Accessibility on Tour
Touring is great fun and brings with it lots of new experiences. Sometimes this also means navigating environments different from those at home, which can be hard on the body. Depending on your tour and destinations, you might expect lots of walking, lots of stairs, and maybe more heat or rain than you’re used to.
But with a little preparation, you should still be able to enjoy yourself! We simply need to have an early conversation about your needs, to make sure we understand the situation and to give us as many options as possible for helping. Please understand that some modifications might not be possible due to the local circumstance or rules beyond our control, etc.
Here are some points to bear in mind:
Mobility
Mobility restrictions in new environments can be a challenge, and may require adjustment. For example, if you cannot walk 20 minutes or one mile unassisted so as to keep up with the group, or stand for 20 minutes, you might decide to sit out a guided sightseeing tour. If you cannot handle both your own luggage and your mobility aid, you will need to travel with a companion as a helper. We need to discuss such adjustments with you and with the group leaders to ensure that expectations are clear, so bringing concerns to our attention early is critical.
Some topics you might want to consider include the following:
Each country has different accessibility standards and laws. ADA and ACA compliance norms we might be familiar with in North America are not applicable in other countries. Older and historic buildings, like you will find in many tour destinations, are likely to present more barriers to full access.
Cobblestone streets or uneven pathways might be difficult for you. There may be significant hills on some walking tours, such as those in Prague.
If you are going to use a wheelchair, walker, or any other mobility aid on tour, we need to know as early as possible. If you are not independent with your wheelchair, you will need to have a fellow tour participant designated to assist you and push your wheelchair, load and unload it from the coach, etc. You will need to have a plan for handling all of your luggage and belongings.
On tour, your group will likely be getting around by motorcoach. They are accessed by a short staircase. Due to limitations in some areas, such as historical city centers, coaches can’t always drop you off or pick you up right in front of your destination. This may mean you need to walk – possibly with your luggage or instrument – for a distance. Your Tour Manager can discuss specifics of your tour with you once your itinerary is finalized. Sometimes taxis or cars can get closer to your destination, but any such transportation would be at your own expense.
You might visit historical buildings that do not have elevators. The front entrance to a hotel might have steps. The accessible entrance might be around the corner or farther from the coach drop off point. Sometimes bathrooms are located in the basement, down a flight of stairs.
If you will be unable to independently participate in the tour as planned, you will need to have a dedicated person to assist you. While it might be possible for a fellow member to do so, tour participants with greater or more consistent needs should bring a companion along on tour specifically with their assistance in mind.
Other Considerations
On tour, you will be outdoors a lot, sightseeing, walking, and sometimes for meals. Summer heat can be especially challenging for those with certain medical conditions exacerbated by high temperatures. Air conditioning may be less prevalent than you are used to at home, and it may be less effective. It’s extremely important to dress appropriately, stay hydrated, have sun protection such as a hat, and rest when needed.
We take food allergies and dietary restrictions extremely seriously, and make every effort possible to relay tour participants’ needs to the airline, hotels, and restaurants. That said, sometimes airlines forget to load special meals, or restaurants don’t get the food delivery they expect and have to improvise. All tour participants, but especially those with severe or extensive dietary restrictions, should consider having some safe snacks packed in their suitcase and day bag.
If you cannot stand for the duration of your performance and need a chair or stool, please let your group coordinator know as soon as possible.
If you need a wheelchair at the airport, early boarding, special meals, or have a seat assignment request due to a medical condition, please let your group coordinator know. Some airlines require a letter signed by your doctor for certain requests. Seats with additional legroom will incur additional costs.
If you think you might be more comfortable traveling with an extra empty seat next to you, you may be able to purchase a Comfort Seat. Please let your group coordinator know as soon as possible if you are interested in this.
While most motorcoaches have a bathroom on board, they are for emergencies only. When they are used, the drivers are required to clean them, using driver duty hours, which may impact the overall tour schedule.
CPAPs should be taken as carry-ons and are the exception to the one carry-on per person rule. Be aware that access to distilled water varies by country, and the use of distilled water in CPAPs is not standard in all countries. Please discuss your needs with your doctor ahead of the tour.
While some airlines allow you to use a CPAP on board, others do not. Outlets are not provided on all planes and, even when they are expected, they may not work or an airline may have to swap a plane at the last minute. Please do not expect power access in flight and have a battery backup.
As with any electronic device, be sure to pack the right adapters for your CPAP to be used with the power outlets in your destination. This may include a plug adapter and/or a voltage converter. Your ACFEA Tour Manager will address this in your pre-departure briefing.
Your Courier
On tour, your group will have a courier. This person ensures the activities we have booked go smoothly, to help adapt the itinerary when changes are needed, and to handle emergencies. It is important to note that while couriers might be able to advise on how to deal with an environment or help you make logistical adjustments, they are not allowed to offer individual assistance such as handling luggage or pushing a wheelchair. They may not stay with or monitor a sick or injured person.
If you think any of these issues might present an obstacle for you, please discuss your concern with your group coordinator and your Tour Manager. The more we understand your needs, the better we can help you and prepare you to enjoy your tour.