I’m now always looking forward to Tuesdays. Thanks to Travel Talk on Twitter or #TTOT, where I’ve been participating for quite some time. Β Taking part in this travel-inspiredΒ online Q&A had been fun andΒ I foundΒ itΒ a stimulating exercise that whets my travel appetite.
I couldn’t trace how it all started but I just want to give a kudos to the people behind this concept. Allow me to acknowledge them using, of course, their Twitter names. A big shout out to the #TTOT hosts and organizers:Β @Traveldudes @RoniWeiss @TravelBlggr @Hjortur @MalloryOnTravel @LandLopers @CruiseBuzz @TravelingEditor @NicoleTravelBug; and the #TTOT co-hosts, namely: @QualityHunters @AboutLondonΒ @CareerBrkSecret @RunAwayJuno @poohstraveler @wildnavigator @Intrepid_Travel @MagellanPR @Travelzoo_UK @MzansiGirl @LowCostHolidays @SonjaSwissLife @SantaFeTraveler.
This week, the topic was on Travelling with Disabilities as suggested by @primavisa. two of my questions were chosen out of the many questions posted on the Facebook page of #TTOT. Reading through the answers and interacting with other participants have even got me engrossed in this weekly Twitter conversations. The variety of the responses made me look at things from different point-of-views.
What amenities or services should be provided for travelers with disabilities?
@Traveller24_SA @firsttimetravel wheel chair ramps
β David John Lawrence (@dlawre30) September 2, 2014
A1: Access for wheel chairs should be everywhere! That goes also for extra facilities for them! #TTOT
β Melvin (@traveldudes) September 2, 2014
@roniweiss @firsttimetravel A1: Following Universal Design principles ALL facilities and amenities would be accessible to all.
β Martin Heng (@Martin_Heng) September 2, 2014
@zaidmo @firsttimetravel accessibility is most crucial #ttot
β Milly Kenny-Ryder (@millykr) September 2, 2014
@SonjaSwissLife @firsttimetravel A1 Information on disabled facilities available or missing, assistance and priority where necessary #ttot
β Zaid -Travpacker.com (@zaidmo) September 2, 2014
@Traveller24_SA @firsttimetravel A1- better access to hostels/hotels and visitor attractions #ttot
β GapLifeTravel (@Gaplifetravel) September 2, 2014
A1: Accessibility – of course! Keep an eye out for this label, for all kinds of disabilities: http://t.co/RCPMdKYDl7 #ttot
β HI Hostels (@Hostelling) September 2, 2014
@MzansiGirl @firsttimetravel #TTOT Q1: Handheld service.
β Kirsten Keun (@Kirfara) September 2, 2014
@traveldudes @lonelyplanetUK @firsttimetravel accessibility is the main point for me also same great service but catered for disability
β Hannah (@Han_wanderlust) September 2, 2014
@traveldudes @lonelyplanetUK @firsttimetravel notes on hostel/hotel booking sites stating what hostels are best for those with disabilities
β Hannah (@Han_wanderlust) September 2, 2014
@traveldudes @firsttimetravel Catching up with the questions.A1: I would say as many as possible,as for some travel is impossible w/o #ttot
β Ashley Howe (@thatshowefornow) September 2, 2014
A1 via @firsttimetravel The best service would be a wheelchair for skinny airplane aisles for those who can’t walk to the bathroom! #ttot
β Samantha Hussey (@A_wanderluster) September 2, 2014
@Intrepid_Travel @firsttimetravel A1: Make sure they feel part of the group. Make everything ADA approved. Everyone can enjoy travel! #TTOT
β Ashley N Santos (@ashi1104) September 2, 2014
A1 via @firsttimetravel | Speaking generally, travel apps tailored for disabled people could be useful. #TTOT
β Geeky Explorer ✈ (@GeekyExplorer) September 2, 2014
@TUInsurance @firsttimetravel I do know some apps, but none is travel-related. Maybe a business opportunity here? π #ttot
β Geeky Explorer ✈ (@GeekyExplorer) September 2, 2014
