A few months ago, I stumbled upon an inspiring travel blog about a man exploring the globe from his wheelchair. I was instantly captivated by his adventures and his unwavering spirit to overcome limitations. Cory Lee’s story resonated deeply with the core belief of this blog: with determination, anything is possible. Cory exemplifies this perfectly, refusing to let his disability define or restrict his passion for travel.
His story was so compelling that I reached out to Cory to share his experiences and advice for others contemplating accessible travel.
Nomadic Matt: Introduce yourself to our readers.
Cory: Hi everyone, I’m Cory Lee, a 25-year-old travel enthusiast, a huge fan of peanut butter, and the person behind Curb Free With Cory Lee. I grew up in Lafayette, Georgia, a small, quiet town. Thankfully, my mom loved to travel, so we were often on the road.
Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at age two, I’ve used a wheelchair ever since. My wheelchair and I have explored 14 countries, and we’re planning many more adventures. After graduating from the University of West Georgia with a marketing degree, I’ve dedicated myself to growing my website. Beyond travel and blogging, I enjoy concerts, binge-watching Netflix (especially Orange Is The New Black), and trying new cuisines.
What sparked your love for travel?
My mom, being a teacher, had summers off. We spent that time traveling locally, taking numerous road trips along the East Coast. Disney World was a favorite destination. When I turned 15, we ventured internationally to the Bahamas. These trips ignited my passion for travel, showing me the vast world waiting to be explored.
Did you ever feel your disability would hold you back? What motivated you to say, “I’m doing this anyway?”
My mom’s motto was always, “If you can’t stand up, stand out,” and I try to live by it daily. While I may not stand physically, I can stand for my desires, like traveling. I refuse to let a disability limit my world exploration. I’ve never known life differently, so I’ve learned to accept my circumstances and plan accordingly. This mindset is crucial for anyone considering using a Wheelchair For Traveling.
Have you faced challenges? How do you handle negativity?
Yes, especially when I was younger. I recall in elementary school being excluded from a field trip. My fifth-grade class was going to camp, but a teacher said it wasn’t possible for me due to my disability. They assumed I couldn’t participate, so they saw no reason for me to go.
My mom fiercely advocated for me, insisting I would attend and they needed to accommodate all students. That camp trip became one of my best elementary school memories, filled with fun with friends in nature. Naysayers exist, but I’ve learned patience, explaining that while I might do things differently, I can still participate and enjoy experiences to my fullest ability. This experience taught me early on the importance of self-advocacy when considering wheelchair for traveling options.
What are your limitations due to spinal muscular atrophy?
Spinal muscular atrophy weakens my muscles, preventing me from walking and limiting arm movement and transfers. It’s progressive, meaning my abilities might change. This awareness fuels my travel motivation. I might not be able to travel extensively in ten years, so I’m seizing the opportunity now. Understanding these limitations is key to planning safe and enjoyable wheelchair for traveling experiences.
How do you navigate travel logistics?
I always travel with someone, usually my mom or a friend, as solo travel would be nearly impossible. I need assistance with boarding planes, opening doors, and getting into bed. Having a travel companion is invaluable.
I also research the accessibility of attractions and create a flexible itinerary. While many attractions are accessible, transportation is a major hurdle. Modern countries often have accessible buses, trains, and taxis, but this information isn’t always readily available online. I prioritize destinations where I know I can get around easily. Improving access to this information is vital, and I aim to contribute through my website.
Alt text: Cory Lee, a wheelchair user, smiles in his wheelchair in front of ancient ruins, showcasing accessible travel.
In Europe, accessible trains make intercity travel relatively easy. However, in the United States, it’s more challenging and costly due to less reliance on trains. Once, I waited over three hours for an accessible taxi in Los Angeles, wasting precious exploration time. Pre-planning accessible transportation is a cornerstone of successful wheelchair for traveling.
How do you fund your travels? Do you work or save?
I’ve started freelance writing and my website is now generating income. Previously, I was a saving expert. I save every possible dollar for travel and utilize SkyMiles and other points and miles programs. My Delta SkyMiles debit card earns me miles for every dollar spent. I often book family vacations on my card and get reimbursed to maximize mile accumulation.
