Our Story
Born from a phone call, a dream, and a whole lot of determination.
A roadmap to handi-capable dream destinations.
Our mission at Freedom Trippers is to seek out, experience, and document travel destinations and activities for people with a wide range of disabilities or limitations — experiences that are equally enjoyable and provide ease for companions traveling with them.
We will strive to provide accurate information from our personal experiences as people with limitations, as well as from our families, friends, and caregivers who join us on our travels.
We are not a travel agency. We are a roadmap. We experience the headaches, the stress, and the heartbreaking frustrations firsthand — so you don't have to.
Accessibility as the norm, not the exception.
At Freedom Trippers, our vision is to help create a world where accessibility is the norm and people with physical limitations do not feel limited in their traveling options.
We envision a world where everyone has the opportunity to travel and experience new cultures. By fostering connections between travelers with mobility limitations and local communities, we aim to create unforgettable experiences that enrich lives.
A phone call that changed everything.
In December 2023, Gigi bought an "All You Can Fly Pass" — and it sparked a conversation about what traveling with a powerchair and multiple degrees of mobility needs could actually look like.
The questions piled up fast: How do you get a 400-pound powerchair around? Where could they go? What could they do? Is there a roadmap for people with different degrees of disabilities?
Just like there is no book for what to do when you get a disability, there is also no roadmap to traveling with one. So they decided to put their heads and their finances together — and created Freedom Trippers.
What we've accomplished together.
$25,000+ raised in our first year — surpassing our initial goal of $12,500
Completed Trip #1: 14 days in Greece — 7 days on the mainland, 7-day Greek Islands cruise
Researched and documented 75+ points of interest across Athens, Santorini, Mykonos, and Kavala
Filed all paperwork and received 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation status
Built a team in Capitola, California and started relationships with similar travel and adaptive sports organizations
Awarded our very first Five-Wheelchair rating to the Acropolis in Athens, Greece
"Together, all things are possible."
Gigi Hard
Founder, CEO & President
My name is Gigi Hard and I was born and raised in beautiful Southern California. I live with several conditions that have affected my physical abilities my entire life — including Charcot Marie Tooth Syndrome, Severe Cervical and Spinal Stenosis, Spondylitis Myelopathy, Failed Neck Surgery Syndrome, Degenerative Disc Disease, Osteoarthritis, and Avascular Necrosis. As a result, I cannot walk very far without a wheelchair, and I recently got a powerchair as well.
My family and friends would describe me as hard working, spontaneous, funny, empathetic, and inspiring. I enjoy writing, singing, fishing, photography, snorkeling, people watching, being of service — but most of all, traveling! This passion has led me to take four cross-country "Trips To Nowhere," where I just get in the car and go with no destination in mind, just to make sure I land before sunset.
My goal is to travel worldwide and help others with limited mobility to do the same. Together, all things are possible.
Inspired by our story? We'd love your help.
We are looking to add to our team! Intern and volunteer positions are available.
Corporate sponsorships available!
Contact UsReady to start your adventure?
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