FOLLOWING A NEAR-DEATH EXPERIENCE, MY HUSBAND HAS AGREED TO RETURN TO EUROPE. HE IS NOT WHEELCHAIR BOUND AND CAN WALK, BUT WITH REDUCED BALANCE AND STAMINA. HE NEEDS FLAT-ENTRY SHOWERS, LOTS OF LEG ROOM AND LIFTS. CAN YOU THROW LIGHT ON THE HIRING OF COLLAPSIBLE MOTORISED SCOOTERS IN FRANCE, OR PLACES THAT COULD BE VISITED EASILY IN FRANCE, ITALY, SPAIN AND SICILY?
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A. CROSS, PARADISE POINT
Europe has some great initiatives and legislation to cater to the needs of those with impaired mobility, but from what you say, I believe you'll find it tough going in the countries you plan to visit. Getting on and off trains or aircraft and coping with stairs and cobblestones are going to present a challenge that might sap much of the joy from your holiday. One option that might work for you is a European river cruise. Because they're smaller, have fewer decks and are far more stable than ocean liners, river cruises are more suited to travellers with impaired mobility than sea cruises. Another plus is that they'll usually disembark you close to the heart of the city, from where you can walk short distances to see the sights. Not all river cruisers have elevators though.
All the Scenic Tours (scenic.com.au) vessels have elevators and wheelchair-accessible cabins. You should also check with APT (aptouring.com.au) and Avalon Waterways (avalonwaterways.com).
Another option is to arrange your travels through an agency that deals specifically with impaired travellers, such as Britain's Accessible Travel (accessibletravel.co.uk). One of the vessels it uses is the MS Alegria, the only European river cruiser specifically designed to cater to less mobile passengers. Accessible Travel can also arrange equipment hire.
