Cory Lee posing for a photo in Copenhagen near the water
Have you ever imagined exploring the globe, unhindered by physical limitations? Meet Cory Lee, a remarkable travel blogger who embodies this very spirit. For years, Cory has been traversing the world in his wheelchair, proving that a disability doesn’t have to define your boundaries. His journey, documented on his blog “Curb Free With Cory Lee,” is a testament to the “I can” attitude, inspiring countless individuals to embrace travel, regardless of their mobility challenges. This article delves into Cory’s story, offering essential insights and advice for anyone considering Travel Wheelchair adventures.
Cory Lee, a 25-year-old travel enthusiast, peanut butter lover, and the driving force behind Curb Free With Cory Lee, hails from the small town of Lafayette, Georgia. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at the age of two, Cory has been a wheelchair user throughout his life. However, far from restricting him, his wheelchair has become a vehicle for exploration. Having visited 14 countries and with many more destinations on his list, Cory exemplifies how to live a fulfilling and adventurous life with a travel wheelchair. A marketing graduate from the University of West Georgia, Cory now dedicates his energy to expanding his website, sharing his experiences and providing valuable resources for accessible travel. Beyond travel blogging, Cory enjoys concerts, indulging in Netflix series like Orange Is The New Black, and discovering new culinary delights.
Cory’s passion for travel was ignited during his childhood, thanks to his mother, a teacher who utilized her summer breaks for family trips. These early road trips along the East Coast and frequent visits to Disney World instilled in Cory a deep appreciation for exploration. At 15, he ventured into international travel with a trip to the Bahamas, an experience that cemented his love for discovering the world beyond familiar horizons. These formative experiences demonstrated the vastness of the world and the endless possibilities that travel offers, even when navigating with a travel wheelchair.
The concept of disability as a limitation was never accepted in Cory’s household. His mother’s empowering mantra, “If you can’t stand up, stand out,” became his guiding principle. This philosophy fueled his determination to challenge perceptions and pursue his dreams, including extensive travel. Cory firmly believes that a disability should not dictate one’s capacity to experience the world. This mindset, coupled with proactive planning and adaptation, has been instrumental in his successful travel wheelchair adventures.
Navigating the world with a travel wheelchair certainly presents unique challenges. During his school years, Cory faced discouraging attitudes, like the time a teacher doubted his ability to attend a fifth-grade camp due to his disability. However, his mother’s advocacy ensured his participation, turning the camp experience into a cherished childhood memory. Such experiences taught Cory resilience and the importance of patient advocacy. He learned to address naysayers by explaining that while his approach might differ, his ability to participate and enjoy experiences remained undiminished.
Spinal muscular atrophy impacts Cory’s muscle strength, preventing him from walking and limiting his arm movement and transfers. The progressive nature of the condition adds a sense of urgency to his travel aspirations. Aware of potential future limitations, Cory is driven to explore the world now, maximizing his current abilities. This awareness fuels his adventurous spirit and reinforces his commitment to experiencing as much as possible with his travel wheelchair.
Effective navigation on the road for Cory involves traveling with a companion, typically his mother or a friend. Solo travel presents significant hurdles due to the assistance he requires with tasks such as boarding planes, opening doors, and getting into bed. Traveling with a companion ensures both practical support and shared experiences.
Prior to each trip, Cory meticulously researches the accessibility of destinations and attractions. He develops a flexible itinerary, prioritizing accessible sites and activities. Transportation poses a significant planning challenge. While some modern countries offer accessible buses, trains, and taxis, information about these services can be difficult to locate. Cory emphasizes the importance of confirming accessible transportation options before committing to a destination, ensuring smooth and reliable mobility upon arrival. He hopes his website contributes to easing this information gap for future travel wheelchair users.
Europe’s accessible train network facilitates relatively easy intercity travel. However, the United States presents greater transportation challenges for wheelchair users, with less developed train infrastructure and reliance on often scarce and expensive accessible taxis. Cory recounts waiting over three hours for an accessible taxi in Los Angeles, highlighting the significant time costs and frustrations of inadequate accessible transportation in some cities.
