An Introduction
To myself, the company, and the blog
Becoming disabled has taken away a lot of things in my life, but I refuse to let it take away my ability to wander.
Introducing...
…Myself
In 2022, I developed viral-induced POTS and Gastroparesis from a COVID infection while on my honeymoon in Italy (a wonderful Mediterranean cruise on the then-largest ship, Wonder of the Seas). This changed the way I looked at cruising and vacationing significantly. It changed the way I looked at COVID and the world significantly. Planning became more difficult. Not only did I have to worry about COVID infections from airplanes and ships (or anywhere, for that matter), I also had to worry about my mobility and fatigue issues. Would I need a cane or a wheelchair? What would I pack? What if an emergency happened, and I needed access to healthcare in a non-English-speaking country?
Since my diagnosis, I have been on one cruise and multiple flights. I will also travel on the wonderful new Brilliant Lady with Virgin Voyages in September. I have learned a lot. But mostly, I have learned that a lot of people in the disabled community believe that they can’t travel, either due to physical impairments or immunodeficiency. It took a lot of time and research, from calling specific ports to make sure they were wheelchair accessible to figuring out how to eat on a cruise ship with minimal risk of infection, to realize that I could travel safely. Becoming disabled has taken away a lot of things in my life, but I refuse to let it take away my ability to wander.
I want to make vacations as easy as possible for others in the disabled community, particularly for people who are still COVID-cautious. I believe that is an untapped market. At the same time, I have been trying to find extra work that is flexible enough for me to work with my current part-time job and be able to take breaks during my chronic illness flares. Enter: Accessible Escapes LLC.
…My Company
Accessible Escapes LLC aims to make travel more accessible by creating custom, worry-free itineraries unique to travelers' needs. Particularly, I specialize in those who need mobility assistance, are immunocompromised or virus-conscious, or have allergies. I also specialize in cruises and am expanding my knowledge of group travel and local vacation rentals (for those who can’t travel on a plane) as I write. However, all travelers are welcome.
If the licensing gods cooperate, my goal is to be able to start taking on clients by June 1st. You will be able to book an appointment at accessibleescapes.org (the site should be live within the next three weeks) or by email at Jennifer@accessibleescapes.org.
…And the Blog
First off, thank you to the eight amazing people who have subscribed to this Substack without me being active on it at all. Are you bots? Maybe. But I’m choosing to believe that you are real, live human beings.
Secondly, welcome to the blog! Accessible Escapes with Jenn will feature once-a-month blog posts on accessibility, Covid-safe travel tips, and reviews about the accessibility of specific vendors and locations (such as hotels, cities, group tours, or cruises).
If you came from my other Substack, know that I aim to be way more consistent than on my personal account. You can expect my next post, “Top Ten Items to Bring When Travelling with POTS (or my travelling journey while disabled so far)” by Monday, May 19th. Posts will be available on the 3rd Monday of the month.
Eventually, a paid option will be added that allows you to get updates about my own personal travel, including reviews of places that I have been to and behind-the-scenes access to the travel agent world. I will also add affiliate links. So, if you find that you want to go on vacation but don’t feel like you need a travel agent, you can book yourself, and I will still receive commission at no cost to you.
I always welcome feedback. If there is a topic you want me to cover, please let me know!
Does my next vacation on the new Brilliant Lady sound enticing? For a short time, you can book any Brilliant Lady sailing out of NYC and receive a free stay at Virgin Hotels the night before departure. Hurry, the offer can end at any time! Click Book Now or send me an email.
This sounds ikea a really interesting venture! I also have LC and virus-consciousness plays a big role in any trips I make with my family. Looking forward to reading the upcoming posts!