Traveling with a disability that affects your mobility can be difficult, but if you love to travel to new destinations, traveling is not an activity that you want to avoid. Some of the best memories and experiences we get from life come alongside traveling, which means it is important to incorporate it into our lifestyles, whether we do or don’t have a disability. If you or someone you are traveling with has a disability and you want to make sure you are prepared for the journey, here are six things you need to know to help you on your way.
Research the Accommodation
Choosing the right accommodation for your travels is important. You will be spending a lot of your time relaxing there and you may be eating there most nights too. This makes thoroughly researching your accommodation beforehand vital as you will need to make sure it can accommodate your needs. Calling ahead is the best way to get quick and reliable information about the accommodation. Some hotels may need to make necessary arrangements and will need to be advised of this before you arrive.
Get the Right Walking Aids
During your travels, you will need to bring the right walking aids in order to support yourself safely while exploring any new destinations, and also for daily activities like walking around the hotel. If you plan to explore places outside of your comfort zone, you may need extra support in order to get around. If you are worried about injuring yourself, you should consider an electric chair as they’re powered for ease of use and will remove the risk of falling over. It’s recommended to bring spare parts and tools just in case.
Bring Extra Medication
In case of an emergency, many experts suggest that you should travel with two complete packages of crucial medication. You should also bring a copy of your doctor’s phone number and a note from them describing your medication and why you need it. Traveling with a statement from your doctor that covers your condition, special needs, potential complications, medications and other relevant information, will ensure you will be well looked after in case of an emergency. You should also research physician availability in the area you’re traveling to.
Use a Specialist Travel Agent
If you are traveling abroad, then you should think about using a specialist travel agent. Some provide a stellar niche service, which is basically a service provided by agents who have a lot of experience in working with travelers who have a disability. This means they will know the ropes and will be able to offer you some great advice and services. When booking flights, you should avoid connecting flights and give yourself plenty of time before your flight to check-in and pass through security.
Plan Things Beforehand
When you are traveling with a disability, things can be made a lot easier by planning your trip fully beforehand. Once your destination and flights have been booked, you can plan each day by doing your research into transportation methods, restaurants, supermarkets, towns, tourist attractions and more. Planning each day in advance will make everyone feel more prepared and you will be able to carry out extensive research into trips and activities from the comfort of your own home.
Enjoy Yourselves!
It can be tricky living and traveling with a disability, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a trip away with your loved ones. The key to enjoying your trip is planning ahead and ensuring that the destination and the accommodation meet your needs and requirements. Once this is done, you can look forward to relaxing and experiencing new things together.
Preparation is key to traveling with a disability and will take away a lot of the worry and concerns regarding your trip. Being creative and well-prepared will allow you to enjoy your trip to the fullest.