Disclaimer: I was given a 2-night complimentary stay to facilitate this post. However, all opinions are my own.
Visiting St. Augustine is a highlight of any east coast road trip for me. The city is steeped in rich history. The architect of the buildings beautiful and the food is amazing. I am drawn to this beautiful city much like a moth to a flame. But how does one do a city so fabulous when they have Multiple Sclerosis? Well, here are my tried and true insights into this subject.
Visiting St. Augustine With Multiple Sclerosis
Visiting St. Augustine with Multiple Sclerosis is a doable thing if you plan ahead, make good choices, and know your limitations. I have been visiting St. Augustine for years with MS and wanted to share some of the tried and true tips I have learned.
Tip 1
The first tip I will give you is to get a room near the city so that your travel time is not so far. There are many choices to be had here from large hotels with a family-friendly site to smaller bed and breakfast inns. For me I love St. George Inn which is located right on St. George Street so you can pretty much just walk out the door and be right in the middle of the hustle and bustle. Make sure that whatever you choose the place you stay at is handicap accessible.
By having a room near the city not only is travel time cut in half but you are near everything so getting around is as easy as walking or in some cases being pushed in a wheelchair. Also by having a room this close to the action afternoon naps are easy to take because you can get to and from your room quickly.
Tip 2
My second tip is to plan excursions during the morning or in the evening when the sun is not so hot. I personally love walking St. George street early in the morning. Yes, the shops are not open yet but watching the sunrise as I walk is simply breathtaking. I also love having an early sunrise breakfast when there are cafes or restaurants open for the early riser. Another option to consider is a moonlight cruise or carriage ride. I personally love the ghost tours that run at night. They have one that you can ride a trolley for which is spooktacular.
Tip 3
The third tip is to do a little research beforehand on which exhibits and attractions have handicap accessibility. Like I learned on this trip that my favorite exhibit The St Augustine Lighthouse & Maritime Museum now has some interactive exhibits. That meant I could have some fun while my family tackled the lighthouse itself and climbed all those stairs to the top.
Also, consider festivals that may be happening like The Sing Out Loud Music Festival. A lot of these festivals are held at places where you can pull up a chair or a blanket and enjoy some wonderful sounds while resting. Another option is tours of museums or churches this allows you to be inside and if need be to sit and rest.
Tip 4
And finally, my best tip for visiting St. Augustine with Multiple Sclerosis is to purchase trolly tickets. Being able to hop on and off a trolley is a lot easier then get overtired and sick whole walking everywhere. Plus with the hop-on/off feature, you can walk when you want and ride when you need to. You also get the added benefit of a wonderful tour guide to give you the 4-1-1 on all the history.
The best part of all these tips is you don’t have to have a mobility struggle to take advantage of them. Whether it’s wanting to be close to the action or the need to learn the history of this beautiful city these tips can be used by all.
What is a tip you have for travel? Is there something you would like to know about traveling with MS?
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