The benefits of summer travel, including for people with FA

It’s summertime, the season for travel. There’s so much fun at every stage: the planning, the doing, and the reminiscing.

I love to travel, though I have Friedreich’s ataxia (FA), which means I need extra planning and consideration when I do it. Symptoms of FA include poor coordination and fatigue, and muscle weakness forces me to use a wheelchair. Having fun while traveling often requires heavy planning.

Although I’ve traveled to many places here in the U.S. and internationally, my experiences pale in comparison with those of my friend Tiffany Gambill, who also has FA.

I asked her where she’d traveled to get a feel for what’s possible in my future travels with FA, as well as some of her pointers. Our conversation, conducted by email, follows, with light editing.

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JW: Please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you developed a love for traveling.

TG: I’ve been to many places, but I still want to go everywhere! The travel bug bit me at an early age. At 16, I took my first international trip with family friends to São Miguel, Azores [part of Portugal]. A year prior to that trip, I was diagnosed with FA. I knew when I was diagnosed that traveling on two legs would soon become a memory. However, my love for traveling was not going anywhere. I would learn to adapt and cherish every journey, just as I did when my legs worked!

I am a travel creator and blogger. It is my purpose in life to advocate for and demonstrate to the world why accessibility is so important everywhere.

I know you’ve traveled a lot. Can you list where you’ve been?

Domestically, I have visited 18 states or territories. I live in Massachusetts, an hour away from Boston and Cape Cod. Internationally, I’ve visited Canada, Mexico, the Azores, Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany, France, Austria, South Africa, Peru, and Chile.

What was your favorite place, and why?

I have different favorites for various reasons. One place I always want to revisit is England, not just because there are no language barriers, but also because I love its rich history. During my last trip to England, we stayed in the Cotswolds, Stratford-upon-Avon, where Shakespeare was born and buried. Did you know Shakespeare put a curse on his grave? Today, his and his family’s graves are still inside the Church of the Holy Trinity.

Can you describe one of your favorite sites or activities?

I am a history enthusiast. What I especially love is hidden history. For example, in Colmar, France, there’s a 400-year-old library filled with artifacts and documents from the medieval period. I had never heard of this incredible place and its treasures until I visited.

I learned about the Incas firsthand at Machu Picchu [in Peru]. I could feel their energy in the stones the Incas used in their amazing creations.

What do you do to ensure your trip is as accessible as possible?

I’d say the main concerns are hotels and transportation. I put extra effort into planning these elements. When I arrive at my destination, I like to stay as flexible as possible and share my thoughts on how accessible I find each location on my blog.

The most significant problems I’ve found are small, outdated hotels. They sometimes offer rooms they call accessible, but the advertised features are not always accurate. I try to call ahead or stay with hotel chains I know, but that’s not always possible.

I also check if they offer wheelchair activities. In my experience, Europe and the rest of the world strive to include everyone in enjoying life to the fullest.

What is your biggest frustration about traveling with FA?

It’s hard picking just one. I’d say not being able to go to the bathroom alone is one of the biggest hassles. Needing a handicap bathroom is annoying, although they’re becoming more common now. So finding and using the bathroom can be time-consuming and tricky. Thankfully, I have a big bladder. I know some FAers aren’t so lucky.

Why is traveling with FA worth the frustration?

Traveling the world and seeing how people live helps me forget my struggles just a little. I meet many people who see me first, not my chair. It’s refreshing. The world is beautiful, and I want to experience all of its beauty while I’m here.

***

When I travel to places with many sights to see, I find it essential for my fun factor to schedule enough time and avoid trying to fit too many activities into a single day.

I’m trying to plan a domestic vacation for my own summer travel. I’m in Massachusetts, and we might visit family in Virginia, including Chincoteague Island, to see the wild horses. We could also head north to escape the heat, though.

Thanks, Tiffany!

Note: Friedreich’s Ataxia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Friedreich’s Ataxia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Friedreich’s ataxia.