Page 320 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Pacific Northwest

318  SUR VIV AL GUIDE

persons with disabilities (note
that permits may be required).
The Society for Accessible
Travel and Hospitality is an
excellent source of information.
To find out about barrier-free
sports and recreation oppor-
tunities in British Columbia,
contact BC Disability Games.

Senior Travelers
Reduced rates for attractions,
hotels, transportation, and
services are often available for
seniors. Photo identification
proving one’s age may be
required. Seniors are eligible for
A restaurant and wine bar in Portland’s South Park Blocks discounts with Amtrak and VIA
rail services and with Greyhound
Taxes license, should they need to bus services (see p324). If
In Oregon, hotel tax is 8–12.5 prove they are of legal age to discounts are not advertised,
percent and there is no sales tax. enter bars or clubs or to order inquire when purchasing tickets.
Hotel tax in Seattle is 15.6 percent alcohol in restaurants. Also inquire about discounts for
but varies throughout the rest of In Oregon and Washington, seniors’ traveling companions.
the state; and Washington’s sales cigarettes can be sold only to For discounts and more
taxes are between 8 to 9 percent people 18 or older; in British information about traveling as
but do not apply to groceries. Columbia, 19 or older. It is illegal a senior, contact the American
In British Columbia, a 7 percent to smoke in public buildings and Association of Retired Persons,
provincial sales tax (PST) and on public transportation. Smok- in the US or Canada. For infor-
a 5 percent federal Goods and ing in restaurants, pubs, bars, and mation about learning programs
Service Tax (GST) apply to most shopping centers is prohibited. for people 55 years of age and
goods and services. Hotel rooms older, contact Elderhostel.
are subject to GST, PST, and an Tipping
additional 3 percent hotel tax.
Tips and service charges are not Women Travelers
usually added to restaurant bills. The Pacific Northwest is generally
Etiquette
For service at restaurants, cafés, safe for women travelers.
Pacific Northwesterners’ dress bars, and clubs, and for tour However, caution is advisable
tends to be casual, practical, guides, a standard tip is 15 to in deserted places, and walking
and dependent on the weather. 20 percent of the amount around alone after dark is not
Stricter clothing requirements before taxes. Porters and advisable, especially if you do
apply in theaters, high-end res- bellhops should be tipped at not know the district very well.
taurants, and other more formal least $1 per bag or suitcase; Keep a confident attitude, avoid
places. Designated beaches allow cloakroom attendants, $1 per telling anyone you are traveling
topless and nude sunbathing. garment; and chambermaids, alone, and do not hitchhike.
a minimum of $1 to $2 per day.
Alcohol and Cigarettes
Travelers with Disabilities
Alcohol is available in some
grocery stores, government The Pacific Northwest has some
liquor stores, beer and wine of the world’s best facilities and
stores, and licensed restaurants, recreational opportunities for
bars, and clubs. Drinking alcohol travelers with physical disabilities.
in non-licensed public places is Most public buildings, hotels
illegal, as is driving with an open (see p284), public transit, and
bottle of alcohol. There are strict entertain ment venues are
laws against drinking and driving. wheelchair accessible. However,
The minimum legal drinking some older buildings and smaller
age in Oregon and Washington venues may not be. Taxi service
is 21; in British Columbia, 19. is available for people with
Younger travelers are advised wheelchairs, and parking spaces
to carry photo identification, closest to the entrance of most Petting zoo at Port Townsend’s farmers’
such as a passport or driver’s buildings are reserved for market, Washington

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