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All trips are challenges, that's a fact. However, we don't let this stop us (anymore) from doing what we love most: spending time together, discovering new places, and being amazed and immersed in the Mediterranean atmosphere. Summer 2024 was a vacation outside our comfort zone, a beach vacation. A fun time with grandma and bonus-grandpa. Normally we go for mountains, lakes, lush nature, and touring. So this is a different story for us. We traveled in our own wheelchair-accessible van through Switzerland to the "Flower Riviera," the village of Pietra Ligure in Liguria, Italy. On the way back, we spent four nights at Lake Garda (our second home for about 20 years). In this blog post, I (Lanah's mom) will take you along our itinerary, including accommodations, accessible activities, Italian hospitality, and how traveling with a disability is possible, provided you're well prepared. Plan: outward journey via Switzerland, main destination Pietra Ligure, return journey via 4 days Lake Garda and 1 night in southern Germany. Overnight stay on the way: Switzerland - Lucerne Neuenkirch. An IHG hotel, a chain we regularly book while traveling. It was a great hotel, in a convenient location along the highway. One small thing overlooked: no air conditioning! Too bad. Furthermore, the hotel had all the necessary facilities such as a lift, a small but nice breakfast, fast food chains next door, parking and a small bar and a room of approximately 20m2, sufficient for 1 night. *TIP: When traveling, we usually book simple but hygienic hotels, in most cases without special facilities in the rooms. It's often a choice between expensive, large rooms and apartments for one or two nights, or compromising on budget for this short stay and being creative when it comes to lifting Lanah and showering. Since Lanah is still "small," we prefer budget-friendly and hygienic options. Main destination Pietra Ligure We stayed in an adapted apartment of Barbacciu Vacanze Green . The host was very friendly and easy to reach. He immediately shared his phone number for calls and texts, and after two days we had booked a modified room on the ground floor. The apartment had: minimal threshold upon entering and through swing doors to the outside. an adapted bathroom with shower chair and grab rails, sufficient turning circle in the living room and bedroom. 1 bedroom and in the kitchen/living room a comfortable sofa bed 1.80m wide. Accessible terrace outside (small threshold) Accessible garden (mostly grass) with breakfast terrace A pool without edges. You could walk in just like at the sea or use a water-safe sports wheelchair. The pool did take a while to warm up (we were there in early June), as this is done in a sustainable way. *Tip: When booking, don't just look at "accessible"; ask for photos or a floor plan. Sometimes an "accessible home" might have a little surprise, such as a 3 cm threshold that feels larger with a child's wheelchair. Our stay with host Stefano and his family was fantastic. Communication was easy, we had pleasant conversations in the mornings and evenings, and we received lots of great tips. We were able to choose when we wanted to have breakfast and were treated to homemade pastries. It was a real family business where you immediately felt welcome and generosity and pampering were continuous. Lanah and Stefano had become real buddies who challenged each other a bit, chatting daily about everything Lanah had experienced. When saying goodbye Lanah and Stefano were both so so sad. The best trips at a glance: 1. Andora Beach - Bagni Porto Andora (in Liguria) has a beach pavilion with accessible facilities. Think about: special walking mats over the sand, beach wheelchairs for loan, adapted toilets at the pavilion. Parking lot at the beach entrance (not always free, there's also a parking lot further down the road. Italians don't take parking rules too seriously ;) ) Although the beach wheelchair was still a bit big, we found a solution: a mini air mattress as a backrest! 2. Finalborgo Highly recommended! For us, the perfect atmosphere, a village full of mountain bikers and climbers. The atmosphere is therefore very friendly and open. It's a small village with a charming center and wheelchair accessible. However, typical Italian streets full of cobblestones. Probably too intense for wheelchair users sensitive to bumps and jolts. Luckily, Lanah wasn't experiencing much pain in her body (yet) and was doing fine: she slowly put her wheelchair on and slowly hobbled forward, even enjoying it. If it really got out of hand, she'd be in Mom or Dad's arms. Noli Noli is a charming fishing village with a quiet promenade that is perfect for wheelchair users. The historic center has narrow streets, many shops, and restaurants. Many are small and limited accessible for an electric wheelchair. The promenade offers stunning sea views without steps, and there's a weekly fresh fish market. Fish straight from the fishing boats, for those who like it! This village offers a rich morning of fun, strolling through the old town, enjoying a snack and a drink on the terrace. Lanah made friends with two Swiss boys and raced through the narrow alleyways. The beach? It's laid out like any other beach on the Flower Riviera, with rows of sunbeds for rent. It was a bit too cold for the sea that day for us, so we enjoyed the view. Ventimiglia This border town has Italian and French vibes. The The modern city center is easily accessible, with flat sidewalks and a wheelchair-accessible beach. The old town, located on the hill, is less suitable due to steep slopes and stairs. If you haven't parked your car nearby, you're guaranteed a brisk walk. We were there for a few hours and strolled along the boulevard, walked to the modern city center and then had a delicious meal on the beach. The modern part is (in our opinion) less charming, but the view of the old town and the harbor does retain its authentic charm. In the distance, there was also a view of Menton (France), the town of Monaco. We didn't walk to the old town because it would have made our route too long and tiring. The bus was parked at the beginning of the beach promenade in a residential area. We briefly considered driving to Monaco, but we didn't get around to it. Some of our travel group had already been there, and we had to make some choices at some point. Pietra Ligure Pietra Ligure is a seaside resort with a long, flat promenade and several accessible beaches. It features "grey sand," a mix of pebbles and sand. The town center has partially paved streets, but is generally accessible for wheelchairs. The train station also has an elevator. *Tip: Al Castello, a restaurant with an authentic pizza oven. Italians made up most of the guests (a good sign), and a little patience is required, haha. What else did we do? We were able to create a wonderful mix of excursions and relaxing moments at the accommodation. We explored new villages and towns, including those mentioned above, and took a drive to the mountain village of Calizzano, relaxed on the beach, enjoyed lots of ice cream, and especially enjoyed delicious Italian food. Return journey overnight stays Camping on the west side of Lake Garda The return trip went differently than expected. We had been looking forward to four more days at the campsite on Lake Garda. My brother and his family had also booked a cottage at this campsite to spend our last days together in a familiar place. The day of arrival was sunny but after that...we had 4 days of almost non-stop rain. I've never experienced so much rain in my 20 years at Lake Garda... There we were, in a special mobile home, with Grandma, step-grandpa, and my little brother and his family in a small house across the street. In the pouring rain, with a mudslide on the campsite, at a campsite we found disappointing, trying to do something between showers. Was the rain a shame? YES! Were we often frustrated? YES! Did we try to make something of it? YES! We went out twice for an afternoon and visited one of our favorite wineries. We also had a nice meal out, and the kids mostly entertained themselves indoors. Positive conclusion: We waved goodbye to the lake and our beloved mountains again, briefly experiencing that "home feeling" before we started our way back. A holiday can also go like this ;) Return journey overnight stay 2 Buchenhain, South Germany We booked this overnight stay last minute with Grandma and Grandpa. The day before our departure, we planned our return trip and then booked a hotel. The website stated: wheelchair accessible with lift. A charming, old-fashioned Bavarian hotel with German-Dutch owners, featuring a well-regarded restaurant and beer garden. What more could we ask for? We were aware that there was no air conditioning, which was no problem as the temperature was luckily not as high anymore. Once we arrived, the owner had provided us with a ramp to help us navigate the two steps at the entrance. It was steep, but still manageable. Then came the elevator... an obstacle we couldn't overcome. The elevator was tiny; we tried both wheelchairs, but alas! We were allowed to leave the wheelchair at the reception and decided to carry Lanah up the stairs. It was already late, we were hungry, and there were no further plans except showering, eating, and sleeping. The hotel room was more outdated than we expected; the photos looked a bit fresher. Nevertheless, it was clean and the atmosphere was cozy. The owners were renovating room by room, and the location was excellent, close to the autobahn yet surrounded by nature. The food and the beer? Even the local priests and nuns came to have a nice dinner and drinks haha ;) The food was more than good and the service was super friendly. The breakfast was also well taken care of the next day, on a small scale, something for everyone. 