I feel really sad for my Dad, he can't go on holiday because he is Disabled

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My Mum and dad have been going to the same place in the south of France for about 15 years and this year they are prevented from going there because my Dad is Disabled and can't take his mobility scooter : (

Cantabrica say they will not allow him to take it on the coach, even though it folds up. The French Tourist board have said there is no where for many miles where he can hire one from. Mum is looking into her flying out there and taking it on the plane. this will mean Dad having to somehow manage to get off the coach in France and hire a car to pick her her up at Nice airport. Then my Mum who is no spring chicken herself, will have to get the scooter to the airport doors where Dad can pick her up.

Anyone got any ideas ? It is such a shame they can't go to their usual place. i really want to be able to help them with a solution.

Would they be able to drive down there?

No because Dad gets tired driving, and Mum only passed her test at the age of 60 and lacks confidence over here, so it would be a calamity if she had to drive on the right

Its a real bummer, I feel he is being discriminated against because he is disabled.

Would it be possible to borrow/hire and electric wheelchair for a week or two? They are much more portable, the one my mum had was no bigger than her normal push-a-long chair.

themildmanneredjanitor They have been going to the same place for 15 years, they clearly like it there, so the point is, I am trying to help them get to their usual place where they are happy.

herbieta That is a good idea, just the sort of advice I was hoping for, thanks.

mustdash I know it sounds daft, but Dad can't bare the idea of a wheelchair. He finds a scooter ok. I think he feels embarrassed about the wheelchair idea.

Can they not both fly?

They are set in their ways, and go to the same campsite every year, sadly Dad's condition has worsened since last year, I can't imagine them enjoying going to a different place. They look forward to seeing the same faces and going to the same bars etc.

Try looking for a local scooter through other routes - I bet the Tourist Board are not the most ingenious.
Where do they want to go - maybe a French speaking MN-er can advise? or start a thread calling for any MN-ers who live near the SoF to see what they can discover.
I would write to the Head Office of the coach company and ask why on earth it is not possible to take a folding scooter.
I wnder how much it would cost to get the scooter taken to the destination by international courier? DHL or orther freight company? Would he need it on the journey, or could he manage with a wheelchair?

DITD I said that, but Dad has a phobia of flying. He said he is happy to fly there, but the thought of having to come back spoils the rest of the holiday. I know it sounds like I am being difficult, I don't mean to. Its my Dad, he is so limited due to his phobia and his disability. My Mum has flown on her own and met him out there several times, because she cant stand the long coach journey, Dad loves it, its part of his holiday looking out of the window and watching France go bye.

CaroBeaner I LIKE it. Courier, hmmm, will go and google.

Will start a different thread, a SoF one.

Can you contact the campsite and ask them their advise?

Also, how reliant is he on his scooter? Wondering what the accessibility is like even if he can get there, it would be no good if he couldn't get anywhere!

Could they go by train? Eurostar to Paris and then the TGV to the south of france. I'm pretty sure it's one train right down there, although not sure exactly where it goes to.

Thanks for the replies. I have got a quoate from a couriers for about £46 + vat each way.Its a start. I rang mi Dad and he is all excited, he said he would never have thought of that. I did give MNers the credit, thanks so much everyone, cheered us all up

Train is a good idea ! Thinking of us going down there too.