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Travel + Leisure
16-07-2025
- Travel + Leisure
11 Genius Accessories Wheelchair Users Swear by for Easier, Safer, and Much More Comfortable Travel—From $12
Traveling always offers the possibility of problems, but for those who face the challenges as a wheelchair user, the process could be a bit more daunting. The tourism industry is making great strides to improve accessibility for travelers with disabilities, such as wheelchair-friendly beaches and major hotel chains that prioritize accessibility features. This does provide some peace of mind, but planning for the possibility of unforeseen events is key. Whether it's a gel seat cushion for a more comfortable experience or a universal adapter to ensure your wheelchair battery stays charged no matter what country you're in, there are a few key products that will make traveling smoother and more enjoyable. I spoke with three accessibility travel experts who drew upon their own experiences to share helpful products for other wheelchair users: Jordana Izzo, Director of Accessible Travel with Travelmation; content creator Chelsea Bear, who shares her personal experiences of living with cerebral palsy; and travel agent David Lyons-Black, who is a wheelchair user and specializes in accessible travel. Here are the top travel products they recommend, along with some advice for preparing for possible mishaps. For long stretches of travel time, Izzo recommends packing a gel seat cushion. 'For those longer periods of time in a chair, proper support is needed,' she shares. '[A gel cushion] is a great breathable option, especially in hot climates.' The honeycomb design of this cushion allows air to circulate throughout the thick mattress, keeping it cooler for longer, which will help with overall comfort. The detachable seat cover is easy to clean and provides a protective barrier to help the cushion last longer. 'For my own peace of mind while traveling, I like to keep an Apple AirTag in the pocket of my mobility scooter and any checked luggage I have, so I can make sure it all boards the plane,' Bear explains. 'There have been a lot of issues with airports mishandling mobility devices or even misplacing them, so being able to track my mobility scooter's location helps ease my anxiety.' If you have multiple bags that could use an AirTag, consider a four-pack of Apple AirTags at Amazon for under $75. These handy devices work by connecting with your iPhone's Find My app to show you exactly where your items are, and reviewers praise how easy they are to set up. If you're not an Apple user, there are Android-friendly Bluetooth trackers to shop as well for tracking your belongings. For convenience and organization, add a side seat bag to any outing. Izzo chose this five-pocket model that works with wheelchairs, walkers, and electric scooters. 'These side bags are super incredible for easy access to immediate necessity items, phone, tickets, sunglasses, wallet, water bottles, and more,' she notes. A best-seller at Amazon, this bag is available in a variety of patterns and is made from heavy-duty nylon with adjustable straps so you can get the perfect fit. At less than $20, this side bag will keep your essentials close by for easy convenience. Bear considers compression socks, like her go-to Bombas compression socks, a necessity when flying. 'These are a must with air travel to help keep swelling down in my legs from the pressure and being seated for a long time,' she shares. Reviewers also swear by these Charmking compression socks at Amazon that reduce swelling by providing 15 to 20 mmHg of compression with a stretchy, flexible design for all-day comfort. In order to keep a hotel door open while adding luggage, a door stopper can be a good substitute for those solo travelers. This foldable, long-handle door stop can be a lifesaver. Lyons-Black relies on this product during his trips. 'This helps keep the room door open when traveling alone and bringing luggage into the room,' he shares. The long, adjustable handle eliminates the need to bend down and position the door stop, and the non-slip base works on a variety of floors like carpet, hardwood, and tile. There's always an uneasy feeling when a cell phone's battery is low. While some travel locations might have courtesy charging outlets, it's best to be prepared with a portable power bank. No matter where you are, these are ideal for charging phones and other electronics while on the go. Small enough to fit in a purse, backpack, or a chair's side seat bag, these little boxes provide big power. Bear never leaves home without her Anker portable charger. 'I use my phone a lot when traveling, whether it's to research whether or not a restaurant is accessible, getting directions, making phone calls to coordinate accessible transportation, or taking photos,' Bear says. 'I heavily rely on my phone, especially in the event of an emergency.' Traveling with the portable power from Anker gives her the peace of mind to know she won't ever have to worry about a dying cell phone battery. Small enough to be stowed away in a suitcase but strong enough for any needed support, these portable shower handles are ideal for entering and exiting a tub shower combo at the hotel—or any other time you need a little extra support. They simply suction onto the wall, so they can be placed next to the toilet, bed, or any other location. 'These hand bars are great for situations where you might need extra support other than what may or may not be provided in an accessible room or a standard hotel room,' Izzo stated. 