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Travel

A Website for Travelers with Disabilities

Image of Gimp on the Go LogoGimp on the Go, billed as “The Internet’s Premier Disabilities Travel Publication”, is a work of love created by a fellow named Adam Lloyd, who became quadriplegic as the result of an accident 24 years ago. He’s more than qualified to run a website for travelers with disabilities; his bio notes that “[S]ome of his favorite destinations are Costa Rica, Germany, Las Vegas, New York, and the Caribbean”.

Just about anyone with a disability will find something of value on this website. It’s not the easiest site to use, and the lack of a search box means that you’re pretty much out of luck if you’re looking for something specific. Don’t let that stop you from delving through the material, though — what’s written here is worth reading.

The website is divided into six sections. Click on Travel Reviews for continent-specific information and several reviews of cruises; the articles are lengthy and packed with useful details.

Travel Tips covers general travel information: Check out Wheelchair Beach Access for a novel — and surprisingly simple — solution to the problem of water access. Other articles cover tips for visually-impaired travelers; travelling with service animals and or oxygen; van rentals, taking wheelchairs on planes and more.

The Travel Resources section features extensive links and “Gimp” reviews, and the Photo Gallery offers a lot of visual proof that there are plenty of good reasons to leave home.

Travel Industry News is a little thin and, as on the rest of the site, the entries are undated; adding dates would be a good improvement and a fine way to let people know when a little more research might be advisable.

You won’t miss a lot if you skip the Bulletin Boards; the contributions are unmoderated, and therefore — predicatbly — full of spam and porn.

On his home page, Lloyd warns that “Gimp” is “updated as time and material allow”; he’s working on a PhD in English and is a little busy at the moment. If you have travel experiences to share, though, send them along — contributing writers are welcome to submit articles. No pay, but contributors “will get credit, prestige, a free luggage tag, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re helping the community of disabled travelers” — not too shabby.