What Accessibility Means for Family Travel
Accessibility is, first and foremost, a noun — and one worth thinking through. The most obvious meaning involves travelers who live with disabilities. But think about the stroller: in essence, a streamlined wheelchair built for babies and toddlers. There is an odd symmetry in being wheeled about as a child and then again in old age, and we should not forget those who live with disabilities for much or all of their lives.
One family trip still stands out: we very nearly missed our flight. Anyone who flies knows that quiet annoyance at the last passengers to board — the ones delaying the whole plane. We were that family once. We hit unexpected early-morning traffic, since we live about 100 miles from Portland International, our closest major airport. We located long-term parking, worked through check-in and security lines, then hurried down the concourse with The Girl in a stroller and carry-ons strapped on wherever they would fit. Missing that flight would have been a real problem — we were joining a larger family cruise for my Grandmother's 90th birthday, and cruise ships do not wait.
We arrived at the emptied gate to find a flight attendant waiting in the concourse walkway just for us. She told us she knew we would make it because our luggage was checked and already aboard. She led us down the jet way, we ignored the seated passengers while we settled in, and the flight left the gate on time. Ever since, we use park and ride.
Park and Ride: A Less Stressful Travel Day
Park your car at a hotel and spend the night. The hotel lets you leave the car there, and you pick it up when you return. Parenting brings its own rewards, but it also imposes a certain kind of disability: everything takes longer, and children constantly demand our attention. There is no comparison between the challenges of traveling with children and being truly disabled. It is my sincere hope that those whose disabilities make travel too difficult can still enjoy this page and find in it a way to travel in their own manner.
Accessibility, Affordability, and Family Travel
Accessibility has a second dimension linked to affordability, which we explore further in the next post. Travel carries an implication that anyone who can afford it must be wealthy and can manage adventures others cannot. We have enough money, but we are not rich. We made deliberate lifestyle choices that let us travel without going into debt.
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Whether you are navigating a stroller through security or planning around a disability, a little preparation goes a long way. Building in extra time, choosing parking that keeps the car waiting for you, and traveling within your means all help make the journey smoother for the whole family.