'The suction cups cause no damage and can be reused.' This adaptive JanSport backpack has been a game-changer for Bear while traveling because of its smart design. 'It's very spacious, and I love the accessible zippers and dual side grab handles with additional attachment points,' Bear says. 'It allows me to easily hang the backpack in different areas of my mobility scooter without having to readjust.' With backrest loops, anchor straps, and spacious interior organization, this adaptive pack is spacious to hold essentials and then some, and it comes in a variety of colors. 'I can safely keep all of my essentials with me, whether I use it as my carry-on for a flight or for a day of sightseeing,' Bear adds. If you need electricity for charging your mobility device, Bear suggests packing a universal travel adapter, like this best-selling one from Epicka. 'This is essential when traveling internationally,' Bear states. 'I always make sure to double-check my mobility scooter's label to see if it's dual voltage or not to ensure I pack the right combo.' The Epicka adapter has four plug types that can accommodate the socket plugs of over 200 countries. However, you'll need to double-check your device's voltage and that of your adapter to ensure there aren't any issues when charging abroad. Lyons-Black also suggests being prepared for potential setbacks like a flat tire or needing to replace a tire inner tube. Basic tools, like this 25-piece folding Allen wrench set, will help if you need to conduct some maintenance. Make sure you have spares on hand, like an extra inner tube, 'as not all shops will have your specific size in stock,' Lyons-Black shares. A small portable pump will also help fill low tires or inflate a tire after an inner tube replacement. Additionally, Lyons-Black offers some travel tips to help keep travel trips running smoothly. For times of traveling over loose gravel or sand, a freewheel attached in front will help it roll through loose gravel or sand. Additionally, he recommends carrying a few spare parts, such as front casters and/or a joystick for a power chair. Finally, you'll want to conduct a quick Google search to find wheelchair repair shops in the destination that you are heading to, in case you need them. This will give you peace of mind in case something happens, and you need a repair shop service. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
New York Post
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Gen Z's ‘townsizing' is drastically shaking up travel trends — these are the most popular ‘quaint' US towns
As Americans begin to embark on their summer vacations, a new travel trend has people seeking 'quaint' destinations. Priceline released its annual travel trends report for 2025 — and one trend, 'townsizing,' is giving some under-the-radar destinations the limelight. Advertisement 'Americans are seeking simplicity and will travel to find it,' the press release notes. People are opting 'for quaint, comfy respites in America's small towns.' 'The trend toward small towns offers different benefits for different generations,' it adds. 'While boomers are most likely to feel that small towns are more relaxing, Gen Z is 'townsizing' as a way to indulge in the charming, quaint moments depicted in their most comforting movies.' Gen Z is 89% more likely than average travelers to seek out a vacation that offers a 'Nancy Meyers lifestyle,' according to the report. Advertisement 4 Gen Z is 89% more likely than average travelers to seek out a vacation that offers a 'Nancy Meyers lifestyle,' according to a report depicting travel trends. Fokke Baarssen – Destinations such as Old Saybrook, Connecticut; North Wildwood, New Jersey; and Cape Cod in Massachusetts are examples of quieter towns that encompass the coastal movie charm in many of Meyers' movies. The report adds that 67% of Gen Z are 'more likely to see a vacation as an opportunity to live out their small-town fantasies.' 'These types of trips are for people who want to sit back, relax and take their time exploring the local shops and restaurants of a quiet area – away from the hustle and bustle of a big city,' Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Travelmation, told Fox News Digital. Advertisement 4 'These types of trips are for people who want to sit back, relax and take their time exploring the local shops and restaurants of a quiet area,' Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Travelmation, said. Mark Lotterhand – 4 The report says 67% of Gen Z are 'more likely to see a vacation as an opportunity to live out their small-town fantasies.' Anela R/ – Indiana-based travel adviser at Travelmation, Amy Thomasson, told Fox News Digital she is seeing the trend spark near her home. 'The New Baden/French Lick area is a perfect example of townsizing,' said Thomasson. Advertisement 'These travelers are less interested in ticking off the boxes of what everyone says they should do on vacation and instead turning to more experiential trips where they can make memories in a new and exciting location,' she added. 4 Old Saybrook, Connecticut is a quieter town that encompasses the coastal movie charm in many of Nancy Meyers' movies. Gregory – Thomasson says she's noticed the trend become very popular with more clients seeking easy weekend getaways. 'They are looking for a place they can easily drive to that has good hotel options and fun things to do. They want to go off the beaten path but not be inconvenienced,' she said. Thomasson says the trend also allows travelers to save money and avoid the hassles of flying — giving people a more relaxed pace for their vacation.
