Horseback riding, campfires under the stars, rustic but comfortable accommodations, incredible scenery...just some of the amenities that dude ranches offer families looking to get away from the busy city life. However, dude ranches can also be on the list of vacation destinations crossed off the list for families with special needs.
Riding solo on a large horse, uneven terrain that is difficult to navigate with a wheelchair, stairs up to a porch that opens into a cozy (read small and not wheelchair accessible) cabin...what makes dude ranches most attractive also is the major turn-off for families with special needs.
However, if a dude ranch has always been on your bucket list, or you just started reading this post and are now hooked, here are two destinations that are dedicated to helping families with special needs enjoy a dude ranch vacation with the whole family.
STAGECOACH TRAILS RANCH
The vision behind this Arizona dude ranch came from a family who had a daughter in a wheelchair. Because of their personal experience with their daughter, the entire ranch is handicapped accessible. The ranch is set up like an old western town but with plenty of modern adaptations to make it accessible for all guests. Every room and bathroom is accessible with a roll-in shower or ADA tub and hand-held shower. All common areas in the lodge and dining room are wide open and easy to navigate in a wheelchair. Horseback riding is offered, and the ranch offers a variety of accommodations for disabilities, such as a mounting ramp for wheelchairs and adaptive equipment. In addition, all wrangles are familiar with therapeutic riding and the horses are evaluated for the proper temperament. Side walkers or a double rider can be provided for riders with balance issues. The pool is accessible and a chair lift provides easy transitions from chair to the water. In the dining room, the chef is willing to accommodate special dietary requirements with advance knowledge. Bonfires, sing-a-longs, and stargazing are just some more of the activities that give guests a rustic dude ranch experience.
SUNDANCE TRAIL GUEST RANCH
Located in Colorado, this dude ranch provides a smaller feel than some of the larger guest resorts. Accommodating only 24 guests at a time, this ranch offers an intimate atmosphere without skimping on the activities. Completely wheelchair accessible and in partnership with a local medical supplier, Sundance aims to provide families with special needs any accommodations they can to allow every family a great vacation. The chefs are comfortable and familiar with accommodating a variety of special diet requirements including, gluten free, vegan, and various allergies. Advance notification is requested to provide each guest with a variety of options each meal. Another unique feature is their accommodation of the four legged family members as well. Well mannered dogs and horses are welcomed along with the human guests to allow the whole family a fun trip.
If either of these sound like your dream vacation or just sparked your interest, give Trippin' with Jamie a call! We look forward to hearing about how we can help you book a trip for you and your family.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Thursday, July 16, 2015
Not Just Special Needs
If you've been following the Trippin' with Jamie facebook page, THANK YOU!
If you've just stumbled onto this blog, check us out on Facebook and "like" us (please?).
However you found us, we are glad you did! And we want you to know that we want to help you book your next trip. I know...shocker...a travel agent that wants to help you book travel...
So if you have been reading our special needs posts THANK YOU and please continue to spread the word. But -- we are all special and we all have needs, so Trippin' with Jamie is able to help with all your vacation planning, from the quick weekend getaway, to that bucket list cruise to the romantic honeymoon.
In just the past year Trippin' with Jamie has found exceptional hotel values for business travel, planned a multi-generational graduation trip, helped clients enjoy an all-inclusive honeymoon in Mexico, booked a river cruise in Europe, and more!
Whatever you may be planning next, think of us first.
Give us a call and let Trippin' with Jamie go to work for you. All you have to do is enjoy your trip.
For a limited time, refer a friend and get an Amazon gift card! When the friend books through Trippin' with Jamie and leaves on their trip, you get the gift!
If you've just stumbled onto this blog, check us out on Facebook and "like" us (please?).
However you found us, we are glad you did! And we want you to know that we want to help you book your next trip. I know...shocker...a travel agent that wants to help you book travel...
So if you have been reading our special needs posts THANK YOU and please continue to spread the word. But -- we are all special and we all have needs, so Trippin' with Jamie is able to help with all your vacation planning, from the quick weekend getaway, to that bucket list cruise to the romantic honeymoon.
In just the past year Trippin' with Jamie has found exceptional hotel values for business travel, planned a multi-generational graduation trip, helped clients enjoy an all-inclusive honeymoon in Mexico, booked a river cruise in Europe, and more!
Whatever you may be planning next, think of us first.
Give us a call and let Trippin' with Jamie go to work for you. All you have to do is enjoy your trip.
For a limited time, refer a friend and get an Amazon gift card! When the friend books through Trippin' with Jamie and leaves on their trip, you get the gift!
