the detoxing.

Finally, the attendant rinses you, dipping a bowl into cooler and cooler water and pouring it over every inch of freshly excavated flesh.

That camel trek in the Atlas Mountains? A gritty puddle on the floor. That week of sunblock mixed with bug spray and safari dust? Circling the drain in a muddy swirl. All those dead skin cells unexfoliated in years of regular but admittedly perfunctory showers? Pilled up in a truly shameful way all over your body. All of it washed away, leaving nothing but new muffin tops from too much Turkish delight. You are as pink and soft as a newborn, appropriately swaddled in clean, dry towels.

Now comes the best part. The large woman hands you, somewhat literally, to another woman, smaller, lither, more nimble but with hands like a bricklayer’s, without the callouses. Let her knead your muscles but shake her hand at your peril. The massage lasts anywhere from an hour to 90 minutes, according to my research. At some point, she will have to manually turn you over when you have reached the energy level of cooked pasta.

The only possible post-hammam activity is a nap. Try to avoid sucking your thumb and curling into the fetal position.

All I have to say for this exhaustive, entirely altruistic research: You’re welcome.
 

Rebecca’s Hammam Superlatives

Most beautiful hammam: Istanbul, Turkey

Best towels: Cairo, Egypt (Egyptian cotton)

Best soap: Fès, Morocco (black eucalyptus)

Best scrub: Agadir, Morocco (stern Berber woman)

Best sponges: Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt (harvested just offshore)

Best aromatherapy: Oaxaca, Mexico (herbs from the garden)

Best massage: Oaxaca

Close second: Siem Reap, Cambodia (not strictly speaking a hammam, but the whole country is so humid, you can get the effect anytime you’re outside)

Most confusing: Pizza oven

Top 6 Wellness Tourism Trips

Hiking and biking the Dolomites along the Italian and Austrian border

Yoga on the Mexican beach, hikes to Machu Picchu, Pilates in Morocco — the best health tourism adventures.

You know the type. Their Facebook page is full of beautiful photos of fabulous trips. You’re simultaneously insanely jealous and giddy with excitement at the opportunity to live vicariously through your friend’s adventures.

Well, that’s Nancy.

“I leave with a feeling of renewal and that I can take on all of my biggest dreams.”

As I battled my jealousy of and happiness for her, I noticed a trend among Nancy’s trips: They all had some sort of wellness angle. She’d be doing yoga on a beach in Mexico or hiking across Europe or doing Pilates in Morocco.

I decided to get her take on wellness travel. Here are her top trips and advice. Namaste. –Wally

What draws you to wellness travel?

I cannot just sit on a beach. I always feel like I need to “earn the day.”

I love combining culture, physical activity, regional food and wine, like-minded people, spirituality and mindfulness into one trip. 

What trends have you seen in wellness travel lately?

Adding volunteerism to the experience. For example, in Marrakech, Morocco, we delivered school supplies to a local school and spent some time in the classroom. 

Most surprising thing you’ve discovered on a trip?

In Tulum, Mexico, I got a massage from a Mayan healer. These healers can pick up on energy in your body. He told me that the sciatic nerve area can represent “stalled advancement” and that I was experiencing this right now. He basically summed up a few key areas of my life at the time.

This experience motivated me to go after a new career opportunity at my company, which I successfully landed.

Nancy’s Top Wellness Travel Destinations 

Amansala in Tulum, Mexico offers runs along the beach and candlelit yoga

1. Amansala Bikini Bootcamp, Tulum, Mexico

I go to Amansala every year for the last week of the year as a way to undo all of the debauchery from the holidays and to kick-start the New Year.

The setting is boho chic huts and palapas [open-sided shelters with thatched palm roofs] on a white sand beach with Caribbean blue water.

One of her favorite annual traditions: Nancy does yoga at sunset on New Year's Eve

Guests have the option to make the week as active or as chill as they would like. Most choose active due to the wide variety of activities and high-caliber instructors.

