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Honest Reflection: What Camping on Jekyll Island Taught Me About Accessible Travel
Upon arriving in the sleepy historic beach town of Jekyll Island, one of Georgia’s beautiful barrier islands, it is immediately obvious that you are in for a unique experience. Historic buildings, ancient trees draped in Spanish moss, and endless paths winding along brackish marshlands line the road that circles the island. Hotels, eateries, and beaches of every kind welcome visitors from all over, offering everything from budget-friendly stays to luxurious accommodations rem
Alethea Johnekins
1 day ago5 min read
Considerations for Traveling with Medical Conditions: Anxiety
For those living with anxiety, travel can bring a unique set of challenges. Anxiety often creates apprehension about unfamiliar situations, uncertainty, and being away from the comfort of home. For the purpose of this article, I want to explore anxiety from a medical perspective rather than simply as everyday stress or worry. Anxiety is not simply fear, though fear can certainly be part of it. It is not just overthinking, although racing thoughts may be one symptom. It is not
Alethea Johnekins
May 214 min read
Considerations for Travel with Medical Conditions: Obesity
Before we begin, I want to make something very clear. This article is not intended to shame people living with obesity or suggest that individuals in larger bodies should put their lives on hold until they lose weight. I firmly believe that people of all sizes deserve full, meaningful, enriching lives without embarrassment or humiliation. Everyone deserves the opportunity to experience joy, rest, adventure, family vacations, and seeing the world. At the same time, obesity can
Alethea Johnekins
May 75 min read
Considerations for Travel with Medical Conditions: Dialysis
Medical Disclaimer The information shared on this blog is intended for informational and personal experience purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Every individual’s health needs and limitations are unique. Before making decisions regarding travel with a medical condition, disability, or specialized medical needs, consult your physician or qualified healthcare provider to determine what is safe and appropriate for your specific situation. While working as
Alethea Johnekins
May 53 min read
Considerations for Travel with Medical Conditions: Ostomy
Traveling, especially for the first time with an ostomy, can feel overwhelming. But with the right planning, it’s not only possible—it’s far easier than you might expect. With a few thoughtful steps, you can travel confidently and focus on enjoying the experience. It’s Okay to Feel Concerned If you’re feeling a little anxious, that makes complete sense. Between TSA screening, in-flight unknowns, and the fear of not being prepared for unexpected situations, there are real conc
Alethea Johnekins
Apr 303 min read
Considerations for Travel with Medical Conditions: Diabetes
As someone living with diabetes, I can tell you firsthand that traveling just takes a little more planning. Not a lot more, just enough to think ahead. The good news is that with the right preparation, traveling with diabetes can be just as safe, fun, and freeing as anyone else’s vacation. A safe and enjoyable trip actually starts before you ever leave home. The CDC recommends staying on top of your regular appointments and keeping your condition well-managed before traveling
Alethea Johnekins
Mar 263 min read
Disney Fort Wilderness Camping Review: Five Things I Wish I’d Known Before Our Accessible Trip
Picture of a guest a Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort riding accessible transportation
Alethea Johnekins
Feb 284 min read
Five Accessibility Mistakes I Made on My 2026 Cruise So You Do Not Have To
Having lived most of my life without physical disabilities, shifting my perspective as a traveler has not been easy. I used to travel without thinking deeply about accessibility. Now I prepare for mobility challenges. I plan with contingencies. I think through entrances, bathrooms, transportation, and terrain before I ever pack a suitcase.That level of preparation protects your vacation. It breaks down barriers. It allows travel without limits regardless of disability. An abl
Alethea Johnekins
Feb 235 min read
Summer Series: 5 Things I wish Businesses and Fellow Customers Knew about Accessibility
This summer, I’ve set a personal goal: to enjoy life as fully as I can—exploring my city, finding hidden gems in the suburbs, and maybe...
Alethea Johnekins
Jun 20, 20254 min read
Camping with Disabilities: Yes, You Can Enjoy the Great Outdoors
Cloudland Canyon State Park Exploring nature can be anything from calm and peaceful to bold and exhilarating. Whether you’re roughing it...
Alethea Johnekins
May 31, 20253 min read
Disney’s DAS: A Lifeline for Guests with Developmental Disabilities
When Disney overhauled its Disability Access Service (DAS), the reaction from the disability community was swift and intense. Many individuals who previously qualified were left out under the new criteria. I was one of them—and shared my personal experience navigating the parks without DAS in a separate blog post. But for those who do still qualify, DAS can be a valuable tool for making Disney more accessible. That’s what this post is all about. What is DAS—and Who is it For?
Alethea Johnekins
May 2, 20253 min read
A Review of Carnival Horizon
Embarkation The embarkation process was quick and easy. We arrived a little before our scheduled time and moved through the process...
Alethea Johnekins
Dec 2, 20243 min read
The Day I Lost Disney: My Experience with Disney's Disability Access Service
Wow, the title feels a bit melodramatic, but I’m still processing everything after my recent experience with Disney’s Disability Access Service (DAS). It’s been a whirlwind of emotions, and I’m struggling to make sense of it all. First off, I get it—people abuse the accommodation systems at theme parks. I understand that changes are necessary to ensure that guests who truly need assistance can access it. I don’t envy the people tasked with managing this delicate balance. Over
Alethea Johnekins
Sep 19, 20243 min read
"Traveling with Autism: Avoid These 5 Mistakes at Universal Studios"
Alright, let's talk about my recent Universal Studios adventure with my kiddo who has autism. You see, I usually pride myself on being a...
Alethea Johnekins
Apr 10, 20242 min read
Making the Most of Disability Accommodations at Universal Studios: A Personal Review
So, picture this: we're all geared up for our Universal Studios getaway. I've got two kiddos with different disabilities, so we knew we...
Alethea Johnekins
Apr 9, 20243 min read
Accessible Disney
A trip to Disney World in Kissimmee, Florida is often a dream vacation for many. Fortunately, for travelers with special needs, Disney...
Alethea Johnekins
Apr 8, 20242 min read
Mobility Accessibility at Universal Studios
Let's dive into the accessibility experience at Universal Studios in Florida. My family and I recently visited both Islands of Adventure...
Alethea Johnekins
Apr 8, 20242 min read
Is Universal Studios "Fat" Friendly?
As a plus-size individual (I wear a size around 28 in US women's clothing), with concerns about Universal Studios' accommodations for larger guests, I decided to put it to the test during a recent vacation. Overall, I found that most of the rides were accommodating for individuals of larger sizes. One commendable aspect of Universal Studios is their provision of test seats for various rides, allowing guests to assess whether they'll comfortably fit before queuing up. While ma
Alethea Johnekins
Apr 8, 20241 min read
Self-Identifying in Disney
During our recent Disney World trip, we embraced our identity as a family traveling with Autism. Despite our son’s high functioning,...
Alethea Johnekins
Feb 22, 20241 min read
Exploring Accessible Cruising
Cruise vacations promise excitement and relaxation, offering a plethora of opportunities for an unforgettable getaway. With most meals,...
Alethea Johnekins
Feb 20, 20242 min read
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Just Keep Going
The World is Yours to Explore
Discover the vast expanse of our world, brimming with opportunities for exploration. Navigating travel with diverse abilities, be they developmental, physical, or unseen, can feel overwhelming. However, Vacay Ability stands ready to illuminate your path. Offering current insights and invaluable travel advice spanning land, sea, air, theme parks, and destinations, we empower adventurers of all kinds. Whether you or your companions are neurotypical, neurodivergent, or have unique requirements, embrace the journey. Adventure beckons—seize it!
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