Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
forfeit your nonrefundable round-trip ticket, you may be out big
bucks.
6 Specialized Travel Resources
FOR TRAVELERS WITH DISABILITIES
One of the best Irish-based online resources is www.disability.ie .
Click on the “holidays” button for good advice on traveling in
Ireland with a disability, and companies that specialize in helping
travelers with disabilities.
You can join the Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality
( SATH; & 212/447-7284; www.sath.org) to gain access to their
vast network of connections in the travel industry. Membership
requires a tax-deductible contribution of $45 annually for adults,
$30 for seniors and students.
Finding accessible lodging can be tricky in Ireland. Unfortu-
nately, many of the older hotels, small guesthouses, and landmark
buildings still have steps both outside and within. The National
Rehabilitation Board of Ireland, 24-25 Clyde Rd., Ballsbridge,
Dublin 4 ( & 01/608-0400 ), publishes several guides, the best
of which is Guide to Accessible Accommodations in Ireland. Also,
O'Mara Travel (disability@omara-travel.com), in association with
the Disability.ie website (see above), often offers special deals on
accommodations to travelers with disabilities.
Travelers with vision impairments should contact the American
Foundation for the Blind ( & 800/232-5463 ) for information on
traveling with Seeing Eye dogs.
The Irish Wheelchair Association, 24 Blackheath Dr., Clontarf,
Dublin 3 ( & 01/833-8241; www.iwa.ie), loans free wheelchairs to
travelers in Ireland. A donation is appreciated. If you plan to travel
by train in Ireland, be sure to check out Iarnrod Eireann's website
( www.irishrail.ie ), which includes services for travelers with dis-
abilities. A Mobility Impaired Liaison Officer ( & 01/703-2634 )
can arrange assistance for travelers with disabilities if given 24-hour
notice prior to the departure time.
FOR SENIORS
One of the benefits of age is that travel often costs less. Always bring
a photo ID, especially if you've kept your youthful glow. Also men-
tion the fact that you're a senior when you first make your travel
reservations, since many airlines and hotels offer discount programs
for senior travelers.
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