Accessible Travel for All

Helping families with disabilities explore the world together

Episode 109 – The Family Vacationer with Rob and Danny

This week, we’re kicking off 2023 with a conversation that’s close to the heart—and essential for so many families. We’re joined by Jennifer Allen, founder of the blog Wonders Within Reach, to talk about accessible travel for families with children with disabilities. From wheelchair accessibility and air travel logistics to shifting expectations and embracing new travel rhythms, Jennifer shares the hard-earned wisdom and encouragement that every family deserves.

🎙️ In this episode:

• Jennifer’s personal story of adoption and receiving a life-changing diagnosis
• Why the biggest travel hurdle isn’t logistics—it’s mindset
• What makes destinations like Disney and Niagara Falls great starting points for accessible family trips
• Tips for researching accessibility online and why phone calls still matter
• How travel helps build empathy, confidence, and life perspective for all kids—regardless of ability

🧭 Jennifer offers guidance on:

• Navigating flying with a pediatric wheelchair
• Planning around accessibility (bathrooms, transportation, trails, equipment)
• How to ask better questions when websites don’t give enough info
• Why flexibility is as important as planning
• The emotional side of parenting a child with a disability, and how travel helps heal and empower

🌍 A few favorite family destinations mentioned:

• Austria (yes, just riding the train is magical)
• Niagara Falls (yes, it’s more accessible than you think!)
• Altoona, Pennsylvania (yes, because of fried mac and cheese bites)
• Paris, Yosemite, San Francisco, and five European countries—all doable with planning and patience

💬 “Disability doesn’t mean the end of adventure. It’s just a different map.” – Jennifer Allen

👩‍💻 More from Jennifer:

Check out WondersWithinReach.com for destination guides, accessibility tips, and thoughtful articles for families traveling with special needs. Her blog is one of the only family-focused accessibility travel resources on the internet—and it’s full of practical help and honest encouragement.

🎧 Subscribe to The Family Vacationer wherever you get your podcasts, and watch full episodes on YouTube. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok: @thefamilyvacationer