Planning an accessible USA trip for my mom with multiple sclerosis – looking for advice
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Hi everyone,
I’m trying to plan something really important and I’d love some advice from people who have experience with accessible travel.
My mom has multiple sclerosis. She’s not fully independent anymore: she has a limp due to a lesion in one leg (no sensation in it), gets tired very easily, and needs support to walk (either holding onto someone or using a walker at home). She also had a fall a few months ago and broke her arm, so her confidence is quite low.
Despite all this, she has always dreamed of visiting the US, and I would really love to make that happen for her.
We would be traveling as a small group (me + my brother + her), so we could support her physically when needed, and also possibly rent a car if that’s the best option.
I’m trying to understand what destinations would realistically work for her. She likes places like Boston, Miami, and San Francisco, but we are totally open to other suggestions if they are more suitable.
What we would need:
A very accessible destination (minimal walking required) Warm weather (cold makes her mobility worse) Ideally a resort-style stay or very comfortable hotel Easy access to bathrooms (this is important due to MS-related bladder issues) Ability to rely on taxis/Uber or short-distance travel Activities or places that don’t require long walks
A challenge: She currently refuses to use a wheelchair because she feels embarrassed about it. If anyone has dealt with something similar, I’d really appreciate advice on:
alternatives (lightweight walkers, mobility aids, etc.) or ways to help her feel more comfortable using one, even temporarily
My questions:
Which US cities (or areas) would you honestly recommend for this situation? Are there specific resorts / hotels that are particularly good for accessibility? Is renting a car usually better than relying on Uber/taxis in these cases? Any tips to make a long flight (from Europe) easier for someone in her condition? Anything I might not be thinking about that could make or break the trip?
I really want this to be a positive and stress-free experience for her, not something overwhelming.
Thank you so much to anyone who takes the time to reply ❤️
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