Butchart Gardens is 55 acres of amazement! Privately owned by Jennie Butchart and operated by her family and considered the “must-do venue” of Victoria for tourists to visit! Thousands of people explore Butchart – and this year I was one of them during a recent trip to Victoria. I decided to share some insights and photos about Butchart Gardens for all of you to enjoy!
Tips for Visiting Butchart Gardens
TIP 1: Plan your trip before arriving in Victoria. Start by visiting the Butchart Gardens website to familiarize yourself with the layout of the area and also to purchase tickets. Keep in mind that there are many activities, including musical bands on Fridays and Saturday fireworks. I also would recommend making a reservation at the Butchart Tea House!
TIP 2: Go early in the day! Be sure to print your tickets or have them downloaded onto your phone. When you pass through the entry gates ask for the brochure guide that describes all the flowers and trees. This guide is very helpful is very little signage to help you know the names of the area flowers and trees.
Also, know that the crowds increase during the day, so plan on arriving at the gardens when they open. There are clear maps throughout the acreage. We started with the Sunken Gardens. The walkway had both steps and ramp inclines, so a person with mobility issues (such as a wheelchair) could access the gardens without much difficulty.
Photos of the Sunken Garden
TIP 3.: Earl Grey anyone?I highly suggest you make the TEA HOUSE a stop during your visit. No reservations? Don’t worry! Just plan on standing in line at the Tea House by 10:45a.m. to secure a spot or perhaps be one of the first to enter. (We were online for 15 minutes and seated and served our tea by 11:10 a.m.) The tea and food are delicious and well worth the wait and cost. ($52 Canadian when we visited). The food includes a trifle as the starter, then an array of foods served on a fancy three-tiered china platter with scones, bite-sized sandwiches, a small quiche, and selected desserts. While it may seem that this is not enough food – it was so much we took home several of the desserts as we were too full! (I highly recommend the peppermint tea.)
PHOTOS OF the BUTCHART GARDENS TEA HOUSE
PHOTOS OF The BUTCHART ROSE GARDEN
Everything is coming up roses at Butchart Gardens!
TIP 4 – This is a very popular area in the gardens – so expect crowds and try to time your entry into this area when there are no strollers or large groups behind you in line. This will allow you to take your time without people trying to rush you through this spectacular display or accidentally bumping into you. The roses are on both sides of the sidewalk and people tend to traverse from side to side – thus creating a “traffic jam”. This can lead to some less patient visitors trying to push their way past slower folks.
TheJapanese Gardens
The Japanese Gardens are often cited as a favorite among visitors! I would have to agree! They are very serene with ponds, fountains, and even a zen garden.
TIP 5 – Gelato! There is a very busy gelato kiosk on the way out of the gardens. The cones looked delicious, but honestly, I was too full from the tea house treats that I skipped getting one.
TIP 6- Stop at the souvenir shop! This shop was packed with lots of gardening and souvenir-type gifts. Of course, there were walls covered with packs of seeds cultivated from plants grown in Butchart Gardens! I picked up a large selection for my home garden and to give as gifts. As a reminder – get the label and packaging needed to make it through customs in the country where you live. AND… some countries do not permit packs of seeds to pass customs.
TIP 7- Use the bus system whenever possible, including going to Butchart Gardens. The rapid transit system in Victoria is a far cheaper method of transportation than renting a car or taxi. You can get a pass on the bus or at the local visitor centers. The bus system is very reliable and runs a good portion of the day and night. From downtown Victoria, you can get the bus across from the Royal British Museum. The fee is $5 Canadian for a round-trip ticket. The bus leaves about every 10-15 minutes and drops off the passengers a short walking distance from the entry gates to the garden. The ride was about 40 minutes long. Food and drink are allowed on the bus. No smoking is allowed.
Spain and Portugal are two of the most popular “post-pandemic” travel destinations. Scores of people already have flocked to the south of Europe – including me! And many more are expected to make the trip.
As I traversed these countries by plane, train, auto, tuk-tuk, and boat – I realized that there was much I wanted to share regarding accessibility and inclusion for people with mobility, vision, and/or hearing challenges. I also kept in mind how families with members on the Autism spectrum could travel with the least amount of disruption. Thus, I decided to write this blog as a “guide” or a set of “tips”. By no means is what I will offer below an exhaustive list – but just some information I learned along my journey. These tips were written for travelers coming from the United States to Spain or Portugal. And by all means- add your tips in the comment section.
TIPS for FLYING to EUROPE from the UNITED STATES
TIP 1 – Prepare by researching which airline, Hotels, land transportation, and attractions will meet your needs. Price may be a top consideration. But, being comfortable on your flight, cared for, and safe should be very important, as well.
