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There’s something uncannily freeing about taking a road trip that appeals to the spinal cord injured individual. It takes you out of your daily routine, you’re always in a new place and it lifts the heaviness of your injury off of you for a bit. There are however some definite skills to learn before going on a road trip if you use a wheelchair.
From how to sleep comfortably in your van if you’re a serious roadtripper on a budget to where to stay to save the most money if you’d rather stay in a hotel, the videos below will share these insightful tips from individuals with spinal cord injuries and other disabilities. Read on and start planning you summertime road trip before summer is gone!
Video #1: Cross-country paralyzed roadtripper explores town in Maine
Possibly one of my favorite video bloggers ever is Jordan, a mid-20’s paraplegic who was injured while snowboarding as a teenager. He’s become addicted to road trips since his injury, and he’s made hundreds of videos (long ones) profiling his travels all around of the beautiful US of A.
In this video, Jordan has just arrived in a town in Maine called Oceanpoint and is waking up in his van to start the day. Jordan is one serious roadtripper, and knows how to save money, which is why he sleeps in his van every night (along with his dog Nora). The only problem – finding a place to park every night so you can sleep.
Watch as he shares his tricks for finding places to park overnight (without getting a citation) and as he tries to find the sunrise after waking up, explores a beach in town with his dog and then visits Walmart to return a camera with reverb problems. It feels like you’re right there with him, and I absolutely loved his bit about walking sticks (“Even wheelchair-users like them!” heh).
Watch: Jordan explores Oceanpoint, Maine with his dog Nora
Video #2: A road trip to Bakersfield (yes Bakersfield) + a hotel deal
It you’ll be in the California area this summer, think about traveling to Bakersfield. I know, sounds crazy, but as it turns out it’s not only very accessible but there are a lot of cool things you can do here. The video we’re showing comes from “The World of Wheels” travel video series, and they’re all hosted by Mr. Timmy, a young man with cerebral palsy.
In his Bakersfield road trip video, he shares a lot of helpful information, especially when it comes to a great hotel deal. He and his family like to stay at the Springhill Suites which offer two rooms (a separate living room and bedroom), they’re quite accessible, you get a full breakfast each morning and you can stay in one for under $80/night (usually). AWESOME tip.
He also shows the tourist sites in Bakersfield – the Crystal Palace, accessible trails by the river, the Kern County Museum, stock car racing and tasty margaritas at Mexicali. And if you like to laugh, then you should watch this video even more. Mr. Timmy is without question one of the funniest vloggers out there right now.
Watch: Travel to Bakersfield with Mr. Timmy
Video #3: Paralyzed pastor’s first solo road trip, and she’s pumped
Our last video comes from Alicia Reagan, who has been a T10 paraplegic since 2009. She and her husband have four kids as well, and they both work as pastors. In her video, watch as she gets packed and ready to go, and then goes on her road trip (with her camera fixed to the dashboard). You just have to love Alicia’s attitude. So eager to move on and be just as strong as she was before.
Watch: Alicia takes off on her first road trip since her injury
If you don’t have the money to fly this summer, but you still have the travel itch, seriously consider going on a road trip. What have you got to lose? There are thousands of places to discover in this country, which you’ll see once you’re deep in on country roads, and the best part – still super fun from a wheelchair.
Have you gone on a solo road trip since your injury?
Watch the videos!
– Epic paraplegic road trip maestro Jordan camping out in his van in Oceanpoint, ME
ideas@spinalpedia.com
