- 3 days in Hong Kong
- 7 days in New Zealand, North Island
- 16 days in Melbourne, Australia
- 1 overnight stop in Hong Kong to break the journey home
I have always fancied visiting New Zealand, so while so (relatively) close in Australia it seemed a must. I then spent some time looking into suitable half way stops that could tie up with available flights. I eventually settled on Hong Kong after finding the very helpful Discover a Hong Kong tourist site. If you plan to visit I strongly recommend this site as it has detailed information and useful links.
For half of my trip I travelled with my Dad, for company more than anything, but having him there on the outgoing leg of the trip did give me confidence to know I could do it myself on the way home (if with a few members of staff at the airport!). I found that when I was on my own people where happy to help me when I needed it, sometime too keen. Even when I left Melbourne with quite a ridiculous amount of luggage (shopping.....) the staff at the airport could not have been more helpful. from the moment I arrived at check in airline staff assisted all the way. I flew all my long haul flights with Cathy Pacific, and would not hesitate to recommend them. Further posts will detail more about flying.
Plan, Plan, Plan!
As with any trip planning is key, but even more so if you have any kind of special requirements, so take plenty of time to plan! Google is undoubtedly our friend, but also a bit of a minefield, so I will share with you any websites I have found helpful along the way.
Even better than the web is information from a primary source, be remember if you are asking non-disabled friends it important that you ask really specific questions, as they won't see the world the same as you. For instance is it wheelchair accessible is very general question, which a lot of people is all about stairs and being on the ground floor. Ask about step free access, disabled toilets, suitable parking or transport links.
If you asking about accommodation in another country get really specific. The size and facilities vary hugely, and only you know what you really need. My experience on this trip was that an 'accessible' bathroom can be very small! If you need to transfer directly from your wheels then ask about measurements, I stayed in several places that my wheelchair did not fit through the bedroom door way, let alone in to the bathroom, and furniture blocked wheelchair access to the bed. I am fortunate in that I am a part time wheelchair user and so can walk, but if this not you then think carefully about where you go and if you will need assistance. But all of it is doable with the right planning.
For half of my trip I travelled with my Dad, for company more than anything, but having him there on the outgoing leg of the trip did give me confidence to know I could do it myself on the way home (if with a few members of staff at the airport!). I found that when I was on my own people where happy to help me when I needed it, sometime too keen. Even when I left Melbourne with quite a ridiculous amount of luggage (shopping.....) the staff at the airport could not have been more helpful. from the moment I arrived at check in airline staff assisted all the way. I flew all my long haul flights with Cathy Pacific, and would not hesitate to recommend them. Further posts will detail more about flying.
Plan, Plan, Plan!
As with any trip planning is key, but even more so if you have any kind of special requirements, so take plenty of time to plan! Google is undoubtedly our friend, but also a bit of a minefield, so I will share with you any websites I have found helpful along the way.
Even better than the web is information from a primary source, be remember if you are asking non-disabled friends it important that you ask really specific questions, as they won't see the world the same as you. For instance is it wheelchair accessible is very general question, which a lot of people is all about stairs and being on the ground floor. Ask about step free access, disabled toilets, suitable parking or transport links.
If you asking about accommodation in another country get really specific. The size and facilities vary hugely, and only you know what you really need. My experience on this trip was that an 'accessible' bathroom can be very small! If you need to transfer directly from your wheels then ask about measurements, I stayed in several places that my wheelchair did not fit through the bedroom door way, let alone in to the bathroom, and furniture blocked wheelchair access to the bed. I am fortunate in that I am a part time wheelchair user and so can walk, but if this not you then think carefully about where you go and if you will need assistance. But all of it is doable with the right planning.
