Many people find trip planning to be tedious and overwhelming. When you have a disability or mobility related issue, it can seem even more so! It doesn’t have to be though. In this day and age, there are a number of resources to help you research, plan and enjoy your next vacation even with a handicap. The key is to start early and plan ahead!
Here’s a checklist on some things to think about when planning:
- Will you need assistance in planning or will you be mapping out the entire trip on your own?
If it’s your first or you really don’t know where to start, find a full service travel agent who specializes in accessibility. They have resources and access to tour operators, accommodations that are ADA approved, transport services and can take a lot of the leg work out of all the tiny details that will need to be taken care of regarding services available.
- If you decide to plan on your own, identify the things you need on a daily basis and what your abilities are.
Do you use a wheelchair or walker? Do you need a shower seat to bathe? Do you need access to Oxygen? Do you take medications that have to be refrigerated? Do you have limited range of motion due to passed surgeries, stroke or arthritis? Do you suffer from low vision? By identifying these factors, you will be able to start to look for hotels, tour operators and transport options in the place you travel to as well as details in getting from point A to point B.
- Once you’ve identified those, start your research. Google is a great place to start!
Key words in your searches may include “disabled travelers” or “accessible traveling”. Notice if elevator access and/or wheelchair ramps are available if needed, easy access for power cords if a charger for motorized scooters is needed, refrigerators available if needed for medications that need to be kept cold, modified vehicles, braille switches, sign language interpreter, etc. Even things like extra time and slower-paced tours for those with mobility deficits should be considered. (Websites to get your started sited at the end of this article include laws, specific travel suppliers for the disabled and good points to consider from disabled traveler’s personal blogs.) Choosing a particular company off the web may be easy but it is advisable that you also reach out for specific requests and additional information. Most companies that work with people with handicaps are more than happy to explain in detail the services they can provide. Be leary of any company that answers you vaguely or pushes their product on you. Be specific when you contact the travel operator prior to paying for an accessible tour or travel component.
- Map out your trip, from the packing process to navigating through the airport to the plane ride until you arrive to your destination including ground transportation, hotel and any activities you choose to do while you are there. Some countries are not as easily accessible as the United States, so the more detailed you are in your planning, the better off you will be!
Although traveling with mobility issues and handicaps can be a challenge, there are more services than ever before out there. Whether you opt to plan each step on your own or hire a trusted travel agent, remember part of the fun of travel is the journey in getting to the destination! Have fun!