The daily routine at Amansala includes morning beach walks or runs, yoga with beach views, cardio class (kickboxing, circuit training, etc.), dance class and/or sunset candlelit yoga.

Experiences such as cultural excursions, massages, a Mayan clay renewal ritual and tarot card readings are all offered at Amansala. You can also sweat out all of your toxins/sins at their Temezcal (Mayan sweat lodge) ceremony, led by an elder Mayan healer.

In between all of this, you can relax on the gorgeous white sand beach. The three golden Labs, who are pets of the property, might join you or try to rally you for a game of “fetch the coconut.”

The food is also healthy and tasty — they even have their own cookbook. 

Amansala combines the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of wellness, which is why I go back every year. I leave with a feeling of renewal and that I can take on all of my biggest dreams. This special place attracts like-minded people, so I have met several friends with whom I am still in touch. 

Hiking through the Dolomites mountain range, which straddle Italy and Austria

2. Backroads Breakaway Walking & Hiking Tour, the Dolomites, Italy

On this tour, you hike every day (four to six hours) in the spectacular setting of the Dolomites mountain range in-between Italy and Austria.

There’s amazing Italian and Austrian food. You might have apple strudel and beer at lunch and then pasta and red wine at dinner.

Nancy and her local guide, with the Cinque Torri in the Dolomites as a backdrop

We hiked from one resort to the next over a seven-day period. We would stop in at ski huts along the way to refuel.

It was the perfect combination of outdoor activity, breathtaking scenery, culture — Italy and Austria! — amazing food and awe-inspiring boutique hotels. 

The amazing pool at the Escape to Shape resort in Marrakech, Morocco

3. Escape to Shape, Marrakech, Morocco

This yoga and Pilates retreat was hosted at our own private amazing villa in Marrakech, located outside of the medina. Lodging, meals, cultural excursions, and yoga, Pilates and circuit training classes were all included.

This was a great combination of physical activity (about two to three hours per day) and cultural immersion.

Nancy in her favorite store in Marrakech

Escape to Shape provided a very safe, fun and invigorating way to experience Marrakech. Erica Gragg, the owner, has been doing this for years, and she curates the perfect trip. She knows Marrakech like the back of her hand and showed us all of the hidden jewels and hot spots. She would open a door in the medina that you did not even know was there, and inside you would find four floors of amazing treasures.

Shopping is a must in Marrakech, and Erica is the perfect sherpa/stylist. Our group came away with beautiful rugs, caftans and home accents that we never would have found without Erica’s expert eye and relationships.

The yoga and Pilates classes allowed us to indulge without guilt in all of the amazing Moroccan cuisine.  

4. Miraval Resort & Spa, Tucson, Arizona, USA

Their tagline is “Life in Balance.” Miraval offers hiking in the Sonoran Desert and Santa Catalina Mountains, a large variety of fitness classes, meditation, healthy, delicious food, mindfulness sessions, equine therapy and other outdoor adventure activities.

Their spa is beautiful. Relax by the pool during your downtime. 

I always come away feeling amazing after four to five days here. 

Snow Canyon State Park in Utah

5. Red Mountain Resort, Ivins, Utah, USA

Red Mountain offers hiking in a gorgeous setting — literally in red rocks in Snow Canyon State Park, Zion National Park and Bryce Canyon National Park.

Hikes are guided, or you can go on your own — all different levels.

Nancy in Zion National Park, Utah

The setting is breathtaking and awe-inspiring.

Fitness classes and outdoor activities keep you physically active. There are also great opportunities for personal discovery and mindfulness: intuitive energy reading, guided imagery, etc., as well as artistic pursuits, such as photography and pottery classes.  

Machu Picchu, Peru

6. Mountain Travel Sobek Machu Picchu Inn-to-Inn Express Trek, Peru

This was a seven-day lodge-to-lodge trek to Machu Picchu through a variety of terrain, scenery and elevation. 

It was a great combination of scenic hiking, excellent Peruvian food and wine, cultural exposure and great lodging.

Nancy at the peak of Machu Picchu