Thursday, July 2, 2015
Autism Friendly Vacation Spots
Trippin' with Jamie understands that planning vacations is not always easy. There are so many variables and moving pieces, it can seem overwhelming. Add in a family member with autism and the challenges become even more complicated. While traveling with special needs may never be easy, the travel industry has been slowly changing to better accommodate families that may require a bit more planning and preparation. We want to highlight a few vacation destinations that have committed to not just accommodating families dealing with autism, but to helping them have the best vacation possible.
Tradewinds Resort:
Located at St. Pete's Beach on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, this resort provides a great autism-friendly destination without the need for a passport. Going above and beyond for families with special needs, all the staff have been through the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities training and Tradewinds has been designated an Autism Friendly business. Families dealing with autism can request a "safety kit" that provides a door alarm and corner cushions to keep all family members safe. The resort is equipped to handle a variety of special diets and are willing to work with families to make sure everyone is accommodated. The children's program has sensory activities for children with autism and a variety of drop-off programs to allow parents some alone time.
Franklyn D. Resort and Spa:
An all-inclusive located in Jamaica, this resort has been recognized as a top travel destination for families with special needs. Upon arrival, each family is assigned a "nanny" for the entire trip. The nanny is available from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm and can be hired for longer if parents would like an evening out. These nannies can provide an extra set of eyes and hands to allow families to enjoy their vacation and give parents some room to relax. During down times, the nanny will keep the rooms clean and tidy and allow families to enjoy their vacation. Family suites provide space for everyone to spread out and relax, but also keep parents close enough to keep an eye on everyone.
Disney:
Disney has been recognized for years for their impeccable service and willingness to go above and beyond for their guests. This mentality does not waver when it comes to families dealing with autism. For families dealing with autism, Disney offers the Disability Access Service Card that allows families to avoid waiting in long lines. If there is a wait of more than 10 minutes for a ride, the attendant will give the DASC holder a return time which allows the family to wait in the shade, go indoors, or enjoy other aspects of the park. In addition, there are multiple break areas located throughout the park to provide a quiet area for relief from over-stimulation. Companion restrooms are also available in select locations which allow the family member with autism to be accompanied in the restroom if assistance is required.
For families dealing with dietary restrictions, Disney has been known to be one of the most accommodating vacation destinations. While the restaurants in the parks and at the resort are able to accommodate most allergies and restrictions, Disney allows guests with special needs to bring in food as needed. In addition, the hotels located at the resort have staff trained and accommodations in place to help accommodate families with special needs. Easy access to the parks and the ability to take breaks mid-day are only some of the benefits staying at the resort offers.
Royal Caribbean Cruises:
The first to offer Autism Friendly Cruising, Royal Caribbean has become a fantastic vacation choice for families with a family member with autism. All youth staff are specially trained on how to best accommodate children with autism, and there are a variety of additional services available for these special needs families. Priority check-in, boarding, and departure allow for families to avoid large crowds and noise, and the cruise staff are capable of handling a wide range of dietary accommodations.
New in 2014, the cruises have started offering autism friendly movies in a low sensory environment with the ability to move around as needed. A toy lending program as well as autism friendly activities are also available to give families multiple options of fun things to do with the entire family. For children ages 3-11, the youth programs allow children with autism to be placed in ability-appropriate groups rather than by age.
Smugglers' Notch Resort:
Located in Vermont, this 4-seasons resort can be a great vacation destination in any weather for families that have a family member with special needs. Specially trained staff are experienced in a variety of special needs including, decreased mobility and autism spectrum disorders, and are willing to work with families to provide the best possible experience.
This resort has a program called the Smugglers' Notch Adaptive Program that focuses on providing vacation activities for children and adults with special needs and their families. In the summer, the program offers swimming, water slides, hiking, crafts, kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing, sing-alongs, and more. Children are able to also attend the children's programming with assistance or can be one-on-one by trained staff. All activities are tailored to the individual and they are able to do as little or as much as possible.
In the winter, the Adaptive Program offers children and adults the opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard with the assistance of specially trained instructors. Students can be taught one-on-one or with two or more additional instructors if needed. They can also take participate in regular lessons with extra assistance from one of the adaptive instructors. Smugglers' Notch provides adaptive equipment which includes mono-skis, bi-skis, a slider, and snowboarding options.
