The howler monkeys echoed through the rainforest canopy as I swayed on the hanging bridges of Mistico Park in La Fortuna, Costa Rica.
Just hours earlier, I had wondered how these bridges would be accessible to me. Now, here I was, experiencing a tropical rainstorm in the heart of the rainforest – one of the most magical moments of my life. 💞
This transformative journey was made possible by Wheel the World, a company specializing in accessible travel experiences. What struck me most wasn't just their meticulous attention to accessibility planning, but how they transformed what many might view as limitations into opportunities for adventure.
From adaptive surfing with world-class professionals in the warm Pacific waters of Manuel Antonio to exploring ancient jade artifacts in San Jose, each experience was thoughtfully curated to be both accessible and extraordinary.
A highlight was catching waves alongside professional instructors who pushed my boundaries and helped me discover new capabilities I hadn't imagined – it turns out I'm a natural at balancing on a surfboard! 🏄♀️😎
But this journey offered more than just adventures. It provided valuable insights into how accessibility can look different across cultures and environments. Whether it was navigating the wildlife-rich paths of Manuel Antonio National Park or enjoying a hands-on cooking experience at a farm-to-table restaurant near the Arenal Volcano, each activity demonstrated that with proper planning and support, traditional barriers can become bridges to extraordinary experiences.
The most powerful lesson? Never let preconceptions about disability limit your horizons. This trip wasn't just about checking off tourist destinations; it was about discovering that with the right support and mindset, the world becomes infinitely more accessible.
What started as a guided group tour has evolved into greater confidence for future solo travel – I'm already dreaming up my next trip to La Fortuna and additional Wheel the World destinations like Greece and South Africa!
And sometimes, travel brings unexpected delights – like meeting Miss Universe Costa Rica before my flight home! 👑 It was the perfect ending to a journey that constantly exceeded expectations.
To my fellow professionals in HR, tourism, hospitality, education, healthcare, and beyond: accessibility isn't just about compliance – it's about opening doors to experiences that everyone deserves to enjoy.
And to those who might doubt their ability to travel or explore: your dreams are more accessible than you think. ⭐
#AccessibleTravel #Inclusion #CostaRica #TravelForAll #Accessibility #AdaptiveSports #DisabilityAwareness #WheelTheWorld
