After covering accessible travel for 14 years, I’ve answered just about every conceivable question on the subject. The fact of the matter is, I’ve pretty much heard it all – from readers, fellow journalists and curious onlookers. One question, however, seems to come up with a startling regularity: Where can I go on vacation? It’s a simple question really, but one that’s difficult to answer if you don’t know much about the person asking it.

Museums and Culture: St. Petersburg, Florida

For example, if you like to visit museums and cultural attractions, then St. Petersburg, Florida is the perfect destination for you. The lift-equipped Looper Trolley runs a circular route in downtown St. Petersburg, and for just 25 cents you can ride the trolley and have a great time museum hopping.

The Looper Trolley stops at some of St. Petersburg's major museums including the St. Petersburg Museum of History, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Florida International Museum, the Florida Holocaust Museum and the Salvador Dali Museum. These museums all feature a level entry, accessible restrooms and barrier-free access to the galleries. And you just can’t beat St. Petersburg’s weather.

Camping: John Dillon Park, New York

On the other hand, if your idea of the ideal holiday involves toting camping gear and exploring the great outdoors, then a visit to John Dillon Park is a must. Although many parks offer some accessible campsites and trails, this upstate New York park is the shining star for accessibility, as all the trails, campsites and recreational areas are accessible.

Located just 15 miles from Tupper Lake, this 200-acre accessible camping and recreation development is the result of a unique partnership between Paul Smith’s College and International Paper. Named for the former International Paper CEO and Paul Smith’s College alumni, the park features nine Adirondack lean-tos, over three miles of hiking trails, a fishing pier, kayak and canoe docks, picnic areas and even a pontoon boat. And all of it is wheelchair-accessible.

Family Travel: Colonial Williamsburg

If you have kids in tow, then a stop in Colonial Williamsburg is in order. Although it’s a historic site, many of the buildings and attractions have been modified to be wheelchair-accessible.

The capitol building has a unique concealed lift while the gunsmith's shop has a standard ramp. Some buildings like the Governor's Palace, the Raleigh Tavern and the Randolph House have lift or ramp access to the first floor but only stair access to the top floors. Photo albums of the top floors are available for visitors who are unable to navigate the stairs. And if you'd like to sit down for a tasty lunch or dinner, try the Shields Tavern, which has ramp access around the back.

Romance: Landis Shores, Miramar Beach

Want to take some time out for a little romance? Then check out Landis Shores, an eight-room luxury inn located on romantic Miramar Beach, just 30 minutes south of San Francisco.

The accessible San Francisco Bay room is furnished with an open-frame queen-size bed, and includes a bathroom equipped with a roll-in shower, a hand-held showerhead, a roll-under sink and grab bars in the shower and around the toilet. A portable shower chair with a back is available upon request. The room also has a VCR, a gas fireplace and a private balcony. And for that romantic dinner, check out the Historic Miramar Beach Restaurant, located right next door. This prohibition era roadhouse is now billed as the most romantic restaurant on the coast, and even though it’s historic it has an accessible entrance and parking.

Road Trip: Amish Country, Ohio

If a road trip is more your cup of tea, then consider Ohio Amish country. Located in East Central Ohio, Holmes County is home to over 40,000 Amish people. It’s a great driving destination. and especially scenic in the fall.

Amish culture is, of course the big draw in the area, and the good news is, there are a number of wheelchair-accessible Amish attractions. The Behalt Mennonite Information Center offers a good overview of Amish and Mennonite history, while Yoder’s Amish Home gives visitors a glimpse of daily Amish life. And don’t miss the Holmes Country Amish Flea Market (Thursday - Saturday); a great place to shop for Amish crafts, clothing and homemade goodies.

Across the Ocean: London, England

London is a favorite international destination for many folks; and it’s a particularly attractive choice for wheelers and slow walkers, largely because of the availability of accessible transportation.

For example, the Heathrow Express provides high speed train service from Heathrow Airport to Paddington Station. Access features include a minimal gap between the platform and the train, dedicated spaces for wheelchair-users, adapted toilets, and emergency call buttons near the wheelchair spaces. The journey from Heathrow to Paddington Station takes just 15 minutes, and from Paddington you can catch an accessible taxi to your hotel. All London black cabs are required to be accessible, either by a portable ramp or a fold-down dickie transfer seat.

And although London is known for those big red double-decker buses (Routemasters) they are not accessible. The good news is, as of January 1, 2006 the Routemaster buses were replaced with single-decker “bendy buses” with ramp access and lowered floors.

It should also be noted that although there are many accessible ways to get around London, the much-publicized Underground is not one of them. In fact, the Tube is not recommended for wheelchair-users because of the stairs, old elevators and large crowds. So, for the most accessible transportation options, stay above ground. For more information about accessible transportation in London, visit the Transport for London website.

Go Wild: African Safari

And finally, if you’d like to walk (or roll) on the wild side, then consider an African Safari. Although not all safari outfitters can provide accessible transportation and accommodations, more and more companies are starting to address this market.

For example, Endeavour Safaris provides accessible safaris in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique and South Africa. Game drives are conducted in a ramped Toyota Landcruiser and wheelchair-users can stay in their own wheelchair or transfer to a vehicle seat.

Overnight accommodations are provided in accessible tents with ensuite bathrooms (toilets). The tents have level access, plenty of room to maneuver a wheelchair and wheelchair-height beds. Overnight accommodations are also available at hotels and lodges, but the tent camp is the most accessible option. Attendant care services are also available.

The bottom line is, no matter what your disability, there’s a world of vacation choices available to you. So choose your favorite destination, do your research and then hit the road. The possibilities are indeed endless.

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