We hope these vacation destinations has sparked your interest! A variety of options for whatever floats your boat (although if you're not interested in cruising, maybe think about a mountain resort or all-inclusive)! We want to help you find the best option for your family, so give us a call! Maybe one of these is shouting your name, or maybe you have a dream destination you've been wishing you could make work. Either way, give us a call and let us help you plan your next (or first) trip!
Tradewinds Resort:
Located at St. Pete's Beach on the Gulf of Mexico in Florida, this resort provides a great autism-friendly destination without the need for a passport. Going above and beyond for families with special needs, all the staff have been through the Center for Autism and Related Disabilities training and Tradewinds has been designated an Autism Friendly business. Families dealing with autism can request a "safety kit" that provides a door alarm and corner cushions to keep all family members safe. The resort is equipped to handle a variety of special diets and are willing to work with families to make sure everyone is accommodated. The children's program has sensory activities for children with autism and a variety of drop-off programs to allow parents some alone time.
Franklyn D. Resort and Spa:
An all-inclusive located in Jamaica, this resort has been recognized as a top travel destination for families with special needs. Upon arrival, each family is assigned a "nanny" for the entire trip. The nanny is available from 9:00 am until 4:30 pm and can be hired for longer if parents would like an evening out. These nannies can provide an extra set of eyes and hands to allow families to enjoy their vacation and give parents some room to relax. During down times, the nanny will keep the rooms clean and tidy and allow families to enjoy their vacation. Family suites provide space for everyone to spread out and relax, but also keep parents close enough to keep an eye on everyone.
Disney:
Disney has been recognized for years for their impeccable service and willingness to go above and beyond for their guests. This mentality does not waver when it comes to families dealing with autism. For families dealing with autism, Disney offers the Disability Access Service Card that allows families to avoid waiting in long lines. If there is a wait of more than 10 minutes for a ride, the attendant will give the DASC holder a return time which allows the family to wait in the shade, go indoors, or enjoy other aspects of the park. In addition, there are multiple break areas located throughout the park to provide a quiet area for relief from over-stimulation. Companion restrooms are also available in select locations which allow the family member with autism to be accompanied in the restroom if assistance is required.
For families dealing with dietary restrictions, Disney has been known to be one of the most accommodating vacation destinations. While the restaurants in the parks and at the resort are able to accommodate most allergies and restrictions, Disney allows guests with special needs to bring in food as needed. In addition, the hotels located at the resort have staff trained and accommodations in place to help accommodate families with special needs. Easy access to the parks and the ability to take breaks mid-day are only some of the benefits staying at the resort offers.
Royal Caribbean Cruises:
The first to offer Autism Friendly Cruising, Royal Caribbean has become a fantastic vacation choice for families with a family member with autism. All youth staff are specially trained on how to best accommodate children with autism, and there are a variety of additional services available for these special needs families. Priority check-in, boarding, and departure allow for families to avoid large crowds and noise, and the cruise staff are capable of handling a wide range of dietary accommodations.
New in 2014, the cruises have started offering autism friendly movies in a low sensory environment with the ability to move around as needed. A toy lending program as well as autism friendly activities are also available to give families multiple options of fun things to do with the entire family. For children ages 3-11, the youth programs allow children with autism to be placed in ability-appropriate groups rather than by age.
Smugglers' Notch Resort:
Located in Vermont, this 4-seasons resort can be a great vacation destination in any weather for families that have a family member with special needs. Specially trained staff are experienced in a variety of special needs including, decreased mobility and autism spectrum disorders, and are willing to work with families to provide the best possible experience.
This resort has a program called the Smugglers' Notch Adaptive Program that focuses on providing vacation activities for children and adults with special needs and their families. In the summer, the program offers swimming, water slides, hiking, crafts, kayaking, horseback riding, rock climbing, sing-alongs, and more. Children are able to also attend the children's programming with assistance or can be one-on-one by trained staff. All activities are tailored to the individual and they are able to do as little or as much as possible.
In the winter, the Adaptive Program offers children and adults the opportunity to learn to ski or snowboard with the assistance of specially trained instructors. Students can be taught one-on-one or with two or more additional instructors if needed. They can also take participate in regular lessons with extra assistance from one of the adaptive instructors. Smugglers' Notch provides adaptive equipment which includes mono-skis, bi-skis, a slider, and snowboarding options.
We hope these vacation destinations has sparked your interest! A variety of options for whatever floats your boat (although if you're not interested in cruising, maybe think about a mountain resort or all-inclusive)! We want to help you find the best option for your family, so give us a call! Maybe one of these is shouting your name, or maybe you have a dream destination you've been wishing you could make work. Either way, give us a call and let us help you plan your next (or first) trip!
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)