DISABLED TRAVELLERS Transport
This will present a bit of a challenge depending
on the disability of the traveller. Trains
and buses can be really crowded, as can the
pavements. And Europeans do not always make
way! The best way to get around is to hire
your own car and have an able bodied person
with you.
Literature
Places That Care: The Access Guide to Places
of Interest Suitable for Elderly and Disabled
People
Useful Links
Access-Able Travel Source - has worldwide
access information of various types about
and for the disabled. http://www.access-able.com/
Global Access Disabled Travel Network - access
information for disabled travelers including
hotels, transportation, cruises, access guides,
networking opportunities, and travel tips. http://www.geocities.com/Paris/1502/
Disability Travel and Recreation Resources
- A forum to discuss travel for disabled,
and to exchange special-needs travel resources
to help those travellers with a physcal disability http://www.makoa.org/travel.htm
Accessible holidays and travel for disabled
people
Today's date Discover an exciting world of
accessible holidays and travel for wheelchair
users, slow walkers, mature travellers, their
families and friends. ... http://www.accessibletravel.co.uk/
Accessible Journeys - offers escorted tours
for slow walkers and wheelchair travelers,
and arranges healthcare professionals for
travel companions. http://www.disabilitytravel.com/
Wheelchair Travel - accessible transportation
services for the disabled solo traveller,
or small group, who wants to plan a unique
itinerary and "do their own thing". http://www.wheelchair-travel.co.uk/
SENIOR
TRAVELLERS
Plenty of older people travel around France
and even stay in hostels. France is a country
that offers a lot for every age and the
climate and culture is not so different
or demanding for most. There are always
more comfortable and affordable places to
stay, cars to hire for greater flexibility
and comfort, and doctors and medical services
available everywhere. Senior citizens may
prefer to travel in organised tours or groups
so they have less to worry about. There
are lots of organizations that provide tours
for senior citizens. Check through the following
links for some ideas:
Useful Links
Elder Treks - worldwide exotic travel for
those 50 and over, focusing on culture,
nature, and adventure; trips ranging from
ten to thirty days. http://www.eldertreks.com/
The Senior Centre - information on travel
bargains, free books, and health news for
senior citizens. http://www.senior-center.com/
SeniorCom - featuring chat rooms, discussion
groups, and information on financial, travel,
and housing services for seniors. http://www.senior.com/
FAMILIES
Travelling with children of any age in France
should not present difficulties. There are
plenty of activities to entertain children
of all ages and safe and hygienic travel
and accomodation services. Parents would
be advised to inform the accomodation establishment
of special needs for their children. Here
are a few other tips.
Transport
There are discounts for children on public
transport in France. Always ask for child's
discounts before you purchase tickets. On
airlines children not occupying a seat may
have discounted rates or even fly free.
Check what carry on allowances are permitted
with infants and see if there are safety
seats, special seating or childrens meals.
Museums
Always ask for a child's discount before
you buy museum tickets. Children under 18
who are EU citizens generally receive free
or discounted admittance to state-run museums
and galleries, and there are similar privileges
in many municipal or private museums.
Restaurants
Always ask for a high chair or cushion in
restaurants and if there are half portions
or children's portions.
Accomodation
Make sure you check the pricing for children
staying in your room. Some establishments
will simply charge them as extra adults,
others have discounts for children under
certain ages. Also check what equipment
they provide like high chairs, cribs etc.
Some establishments may also provide day
care facilities or activities for older
children.
Other Advice
Most parents will know exactly what their
children can handle so try to take into
consideration the amount of time travelling,
the level of interest activities / museum
visits will generate for your child, how
much space and freedom older children may
need. Try to always have snack food available
for long queues or journeys, bring lots
of games, toys and drawing books.
Useful Links
Family Travel Files - offers a directory
of family vacation spots, advice, and an
ezine with personal travel articles. http://www.thefamilytravelfiles.com/
Have Children Will Travel - Travel Wise
with Children... Discover 101 educational
travel tips for families on the go. http://www.havechildrenwilltravel.com
WOMEN
Advice for female travellers in France...
France is generally a relatively safe country
to travel in as a female, even if you are
alone. However you may wish to note some
of the following points.
Accomodation
All female establishments are not as common
in France as they are in Italy for example.
Female travellers that may wish to sleep
in all female rooms in dormitories/hostels
should request that on arrival. Not all
hostels offer single sex dorms as a rule
but will assist where possible.
Self Defence
Please read the comprehensive tips on the
health and safety
page. But usually firm requests are enough
to take control of situations, especially
if you can draw the attention of those close
by. Any encroachment into your personal
space should be immediately rectified –
remove wayward limbs, place barriers between
your person and others, or simply move on.
Adventure Travel for Active Women over 30
- has been a pioneer in women's adventure
travel for more than 22 years. For the best
in adventure travel for women over 30! http://www.rainbowadventures.com/
Explorations in Travel, Inc. - offers travel
itineraries around the globe for women over
40. http://www.exploretravel.com/
Health
Concerns
Most miscarriages occur during the first
three months of pregnancy so care should
be taken during this time. Additional care
is also required to prevent illness and
women should also be vigilant about their
diet. Some places are not advisable to visit
during pregnancy because of the lack of
medical services available and common disease.
Clothing
This is obviously dependent on the location
you are travelling in, but female travellers
should always dress modestly and be culturally
sensitive. In some parts of the world this
may mean be covered from neck to toe in
baggy, loose fitting clothing.
Dressing appropriately will also minimise
problems for the traveller.
SOLO TRAVELLERS
France should represent no particular problems
for those travelling alone. There are plenty
of single person accommodation in hostels
and single rooms. Women travelling alone
should note some of the details provided
above.