Several airlines fly to Spain and Portugal. (Among other cities in Europe and beyond). Here are the airlines’ links to essential information for those who need assistance and have special needs. Also, a few airlines have bonus features, such as United Airlines’ social stories, on their websites.
AMERICAN AIRLINES– AA asks that you alert them to your needs for special assistance during your booking process. They have a full concierge of services that are outlined here.
BRITISH AIRWAYS – People requiring special assistance flying “BA” should alert the airline via the MANAGE BOOKING setting on the reservation. Here you will find this documentation and guide for how they can assist you.
IBERIA- Document regarding helping people with special needs or considerations
TAP AIRLINES (Air Portugal) – This airline does not seem to have a guide that lists services and how they will help someone who needs assistance until you complete their form found here.
UNITED: This airline also has an excellent reference page with the services they offer their passengers in need of extra assistance.
**United’s page can be found on their website here. A shout-out to this airline for adding a social story for those with sensory needs or autism. These stories help to prepare children and adults for social situations that could be out of their routine or cause general anxiety. They help to prepare the person as to what to expect when arriving at the airport, going through check-in, the gate, the waiting area, the gate to load on the plane, and the plane itself. This story even adds photos that help a person to know exactly what to expect. Bravo United Airlines!
TIP 2- Make arrangements for any service animals well in advance.
If you have a service animal please contact each airline well before you leave for any airport. There may be information that is needed well in advance and any place where you will have a stop along your route. Even if it is a short layover at London Heathrow Airport – England- there may be special considerations. The links shared above also have information about service animal restrictions, documentation, communications (such as rabies vaccines), etc.
TIP 3- Pack your carry-on luggage wisely
Make sure that you have all medications, essential documentation, a change of clothing (or more than one), battery chargers, extra oxygen canisters, etc. with you in case your checked baggage does not arrive when and where you do. Noise-canceling headphones may be the “best friend” for someone with sensory issues to sound. Also, a personal tablet chocked full of favorite games, audiobooks, captioned videos, etc. will help pass the time and be a great backup in case there is a technology “fail” while you travel. I find the Kindle Fire or iPad to be two very reliable devices that work well. Don’t forget electric converters, too. (The voltage is different in Europe than the US.)
TIP 4- If you are taking a tour be sure to communicate with the tour company your needs.
Communicaiton is key. This includes telling the tour company of any challenges you may have and modifications or accommodations you may need. Do you need extra stops for bathroom breaks? Do you need to have special dietary meals? Are you in need of assistance to go on and off a bus? Remember that other countries may not have disability laws (e.g. ADA), expect some differences and even inconveniences. For example, cobblestone streets are truly throughout Europe. We found that older cities, such as Toledo, Porto, and Lisbon were very hilly and filled with cobblestone streets. While charming, they are difficult for anyone to walk, especially in the rain.
NOTE: Vehicles are smaller in Europe, most likely to accommodate the narrow roadways. If you need an SUV for a wheelchair you may ask for the dimensions and to let the people know why. The SUV I just rented could not accommodate four people, luggage, and a wheelchair. Not a chance!
Also, the popular TukTuks vary in size and accessibility. We drove in some that were easy to get on and off and another that required significant athletic abilities!
Consider taking a car hire service such as Daytrip.com . This way you are door to door and have someone to help you. They also have experienced drivers with full-service vehicles that are large enough for a wheelchair.
TIP 5- Do not expect Hotels, museums, and public attractions (such as palaces and churches) to be inclusive/accessible or smoke free.
I spent a good deal of my time while visiting various churches, museums, and palaces inquiring where there were printed materials for the deaf as the audiotapes were so bad that a person with normal hearing probably couldn’t comprehend half of what was said, let alone anyone with difficulty hearing. The majority of my requests resulted in some answers that began with – “Sorry” and ended with “fill out this suggestion form.” How frustrating! So, my advice would be to print as much about the places you plan on visiting as possible. Perhaps an online guide or another resource. This way you will be able to enjoy the synagogues of Toledo, the Picasso Museum, or the Royal Palace in Madrid.
Also, note that the entries to these places are often with multiple steps and no ramps. Check first about walkability for popular tourist spots including the Alhambra in Granada, Sintra outside of Lisbon, and Barcelona. Plus, the hordes of people inside museums, etc. make getting about with a wheelchair or walker tricky.
Ambient noise also makes amplification equipment difficult – such as hearing aids. The PRADO is beautiful and worth visiting, but keep in mind it is crowded and noisy during their free evening hours. Consider going on a small/individual guided tour with a docent during the days and hours when the museum is least crowded.
