Wheelchair Wanderer: Cory Lee's Inspiring Journey and Tips for Accessible Travel

Cory Lee posing for a photo in Copenhagen near the water

Several months ago, I stumbled upon a travel blog penned by a remarkable individual who journeys across the globe in a wheelchair. I was instantly captivated, spending hours immersed in his stories and adventures. There’s something incredibly inspiring about people who defy limitations and embrace the “I can” spirit. Cory Lee perfectly embodies this philosophy, proving that determination can pave the way for incredible experiences, regardless of physical challenges. His story is a testament to the power of will, and I was eager to invite Cory to share his insights and advice for those contemplating Travel In A Wheelchair.

Nomadic Matt: Cory, please tell us a bit about yourself.

Cory: Hi everyone! I’m Cory Lee, a 25-year-old travel enthusiast, self-proclaimed peanut butter aficionado, and the person behind Curb Free With Cory Lee. I grew up in the small, somewhat uneventful town of Lafayette, Georgia. However, my mom instilled a love for travel in me from a young age, and we frequently embarked on adventures together.

I was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at age two and have used a wheelchair ever since. My wheelchair and I have explored 14 countries so far, with many more destinations on our travel bucket list. After graduating from the University of West Georgia with a marketing degree last year, I’ve dedicated myself to growing my website and sharing my accessible travel experiences. Beyond travel blogging, I enjoy attending concerts, binge-watching shows on Netflix (currently obsessed with Orange Is The New Black), and discovering new culinary delights.

What sparked your passion for travel?

My mom, being a teacher, had summers off, which we fully utilized for travel. We explored locally and took numerous road trips along the East Coast. Disney World was always a favorite destination. When I turned 15, we ventured into international travel with a trip to the Bahamas. These early trips ignited my love for exploring the world and revealed the vastness and diversity it holds.

Did you ever feel that your disability would restrict your travel aspirations? What motivated you to overcome that perception?

My mom’s motto has always been, “If you can’t stand up, stand out,” and I try to live by that every day. While I may not be able to stand physically, I can stand for my passions, and travel is definitely one of them. I firmly believe that a disability should not dictate my boundaries when it comes to seeing the world. I refuse to let that thought even take root.

Having lived with my disability my entire life, I’ve learned to accept my circumstances and plan my life, including my travels, accordingly. It’s about adapting and finding solutions, not focusing on limitations.

Have you faced challenges due to this mindset? How do you handle negativity or skepticism?

Yes, there have been challenges, particularly when I was younger. I vividly recall in elementary school being excluded from a fifth-grade field trip to a camp. A teacher stated it wouldn’t be possible for me to attend due to my disability, assuming I wouldn’t be able to participate in any activities.

My mom was rightfully furious and immediately asserted that I would be going and that accommodations needed to be made for every student, regardless of their physical abilities.

That camp trip actually became one of my most cherished childhood memories. I had an amazing time with my friends, exploring the outdoors for a few days. There will always be naysayers, but I’ve learned to be patient and explain that while I may do things differently, I can still fully participate and enjoy experiences to the best of my abilities. Education and open communication are key to overcoming these misconceptions about travel in a wheelchair.

What are the specific limitations posed by your disability when you travel?

Spinal muscular atrophy weakens my muscles, preventing me from walking and limiting my arm strength and ability to transfer independently. It’s also a progressive condition, meaning my muscle strength may decline over time. This awareness fuels my motivation to travel now.

While I may not have the same physical capabilities in the future, I’m determined to experience as much as possible while I can. This urgency drives my passion for travel and accessible exploration.

How do you manage mobility and transportation while traveling?

I always travel with a companion, usually my mom or a close friend, as solo travel in a wheelchair would be extremely challenging. I require assistance with tasks like boarding planes, opening doors, and getting into bed. Having someone there is invaluable.

Planning ahead is crucial. I research the accessibility of attractions and transportation options at my destination before booking anything. While many tourist sites and museums are becoming more accessible, transportation remains a significant hurdle when planning accessible travel. In many European countries, accessible public transport like buses, trains, and taxis are more readily available, but finding this information online can still be tricky. I generally avoid destinations where I’m unsure about accessible transportation.

Improving access to this information is something I’m passionate about and actively working towards through my blog.

Within Europe, the train systems are often quite accessible, making intercity travel relatively straightforward. However, in the United States, it’s less train-centric and accessible options can be scarcer and more expensive.

I once waited over three hours for an accessible taxi in Los Angeles, which is a significant chunk of time lost from exploring. Pre-planning and verifying accessible transportation are vital aspects of travel in a wheelchair.

How do you finance your travels? Do you work or rely on savings?

I’ve recently started freelance writing, and my blog is now generating some income as well. However, in the past, I’ve become quite adept at saving money. I diligently save every possible dollar specifically for travel. I also leverage travel rewards programs like SkyMiles and other points and miles initiatives. I use the Delta SkyMiles debit card, earning miles for every purchase.

I often book family vacations or other expenses on my card, getting reimbursed by family members, to accumulate miles quickly. I also favor the Hilton Honors program, as Hilton is generally a very wheelchair-accessible hotel brand. They frequently offer roll-in showers, spacious rooms, and sometimes even pool lifts, which greatly enhance the experience of travel in a wheelchair.

What about unexpected issues? What happens when things go wrong during your trips?

