Adventure and sporting opportunities are increasing for people with physical disabilities thanks to organizations such as Adaptive Adventures. But for more than three million Americans relying on a wheelchair daily, finding these activities and verifying that they have proper equipment can still be a challenge.
There are some awesome adventures to be had—from riding a camel in the Sahara to soaring high in a hot-air balloon. Here are a few of our favorite wheelchair-accessible experiences around the world.
Hot-air ballooning in Catalonia
Less than a two-hour drive from Barcelona, Catalonia’s Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park features lush greenery, Roman-era landmarks, and accessible hiking trails. Make the day more scenic with Vol de Coloms, a hot-air balloon company that takes high flyers over dormant volcanoes and provides remote-controlled seats for wheelchair users. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Mediterranean Sea and Pyrenees Mountains.
Pro tip: See Las Vegas from above with Love Is In the Air Ballooning, which provides easy ramp access and permits wheelchair users to stay in their chair.
To read the rest of my article on National Geographic Travel, just click here.
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I’m all about adventure, but when traveling with friends/family we all have different abilities. I love the shout out to my childhood home state of Wisconsin and sailing. I’d love to try the waterskiing that you mention too. Rock on Cory!