💡 Our tips for traveling with a child in a wheelchair Look for restaurants with street-level terraces and emphasize that you need space for a wheelchair. Italians and Germans with children? They love each other and nothing is too much trouble (well, let's say 90% of the owners). If possible, bring your own beach wheelchair or stroller if you need to be mobile off the paved paths. Use apps like Wheelmap or Google Maps with Street View to check accessibility. Plan well – spontaneous visits are fine, but exploring takes more time. Not sure about the weather? Then reserve a table indoors at a restaurant you know has no threshold and mention that you'll be using a wheelchair. You can always ask the owner of your accommodation for tips. Please prepare a short medical certificate in Italian (or English) from your primary care provider. If you require medical care, you can provide this in any case. If possible, bring your own toilet seat reducer and a foldable stool (as a footrest) for children who can still sit on the toilet. Always take a threshold aid with you to bridge thresholds between 3-8cm if necessary. Do you have a table that fits your wheelchair? Bring one along for the journey! If your wheelchair-accessible van doesn't have a fold-down bed, and your child is too big for a baby changing station, we'll use a thick fleece blanket to place Lanah in the trunk or on the floor of the van for changing. Pay attention to the travel time you plan. Lanah has a great time on the road, but we still think it's important not to leave her in the wheelchair for longer than 2-3 hours. That's why we regularly take breaks along the way and let her lie down on a picnic blanket, change her diaper, and eat and drink at her leisure. We also regularly stay overnight along the way. Bring spare inner and outer tires for your wheelchair Bring a pump to inflate tires. A toolbox for on the road is not an unnecessary luxury considering all the screws on the wheelchair and any bus equipment. When booking accommodations, always contact reception and explain your situation. Emphasize the size of your wheelchair and your minimum requirements. This will prevent disappointment and accommodations that turn out to be unsuitable upon arrival. ❤️ Reflection: Together we can conquer the world Our road trip through Switzerland to Italy – Liguria and Lake Garda – was a wonderful and educational experience. Thanks to the adapted accommodation in Pietra Ligure, the region's accessibility, and the wonderful Italian atmosphere, Lanah was able to fully enjoy it. In Lanah's case, no accommodation is 'perfect' to date, but that is of course not possible because every wheelchair user has his/her own possibilities and limitations. Lanah has no standing ability and fragile torso balance. This makes showering and toileting a challenge. However, it's very helpful if you have sufficient space in the accommodation and minimal thresholds. Furthermore, we are creative and solution-oriented, and nothing is too much trouble for Lanah. Will we ever visit Liguria again? Although we saw beautiful places, enjoyed delicious food, and were thoroughly spoiled by everyone at Barbacciu Vacanze Green , we most likely won't visit this region again. It was a "different piece" of Italy than we're used to and love so deeply. We feel that this region contains many places that fall under the category of "faded glory," and the mountainous areas are just a bit too far from Pietra Ligure for day trips. What this region did offer us were stunning views over the hills towards the sea during our many bus excursions, delicious food, practical learning opportunities, new memories, connecting with eachother and hospitality. We have decided to continue discovering new places and enjoying all the beauty that Mother Earth and the different cultures have to offer. This means that we will occasionally visit places that do not completely match our wishes and feelings, it happens ;) But travelling is about making memories and broadening your horizons and that is what we choose to do. Outside your comfort zone, growth begins! Ciao, arrivederci!

Destination: Italy, Dolomites and Lakes Duration: 18 days Transportation: Wheelchair bus aka the ‘Pawpatroller’. Travel group: Basically: Lanah (wheelchair hero and tireless question machine), hubby and me. Week 1: friends stayed in a hotel nearby. Week 2: our small, cozy family of three. The following applies to every trip/journey: All trips and vacations are primarily practical challenges and concerns about possible infections or other physical ailments. However, we no longer let this stop us from doing what we love most: spending time together, discovering new places, and marveling at and immersing ourselves in unfamiliar landscapes and cultures. Summer 2025 was a varied vacation: mini city trip, mountains, rugged landscapes, hiking, lots of driving in our bus, mountain lakes, forests, pizza on the go, 4-course dinners in restaurants, swimming, and also relaxing, doing nothing, reading a book. We experienced extremes from 15 degrees, seeing snow on the mountain tops to 28 degrees and seeking shade, from villages where time has stood still to towns overflowing with tourists. 🧭 Our route (or rather: at least 2000km of quality time, 12 toilet breaks, 4 power bank charges) With our own wheelchair bus via Germany, two nights in Munich, on to Arabba, in the province of Belluno in northern Italy. You can read about this in this blog post, Part 1. After a week, we continued to Lago Molveno in another region in northern Italy, namely Trentino. We returned via Austria and Germany with an overnight stay that we will book along the way. You can read about this in another blog post, Summer 2025 Part 2 Trentino. This will follow shortly. In this blog, I (Lanah's mom) will take you along on part of our itinerary, places to stay, accessible activities, Italian hospitality, and how traveling with a disability is possible, provided you are well prepared. Here we go! The weather was mostly rainy during the trip. That's why we ate our sandwiches on the bus and took a quick nap, changing position for a moment to stretch our legs. 🛏️ Accommodations Blog post Part 1 and Part 2 A mix of: 🏨 Holiday Inn Express München Messe– budget, hygienic, easy parking, on the outskirts of the city, cramped rooms, elevator. 🏨 Alpenrose Hotel Arabba**** – Large rooms, hygienic, friendly staff, Austrian atmosphere, cozy, sauna, restaurant, elevator, located in a beautifully situated mountain village. 🛏️ B&B Dolce Vita Ambiez in San Lorenzo Dorsino – authentic Italian village, hygienic, very friendly owners, helpful, large room, elevator, parking a challenge, waking up to church bells. 🛏️ Hotel Forsthaus Nürnberg **** – booked on the way, spacious room, hygienic, beer garden (yay!), restaurant, sauna, wooded area, close to the highway. *Tip: Use filters for “wheelchair accessible” + “family-friendly” when booking, if possible. Not available? Contact the reception and explain your wishes and requirements. Often, another room is also suitable in terms of size. 🏰First stop: Munich Accommodation If you are looking for a hotel close to the Munich Trade Fair and just 15 minutes from the city center, then the IHG is the place to be. Hygiene? Fine. Breakfast? Not exactly Michelin-star worthy, but hey, there's something for everyone. Our room? Standard: a double bed and a sofa bed. Just big enough to unpack your suitcases and perform a tactical maneuver for a child in a wheelchair. We usually go for the budget option: hygienic, convenient, and above all, quick to leave, because let's be honest—we usually only stay in a hotel for 24 hours. Luxury for one or two nights? Preferably not, considering the budget. But then came the challenge: The hotel had two elevators. Note that word “had.” Upon arrival, there was already a sign: “Elevator 1 out of service for maintenance.” No problem, we thought, elevator 2 will do. Until it also decided to go on strike. And believe me, with a child in a wheelchair, such a hotel suddenly becomes an Olympic obstacle course. Most of the time, the staff was able to reset the elevator. Until the first morning. We wanted to have an early breakfast, but no: the elevator repairman didn't arrive until around 9 a.m. So there you are... mom, who isn't fond of elevators to begin with, now faced with a striking elevator and a child asking, “Are we there yet?” Suddenly, you start thinking about Plan B, Plan C... basically the entire Ferrari F1 arsenal of backup options. That same evening, slightly exhausted but determined, we asked the reception if the wheelchair could stay downstairs. After all, we wanted to leave early for Italy. After a brief explanation (and a lot of frowns), they said, “Fine, no problem.” Hallelujah. The moral of the story? Book budget, but always check if there is a room available on the ground floor or first floor. If the elevators go on strike, climbing one flight of stairs is still doable. No garanties the elevator will work? Ask to park the wheelchair ait the reception. Adventures in the city Arrival day: tired, sticky, sore bottoms from sitting. We decided that our culinary activity would be called ‘home delivery’. Perfect! We ate a delicious poké bowl while building with Lego. Where? In the hotel lobby, as the room was a bit too small to maneuver a wheelchair. Perfect, plenty of space, hotel tableware, hotel washing up... great ;) The next morning, we woke up surprisingly early (something about 5-year-old daughters looking forward to the day...?) It wasn't our first time in this city, so we quickly decided how to spend the day: Marienplatz, shopping streets, Hofbrauhaus, and a nice