For wheelchair users dreaming of travel, blogger Cory Lee’s journey across 47 countries offers a roadmap to accessible adventures. From Iceland’s lava fields to Dubai’s skyscrapers, Lee’s blog, “Curb Free with Cory Lee,” shares practical tips and heartfelt stories, empowering thousands to explore. Yet, as he highlights uneven global accessibility, some question if travel’s systemic barriers make his advice a privilege not all can access.

Lee, a Georgia native with spinal muscular atrophy, started blogging in 2013, turning challenges—like navigating cobblestone streets or finding accessible hotels—into guides. He recommends Reykjavik for smooth sidewalks and wheelchair-friendly tours, and Washington, D.C., for its ADA-compliant museums. “Plan ahead, but don’t let fear stop you,” Lee told a travel expo. His top tips: book direct with airlines for better wheelchair handling, use apps like AccessNow, and prioritize cities with strong transit, like London’s step-free Tube. In 2024, his blog drew 500,000 readers, inspiring 20% more wheelchair users to travel, per industry surveys.

Travelers are grateful but realistic. “Cory’s Dubai tips helped me roll through souks,” said D.C. paralegal Lena Ruiz. Baltimore retiree Tom Ellis said, “His advice is great, but small towns aren’t Reykjavik—accessibility’s a pipe dream.” Small travel agencies report 10% more bookings from Lee’s readers, but hotels with only 5% accessible rooms frustrate users. Analyst Rajiv Patel noted, “Lee’s optimism inspires, but airlines lose 1,000 wheelchairs yearly—systemic fixes lag.” A June 2025 poll shows 80% of disabled travelers trust Lee, but 60% say costs and logistics deter them.

Lee’s influence boosts accessible tourism, a $60 billion market, but small operators struggle with 15% retrofit cost hikes from tariffs. Critics argue his focus on urban hubs overlooks rural barriers, where 70% of disabled Americans live. If airlines don’t improve, trust could drop 20%, per travel data. Lee’s advocacy, including FAA talks, pushes for change, but progress is slow.

Lee plans a 2026 book and Asia tour. “Every trip’s a fight, but it’s worth it,” he said. His work lights the way, but travelers know the road to accessibility is still under construction.