How I Turned Adversity into a Life of Disabled Adventure Travel

A Fateful Night that Altered My Life Forever

Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs when we least expect it. One fateful night, at the tender age of 16, my world was forever changed by a car accident. In an instant, I became a below the knee amputee, thrust into a world of pain, uncertainty, and immense challenges. As I lay in that trauma hospital, miles away from home, I couldn’t fathom the impact this event would have on my life.

Learning to Love My New Self

Acceptance didn’t come easily. In the early days of my journey as a BKA amputee, I grappled with self-doubt, body image issues, and the fear of being defined by my disability. But slowly, with time and the unwavering support of my loved ones, I learned to embrace my new self. I discovered that my worth extended far beyond the physical, and that my spirit was unbreakable.

From “We” to “Me”: Navigating Life as a Widow

Life’s challenges didn’t stop with my disability. Five years ago, I became a widow, losing my loving husband and confidant. After being with this man for nearly 20 years, I found myself alone. Alone and middle aged *GASP*

The transition from a “we” to a “me” was filled with heartache, loneliness, and the daunting task of rebuilding my life. The fear of navigating the world alone compounded with my disability, but I refused to let it define me.

Confronting Fear: The Catalyst for Adventure

Fear has a way of paralyzing us, making us question our every move. As a widow and amputee, fear lurked in every corner, whispering doubts and insecurities. But I made a choice—to confront fear head-on and turn it into a catalyst for growth. It was this determination that led me to embark on a remarkable journey of disabled adventure travel.

Embracing the World: A Path to Healing

Travel has an extraordinary power—it has the ability to heal, to rejuvenate, and to ignite the flame within. For me, disabled adventure travel became the gateway to a world brimming with possibilities. Exploring new cultures, immersing myself in breathtaking landscapes, and connecting with fellow travelers brought a renewed sense of purpose and joy to my life.

Becoming a Peer Advocate: Empowering Others through Knowledge

In my quest to unlock the wonders of amputee travel, I’ve become a passionate peer advocate. I’m driven by the desire to empower others facing similar challenges.

Sharing my experiences, offering practical advice, and highlighting accessible travel options have become my mission. Together, we can break down barriers, redefine limitations, and create a world that embraces diversity and inclusivity. There are so many more accessible travel options available to us now than in recent years, so there’s really no reason why we can’t all get out there and.. live.. our.. best.. lives!

As people with disabilities, we belong to massive group so you are not alone in this journey. Let me be here for you and your travel journey.

Have questions about being an amputee? Ask them! Want to know something travel related? Ask me! Have a question about you can make your everyday travel more accessible? Ask me! (And if I don’t know, we’ll figure it out together!) Have you seen a location guide on my page and you’d like to know more? Ask me! Have a general comment about my content? Let me know!

I love hearing from all of you, and remember we’re all in this together!

Travel Hacks for the Disabled Adventurer

Disabled travel comes with its unique set of considerations, but fear not, fellow adventurers! I’ve gathered an arsenal of travel hacks to make your journeys smoother and more enjoyable. From pre-trip planning to navigating airports, finding accessible accommodations, and exploring must-visit destinations, my travel hacks will help you embark on unforgettable adventures with confidence.

Unleashing the Inner Explorer: A Call to Action

Are you ready to embrace the incredible world of disabled adventure travel? I invite you to unleash your inner explorer, to defy limitations, and to embark on a journey that will transform your life. Together, we can push boundaries, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the remarkable resilience of the human spirit. Join me on this extraordinary path of discovery and inspiration.

Stay Tuned for More Adventures and Insights

Thank you for joining me on this glimpse into my journey of triumph over adversity. I hope it has ignited a spark within you, urging you to discover the boundless possibilities that await. Stay tuned for more captivating stories, invaluable insights, and practical tips that will enrich your own disabled adventure travel experiences. Until next time, remember that the world is your oyster, and it’s time to explore!


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I’m Mandi

Welcome to MyTripABLE, my corner of the internet dedicated to all things accessible travel and traveling as an amputee. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey where I travel the globe both near and far, without letting disability stand in my way.

Let’s get out there and go see something!

Let’s connect

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