meal. The Eisbachwelle, fun to see, is a place near Englischer Garten where you can surf all year round on a continuous wave in the Eisbach river. Unfortunately, we didn't get to do that on this day due to rain showers in the afternoon and tired legs from strolling through the city. While shopping, something legendary happened: Dad, who has been saying for years that he “always wanted to buy a lederhosen,” just went ahead and did it this year. While trying them on, Lanah gave him a thumbs up, and the miracle was complete. Despite the light rain, this visit to Munich was another success: a little shopping, fun, enjoying each other's company, good food, lederhosen in the bag, subway rides, escalator adventures, and of course a delicious beer on the terrace. Getting around and parking in Munich We parked the wheelchair accessible van at the P+R in Studentenstadt and then took the subway to the city center. Munich knows how to build a city center. Shops, street musicians, and no scary, child-unfriendly stairs—kudos! In city centers, it's almost impossible to park unless you enjoy driving around endlessly in the hope of finding a parking space on the street that happens to be big enough for the bus. Our experience has taught us that this almost always leads to unpleasant situations in the bus and a waste of precious energy. Compromise is always the magic word when it comes to trips, so we decided to park the bus at a P&R and take public transport into the city, albeit with the sports wheelchair that Lanah unfortunately cannot drive herself. Why? Public transport (everywhere) claims to be wheelchair accessible, but the gaps between the platforms and the subway cars are often too large, and the small swivel wheels of the large electric wheelchair get stuck. We don't like to take that risk. In addition, not every subway stop is equipped with an elevator. For now, we are still ‘circumventing’ this by using escalators, but we really shouldn't be doing that... shhh! Food & Drinks Munich During our stay in the city, it was chilly but mostly dry. The atmosphere in Munich is always ‘Burgundian’ or, in this case, Bavarian: hospitable, outdoor terraces filled with people, a bakery on every corner, mostly southern German cuisine in the city center, but if you venture a little further afield, you will find less touristy gems and not necessarily German cuisine. Is the weather nice? Enjoy your meal on the terrace. Many typical Bavarian restaurants/brauhaus are basically very old and authentic buildings, natural and beautiful! Unfortunately, this makes it difficult to visit with a wheelchair due to steps at the entrance or in the restaurant itself. The Hofbrauhaus is easily accessible, but it was very busy and we didn't feel like eating sausage, sauerkraut, or pork knuckle. We chose the Hard Rock Café, a tradition we used to do more often during city trips. It was easily accessible, the food was good, and the music was to our taste ;) *Tip: always go inside and ask if there is room for X number of people with, in this case, a child in a wheelchair. With Lanah in view, who then waves very cutely, they usually make room. Very nice :) 🏔️ Main destination 1: Arabba Until shortly after the Brenner Pass, we zoomed along the highway—nice and straight. Then we took the back roads, because, well, if you really want to get into the Dolomites, the navigation system says, “Have fun on the provincial roads!” Fortunately, that has its charm too. You wind your way through picturesque villages, see laundry flapping in the breeze, and get a free mini regional experience while hoping that the navigation system doesn't suddenly say, “Take the next goat path on the left.” Welcome to Arabba—a charming dot on the map in the province of Belluno, in the middle of a part of the Dolomites that is still unknown to us. A village so small that you drive through it three times before you realize you're already there. A village where the weather forecast is often changeable and where, of course, it's not very warm given the altitude. But oh, what a view! Arabba is located at an altitude of 1,600 meters, nestled between two mountain passes: the Passo Campolongo and the Passo Pordoi. It has exactly what you need: a handful of bars, a few hotel restaurants, a pharmacy (always handy), a small supermarket, a chairlift, and a gondola lift. In short: compact, cozy, and just our thing. And yes, our talent for booking places that are either on top of a mountain or in a village with 12 inhabitants remains unmatched. Fun fact: Italy has 109 provinces spread over 20 regions—five of which are autonomous regions with extra rights. I'm glad that in geography class, I only had to remember the 12 provinces of the Netherlands. That was challenging enough. *Tips: Prone to motion sickness? Take the wheel yourself! Then nausea turns into “just about bearable.” See a speed limit on a mountain pass that you think only Formula 1 drivers can achieve? Just ignore it. Drive at a speed that keeps everyone in the car happy. Just don't forget: be kind to your brakes and treat your clutch like it's your best friend😉 Our stay Unfortunately, our travel group was split between two hotels. When we called our friends' hotel, they didn't sound very reassuring: “We're not sure if the wheelchair will fit in the elevator...” So we decided to play it safe and look elsewhere. The receptionist was helpful, asked questions, and enthusiastically recommended the Alpen Superior Suite. “But keep in mind,” she said, “the parents will sleep in the loft so that Lanah has space downstairs.” It sounded like a plan, so we booked it! Hotel Alpenrose ***s : Austrian and Italian charm mixed together, with friendly staff, cuisine worth coming back for, saunas, an elevator that actually works (yes, that's worth mentioning) and a parking garage. It's just a shame that our bus didn't fit in that garage... but hey, street parking also has its charm on streets with an average gradient of Rocky Mountains. The room: large, cozy, and slightly acrobatic. A suite for six people, spacious, cozy, with a view of the mountains, and no air conditioning. But with nineteen degrees during the day and cool nights, that's more of a wellness choice than a loss. The toilet wasn't adapted, but with some creative thinking—toilet seat reducer, improvised stool—we had a great system. Until we came face to face with the stairs in the room. An architectural masterpiece that seems particularly suitable for people with an athletic past. It ended right at the foot of the bed, making the passage three centimeters too narrow for the wheelchair. The collision: Limburg dialect at volume 10 Night two. Dark. Silence. Until mom, half asleep and at full speed, gets acquainted with the edge of the stairs. A moment later, colorful Limburg exclamations filled the room — loud enough to echo through the Dolomites. Result: a bruised, swollen shin and a good story for breakfast. After a visit to the pharmacy for some cooling ointment, the vacation continued as usual with a thick blue shin on the right and the existing heel spur on the left. But hey, as we now know: a vacation without a little drama is like Tyrol without mountains — just not the same. 🚶‍♀️Activities Marmolada – The Queen of the Dolomites 👑 Once you're in the area, you have to climb the Marmolada. At 3,342 meters, this mountain is literally and figuratively the highlight of the area. We chose the best day of the week for our gondola lift climb, because you want as much unobstructed view as possible once you get to the top. And honestly: the view is breathtaking. Amazing, this is why we come to the Dolomites! Corvara A relatively flat day hike (at least we thought so) along the foot of a mountain range towards a small waterfall. The route was easily passable, even with the Hippocampe. Out of breath? Yes! Worth it? Absolutely. Unfortunately, we weren't able to visit the waterfall with Lanah, as it required following a very narrow path, full of boulders, uphill, for about 100 meters. Lanah didn't like it. Ortisei A day trip full of hairpin bends and views that will make your camera overheat. We drove past the Sassolungo (Mom's favorite), the Sella massif (this time from the other side), and over the Gardena Pass and Sella Pass. Every turn brought another “wow, stop for a photo!” moment. Ortisei itself? Beautiful, but very touristy. The architecture is charming, the coffee shops tempting, and Lanah, of course, didn't say no to a lunch break. We deliberately skipped the famous Seceda lift and Seiser Alm lift — too crowded, too Instagram. We preferred peace and quiet, mountains, and fresh air without selfie sticks. Porto Vescovo This mountain is practically in Arabba's backyard — you can hike up or take the gondola for a lazy ride. Mom and Lanah took two gondolas up, while Dad and the rest of the group decided to take on the challenge and hike up. A hike of about 7 km over varied terrain. We were sitting at the top, relaxing and enjoying the view with a snack and a drink, when the rest of the group reached the summit, exhausted ;) Piz Boé Pronounced ‘Pietz Beu’, at 3152 meters it is the highest peak in the Sella massif. You can take the gondola up to enjoy the view and relax in the restaurant. The summit is not accessible by wheelchair, as it requires a strenuous, advanced hike. The mountain pass to and from it is also very worthwhile in our opinion. The rest of the adventure Dad went on two more days of strenuous hiking with the tour group (read: up the mountain, down the mountain, sweat, repeat). Mom and Lanah chose zen mode: strolling through the village, drinking coffee, and hitting the sauna when Dad returned. To be fair, that was also a top performance. 