Peter Greenberg: Touring with a Cane

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: AARP.org | 2009-01-26

I use a cane on unfamiliar ground and have trouble going up stairs; otherwise, my health is excellent. Are there any tour companies, such as Tauck, that would let me go on tours?
–Margaret, Walnut Creek, Calif.

Tauck Travel Company
Although Tauck allows travelers to choose from various types of trips (including walking tours, cruises, and a combination of both) the company, for most of its tours, requires travelers to be in good health and to be able to walk reasonable distances over uneven ground. This is especially so since Europe’s old roads, walkways, and surrounding areas may present difficulties for some travelers. Also, throughout the tour excursions, there’s a fair amount of walking up and down hills with narrow cobblestone walkways. However, the majority of walking is at the traveler’s own discretion.

Be advised that the company does not provide individual assistance for walking, dining, or other personal needs. The traveler is required to travel with a companion if assistance is needed. Also, certain tours have limited motor-coach access and involve stairs and inclines. Other tours, in addition, do not provide wheelchair accessibility. The company advises that travelers consult a physician for predeparture advice.

Grand Circle Travel
Grand Circle Travel, created by Ethel Percy Andrus, Ph.D., who was also the founder of AARP, specializes in adapting vacations to the needs of travelers age 50 and older. Grand Circle primarily offers historical walking tours and river-cruise tours. All of the tours are done at a leisurely pace, which allows travelers to enjoy the surrounding areas. Most trips consist of half-day tours, but many of the packages provide optional tours for travelers who want in-depth exploration. Tours include round-trip airfare, accommodations, meals, and various sightseeing excursions and events.

Grand European Tours
Besides hosting European tours, Grand European Tours also offers tours to Asia, Australia and New Zealand, North and South America, and Egypt. This tour company includes many features that appeal to mature travelers. Tours are guided at a leisurely pace, allowing for exploration and relaxing time. The majority of the tours spend at least two days at the same city. However, by choosing a tour in the "SuperLeisure" category, travelers can spend four or more nights in each city. Also, services such as portable headphones are provided, so that group members can hear the tour leader—even in noisy areas. Tours are fully escorted and include round-trip airfare, accommodations, ground transportation, meals, and sightseeing and attraction visits.