‘Wheelchair Travel Expert’ Who’s Been to 50 Countries Shares How Much a Typical Accessible Trip Costs (Exclusive)

Renowned ‘Wheelchair Travel Expert’ Unveils the Cost of an Average Accessible Journey (Exclusive)

Cory Lee was born with spinal muscular atrophy, a rare condition that results in muscle weakness over time. Now, at the age of 35, he embarks on over 150 days of travel annually, documenting and sharing his experiences through his blog, Curb Free with Cory Lee, as a “wheelchair travel expert”. His journey began with his first international trip to Australia right after college, which ignited his passion for exploring the world.

Lee’s mission is to demonstrate that travelling in a wheelchair is not only possible but can also lead to unforgettable adventures. He expressed in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE his desire to showcase the beauty of incredible destinations worldwide while navigating the challenges of accessible travel. However, the adventures come at a cost, as accessible travel often involves substantial expenses.

When planning his trips, Lee frequently collaborates with tourism boards or destinations that cover expenses such as flights, accommodations, and meals in exchange for content that promotes accessibility. Nevertheless, there are still numerous out-of-pocket costs, particularly when arranging wheelchair-accessible transportation and tours, which can be pricey, especially for private vans. Lee mentions that more expensive hotels tend to be more accessible, further adding to the overall cost.

Recently, Lee embarked on a dream trip to Ireland’s renowned Ashford Castle, which came with a substantial price tag of around $15,000 for a week-long stay. Despite the high cost, the experience of staying in an accessible castle was a significant accomplishment for Lee. On the other hand, not all destinations necessitate a considerable financial investment. For instance, he visited Ecuador for 10 days at a cost of approximately $3,000 and went on an eight-day safari in South Africa for under $5,000.

Lee emphasises that destinations like Tokyo or London typically incur higher expenses compared to regions in South America, which are generally more budget-friendly. Despite the financial implications, Lee firmly believes that every moment and penny spent on these trips is invaluable, offering him opportunities to engage in activities he once deemed unattainable in a wheelchair.

Throughout his travels, Lee has partaken in exhilarating experiences such as riding a camel in the Sahara Desert, immersing himself in Iceland’s iconic Blue Lagoon, and even paragliding over the Swiss Alps. Reflecting on his paragliding adventure, he admits to initially being apprehensive. However, with the guidance of Accessible Switzerland, which offered adapted paragliding equipment, Lee conquered his fears and soared through the air, marvelling at the breathtaking Swiss landscape.

Looking ahead to future destinations, Lee expresses his eagerness to visit French Polynesia, where he plans to stay in an overwater bungalow soon. He also harbours aspirations of exploring China to witness the Great Wall and visiting Peru to marvel at Machu Picchu. Transport accessibility challenges in China have deterred his visit thus far, but he remains optimistic about the prospect of experiencing these diverse destinations in the future.

In conclusion, Cory Lee’s unwavering determination and passion for accessible travel have not only shattered barriers but have also inspired countless individuals to pursue their travel dreams, regardless of any physical limitations. As he continues to explore the world and share his adventures through his blog, his story serves as a testament to the boundless opportunities that await those willing to embark on their own unique journeys.