🍕 Food/Drink We ended up in several mountain huts, bars, and restaurants. Mountain huts are usually a bit more expensive and the quality is not necessarily very good. Small cafés and bakeries are always good for an espresso with a pastry, and restaurants are always a gamble unless recommended by locals. Google Maps with Street View is always very useful for viewing the entrance. Need more information? Calling is faster and clearer ;) Hotel Restaurant Alpenrose Here you can enjoy traditional Italian dishes, with a different menu every day. A nice warm, traditional alpine atmosphere. Ideal for a hearty meal after an active day. For the children, they make a dish of their choice on the spot, such as schnitzel or spaghetti. Lazy in our own hotel, wonderful! Bar Peter Located in the center of Arabba, Bar Peter is a cozy place where you can enjoy local specialties, various beers, and pizzas for all tastes. It is reasonably priced and exudes ‘après-ski’ in winter. The main entrance was not accessible, but we were directed to the back entrance with a small ramp providing access to an outdoor terrace equipped with heaters. Pizzeria 7 Sass On the edge of the village, a gem you probably won't find on Instagram — and that's exactly its charm. Upon entering, you might think, “Are we really going to eat here?” The decor screams “vintage brown café,” the smell betrays that people used to smoke inside (probably until last week), and your order is written down on a scrap of paper that seems to have already lived a lifetime. But then the pizza arrives, and suddenly nothing else matters. The crust is perfect, the sauce is fresh, and the toppings are simple but delicious. The couple who run this place (probably since the 1960s, but no one dares to ask) do it with love. The locals drink their beer here after work, which is usually the best seal of approval a pizzeria can have. Pico Café Located in the center of Arabba, next to the church, near the Garnì Marilena. The café offers a modern and relaxed atmosphere with views of the Sella group. The menu also includes homemade cakes and paninis. We regularly enjoyed an espresso here before our walk or an aperitif in the evening. 🚗 Parking and on the road Do you like hairpin bends and mountain passes? Then the Dolomites are the place for you. But forget Google Maps: it says you can get from village to village in 15 minutes, while a tourist on mountain roads is more likely to set a world record for ‘slow driving’. Suffer from motion sickness? Drive yourself! That way, you might be less bothered by it. Although I have to admit that Mom still looked a little green behind the wheel... Never take the same route twice! Never take the same road back. That way, you'll discover new panoramas, picturesque villages, and extra curves every time. During our trips, we passed Col di Lana, through Canazei and over the Pordoi Pass, past the Sella Massif, Sassolungo, etc. – a real cocktail of bends and views. Beautiful! Parking in small villages: usually no problem. There are always designated disabled parking spaces. Larger towns are often a bit more difficult, sometimes there are only 2 disabled parking spaces out of 100 spaces. It's a matter of circling around or parking a little outside the center. Parking at lifts or attractions: drive slowly to the entrance. The best spots for people with disabilities are often there. Bonus: you avoid unnecessary parking fees at those paid parking spaces with barriers. ♿ Tips for a wheelchair vacation in the Dolomites Accessibility of the Dolomites: Less wheelchair-friendly than the Austrian Alps. Why? Narrower hiking trails, gravel paths with lots of rocks, very steep sections, busy roads between villages, so a little flexibility and a Hippocampe or sports wheelchair are useful. Most gondolas are large enough for a wheelchair. In ski areas, you will often see a 2-person gondola, a narrow, enclosed lift that resembles a ‘cocoon’. Wheelchairs do not fit in these. From the gondola, hiking trails to mountain huts and restaurants are often easy to navigate (gravel paths). Looking for a more adventurous hike? Then you will encounter narrow paths with boulders. Sometimes it's fine for 1 km, and then often there is an impassable section of 100 meters. If this is a short section, we are willing to carry the wheelchair. In these situations, Dad will go ahead and check whether the walk can be resumed after the impassable section. Ask the locals in hotels and B&Bs which routes are really suitable—they know the secret accessible gems. Want to be sure of a place in the restaurant? Make a reservation and mention the wheelchair. Always take something to eat and drink with you for the journey. Mountain huts are not always open, sometimes a walk (or car ride) takes longer than you think, and sometimes a sweet or a sip of drink helps against motion sickness. Bring spare tires and a pump for the wheelchairs. Do you use a vacuum-based seat cushion? Please note that differences in altitude create pressure differences in the seat cushion. It is therefore possible that you have shaped the seat cushion and pumped it up at the bottom of the mountain, but once you reach the top, the cushion is out of shape and no longer provides stability. We were not aware of this and experienced it on the Marmolada ;) Walking on bumpy paths does mean that you need to remain alert at all times to the sitting position and comfort of the person in the wheelchair. If necessary, adjust the sitting position in between, for example with an extra cushion, take an extra break, etc. During breaks, we always take Lanah out of the wheelchair and put her on our lap or on a blanket in the grass to change her position. Bring extra clothing so you can put on and take off layers. Bring a first aid kit. Mama works in healthcare , so don't even ask about the size of her first aid and medication kit... ;) In restaurants or on terraces, Lanah sits in different places: - in the large wheelchair in the orthosis, provided you can bring it inside or there is space on the outdoor terrace (most comfortable). - on a (closed) bench with the stabilizer - on a cushion in a chair with closed armrests (ask for extra cushions if necessary) - simply on Mom or Dad's lap. European Disabled Parking Card: It's always handy to have a photo of it with you to show at the ticket offices of attractions and lifts. European Disability Card: In Germany, Austria, and Italy, they recognize this card, a passport for people with disabilities. Unfortunately, you can't get it in the Netherlands yet, but a little explanation works wonders; most ticket offices are cooperative. The End – Part 1 of our journey And that concludes the first chapter of our Dolomites adventures. From blue shins to golden views, from designer stairs with attitude to pizzas with personality — it was anything but boring. Part 2 will follow soon, with even more mountains, stories, and probably a few more moments of “how did we end up here again?”. So keep following us if you want to know how our Alpine adventures continue — because this was just the beginning!

Lago Molveno 🏞️ Main Destination 2: San Dorsino Lorenzo On the way to Lago Molveno After a few days of mountain air in Arabba, our journey continued towards Lago Molveno. The route? Provincial roads to the left or provincial roads to the right to Bolzano, which is an adventure in itself. Curves, mountain ranges (via Passo Costalunga and the Rosengarten massif), sparkling lakes, charming villages, and the inevitable little orange speed cameras 😉 that kindly remind you that Italian villages like to be viewed slowly . After Bolzano, we were allowed to take a quick sniff of the highway towards Trentino, before happily meandering along provincial roads again; straight roads seem to be forbidden territory here. Final destination: San Lorenzo Dorsino , a picturesque village a stone's throw from the beautiful Lago Molveno, in the middle of the Trentino-Alto Adige region. We thought: a week of chilling by the lake, a kind of ‘Lake Garda light’ without the crowds. The Instagram pictures promised sun, swimmers, and idyllic blue water. The reality of Lago Molveno: idyllic blue water, endless hiking trails, a charming village, a wide range of outdoor activities, sun with occasional clouds, and water so cold that even the polar bears in Lapland would keep their hats on 🥶 On day 2, all three of us realized that Plan B was in order due to the combination of the cold water in the lake and Lanah's need to chill and swim. In addition, mom noticed that, given her injuries, energy level, and the adventurous week in Arabba, she also needed rest, relaxation, sun, and warmer swimming water. So... plan B! Listening to our bodies and energy levels. Switching from “active explorers” to “zen mode with a view.” 🏘️Accommodation Our base: Dolce Vita Ambiez B&B In San Lorenzo Dorsino, a charming place with a view of the mountains, where the atmosphere is as warm as the cappuccino at breakfast. Located on the southeastern flanks of the Brenta Dolomites, at the foot of the Paganella, close to Lake Molveno, the area is part of the Adamello Brenta Nature Park. The owner and her family are the Italian version of “mi casa es su casa”: warm, helpful, and genuinely interested. Our apartment was neat, spacious, with a lift that was just big enough for the large wheelchair + 2 people. Breakfast? Typically Italian: a mountain of sweets, fresh coffee, and the feeling that the day can only start well☕🍰 Parking was a bit of an adventure. Our bus didn't exactly fit smoothly through the narrow alleys leading to the parking lot (8 spaces), even though the owner said it would fit easily. Understandable if you're used to it and, like the ‘average Italian’, see a car only as a means of transport that allows you to make situations fit. Our experience? Beads of sweat, bated breath, and applause-worthy actions.  