I’m looking for a warm place to take a vacation this winter. I use a power wheelchair, and quite frankly I just can’t take the snow much longer. Do you have any accessible suggestions that won’t break the bank?

I totally understand your desire to get away from the snow. Unfortunately you are not alone, so you are probably going to have to do some shopping around to find a good deal in a warm climate at this time of year.

I would look to Arizona and New Mexico first, but stay away from the resort cities. I would try Tucson, or maybe venture a little father south to Kartchner Caverns. Tucson has Saguaro Nation Park and the Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, both of which have good access; and Kartchner Caverns is also wheelchair-accessible.

You might also check out New Mexico, especially the area around Carlsbad Caverns. The scenery is beautiful and there is elevator access down to the Big Room in Carlsbad Caverns, which has some accessible pathways through it.

And then of course there’s San Diego, one of my favorite warm weather destinations. Although they have a number of high-end resorts, they also have some very affordable budget hotel chains. And there’s lots to do, like cruising the beach in a power beach wheelchair, visiting the world famous San Diego Zoo or taking a tour of the Safari Park. Public transportation is pretty accessible too, so that’s an added bonus.

So do your research and start planning your winter getaway, as there are lots of warm weather possibilities with good access.