Federal law dictates that all public buildings in the US should be wheelchair-accessible, and building codes make disabled access more the norm than the exception. Still, those with disabilities should inform airlines and hotels of their disabilities when making reservations; time may be needed to prepare accommodations. Call ahead to restaurants, museums, and other facilities to find out if they are handicapped- accessible. Visiting rugged parks may be difficult or impossible if you have severe disabilities, but many parks do have handicapped-accessible trails.
In the US, both Amtrak and major airlines will accommodate disabled passengers if notified at least 72hr. in advance. Amtrak offers a 15% discount to physically disabled travelers (☎800-872-7245). Greyhound buses will provide a 50% discount for a companion if the ticket is purchased at least 24 hr. in advance. If you are without a fellow traveler, call Greyhound (☎800-752-4841, TDD 800-345-3109) at least two days before you plan to leave and they will make arrangements to assist you. For info on transportation availability in individual US cities, contact the local chapter of the Easter Seal Society (☎800-221-6827; www.easter-seals.org).
Certified guide dogs entering the US must have originated from or lived for six months in an area that is free from rabies (including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the UK), or they must have unexpired vaccination certificates. For a list of rabies-free areas, see www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/rabies. In all areas in the US, guide dogs are legally allowed, free of charge, on public transit and in all “public establishments,” including hotels, restaurants, and stores.
If you are planning to visit a national park or attraction run by the National Park Service, obtain a free Access Pass, available at all park entrances and from federal offices whose functions relate to land, forests, or wildlife. The passport entitles disabled travelers and their families to free admission to any public land and provides a lifetime 50% discount on campsite and parking fees.
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For 52 years, we have published the world’s favorite budget travel guides, written entirely by students and updated every year. With pen and notebook in hand and a few changes of underwear stuffed in our backpacks, we spend months roaming the globe in search of travel bargains.
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