I’m a 29-year-old traveler living with SMA Type 3, and exploring the world from my wheelchair is one of the most rewarding parts of my life. By day, I work as a Senior Software Engineer, and I’m also the founder of the IDISCY Foundation, a nonprofit that provides scholarships and medical equipment grants to individuals with disabilities.

Traveling with a disability comes with layers of planning that most people never have to consider — accessibility checks, wheelchair logistics, Hoyer lift rentals, navigating public transportation, and ensuring every hotel is a safe fit. Over the years, I’ve traveled to six countries (the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Netherlands, France, and England) and countless cities, with my most memorable trip being a 17-day adventure through Amsterdam, Paris, and London, where I proposed to my fiancée, Kathy.

I created Travel With Tristan because there isn’t enough real, firsthand information out there for wheelchair users and travelers with complex accessibility needs. My goal is to share my experiences — the good, the frustrating, and everything in between — so you can plan your own trips with more confidence and fewer surprises.

Whether it’s figuring out airport transfers, making sure a hotel can accommodate a Hoyer lift, or navigating cities like Paris and London, I hope my stories and guides help you feel more prepared, empowered, and excited to explore.