To fund his travels, Cory has become adept at saving and leveraging travel rewards programs. Initially relying on freelance writing and now generating income from his growing website, Cory prioritizes travel in his budget. He strategically utilizes airline miles and hotel loyalty programs, such as Delta SkyMiles and Hilton HHonors. The Delta SkyMiles debit card allows him to accumulate miles with everyday spending, and he maximizes rewards by booking family travel on his card and receiving reimbursement. Hilton’s commitment to wheelchair accessibility, featuring roll-in showers, spacious rooms, and pool lifts in many locations, makes it a preferred hotel chain for Cory.
Travel inevitably involves uncertainties, and Cory has had his share of mishaps. From a bus fire in Washington, D.C., to a wheelchair charger explosion in Germany that caused a hotel power outage, he’s experienced unexpected travel disruptions. In a more serious incident in Washington, D.C., Cory developed severe dehydration and pneumonia during a conference, requiring a two-week hospitalization. This experience underscored the importance of preparedness. Now, Cory always travels with his medications and comprehensive travel insurance. He emphasizes that unexpected events can occur anywhere, even at home, and encourages travelers to embrace the unpredictable nature of travel rather than being deterred by potential “what ifs.”
When it comes to destinations with varying levels of wheelchair accessibility, Cory employs thorough research. He utilizes online resources and connects with local wheelchair users to assess the accessibility of a location before booking. This proactive approach ensures he chooses destinations that can accommodate his travel wheelchair needs. He cites Paris as one of the least accessible cities he has visited. The city’s metro system was largely inaccessible, and accessible taxis were extremely limited and expensive. During one trip, renting the only available accessible taxi for a day cost $600 USD. This experience reinforced the necessity of pre-booking accessible transportation and conducting in-depth accessibility research before traveling to less wheelchair-friendly destinations. Spontaneity in travel planning is often a luxury unavailable to travel wheelchair users.
While Cory initially believed any country could be made accessible with enough effort, he acknowledges that some destinations pose insurmountable challenges for wheelchair users. Exploring options in countries like Iran, North Korea, or Jordan revealed a stark lack of accessible tourism infrastructure and information. Despite contacting numerous tour operators, he found no accessible tour options available for these destinations. This highlighted the reality that some parts of the world are currently inaccessible for travel wheelchair users due to infrastructural and logistical limitations.
Travel with a disability often incurs higher costs. Cory notes that accessible tours can be significantly more expensive than standard tours. In Puerto Rico, for example, an accessible tour cost him $200 USD, compared to $50 USD for a regular tour. Companies often justify these higher prices by citing the need for specialized equipment like wheelchair lifts on vans and vehicle modifications. Accessible taxis in many locations also operate with premium pricing. While budget travel on a very low daily amount might be challenging with a travel wheelchair, Cory employs strategies to mitigate expenses. Booking flights and accommodations well in advance (over six months ahead) often yields better deals. He also emphasizes the crucial role of travel rewards points in offsetting higher accessibility-related costs. Savings from flight rewards, for instance, can help cover the expense of pricier accessible tours.
Cory’s advice to others in similar situations is a resounding “go for it.” He acknowledges that this is easier said than done but stresses that solutions exist for every challenge. He advises proactive problem-solving, such as researching wheelchair repair shops in advance of travel, a tip that proved invaluable when his wheelchair charger malfunctioned in London. Having a prepared list of repair services allowed him to quickly resolve the issue and continue his trip without significant disruption.
Cory highlights several valuable resources for the accessible travel community. Lonely Planet’s “Travel for All” initiative and their accessibility-focused guidebook are excellent resources. Tarita’s Travel Connections, a travel agency specializing in accessible travel planning, offers expert assistance. MobilityWorks, a wheelchair-accessible van rental company with locations across 33 US states, provides crucial transportation solutions within the United States. For destination-specific accessibility information outside the US, Cory recommends contacting local tourism boards, which can often provide valuable guidance and resources.
Cory Lee’s journey is a powerful reminder that travel with a wheelchair is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. His experiences and advice offer practical guidance and inspiration for anyone dreaming of exploring the world, regardless of mobility challenges. Embrace the spirit of adventure, plan diligently, and discover the world of accessible travel with your travel wheelchair.