We quickly decided to look for an alternative nearby. We finally found peace (and space) at the little church, 100 meters away, in public parking spaces. Note: except on Sunday mornings during church services. 📍 Nearby attractions The area around Lago Molveno and San Lorenzo Dorsino is a true natural paradise 🌿 – and surprisingly accessible with a wheelchair or adapted stroller, provided you know which turns to avoid. The B&B had stacks of brochures, including stroller-proof routes, which is handy because they are usually wheelchair-friendly too. It seems that this is an ‘up-and-coming region’ and they want to promote it mainly to young families and nature lovers, and rightly so! The owner even called the local tourist office and the nature park to check accessibility. Worth an extra point on the review score, right? ⛪ San Lorenzo Dorsino  itself feels like you've accidentally driven back in time a few decades (without a time machine, but with WiFi). Quiet, authentic, and wonderfully cozy. A village so small and cozy that you've seen all the benches and all the nonnas within five minutes. The first day felt like we were parading past a jury bench—the nonnas approve of everything—but after day two, we received warm greetings and little smiles for Lanah's wheelchair moves. Incidentally, the church bells were there before our alarm clock: at 7:00 a.m., we knew for sure that we were alive, every morning. 🌊Molveno On the lake of the same name (864 m above sea level) is a truly beautiful village—clear water, mountain scenery, and a neatly laid out path around it for wheelchair users: half of it is great, the other half is... well, more for the daring with an off-road spirit (read: motorway). What else can you find there? Wide promenades with benches for pit stops Accessible beach areas (pebble and gravel) where you can get almost to the water with a wheelchair (we used a sports wheelchair) 🏖️ Terraces at the same level – Limoncello Spritz with a view guaranteed. Cappuccinos after 11 a.m. are ‘not done’ in Italy, so we adapt ;) Local beer was also available; at the beach bar, the sign ‘Brand Beer from Wijlre’ was prominently displayed on the facade. As if we don't love that, haha. Paragliding, canoe and SUP rental, mountain biking options, boat rental, alpine skiing in winter, etc. We rented an electric boat – Lanah's first boat trip! The wheelchair stayed ashore, but with her pillow on board, she was chilling like a princess. We didn't get any help getting on board, something to do with teenage holiday workers who aren't very alert and assertive in these situations. We took our time and it worked out fine in the end. Old village center with car-free central squares, restaurants, and small tourist shops (not all accessible). The campsite at Molveno is also highly recommended: right on the lake, beach, playground, swimming pools, and... swimming caps are mandatory. We cried with laughter. 🤿 TIP: The village center is small but manageable; some streets are steep, but there are plenty of flat areas towards the square. The restaurants around the village square are often willing to set up tables outside for more accessible seating (and a better view) or even lift the wheelchair to the upper terrace (provided it is not a heavy electric one, of course). 🐻 Andalo  – Andalo, a 20-minute drive from the B&B, is a bustling tourist mountain village with over 700 km of hiking trails. For families, there are special hiking trails that are also suitable for strollers. For the average hiker, there is a wide choice of beautiful day trips, and for experts, there are multi-day hut-to-hut hikes. This region is also a paradise for mountain bikers, and in winter, it is perfect for alpine skiing. Belpark, Spormaggiore (Andalo) – a small animal park on a hill. The park itself is outdated but neat, small-scale, surrounded by nature, and nice for a morning walk. A little tip: don't park downstairs at the ‘Parking’ sign. We did, and got a free 30-minute mountain climb with 10 hairpin bends. At the top, there turned out to be three disabled parking spaces... p*tvr*d*kkie! Limburg-Italian temperament? Fully activated, it took 50 counts before we could go to the ticket office. But hey, last night's pizza and beer: burned off! 🍕🔥 🧗 Arco , just a 35-minute drive from the B&B. Sounds long? In Trentino, you can easily end up driving for half an hour, due to the many provincial roads and the lack of highways. That's a shame, of course, given the beautiful mountains. The highway actually only runs through the center of Alto Adige. Arco is a paradise for climbers, but don't panic: even if you prefer to keep both feet on the ground, Arco is a wonderful place. Due to the microclimate, it is slightly warmer than elsewhere, and the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed. Temperature in San Lorenzo Dorsino 24 degrees, temperature in Arco 28 degrees. Perfect for those who want the warmth and the typical ‘Lago di Garda atmosphere’ without the crowds. The weekly market is similar to those in other villages on Lake Garda: clothing, gadgets, clothing, clothing, food. We love the atmosphere in this town and similar villages where ‘extreme sports’ predominate. In our opinion, these are always more ‘relaxed, chill, go-with-the-flow’ and therefore offer more shops with outdoor clothing, terraces where no one is in a hurry, gelaterias galore, and good food. We love it :) And for wheelchair users? The historic center has a number of cobbled alleys, and many cafés and shops are surprisingly accessible (with some charming Italian improvisation). The promenade along the Sarca River is flat, wide, and ideal for a leisurely ride with views of climbers in the distance. 🌞 Riva del Garda is about 40-45 minutes from the B&B. There are several routes you can take to get there, such as the route along Lago di Tenno , which is wonderful for a stopover and a refreshing dip. Please note: from the parking lot, you will need to follow a forest path. This is fine for an off-road (or transport) wheelchair but not suitable for a large electric wheelchair. This town is bustling: water sports enthusiasts on the lake, strolling tourists, cyclists pretending they are riding the Giro. Fortunately, the center is largely car-free, but parking is a bit of an issue... But otherwise, it is easily accessible for wheelchair users: flat streets, good sidewalks, colorful buildings, and, for a number of years now, a beach on the lake adjacent to the park with a paved path through it and many cafes with accessible terraces. Several towns on Lake Garda can also be reached by water taxi (large boat), which is also wheelchair-friendly! In the summer, this town is flooded with tourists, something that is also promoted, of course. This did not prevent us from saying ‘hello’ to our beloved lake. You can come here to visit the lake, enjoy a few hours of water fun, rent a boat or pedal boat, stroll through the small shops (many of which are accessible but crammed with goods) and relax on the terrace. TIP :On the way back? Take a different route and you will see other beautiful villages and mountains, or you might spontaneously come across a winegrower, unknown to us. Perfetto! 🍨 Lazise , a 1.5-hour drive from the B&B. This charming town on the southeast coast of Lake Garda is our “home on the lake.” The old city walls make you feel like you've stepped into a medieval movie. Fortunately, we now know all the shortcuts and parking spots. Here, it's all about la dolce vita: strolling along the quay (the promenade is flat and wide), enjoying the view and the glistening water, browsing the little shops and deciding whether to have pistachio or stracciatella ice cream (have both. After all, you only live once!). After that, Lanah had one wish: to go swimming. So we headed for the beach at a well-known campsite! From the parking lot next to the city gate, you can walk or roll along a side road straight into the water (note that buses are not allowed to park here). There's plenty of choice, because every campsite claims a piece of beach in this ‘mini-cove’ of the lake. We aimed for the first grassy spot at Camping du Parc – nostalgia for us. The universe was kind to us: just as we arrived, three people got up from their sunbeds, making room for us! Of course, there was a fee – dolce vita is a paid hobby for a reason 😉 After swimming, we strolled through the town, enjoyed a tasty snack, and ended the day with an evening walk along the water. For us, Lazise always feels like coming home: unwinding, enjoying ourselves as a threesome, and completely ‘grounding’ ourselves. 