Accessible; Inclusive; Travel; Tapuze Travel
The founder of Tapooz Travel shares his tips for making travel more accessible.
Looking at the bigger picture, in our globalized, highly connected world, the ability to easily get from point A to point B by plane is nothing short of miraculous. Aïcha Nyström and Laurent Roffé, founders of travel company Tapooz, want to make that simplicity possible for all travelers by offering customized planning services for travelers with accessibility needs.
The couple founded their Bay Area-based company 11 years ago, but both have backgrounds in the disability community: Roffé is a guide and trainer for people with disabilities, and Nystrom is a ski guide for the blind.
Currently, the company serves over 30 destinations, taking thousands of guests around the world to select destinations and providing experiences customized to each client’s needs.
“We hope that anyone can use a tablet to book an appointment as an able-bodied person,” Roffé said. “The tools are all there. It’s just a matter of time.”
Here are Roffey’s three tips for planning accessible travel.
1. Book an appointment with a specialist
“People in wheelchairs are only a small proportion of the population who need accessibility,” says Roffé. Creating accessible routes requires a much broader scope of work. Tapooz doesn’t take a commission on bookings with partners like travel agencies do, and the couple’s years of experience have given them deep relationships with partners that help make their trips smoother.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
© Aicha Nyström / Tapooz Travel LLC
2. Don’t miss the parks
“The national park system has really done a great job of upgrading and updating, and the Grand Canyon is a great example where the trails are open for people in wheelchairs.” He also notes that Muir Woods and Alcatraz are 100 percent accessible, and they’ll pick you up at the ferry dock. “Don’t overlook the state parks,” he says. “Some of the state parks are comparable in offering this experience.”
Muir Woods
Ian Smith/Unsplash
3. Always call ahead
When it comes to room availability, updates, availability and stock are key, says Lofey. “If you try to book on your own, it’s a complicated process. Many hotels don’t have filters where you can input your requirements. It’s always best to call, confirm your route, then call again to double-check your requirements, especially the day before.”
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