CHECK YOUR HOTEL BEFORE RESERVING ABOUT BASICS…
Believe it or not, we stayed in more than one hotel that did not have a customer elevator that could accommodate a wheelchair. And, these were major hotel chains. We also noticed many boutique hotels did not have ramps, wide doors, or elevators. This would be very problematic and most likely impossible for a person with mobility needs to stay there. Cobblestone streets made it crazy for us to walk with luggage- let alone if we were someone with any mobility challenges. Streets were often too narrow for a van to drive, as well – thus preventing door-to-door service. Sigh!
Moreover, closed captioning options were not available on some of the older televisions in our hotel rooms. And, only a handful of hotels had technology that would be considered “standard” in the United States – such as braille in the elevators, or flashing lights to alert that there is a fire alarm ringing.
What about dining?
Portugal and Spain are known for great restaurants that are accessible with ample outside seating. The problem is that there is a “catch-22′. While these seats are great for people who wish extra room and easy access – they also are where people who smoke cigarettes tend to convene, as well. Sigh.
TIP 6 – Use language translation apps to help ease and promote communication
Many excellent cell phone applications can be useful to help with communication. It would be advantageous to pre-program key phrases – such as – I NEED HELP,I HAVE A MEDICAL ISSUE (e.g.diabetes, heart condition, etc.) Of course, Google Translate is the “gold standard”.
TIP 7 – Identification is key.
Be sure to place wearable identification on yourself and your loved ones. Especially children or adults with special needs. We know many people with Autism wander (e.g. elopement). In the event of being separated, it would be very important to have identification on their person. There are many wearable items – including medical alert necklaces and bracelets. And, it has become more commonplace to use “tracker” devices – such as the Apple AirTag, Android Tile, and Galaxy SmartTag. A little investment could be a lifesaver – literally!
In closing, the key to travel for anyone, including people with disabilities or challenges, is to 1) Plan and be prepared 2) Communicate with airlines, hotels, etc. any special assistance you may need 3) Read reviews on multiple sources to be sure that you have the full picture of what to expect and/or consider using a travel serivce to help you plan for this special vacation.
Recently, hubby and I traveled from Los Angeles to Santa Fe between Christmas and New Year’s Day. En route we made sure to go off the major highways/ freeways and take “Old Route 66”. I wanted to write a blog to spotlight some of the places we stopped – including Oatman and Winslow Arizona.
Tip #1: Make sure you have a camera ready to capture some of the prettiest skies as you traverse Old Route 66 from Kingman to Oatman and then Kingman to points east. The clouds are so dramatic!
Welcome to OATMAN – aka the Wild, Wild West!
I am not sure how I feel about Oatman. Part of me loved the quirkiness and the roaming donkeys that seemed very domesticated. There are re-enactments of gunfights daily and some unusual exhibits – such as walking in a replica of a mine. The vendors who were selling coffee and homemade salsa and jams were filled with information and interesting trivia.
A website dedicated to Arizona travel describes Oatman as follows:
More than 500,000 visitors are drawn annually to Oatman’s gold mine history as well as the legend of its namesake. Olive Oatman is entrenched in western lore as a woman who was kidnapped by an Indian tribe, then sold to a friendly local tribe before being freed to her family near what became Oatman.
Oatman might have suffered the same fate as many Arizona mining towns and faded into a ghost town if not for Route 66 nostalgia and nearby casinos. The town prides itself on maintaining a Wild West feel, down to the wooden sidewalks, staged shootouts, and kitschy shops. (You can even adopt a wild burro and take it home!)
Note: Oatman has a number of individuals (i.e. shop owners) who are very loud and blatant with their words, displays, and merchandise about their disdain for the current U.S. President and support of MAGA and our former president. Tip #2 – if you offend easily – skip Oatman.
When leaving Oatman to go eastbound, know that there are a lot of switchbacks. Donkeys are everywhere! Do not bring your dogs to OATMAN. Donkeys are known to attack dogs and become aggressive when they see them. Old Route 66
Paying homage to loved ones
When you leave Oatman you will be in for a treat as Old Route 66 provides us with a lovely drive through the mountains. (Be careful though as donkeys roam the roadways, as well.) About 10 minutes outside of Oatman is where Hubby and I found a small parking area to stop and snap some photos of the gorgeous views. It is known as Sitgreaves Pass. We walked a short distance and stumbled upon what looked like a series of makeshift memorials to loved ones. I did some research and found that this was an area where locals scatter the remains of cremated loved ones or erect a tribute memorial to them. Ironically, weddings also were purported to happen on this reverent mountainside.