@Intrepid_Travel @firsttimetravel have you checked in with @coryleetweets very good stuff on disabled travel π
β David Hicks (@WildBritain77) September 2, 2014
A1 Recommended for travelling into or out of the US @MobilityINTL by @TransAbroad #TTOT
β OutBounding (@outbounding) September 2, 2014
A1 Sensors to guide the blind test at San Francisco Airport http://t.co/C0kGPC9Nnb #ttot
β OutBounding (@outbounding) September 2, 2014
A1 That would be a variety considering all the various special needs that deserve to be addressed. Min: ramps + floor guides 4 blind #ttot
β Sonja Holverson (@SonjaSwissLife) September 2, 2014
A1. At minimum, ability to move around without help, if can do so elsewhere. Irritating that so many places have needless steps, etc. #ttot
β Don Nadeau (@DonNadeau) September 2, 2014
A1. Also treat them as would others. Few people want expressions of sympathy over their plights. We all are challenged in some way. #ttot
β Don Nadeau (@DonNadeau) September 2, 2014
A1. Ramps, parking privileges and specialised toilets as standard. But generally a patient and understanding staff can go a long way. #TTOT
β Finding A Neish (@findinganeish) September 2, 2014
A1 Training awareness for all service orientated staff, so they can handle those with disabilities compassionately #ttot
β Iain Mallory (@MalloryOnTravel) September 2, 2014
A1 Offer services with sensitivity, understanding and acceptance. Make everyone feel welcome without making a fuss. π *AL #TTOT
β Lonely Planet US (@lonelyplanetUSA) September 2, 2014
A1 Disabled Travel Advice resources http://t.co/B00y8L6AZG #TTOT
β OutBounding (@outbounding) September 2, 2014
A1. The biggest thing is just good customer service. Different folks have different needs. Accommodate accordingly. #ttot
β Roni Weiss (@roniweiss) September 2, 2014
What good deed have you done to a disabled person while travelling?
@Intrepid_Travel @firsttimetravel I always help those who can’t read maps and are locationally disabled #ttot
β JeanBean (@Honeybirdtravel) September 2, 2014
@traveltalktours @firsttimetravel Taught temporarily able-bodied (TAB) travel pros how to treat the next disabled customer with disability
β Scott Rains (@srains) September 2, 2014
A5. Held a door. RT @Intrepid_Travel: Q5 via @firsttimetravel: What good deed have you done for a disabled person while travelling? #TTOT
β Matt Soleyn (@MattSoleyn) September 2, 2014
@AboutLondon @firsttimetravel #ttot A5 Given up my seat on the train. Such a small thing but can be a lifesaver if you are on crutches.
β CookSister (@cooksisterblog) September 2, 2014
@Travelzoo_UK @firsttimetravel I always offer help #ttot
β Milly Kenny-Ryder (@millykr) September 2, 2014
@Intrepid_Travel @firsttimetravel I wish I could have done more but I just try to be as accommodating as possible #ttot
β Milly Kenny-Ryder (@millykr) September 2, 2014
@traveldudes @firsttimetravel It shouldn’t feel like a good deed but as the bare minimum… π #ttot
β FindTransfers (@FindTransfers) September 2, 2014
@Traveller24_SA @firsttimetravel Helped them through customs and collecting luggage
β David John Lawrence (@dlawre30) September 2, 2014
@zaidmo @firsttimetravel I won’t count it as good deed, just humanity that w’ve make me done anything, so choosing not to mention any #ttot
β bookaHotel.in (@bookaHotel_in) September 2, 2014
@roniweiss @firsttimetravel #ttot A5: that’s been answered by @WorldDetour!
β Martin Heng (@Martin_Heng) September 2, 2014
@Intrepid_Travel @firsttimetravel A5 Offered a seat,let them cut in front of the queue,be patient & not rush them #ttot – Disabled,elderly..
β Zaid -Travpacker.com (@zaidmo) September 2, 2014
@MalloryOnTravel @firsttimetravel Provide wheel chairs and personal guides instead of them depending on the ‘group guide’.
