DISABLED TRAVELLERS Accomodation
Unfortunately not all hostels and hotels in
Spain have wheelchair or disabled access.
If you do find wheelchair access it usually
won't be in the budget category. It is obviously
important to check this before you arrive
to make them aware of your condition. INSERSO
is the government department responsible for
the disabled and has branches in all provinces.
The head office is in Madrid, Calle de Ginzo
de Limea 58, 28029, tel. 91 347 8888.
Transport
This will present a bit of a challenge depending
on the disability of the traveller. Trains
and buses in Spain 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 some an
able bodied person with you.
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 Spain
and even stay in hostels. Spain is a country
that offers a lot for all ages 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 Spain
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 Spain. On local buses and trams
children under a certain height ride free.
Ask for a sconto bambino (child's discount)
for other discounts before you purchase
tickets. On airlines infants under two not
occupying a seat fly at discounted rates
or even free. Make sure you also check what
the carry on allowances are with infants.
Also check if there are safety seats or
special seating areas for children and childrens
meals.
Museums
Always ask for a sconto bambino (child's
discount) before you buy museum tickets.
Children under 18 who are EU citizens generally
receive free 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 trattoria's. Most places
will not have childrens menus but they may
have half portions (mezza porzione) or children's
portions (porzione da bambino).
Accomodation
Make sure you check the priceing 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
Spain is generally a relatively safe country
to travel in as a female, even if you are
alone. It actually has one of the lowest
incidences of reported rape in the developed
world and physical harassment is infrequent.
However you may wish to note some of the
following points. If you do run into any
problems there is a helpline in Madrid called
the Asociacion de Asistencia a Mujeres Violadas
tel. 91 574 0110. They should be able to
give you a local line if you are calling
from outside of Madrid. Opening hours are
10am-2pm and 4pm-7pm.
Accomodation
If you have any concerns there are female
only accomodation establishments like nunneries
or hostels that have single sex dormitories
on demand.
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.