Well… you don’t see THIS everyday!
There are a few places along Route 66 that are best described via photos. Here are some of our favorite “finds”..
Tip #3: Stop for Good Eats at Gabby’s Cafe
We had some good and some not-so-good meals during our road trip. One of the favorite eateries was not far from Rte. 66 and located in Grants, New Mexico – GABBY’S CAFE. The sandwiches and donuts were awesome! The servers were very friendly and pleasant and the coffee was better than most places we found! Gabby’s Cafe for a win!
A few extra travel tips:
Gas prices vary – so you may want to use an app like GAS BUDDY to compare and plan your gas stops in advance
If you are unfamiliar with an area consider making the drive during daylight. Some of Rte. 66 is windy and the weather can be variable – including black ice on the roads during the colder months
Ask local folks where they eat so you aren’t subjected to touristy places with so-so meals.
Pack for all kinds of weather. Rain gear and snow boots were needed on this trip.
Know that you may not have consistent cell phone reception, as some of these areas are very rural and surrounded by mountains.
About Accessibility
Almost all of the places I listed in this article has easy accessiblity for those who have mobility challenges. There may be some stores in Oatman where access is limited, however, I believe most can be available to someone in a wheelchair.
For people who are blind, be careful in Oatman, especially. There is uneven ground and as mentioned, donkeys roam freely. People walk on the road and that means a bit of mayhem with cars and people trying to share the street.
Next travel blog will be (drumroll)… Laughlin, Nevada
Hubby and I recently took a road trip from Los Angeles to New Mexico. We ended 2021 in the very fun Nevada border town of Laughlin.
I had heard about Laughlin via their very robust travel representatives that I met when I visited the LA Adventure and Travel Show in 2019. I was all set to visit and tour the Laughlin area and then… well you know… the Covid 19 pandemic hit!
Fast forward…secure with two vaccines, a booster, and lots of masks – we ventured to Laughlin en route home to LA. We opted to stay at theLaughlin River Lodge located on the banks of the Colorado River. The hotel was well equipped with dining options nearby, several casinos, and an outdoor heated pool with a spa.
PLUS… the lodge is loaded with family fun activities including a bowling alley, kid specific activites, and kid-friendly electronic games (Similar to what we played many times at amusement centers on the New Jersey Shore boardwalk.)
The rooms at the Laughlin River Lodge are quite nice and reasonably priced. Thanks to my TripAdvisor’s TRIP PLUS membership, we paid under $60 per night for a quiet and clean room.
Some may say Laughlin is a “mini Vegas”, but we found it to be unique and prettier than over-stimulating Las Vegas. First and foremost, you can enjoy water sports thanks to the flowing Colorado River that separates Arizona (Bullhead City) from Nevada (Laughlin). Staying at the Laughlin River Lodge afforded us access to the beach alongside the river and an opportunity to snap photos. Plus, there are many places to shop, eat, have kids play, and enjoy a walk while being surrounded by beautiful mountains that illuminate the awesome sunsets.
We had read up on TripAdvisor reviews about where to eat in Laughlin. The Minato Japanese and Korean restaurants frequently received consistently excellent reviews and the menu piqued our interest!
OMG – this restaurant was AWESOME. Yes… there is EXCELLENT SUSHI in the DESERT!
Minato’s was located within easy walking distance from our hotel in a little shopping center. An elevator for easy accessibility is available to bring you to this ultra-yummy establishment. We started our meal with a LAUGHLIN ROLL. This was a tempura-sushi hybrid made with various veggies and seafood. I could have ordered a second but we opted for an udon noodle soup instead. Hubby likes to compare restaurant spring rolls, so we ordered some. They were some of the best we ever have eaten!
Lastly, the udon soup was stocked full of meat and veggies plus a healthy dose of chili! Luckily, I had ordered a Thai ice tea that helped to soothe the slight burning in my mouth from this spicy dish! I would easily give the food and service a 9/10 rating.
The Laughlin sushi roll at Minato’s
Minato’s spring rolls
Bonus Fun – Classic Cars!!
As previously mentioned, there is much to do in Laughlin. We opted to visit an exhibit of old classic cars and gaming machines at the aptly named Laughlin Classic Car Collection. Pricing varies here from free to $3 per person. (Waived if you are a casino “member”.) I would recommend this place as it provided great family fun and there were no visible issues for people using mobility equipment to have full access.
LAUGHLIN – thanks for the fun! We will be back!
(Note, I have been a frequent contributor to TripAdvisor and a beta user of this new plan – but my opinions are not being compensated for on this blog.)