Trust me, I seem to attract travel mishaps! If something can go wrong, it often does for me. I’ve been on a burning bus in Washington, DC. In Germany, my wheelchair battery charger blew up spectacularly, causing sparks and a hotel-wide power outage for about 15 minutes, even with a converter!

The most serious incident was in 2007 in Washington, D.C. I was attending the Global Young Leaders Conference and fell ill on July 4th. I experienced severe vomiting and repeated fainting spells. My mom rushed me to the hospital, where I was admitted for two weeks, unfortunately missing the second half of the conference.

Besides severe dehydration, I had also developed pneumonia, which can be life-threatening for individuals with spinal muscular atrophy. Thankfully, doctors effectively treated me, including draining fluid from my lungs – not a pleasant experience, but it worked. Now, I always travel with my necessary medications and comprehensive travel insurance.

The reality is, things can go wrong even at home. Constantly worrying about “what ifs” is unproductive. Embrace the unexpected aspects of travel; it’s part of the adventure.

How do you navigate countries that may not be very accessible or wheelchair friendly?

Accessibility levels definitely vary significantly between countries. Some countries are far more wheelchair friendly than others. I rely heavily on Google and connect with other wheelchair users who have traveled to the destinations I’m considering. Their insights help me assess accessibility before booking a trip. Accessible transportation is paramount, so I prioritize destinations with accessible taxis and public transit.

Paris stands out as the least accessible city I’ve visited. The metro was inaccessible, and there was only one wheelchair-accessible taxi in the entire city. We ended up hiring that single taxi for a full day, costing us around $600 USD. It was incredibly expensive, but we had very limited options. That experience taught me the importance of booking accessible transportation well in advance and conducting thorough research beforehand.

Spontaneity is almost impossible when you travel in a wheelchair. Detailed planning and pre-booking are essential for smooth accessible travel.

Are there countries you feel are simply off-limits due to accessibility challenges?

Initially, I believed that any country could be made somewhat accessible with enough effort. However, I’ve come to realize that some destinations are nearly impossible to navigate in a wheelchair. When researching trips to more off-the-beaten-path places like Iran, North Korea, or Jordan with a friend, I couldn’t find any accessibility information online. I even contacted numerous tour companies, inquiring about accessible tours, but they all indicated that none were available.

Is travel more expensive when you have a disability? Are there extra costs or necessary precautions?

Yes, accessible travel is often significantly more expensive. For example, in Puerto Rico last year, standard tours were around $50 USD per person, while accessible tours cost $200 USD per person. The justification is usually the need for specialized vehicles with lifts and other modifications. Accessible taxis in many places also charge higher rates.

While budget travel on $50 USD a day might not be realistic when you travel in a wheelchair, there are ways to mitigate costs. Booking flights and accommodations well in advance (6+ months) often yields better deals. Planning also takes longer as accessibility needs must be considered at every step.

Travel rewards points are invaluable! Saving $400 USD on a flight using SkyMiles can offset the cost of an expensive accessible tour, making travel in a wheelchair more financially feasible.

What advice would you offer to others in a similar situation who dream of traveling?

My biggest piece of advice is: just go for it! It’s easier said than done, but for every challenge, there’s a solution. If an airline damages your wheelchair, they are responsible for fixing it. If your wheelchair malfunctions while traveling, utilize Google to find wheelchair repair shops in the area beforehand. This was incredibly helpful when my charger broke in London. I consulted my pre-prepared list, contacted a shop, and had a new charger within hours.

Don’t let fear of the unknown hold you back from experiencing the world. With proper planning and a proactive approach, travel in a wheelchair is absolutely achievable.

Are there any helpful organizations or resources you would recommend for accessible travel?

Yes, there are several fantastic resources. Lonely Planet launched a “Travel for All” Google+ community (now likely transitioned to another platform) and is committed to promoting accessible tourism. They even published the first-ever Lonely Planet guidebook dedicated to accessible travel, which is a significant step forward.

Tarita’s Travel Connections is excellent if you need help planning accessible trips. Tarita, a travel agent with multiple sclerosis, has firsthand experience and expertise in planning accessible itineraries. MobilityWorks is a great company that rents wheelchair-accessible vans in 33 states across the US, which is very useful for domestic travel.

For destination-specific accessibility information outside the US, contacting the local tourism board is often the best approach. They can provide valuable guidance and resources for travel in a wheelchair.

Cory Lee is a 25-year-old travel enthusiast and recent college graduate. Driven by his passion for exploration, he created his wheelchair travel blog, Curb Free with Cory Lee, to share his global adventures from a wheelchair user’s perspective and inspire others to embrace accessible travel.

Become the Next Success Story

Hearing travel stories from others is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work. These stories not only inspire me but, more importantly, they inspire you, the readers. My travel style is just one of many ways to explore the world. These stories demonstrate that there are diverse paths to funding your trips and achieving your travel dreams, proving that travel is within everyone’s reach. Here are more inspiring travel stories from our community:

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find affordable flights using Skyscanner. It’s my preferred search engine because it compares fares from numerous airlines and websites globally, ensuring you’ve explored all options.

Book Your Accommodation For hostels, Hostelworld is a great resource. If you prefer alternatives to hostels, Booking.com consistently offers competitive rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Wheelchair Wanderer: Cory Lee’s Inspiring Journey and Tips for Accessible Travel

Become the Next Success Story

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

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