From the crepes in France to the waffles of Belgium. My appetite for more led me to the delicious fondue in Switzerland. The crowded architecture in Paris to the lush green fields of Switzerland. From having cheese with bread in a some countries, to having bread with cheese in others. All these countries with common borders are so similar and yet so different. Our trip to Europe this time was special because we had a new member, a mobility scooter. We started our trip from Paris, the fashion capital of the world. A true melting pot, different styles, different cultures, different races. People from all over the world visiting the city of lights, from Jewish Quarter to Eiffel Tower and everything in between. After a week in Paris, our next stop was the home of waffles and chocolates. Belgium may be a small country, but no less beautiful. Brugges is by far the most beautiful small town I have ever visited. After all the wonderful treats Belgium had to offer, and the famous Manneken Pis, we headed off to the lush green and scenic Switzerland. On our way to Switzerland, we made a shortstop at Luxembourg. After visiting Luxembourg aka Gibraltar of the North, we continued our drive to Switzerland, the home of watches, Swiss army knives, breathtaking sceneries, and cheese fondues. Some of the sceneries in the Swiss Alpine region are so beautiful that it almost felt like the work of an artist. While in the Swiss country we also visited Lichtenstein. A microscopic country with a total population of 35,000 people. Driving through the beautiful French Swiss towns of Murten, Neuchatel, Montreux, Veytaux & Lausanne was indeed memorable with rolling vineyards on one side and the blue lake on the other.

15- day Road Trip route covering parts of France, Belgium, Luxembourg and Switzerland

♿ Accessibility Travel Tips

A good planning is absolutely necessary for accessible travel. Here are some of the things that you should do while planning your trip.

  • Book direct flights to destination. If there are connections then ensure that you have enough time in-between. Embarking/disembarking with accessibility challenges takes up valuable time and may result in lost flight or delayed baggage when making connections.
  • Book your plane seats in advance so that you can get preferred seats near the front of the aircraft and close to the accessible restroom. An aisle seat is preferable for more leg space.
  • If you want to rent a scooter or wheelchair for your trip contact http://www.scooters-rascal.com.They can even deliver the scooter to your hotel and also pick it up from your hotel at the end of your trip.
  • If walking long distances is a challenge, call your hotels beforehand and ask them to give you a room close to the elevator or reception.
  • if you are doing a road trip ensure that your hotel has parking. Always call ahead to ensure that your parking spot is reserved.
  • Make sure you understand how to go to the Rental Car location from the airport, given your accessibility challenges.
  • If you are using hand control for driving the car, make sure it can be used in the car that you are given.
  • Restaurants close early in Europe. If eating in a restaurant, plan to be there by 7:30 pm
  • Make sure to carry some local currency for tipping the person who helps with the wheelchair at the airport.
  • If you need wheelchair at the airport, always reconfirm with the flight attendant before landing.
  • If you have a mobility scooter you will need to charge the battery daily. You can do that either in your room or at the hotel reception.
  • The disabled placard from your country is valid in Europe. Make sure to carry it especially if you are driving. Every country has special privileges you can avail them too with yours. (I will be giving info about signs of different country in my next post).
  • If you are driving make sure to always fill the gas before 7:00 pm as most of the gas stations are closed after 7:00pm.The machines are open but sometimes they don’t accept international credit cards.
  • In museums, historical sites and other tourist attractions make sure to call them before your visit. Almost all of them have special arrangements for wheelchair.
  • Some shops may not be accessible from front but they mostly have an alternative route or a makeshift ramp to go inside.