Essential Tips for Traveling with a Wheelchair

Introduction

Nowadays it is much easier to travel if you are in a wheelchair. Not so long ago, there were not really any options available to go traveling and those options that were openly available would have probably cost you a small fortune. In current times there are now various accessible platforms that you can use ranging from ease to get on a flight, coach and train.

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Obviously people with disabilities love to stay out of the confines of their wheelchairs, enjoy their lives to the fullest, and realize that there's still a wonderful world that's waiting for them out there. However, there are certain considerations for wheelchair users to make in preparing and planning for a travel.

According to the article The Disabled Wheelchair Traveler Holiday Tips, the author has put together some travel tips which will hopefully help in planning a holiday for a wheelchair user. Most of the tips are common sense but there may be a few you hadn't thought of! To sum up, traveling tips where presented in this article for these people in terms of locations and hotels, flights and travel, and medication and mobility.

First and foremost you should start by deciding where you actually want to go, do not initially worry about if they cater for the handicapped, but look at it in a different view such as "I am going to go to this specific place, I have always wanted to go here".

Your next step would then be booking your flights and accommodation, while booking the flights you will have to check with the airlines whether they cater for wheelchair access. You should find an airline that will help you travel in comfort. After successfully finding the correct airline you should then move onto looking for the correct accommodation. This may be a bit trickier to manage especially if you are traveling abroad, as some countries may not have the correct facilities available.

Make sure that when you book the accommodation that you are going to get either a ground floor apartment or the hotel has lift facilities. You should also consider the facilities that will be available in your room. Are the doors wide enough to fit a wheelchair? Are there handicapped shower facilities

In choosing where to go and stay, if you book your hotel directly by telephone, email the hotel and ask them to confirm your booking by sending you a booking confirmation reference code. This will be an evidence of your booking when you get there, just in case for some reason the hotel denies a booking was made. This truly happens!

In choosing the plane for your trip, remember that not all airline companies are equal when it comes to the disabled traveler.

Regarding your medication and mobility, some airlines will require a fit to travel certificate from your doctor and a letter to say you are taking specific drugs. The letter from your doctor may come in handy if you are stopped by customs as well if you are on powerful medication.

Honestly, it was through this article when I finally realized how really hard it is to have a disability. I thought having a wheelchair is just enough for someone to continue to live normally but then, it's certainly not! Instead of being given due concern by "more normal" people while traveling, there is still a bit of discrimination among them. Let's face it; we can never do away with our being rude to these people sometimes.

After all, everybody deserves to enjoy everything this world can offer. Whether you are disabled or not, you must always take extra effort in taking care of yourself from unexpected incidents especially during travel. It's better to set certain bounds on your activities to avoid unwanted things to happen. As for persons having disabilities, take your time to enjoy but always remember that your actions are a bit limited already compared to others.

If after reading the above and you start feeling that it's too much hassle and a bit overwhelming then you should turn to specialist disability travel agencies. Theses agencies have expert knowledge and a wide scope of experience that will make life very easy for yourself and your family. Let them do all of the leg work for you and all you have to do is pack your bags.

There is no reason why someone that has a disability cannot enjoy a holiday just like every one else. Whether you are looking for a relaxing vacation in the sun or an activity filled adventure, a lot of niche travel agencies can and will help you find the perfect solution.

Tips to Make Traveling with a Disability Easier: These tips aim to help disabled travelers navigate potential challenges and make the most of their travel experiences.

Page Information, Citing and Disclaimer

Disabled World is a comprehensive online resource that provides information and news related to disabilities, assistive technologies, and accessibility issues. Founded in 2004 our website covers a wide range of topics, including disability rights, healthcare, education, employment, and independent living, with the goal of supporting the disability community and their families.

Cite This Page (APA): Langtree, I. C. (2010, July 1 - Last revised: 2024, September 19). Essential Tips for Traveling with a Wheelchair. Disabled World. Retrieved December 12, 2024 from www.disabled-world.com/travel/wheelchair-travel-tips.php

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