🍋Food/Drink Traveling through northern Italy is like eating at an Italian nonna's house: you always get too much, no one listens when you say “no,” and even the obstacles are charming. Molveno Polenta  with stewed meat or mushrooms. Ciuìga del Banale  – local delicacy, protected by Slow Food, sausage with turnip. Fresh mountain cheese or sausage (salami) with a glass of red wine; ask at the bar which wine. Enjoyed a nice meal at Bar Spiaggia, simple lunch, space created for the wheelchair, great prices. Had pizza at Taverna La Botte in Molveno, a super cute restaurant, good food, downside: they seem to want to clear the table as quickly as possible. Sports bar in the center, great for an aperitif and watching the sport of the day with the locals. We watched the F1 race with Lanah there on a Sunday afternoon. Riva and Arco, What you must try: Risotto al limone  – light, fresh, and delicious in warm weather. Gelato artigianale  from the promenade. Aperitif at one of the many bars, delicious with a serving of olives, chips, etc. Lazise , What you must try: Gem's, restaurant along the main road. Known for its rotisserie chicken and home-brewed beer. Gelato at Cremeria di Lazise. A glass of Bardolino rosé at sunset on the promenade. Restaurant on the beach at Camping du Parc, slightly more expensive but excellent food on the beach for lunch. From the mountains near San Lorenzo Dorsino to the sun-drenched promenade of Lazise, everywhere you go you will experience the same attitude to life: simplicity, taste, hospitality, and no rush. And if you get stuck on a gravel path or steep street, there is (almost) always an Italian who will pop up with a smile and say, “Aspetta, io aiuto!” ( Wait, I'll help you! ). Italy may not be perfectly flat, but it is perfect in everything that matters: good food, warm people, and wine that makes you forget everything. After all, the love of us Limburg bon vivants goes (largely) through the stomach ;) 🅿️Parking and On the Road Parking:  usually free or inexpensive at B&Bs and small villages. Parking in Molveno is easy at one of the designated outdoor or street parking spaces, or if you want to park close to the pool/beach, opposite the campsite. At first, we thought this parking lot had a height restriction, but the B&B owner insisted that it was possible. As it turned out, when we reported to the ticket office with the wheelchair bus, the friendly gentleman moved the height restriction pole aside. Never seen that before, but ideal! Parking in Lazise: just outside the village center, there is a large public parking lot with no height restrictions. Coming from Bardolino, at the busy roundabout at Lazise, turn left up the hill. If you show your European parking card at the ticket office, you may also be able to park for free. Parking in Arco: Approaching Arco from the north, there is a large public car park on the right, next to the large rock (or ‘mega-boebel’ as Lanah called it). There are a few disabled parking spaces here. Parking in Riva: Parking close to the city center is almost impossible in high season. You'll have to circle around or look for parking spaces outside the center. The walking distance is then on average 20 minutes along the beach promenade or along the main road. Speed cameras:  Yes, here too. Orange, small, and always strategically placed 😅 Tip:  Take your time and enjoy the ride — in the Dolomites and around Lake Garda, being on the road  is at least as beautiful as the destination itself. Winding provincial roads? Drive carefully, don't brake too hard, don't take the bends too fast. This is very unpleasant for wheelchair users with little or no trunk balance. Always bring something to drink and a snack for the road. We always bring our swimming gear with us, in case we feel like a refreshing dip. A change of clothes and a cardigan and long pants for Lanah. She gets cold more quickly than someone who can walk. Return trip overnight stay: Nuremberg Every adventure comes to an end, and so did this one. We weren't sure where we would spend the night on our way home. We decided to let it depend on our progress along the way because, well, it was peak season and we're not used to that. Just before the border crossing, we decided to fill up in Austria because diesel was cheaper there than in Germany. This meant we could cross the border ‘the long way round’, without any traffic jams. A nice bonus was the German bakery we came across on the provincial road, much better than a sandwich at the gas station ;) To our surprise, this bakery had a ramp, look... perfect! Everything went smoothly and fine until we reached the bottom of southern Germany, and it looked like we were going to spend the night near Frankfurt, but... around Munich and Ingolstadt, traffic was moving very slowly. We reached a point where we had been in the car for nine hours and only then saw the sign for Nuremberg, so we decided that was our limit, also considering Lanah's posture and muscles. A quick Google search and voilà, there was Hotel Forsthaus in Fürth. A good hotel, worth mentioning! This hotel also had a swimming pool and spa facilities, but unfortunately we didn't arrive until late in the afternoon. A nice shower, dinner, and sleep. Furthermore: spacious rooms, air conditioning, wooded surroundings close to the highway, a beer garden, a delicious restaurant, and a top-notch breakfast buffet. Reflection: At first, the region around Lago Molveno wasn't what we expected, but looking back, we can say that this is also a beautiful part of Italy if you're a mountain lover like us. We're grateful that we got to experience it. And honestly, what's a vacation without Plan B?! Plan B meant that we combined the Molveno region with Lake Garda (the old familiar). It was exactly what we needed that week. All it took was listening to our feelings and, above all, to each other, weighing up the options, making compromises, and always getting the most out of everything. As for Lake Garda, the caveat remains: it is extremely busy in high season. This makes it extra challenging for families with wheelchair users. Simple things like getting a spot on the terrace with a wheelchair can be a challenge. In addition, it often means walking in single file through the narrow streets, where many tourists unfortunately don't see the wheelchair and not every tourist is equally friendly when it comes to making room, so extra caution is required. If you ask us, we prefer the June and September vibe in this region ;) 💡 Tips Plan a maximum of two activities per day. Two = Hyrox event intensive 🏋️‍♂️. Are multiple wheelchairs available? Bring them along! This will give you flexibility in different, possibly unpredictable situations. Bring a pump and spare tires for the wheelchairs. We often use the Stabilo (vacuum seat cushion) for Lanah in ‘all-enclosed’ patio chairs. Bring an extra small cushion, as this can sometimes be useful for creating a different posture in the wheelchair. Lanah still uses a ‘floater’, as she is still lightweight and small in stature. We recently purchased a life jacket with extra neck support, which is also nice for her to float in. Beach = sand. Sand = forever. In your socks. In your charger. Between the wheels. Bring a small can and a brush for point 7. Take your time to settle down on a terrace or in a restaurant, don't worry about what others might think. It just takes a little thought and planning with wheelchairs. Leave your expectations at home. Go with the flow. Weather conditions in Trentino change every 10 km, so always check the weather forecast for your destination. Check wheelchair accessibility via B&B, tourist office, or brochures in advance. Don't forget to smile. Really. Sometimes it's chaos, but it's your chaos. See tips from summer 2025 part 1. 📸 Instagram vs reality 📸 Instagram: “Look at us smiling for the camera!” 🤯 Reality: Tripping twice, looking for a wheelchair parking space, changing places three times, lots of turned heads, lost sunglasses, etc. 📸 Instagram: “Together on the beach.” 🤯 Reality: a whole operation beforehand: whether or not to take the wheelchair to the water's edge, hoisting Lanah into her swimsuit, cold feet in the water, the occasional pebble under your foot, transferring Lanah from one person to another, putting on a swim ring... and only then can you really enjoy yourself. ❤️ Finally – the truth Vacationing with a wheelchair and a toddler is... an adventure. It's planning and letting go. It's lifting and laughing. It's shouting “come back!” 73 times and proclaiming 50 times that souvenirs are pretty much the same everywhere. With moments that are naturally confrontational for both Lanah and us. You want to give your child the world, but in a wheelchair, this quickly becomes much more limited. Some things are simply not possible, or some people are simply not willing to help. This is also the truth. Even though a vacation is physically more tiring for us than being at home (and that is already very intensive), we always think afterwards, “This was magical.” And yes, we would do it again in a heartbeat. The mountains always watch us. Silent, motionless. They observe us, study us, speak to us, listen to us, love us.

Destination: Ibiza 🏝️ Duration : 8 days Transport : Airplane Company : 3 of us and grandma and grandpa Time : Sep/oct The following applies to every trip/journey: All trips and vacations are primarily practical challenges and concerns about possible infections or other physical ailments. However, we will not let this stop us (any longer) from doing what we love most: spending time together, discovering new places, and marveling at—and immersing ourselves in—unknown landscapes and cultures. Bright spots on wheels: our trip in the fall of 2025 🌍✨ The fall of 2025 became a trip for which we are especially grateful. Because this trip... was a gift. Yes, really! With tears in our eyes, we accepted this offer last year via Facetime. Grandma and bonus grandpa were in Ibiza at the time, staying at a beautiful, quietly located B&B run by a local couple from South Limburg. When they heard about our situation, they called us: “Come to Ibiza, you are more than welcome.” Why? Out of gratitude that they are able to live in Ibiza. Us? Surprised, moved, and above all grateful. And with a renewed dose of confidence in the future. Why does this feel so special? In a world full of bureaucracy, negativity, and money-driven choices, where families with baggage don't always have it easy, where many have lost touch with everything around us, and where emotional people are often still in the minority... that's precisely why such an unexpected gesture of empathy, kindness, and connection is a ray of light that warms your heart. And that is exactly what traveling gives us: not only new places, but new confidence, memories, and above all, energy💙 🌍Journey from Eindhoven to Ibiza Here we go! With our Pawpatroller (Van) packed and ready, we