I also appreciate the Hilton HHonors program, as Hilton is a wheelchair-accessible hotel chain. They offer roll-in showers, spacious rooms, and sometimes even pool lifts. Strategic saving and leveraging travel rewards are essential for making wheelchair for traveling financially feasible.
What happens when things go wrong during your travels?
I’m definitely prone to travel mishaps. If something can go wrong, it probably will with me! I was once on a burning bus in Washington, DC. In Germany, my wheelchair charger blew up, causing a hotel power outage.
The worst incident was in 2007 in Washington, DC. I got severely ill, experiencing vomiting and fainting spells. I was hospitalized for two weeks with severe dehydration and pneumonia, missing half of a conference. Pneumonia is particularly dangerous for people with spinal muscular atrophy, but doctors successfully treated me. Now, I always carry my medication and buy travel insurance.
Things can go wrong anywhere, even at home. Constant worry is unproductive. Embrace the unexpected. Being prepared for emergencies is crucial for peace of mind when wheelchair for traveling. Travel insurance is non-negotiable.
How do you manage in countries that aren’t wheelchair-friendly?
Accessibility varies greatly between countries. I heavily rely on Google and connect with local wheelchair users to assess a destination’s accessibility before booking. Accessible taxis and transportation are essential for me.
Paris was probably the least accessible city I’ve visited. The metro was inaccessible, and only one taxi in the entire city accommodated wheelchair users. We rented it for a day at $600 USD, which was exorbitant but necessary. I learned to pre-book accessible taxis and thoroughly research transportation. Spontaneity is almost impossible as a wheelchair user. Thorough research and planning are paramount when considering wheelchair for traveling to less accessible destinations.
Are there countries you can’t visit?
I used to believe any country was accessible with enough effort, but some are nearly impossible to navigate in a wheelchair. I considered visiting extreme destinations like Iran, North Korea, or Jordan, but found no accessibility information online. Tour companies confirmed they offered no accessible tours. Sometimes, despite the desire, certain destinations are simply not feasible for wheelchair for traveling due to lack of infrastructure and information.
Is wheelchair travel expensive? Are there extra costs?
Yes, it’s significantly more expensive. In Puerto Rico, wheelchair-accessible tours were $200 USD per person, compared to $50 USD for standard tours. Companies justify this with the need for special lifts and modifications. Accessible taxis often also charge more.
While budget travel at $50 USD a day might be impossible in a wheelchair, cost-saving strategies exist. Booking flights and hotels well in advance (+6 months) often yields better deals. Extensive planning is necessary, considering accessibility needs.
Alt text: Cory Lee navigates a European cobblestone street in his wheelchair, showcasing the challenges of accessibility in older cities.
Reward points are invaluable! Saving $400 USD on a flight with SkyMiles can offset the cost of a pricey accessible tour. Strategic use of points and miles can significantly reduce the financial burden of wheelchair for traveling.
What advice do you have for others in similar situations?
Just go for it! It’s easier said than done, but every problem has a solution. If airlines damage your chair, they will fix it. If your chair malfunctions abroad, Google wheelchair repair shops in advance. This helped me when my charger blew up in London. I found a repair shop and got a new charger within hours.
Are there helpful groups or organizations?
Yes, several organizations support accessible travel. Lonely Planet launched a “Travel for All” Google+ community and published the first LP guidebook dedicated to accessibility.
Tarita’s Travel Connections is excellent for accessible trip planning. Tarita, a travel agent with multiple sclerosis, specializes in accessible travel. MobilityWorks rents wheelchair-accessible vans across 33 US states.
For destination-specific accessibility information outside the US, contact local tourism boards.
Cory Lee is a 25-year-old travel addict and blogger at Curb Free with Cory Lee, sharing his wheelchair travel experiences.
Become the Next Success Story
Hearing travel stories is inspiring and shows the diverse ways to explore the world. Cory’s story, along with others, demonstrates that travel is achievable for everyone.
Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks
Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find cheap flights globally.
Book Your Accommodation Hostelworld for hostels and Booking.com for hotels and guesthouses.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Protect yourself with travel insurance for unexpected events.
Want to Travel for Free? Earn points with travel credit cards for free flights and accommodation. See my guide for details.
Need a Rental Car? Discover Cars offers budget-friendly car rentals worldwide.
Need Activities? Get Your Guide for tours, excursions, and tickets.
Ready to Book? Check out my resource page for recommended travel companies.