β Kagera Safaris (@KageraSafaris) September 2, 2014
@firsttimetravel A5 I tried to help someone to the toilet on a plane but for health and safety reasons I was told I wasn’t allowed #ttot
β Samantha Hussey (@A_wanderluster) September 2, 2014
@zaidmo @Intrepid_Travel @firsttimetravel That is a guven but some people wouldn’t offer their seat on the tram to the elderly #ttot
β DorothΓ©e Lefering (@DoroLef) September 2, 2014
@DoroLef @zaidmo @Intrepid_Travel @firsttimetravel Agree DorothΓ©e.SOME people just let others suffer when they obviously need help #ttot
β Sonja Holverson (@SonjaSwissLife) September 2, 2014
@traveldudes @firsttimetravel A5: I helped someone who used to bring his kids to Sat morning coffee – only if he asked. #ttot
β Ashley Howe (@thatshowefornow) September 2, 2014
@traveldudes @firsttimetravel A5 – as an ex strength coach I rehabilitated an amputee in Canada in return for his local knowledge #ttot
β GapLifeTravel (@Gaplifetravel) September 2, 2014
A5 I’ve stroked loads of guide dogs ….. does that count? #ttot
β Iain Mallory (@MalloryOnTravel) September 2, 2014
A5 Offered help to a blind backpacker crossing a busy road in Naples, but he didn’t need it at all. His hearing was amazing! *AL #TTOT
β Lonely Planet US (@lonelyplanetUSA) September 2, 2014
A5. Struggling to think of an obvious example, sadly. I’ve held doors open/answered questions but never really gone out of my way. #TTOT
β Finding A Neish (@findinganeish) September 2, 2014
A5 Carried drinks from the bar #ttot ….. helped them drink them too
β Iain Mallory (@MalloryOnTravel) September 2, 2014
A5- no ‘good deed’ glory to share- happy to help whoever, whenever if needed π #ttot
β Holiday Hypermarket (@holidayhype) September 2, 2014
a5. I know #ttot is finished but I got carried away … I always read menus and plaques at attractions for my MIL and friend’s husband.
β Fiona Allan (@FJAllan) September 2, 2014
A5 I just try to be cognizant of those around me helping with simple gestures like opening doors and helping with train stations. #ttot
β TheWanderingGourmand (@TheWndrngGrmnd) September 2, 2014
A5 Will always offer my seat, because it seems appreciated whether they take it or not. #TTOT
β Urban Adventures (@UrbanAdventures) September 2, 2014
A5. I live with a disability & help people with disability everyday through my travel. Disability is about understanding / adjusting #TTOT
β Traveling with MS (@TravelingwithMS) September 2, 2014
A5: A lot of tourists in DC ask me 4 directions and I always help but I can’t think of any good examples #ttot
β Rachel Patterson (@kalachimera) September 2, 2014
A5: Held a door, find the elevator/ramp, carry an extra bag, etc. Which looks altogether hilarious as also use a wheelchair π #ttot
β Benedict (@BennyNova) September 2, 2014
A5 I consider it NORMAL to help people of all kinds who need it & donβt think of it as MY good deed. #ttot
β Sonja Holverson (@SonjaSwissLife) September 2, 2014
Me too @MalloryOnTravel: A5 If I had a disabled awareness report card it would probably read …. “could do better” #ttot
β Rachel Patterson (@kalachimera) September 2, 2014
A5 Good deed for a disabled traveller: help them with their hand luggage! #ttot
β Travel Underwriters (@TUInsurance) September 2, 2014
A5: Helped an older man cross the street in NYC. If you know tourist NYC its fast and I didnβt hesitate to make sure he got across #TTOT
β Atlas Cruises & Tour (@AtlasTravelWeb) September 2, 2014
A5: Three months of free construction work with my buddies to make a local climbing spot ADA compliant. #ttot
β Pat (@houseluigi) September 2, 2014
A5 – I help my family member to get out and about and show them they don’t need to be restricted by it #TTOT
β Carl Forbes (@Caz_Che) September 2, 2014
A5 – just try and be a decent human being to other people and that usually works quite well #ttot
β TS Properties (@tsproperties) September 2, 2014
A5: Saw a lady in wheelchair needed to use the lift at a london station so I kicked a bunch of kids out and told her to roll on in #ttot
β Girl Wander ο£Ώ (@123_ALLONS_Y) September 2, 2014
#A5 Helped a blind man across the street after his helper dog struggled with the #Auckland road layout in #NewZealand. #ttot
β Tom Sanderson (@TomVoyageTweets) September 2, 2014
A5. Simple things like pointing out directions or carrying a bag, and all these seemingly little things can make such a difference #ttot
β Kelly Hayes (@kellyjaneliz) September 2, 2014
Thanks for posting nice views.