headed to Eindhoven Airport. It takes quite a bit of preparation, which I'll come back to at the end of this blog. Dad dropped us off at the entrance by charmingly “borrowing” a public transport parking space (we call it creative parking), so we could quickly unload the 2 suitcases, 2 wheelchairs, and 4 carry-on backpacks . He was then allowed to drive on to P4, the nearest parking lot without a height restriction — ideal for buses and other vehicles that have grown just a little too enthusiastic. It's about a 15–20 minute walk to the terminal, but hey, that counts as a warm-up. Inside, we checked our suitcases in digitally at the self-service counters. Always exciting: will the machine work, or will we all end up sitting on the floor puzzling over baggage tags? Fortunately, everything went well and we were able to proceed to the mobility assistance desk. The wheelchairs had already been requested in advance—after a frustrating saga of phone calls, text messages, and inner monologues directed at the airline. Still, we had to complete 30 minutes of extra paperwork. But after that, we did get to feel like VIPs: through the fast lane at customs! Boarding then went a little... more creatively than planned. We weren't called first, which is normally the case with mobility assistance, so there was a bit of chaos. But: the seats in the front row were neatly reserved and the flight attendants were super friendly and immediately asked if we needed help. Accommodation We stayed in a B&B in a finca near the village of Sant Carles de Peralta, called Todo Bien . And that was absolutely right: everything was bien! Our visit was really at the last minute. The couple who ran this gem were closing down at the end of October this year. So we were pretty much the last guests to enjoy their hidden paradise. Lucky us! Looking for this or a similar place online? Forget it. You won't find this kind of B&B on Booking, Google Maps, or even in Indiana Jones' archives. How does it work? Mostly “through the grapevine” — a kind of secret lodging club for insiders, haha! That's because B&Bs in Ibiza are not actively promoted by the government. They are tolerated, but that's about it. That's why there's no flashy website, no big signs along the road... and not even a paved road. Your navigation system says “Destination reached,” but your suspension and shock absorbers say otherwise. Activities The quiet village of Sant Carles de Peralta (San Carlos) in the northeast of Ibiza is charming, relaxed, and—let's be honest—remarkably well populated by Dutch people. It is less crowded than the classic seaside resorts and a great base from which to visit both beaches and restaurants without having to deal with the party vibes. The drive from the airport takes about 35 minutes, mainly on provincial roads, with the last few minutes on “strada bianche” as a bonus. Your suspension will remember it. Cala San Vicente is so quiet that you half expect someone to offer you a cup of chamomile tea and a flyer for a mindfulness retreat. The sea is calm, the beach is uncluttered, and the vibe... well, let's just say that snails would feel overwhelmed here. Perfect for landing, breathing, and doing absolutely nothing for a while. *Wheelchair accessible via a platform and water chair available to borrow from the lifeguard. Cala Llenya is the beach to go to if Cala San Vicente feels a little too tame. You can laze around, swim, play volleyball, or just pretend you're reviewing a beach guide. The atmosphere is laid-back, but with just enough people to eavesdrop on others unnoticed. Ideal. *Wheelchair accessible via a platform and water chair available to borrow from the lifeguard. Las Dalias , the hippie market in San Carles, is a place where time doesn't exist, where every corner reveals a new scent or amulet, and where you can stroll among art, jewelry, natural products, and cocktails. Ideal for letting your inner boho shine. Punta Arabi is Las Dalias' big sister — more stalls, more people, more noise. Super cozy, but also super busy in the summer months. Keep that in mind if you don't like walking in the slipstream of 3,000 other people. *Mostly wheelchair accessible. Santa Eulària is for people who want to enjoy their vacation without losing their brain cells at a nightclub. A beautiful coastal town with a relaxed pace, popular with families and couples. The palm-lined boulevard is especially beautiful in the evening, with the sea on one side and cafés and boutiques on the other. The main beach is wide, clean, shallow, and easily accessible. The modern marina is bursting with restaurants and bars—and you can rent a boat if you feel like spending a day sailing as if you're suddenly rich. Ibiza Town is lively, stylish, and wonderfully authentic. It is the place where modern Ibiza goes hand in hand with the historic island. Luxury yachts bob in the harbor as if it were the most normal thing in the world, while trendy restaurants and stylish bars try to tempt you from every corner. Around the harbor, you will find shopping streets and boutiques in every category imaginable: from small local shops to high-end fashion that will make your bank account break out in a sweat. You will find unique gems, especially in the old streets. Dalt Vila, the UNESCO World Heritage old town that towers above Ibiza Town, is magical, romantic, and impressive. The climb to this old town and fortress is definitely worth it, perhaps not all the way to the top with a wheelchair, but to the viewing platform in the middle. Magnificent views! Nightlife? Yes, indeed! The iconic club Pacha is located here, and Platja d'en Bossa is also within easy reach for those who still have some energy left. Pou des Lleó is one of those places where you arrive and in a second you understand why people fall in love with Ibiza. A quiet, small bay in the northeast of the island, surrounded by rocks, fishermen's huts, and water so clear that you almost want to apologize for disturbing it. From the village, there is a footpath leading to the sea, and after a slightly adventurous climb (read: occasionally scrambling as if you were in an outdoor advertisement), you arrive at a beautiful viewpoint, which we immediately renamed the viewpoint. Here, you mainly hear the sea, the wind, and occasionally a local who decides that clothing is overrated. The bay and the plateau itself are a bit rugged and rocky, so it's not the most logical place for wheelchairs. But it is perfect for: a moment to enjoy the view a drink lunch with a sea breeze recharging your batteries in pure tranquility and authenticity How did we get to the viewpoint? Mom carried Lanah over the ‘rough part’ and Dad and Grandpa carried the sports wheelchair. Everyone got their workout! Pou des Lleó is Ibiza in its purest form: simple, honest, peaceful, and beautiful. A little paradise — especially for those who like to discover the lesser-known side of the island. The energy here was truly wonderful: peaceful, free, grounding. 🍽️ Food & Drink Bar Anita – Sant Carles de Peralta Food like grandma used to make. Atmosphere? Just like grandma's house, haha! A bar where locals pick up their mail, watch soccer games, and visit for after-work drinks. Perfect for a light lunch or dinner at reasonable prices. *Tip: Hierbas. It's an anise-based drink with extracts and infusions of more than 20 herbs such as fennel, thyme, sage, rosemary, eucalyptus, mint, lemon peel, orange peel, and much more. Ideal nightcap ;) Casa Bella – Sant Carles de Peralta Cozy, casual setting, delicious ‘average’ Italian food where you don't have to rush. Ideal for recovering from the hippie market in San Carles or simply because you don't want to eat tapas or paella every day. *Plus point: gelateria next door! Aliño – Santa Eulària Lovely, good, tapas. A restaurant where everything feels just right: the atmosphere, the food, and the service. Perfect for lunch or dinner, with fresh ingredients and creative combinations. Order something you would never normally try – chances are you'll fall in love with it. And yes, a glass of wine is always welcome. Lagom – Santa Eulària Lovely, perfect, Paella. The name says it all: not too much, not too little, just right. Modern, light, and with a relaxed vibe, ideal for brunch or dinner. Here you can convince yourself that you're eating super healthy... while secretly enjoying a decadent bottle of wine. The Boat House, San Vicente A great place to go for lunch and dinner. Completely in tune with the ‘vibe’ of the sea. Everything exudes ‘boats, water, fishing, beach’. Both the terrace and the interior are wheelchair accessible, with the exception of the toilet. A wonderful place to relax with a view of the sea and delicious, fresh food. Something for almost everyone ;) On the Beach, San Vicente Same owner as The Boat House. On the beach, atmosphere: exudes surfing, relaxation, cocktails. Ideal for lunch or a relaxed afternoon with good food (with a Dutch influence here and there) and cocktails overlooking the bay. *Wheelchair accessible except for the toilet. Chiringuito, Pou des lleo Right on the bay is a bar where they don't mess around. Fish, tapas, beer, sea, sun — done. The kind of place where you eat shrimp that just had a career at sea and where no one asks if you want your water “with or without vibes.” *Accessibility is disappointing, but hey, it's a small, authentic bar. Just lift yourself onto a chair on the terrace and enjoy. 