Howdy and Completely satisfied New Yr!
It’s time to show the web page to 2024 — or, in my case, set-up a brand new page-a-day journey calendar on my desk. No matter how we mark the transition, the daybreak of a brand new yr gives hope for the alternatives that lie forward, and a burst of power to pursue objectives and obtain private progress.
Final week, I mirrored on my High 10 Wheelchair Accessible Journeys of 2023, considering the which means, goal and significance of the adventures that stood out throughout a busy yr of journey. In the event you haven’t had an opportunity to learn it, the article is filled with inspiration to your future travels.
Now, for a little bit of thrilling information…
A a lot much less thrilling Individual of the Yr not named Taylor Swift
When the editor of New Mobility reached out late final yr to share information of my choice because the journal’s 2023 Individual of the Yr, I used to be left speechless, shocked and humbled by the popularity.
I used to be profiled within the journal’s January concern, and opened up in ways in which I’ve not completed earlier than. Within the interview, I described the issue in conserving this web site alive through the pandemic, my determination to return to graduate college, and a intestine punch that upended a deliberate return to company America. Amidst all of the chaos and uncertainty of the previous few years, I spotted that that is the place I really belong — on the entrance strains advocating for Equal Entry In every single place and dealing to Open Your World via accessible journey.
Although I’m definitely humbled to look on this journal cowl, the true story isn’t about me, however the persistent drawback of insufficient accessibility that impacts us all. I’m grateful to the editorial board at New Mobility Journal for utilizing their platform to focus on the significance of accessibility in journey. Many unimaginable individuals are working to make a distinction, and our objectives is not going to be realized with out continued teamwork from the numerous advocates who additionally need to have their contributions acknowledged.
As for me, I hope to make use of this honor as jet gasoline within the trigger for improved accessibility. Your continued readership and assist is what makes that work attainable.
Would you want to hitch the crew? Please contemplate upgrading to a paid subscription to assist my mission of opening the world to disabled individuals.
Celebrating 10 Years of Accessible Journey
On January 5, 2014, I set off on my first journey as a wheelchair person, flying from Orlando, Florida to Los Angeles, California. On the time, I had no visions of turning into a incapacity advocate or journey blogger — I simply wished to interrupt out of my bedridden state, get again up within the air, and watch a soccer recreation in-person.
I discovered goal in issue — the issue of that first journey and those who would comply with. My thought was, issues should get higher… they should! I wrote somewhat bit about that earlier this yr, once I mirrored on my automotive accident within the article I wrote for premium subscribers, 11 Years and 11 Days Earlier than Now.
The ten yr anniversary or “Flightversary” of that first journey is on Friday, and I’ve determined to mark the event with, you guessed it… a visit! Yesterday, I got down to decide a vacation spot for this impromptu getaway utilizing three easy standards:
- Schedule: Depart on Friday and spend one night time in a resort, permitting a minimum of 24 hours to discover the town.
- Vacation spot: Journey so far as you may to a vacation spot you will have by no means visited earlier than
- Price range: Guide the most affordable flight accessible (with airline miles)
Whereas I might need discovered myself touring to a far-flung worldwide vacation spot, the third standards restricted me to cities inside america. The most cost effective flights I discovered are 9,000 frequent flyer miles every method, and the farthest these miles will take me on Friday is to Spokane, Washington.
Having carried out some cursory analysis, it seems like Spokane will make for a very nice time, and I look ahead to sharing what I eat, drink, see and expertise with somewhat greater than 24 hours on the bottom. I hope you’ll comply with me on Fb, Instagram, and Twitter, the place I’ll really share photographs of my journey (reengaging with social media is one among my resolutions for the New Yr).
Just a few final phrases
As we embark on this new yr of advocacy and journey, I want you good well being and happiness, confidence to push boundaries and obtain all that’s attainable, and the braveness to face the unknown and surprising.
Let’s make 2024 a yr to recollect!
Cheerfully and with gratitude,
— John