Fox News
03-06-2025
- General
- Fox News
Hot travel trend has people 'townsizing' by visiting quaint American towns
As Americans begin to embark on their summer vacations, a new travel trend has people seeking "quaint" destinations. Priceline released its annual travel trends report for 2025 — and one trend, "townsizing," is giving some under-the-radar destinations the limelight. "Americans are seeking simplicity and will travel to find it," the press release notes. People are opting "for quaint, comfy respites in America's small towns." "The trend toward small towns offers different benefits for different generations," it adds. "While boomers are most likely to feel that small towns are more relaxing, Gen Z is 'townsizing' as a way to indulge in the charming, quaint moments depicted in their most comforting movies." Gen Z is 89% more likely than average travelers to seek out a vacation that offers a "Nancy Meyers lifestyle," according to the report. Destinations such as Old Saybrook, Connecticut; North Wildwood, New Jersey; and Cape Cod in Massachusetts are examples of quieter towns that encompass the coastal movie charm in many of Meyers' movies. The report adds that 67% of Gen Z are "more likely to see a vacation as an opportunity to live out their small-town fantasies." "These types of trips are for people who want to sit back, relax and take their time exploring the local shops and restaurants of a quiet area - away from the hustle and bustle of a big city," Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Travelmation, told Fox News Digital. Indiana-based travel adviser at Travelmation, Amy Thomasson, told Fox News Digital she is seeing the trend spark near her home. "The New Baden/French Lick area is a perfect example of townsizing," said Thomasson. "These travelers are less interested in ticking off the boxes of what everyone says they should do on vacation and instead turning to more experiential trips where they can make memories in a new and exciting location," she added. Thomasson says she's noticed the trend become very popular with more clients seeking easy weekend getaways. "They are looking for a place they can easily drive to that has good hotel options and fun things to do. They want to go off the beaten path but not be inconvenienced," she said. Thomasson says the trend also allows travelers to save money and avoid the hassles of flying — giving people a more relaxed pace for their vacation.
Fox News
23-03-2025
- Fox News
Hot travel trend turns vacations into multi-generational family affairs
As travelers begin to plan their trips for the summer, a new report is revealing the latest travel trends, spotlighting the opportunity for a family affair. American Express Travel has released its annual global travel trends report for 2025, and one trend, "fam travel," has people spending quality time with their loved ones. Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, said, "Travelers, especially millennials and Gen Z, are motivated to book thoughtful, meaningful trips this year." "Fam travel" is a multi-generational trend with grandparents, parents and children all packing their bags," Hendley said in a press release. Fifty-eight percent of millennial and Gen Z parents plan to bring their extended family on vacation, the report found. "Quality time" was cited by 89% of these millennial and Gen Z-aged parents as the main reason for the vacation. Meanwhile, 24% said they bring along extended family for babysitting. When it comes to planning itineraries, younger family members take the lead. Sixty-eight percent of parents of millennials and Gen Zers say their kids are partaking in the scheduling of activities on the family trip. Another trend known as "roots travel" has been picking up momentum with Americans who are factoring in their ancestry while booking vacations. Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Travelmation, told Fox News Digital roots travel is more common among older generations. "They also have the finances to support a trip like this, and they often invite other family members to join them," said Duckworth. Fox News Digital reached out to American Express Travel for additional comment.
Fox News
24-02-2025
- Fox News
Family history is inspiring vacations in 'roots travel' trend as industry experts weigh in
Americans are factoring in their ancestry while booking their vacations, with many digging into their family trees. The travel trend known as "roots travel" is picking up momentum and increasing the number of tourist visits to European countries, according to experts. Kristin Petersen, travel adviser for Travelmation, told Fox News Digital, "There's something really beautiful about feeling directly connected to a place you have never been, but you know the whispers of your past are still there." In Scotland, at least 40 million travelers from across the globe visited to "lay claim to Scottish ancestry," according to Visit Scotland, the country's official tourism site. "The explosion in DNA-based ancestry … [has] brought Scots ancestry to the fore like never before," the site says. Petersen said that after doing extensive heritage research, her own family embarked on a trip to Scotland. "It is certainly something we will never forget, and we are so grateful it will now be passed down to the next generation through our children," she said. Petersen said a highlight of her trip was finding the location where her husband's great, great, great-grandparents were married. "Many ancestral visitors report that the minute they set foot on Scottish soil, they feel a real emotional connection. They feel a sense of 'belonging' or even a feeling of 'coming home," according to Visit Scotland. Italy declared 2024 the "Year of Italian Roots in the World," drawing visitors of Italian descent. "By working side by side with those who are committed to their local area that it is possible to best promote Italian excellence and strengthen ties with our compatriots around the world," said Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs Antonio Tajani in a statement at the time. "Over 80 million people share a strong bond with Italy, as well as with the places of origin of their ancestors," Tajani added. The 2020 Census found that English was the most common race or ethnicity. Those who identified as White alone or in combination, English (46.6 million), German (45 million), and Irish (38.6 million) were the largest groups. Lebanese, Iranian and Egyptian populations represented nearly half of the 3.5 million who reported Middle Eastern and North African descent, according to the 2020 Census. Adam Duckworth, president and founder of Travelmation, told Fox News Digital he has more clients looking to plan their roots travel. "This trend has grown in the past few years, with people booking these kinds of vacations in a variety of ways," he said. "Some clients come to us with years of research, and they want to spend weeks overseas totally devoted to their family history." "This form of travel is more common among older generations." Duckworth said roots travelers will hire local drivers and guides who know the area well to help them locate destinations unique to their personal stories. He says this form of travel is more common among older generations. "They have the time to research the past, and they are growing attached to what they are learning." He added, "They also have the finances to support a trip like this, and they often invite other family members to join them."