💡 Dining tips for wheelchair users: Check in advance whether the restaurant and/or terrace is accessible, either via Google Maps or simply by giving them a call. Bar Anita has a threshold outside, but with a little help, it's usually no problem with a non-electric wheelchair. Gelato? Very pricey in Ibiza, but if you take more than one scoop, each additional scoop becomes cheaper... so it's not a difficult choice ;) Want to be sure of a nice spot with your wheelchair? Make a reservation! Dinner? Restaurants usually don't open until 7 p.m. because Spaniards generally eat quite late in the evening, with rush hour around 9 p.m. Is your digestion not so good when eating late, like mine? Have a warm, substantial lunch. 🛣️On the road A vacation without our “big, electric” wheelchair, because yes... it's not allowed on the plane. Unbelievable, but unfortunately completely true. Airlines apparently find these kinds of practical things too complicated. Sigh.... So what did we take with us? ✅ The non-electric wheelchair with e-move wheels ✅ The sports wheelchair (a.k.a. our all-rounder or Hippocampe) We ended up using the sports wheelchair the most — and not just because it rolls so well. Ibiza is full of unpaved roads, spontaneous sandy paths, and lots of little bays where you can swim/float. With the sports wheelchair, we can easily get into the water and use the Stabilo: a moldable seat cushion that you can shape to suit practically any situation. Indispensable, in other words. We rented a Dacia Jogger through an intermediary at Auto Union. It was a 7-seater, but we politely asked them to remove the last two seats. That saves a lot of digging around in the trunk and makes room for... two wheelchairs, two suitcases, four backpacks, four adults, and one child. You have to do what you have to do, right?! Because we didn't want to run the risk of ending up with a “similar model” upon arrival (read: a car that could fit at most one backpack), we paid in advance. This isn't possible with every rental company, so check carefully. The car was neatly parked in the parking garage opposite the terminal when we arrived. It was just a matter of loading up — aka Tetris with baggage — and going. The Dacia Jogger turned out to be a great solution. On the way there, we were packed like sardines, but once the suitcases were out, it was great. Lanah sat in her Stabilo Positioning Cushion between grandpa and grandma in the back seat, and that worked out just fine. Driving in Ibiza — sometimes exciting, always beautiful Plan a road trip: Ibiza is made for road trips. Every time you round a bend, there's a new view waiting to make your day. Ibiza occasionally surprised us with sudden steep roads, bends, and unpaved roads. The kind of roads where halfway through you think: is this still part of the route or have we turned onto a goat track? * Tip: If you think “Oooooh no...” when you turn in, turn around. Because believe me: it usually doesn't get any better. 😉 🅿️ Parking Please note that towns often have zones/colors: Blue (zona azul), White, Yellow, Red, and Disabled parking spaces (blue with wheelchair symbol). *Tip: These spots are often close to beaches, markets, or city centers and are worth their weight in gold for a wheelchair-friendly vacation, provided you have your Disability Parking Card with you. *Tip: Check facilities: Wooden paths and wheelchair-friendly beaches are usually clearly marked, but it's worth checking Google Maps in advance or asking your accommodation for some tips. Return trip Eindhoven-Ibiza Check-in was completely different from the outbound journey. In the departure hall, we had to report to the Mobility Point : a kind of waiting area with a digital sign and a call button that you hope will work. After pressing the bell, an employee appeared who collected our details and then guided us through the entire process — from check-in to the gate. It was a bit chaotic at first. Officially, only the wheelchair user and one companion are allowed to accompany this employee, but because we had divided our luggage as if we were participating in a logistics puzzle competition, it was impossible for me to carry everything on my own. Fortunately, the rest of the group was eventually allowed to “hitch a ride” as well. The landing was smooth... the arrival hall a little less so. It was packed, and there was a lot of jostling at the baggage carousel. After what seemed like an eternity, our luggage finally came out — and a little later, the sports wheelchair. Well... what was left of the sports wheelchair. The transport bag was completely torn and hung half fatally over the belt as if it had just had a fight with a baggage cart. It remains incomprehensible: you hand in special luggage at ‘odd sized baggage’ because it is not suitable for the normal belt... and then it comes back on that same belt anyway. Logic level: airline. So, after a long journey, we also had to queue at the damaged luggage desk. Exactly what you can't face after hours of traveling. ✈️ Handling: small print, big frustrations Long story short after the trip: Compensation from the airline? You can usually write it off right away. There's always a new rule, exception clause, or creative interpretation to avoid responsibility. And us? We ended up stuck with almost 3000 euros in damages... SO SUCK IT... but looking on the bright side: grateful that this happened on the return trip and not on the way there. ♿Do's and don'ts Traveling with two wheelchairs Traveling with one wheelchair is already a challenge. Two? That's almost an Olympic sport. Preparation is everything, and don't let the airline brush you off; fight for your aids! When booking airline tickets, you must provide all the details of the wheelchairs. Length, width, weight, battery type... sometimes I feel like a wheelchair engineer. Don't forget to request assistance at the airport. Without it, you'll literally be maneuvering up and down the conveyor belt as if you're in a stunt movie. Seriously, it's a bit like organizing a mini-expedition... only with more wheels. Don'y take 'no' for an answer! Make sure you have an extra insurance on the privately bought wheelchairs/aids. Airlines mostly don't compensate all repaire costs. 2. Choosing accommodation Not every “accessible room” is truly accessible. We always ask for photos/videos of the room and check whether we can even get through the door and park the wheelchair. We knew there was gravel around the accommodation, but the week went better than expected. We were out and about a lot, and Lanah was able to ride her e-move wheelchair on the paved terrace. That was all we needed, as we were out and about a lot. Once again, compromise proved to be the key to success. Spoiler alert: an elevator and a wide door are your best friends. 3. Rental car or taxi Public transportation in Ibiza? Not for us. We arranged a large rental car in advance. Unfortunately, we have not yet found a rental company that rents wheelchair buses at any destination, and renting a van? Then you will have no vacation budget left, unfortunately. 4. European Disability Parking Card Bring your European disabled parking card, it's very handy. 5. Medical and practical matters Bringing spare parts is not an unnecessary luxury. Batteries, pumps, inner tubes, Lubrication, tools... you'll feel like MacGyver on wheels. And don't forget your English-language medical certificate! 6. Practical tips Always bring your swim bag with you to Ibiza, because you might find a bay or beach so inviting that you want to take a refreshing dip. Going into the water with your Stabilo seat cushion? Keep in mind that drying time depends on the amount of sunlight it gets. After we had been to the beach and in the sea with the Hippocampe for the first time, the sports wheelchair sounded like an old squeaky ice cream truck when we were driving. Thank goodness we had brought lip balm with us to ‘lubricate’ the rubbing parts along the way. Ibiza has a number of wheelchair-accessible beaches, such as Cala Llenga, Cala San Vicente, Santa Eulalia, etc. With special wooden paths and beach wheelchairs available, or in our case with the sports wheelchair. It was a great added value to be able to enjoy the sea. Unfortunately, some smaller beaches or remote spots were difficult to reach due to sand and steep slopes. Many activities, such as boat trips and day trips, require prior consultation for accessibility. But cultural attractions such as Dalt Vila were reasonably accessible with a wheelchair, provided you are fit enough to cope with steep slopes. 🌟 Reflection If we have confirmed one thing on this trip, it is this: We seem to be destined to encounter and overcome a wide range of challenges that exist when traveling with a wheelchair (and then, of course, tell you all about it in this blog...) Ibiza taught us once again that a little challenge is inevitable. Rain? Check. 27 degrees and sunshine? Check. Emergency alert on a Spanish island? Check. A road that turns into a goat path halfway through? Double check. Fever and chickenpox on the return flight? Check. A badly damaged Hippocampe and Stabilo after the return flight? Check. And yet: every time we came out with a smile (okay, sometimes with a deep sigh first, then with a smile). We discovered that steep slopes are fine, as long as you pretend you're participating in Expedition Robinson for advanced participants. That wooden beach paths are sacred ground. That the Hippocampe sounds like a dying ice cream man as soon as you take it into salt water and that lip balm has officially been promoted from “for dry lips” to “multifunctional technical lubricant.” But most importantly: We came. We saw. We rolled. We enjoyed. With the realization that nothing can stop us from continuing to discover the world together. Not even an airline that thinks a large wheelchair is some kind of unicorn: beautiful, but impossible to take with you. So yes... our vacations remain a mix of adventure, improvisation, emotion, and pure love. And as long as we keep smiling, either because it's fun or because otherwise we'll cry, every trip remains a bright spot on wheels. 💙✨