6 Travel Tips for Mobility Impaired Travelers

Travel is enjoyable, but can also be stressful.

A study reveals that 37% of travelers either delay or cancel their vacation due to the stress associated with planning. It’s even worse when you have difficulty walking where you have to use a cane or wheelchair, or otherwise encumbered. There are just too many things that can go wrong.

But this shouldn’t keep you from experiencing awe-inspiring and adventurous travels. You see, accessibility isn’t just about ramps and decently-sized bathrooms. It’s about becoming unshackled from the tyranny of safety and familiarity. It’s about freedom.

Yes, mobility-impaired travelers can savor all the world has to offer with proper planning and expertise. It matters not if you’re exploring the lush sandy beaches of Hawaii or going abroad. No place should be off-limits, so here are some travel tips for mobility-impaired travelers.

Let’s dive right in!

#1. Make Plans for Travelling with Mobility Difficulties

Make your trip as stress-free as possible by having an elaborate plan. Start by considering your personal needs. Next, establish what your physical needs are and what you want out of the trip. This information will help you tailor the trip to your specific requirements. Some of the questions you will need to ask yourself include:

• What mode of transport would be most ideal?

• What will make the trip easier for me and my companions?

• What’s the goal of the trip?

• What kind of accommodation do I need to make my stay comfortable?

• What would I need for the trip to make my daily life more comfortable?

You might need to talk to service providers to answer some of these questions. Remember, they may not be familiar with the lingo of disabled travelers and various medical terms. You might need to go into detail when describing your situation and requirements.

#2. How Your Doctor Can Help Make Disabled Travel Easier

Never go on an extended trip without first talking to your doctor about it (if applicable). They should be able to give you tips that can go a long way into making your trip more comfortable.

If your doctor or therapist recommends proper medication and equipment, make sure to carry copies of any prescriptions you’re required to take and a medical letter provided by your doctor when traveling. You might need the letter to gain entry into some countries with the medication.

#3. Make Air Travel with a Disability Easier

Planning to fly? You will need to start preparing for the flight as soon as possible.

Know Your Rights

Nervous? Don’t be. The law has your back. The ACAA (Air Carrier Access Act) makes it illegal for airlines to deny access to people because of their disabilities. This law applies to all flights to, from, and within the United States.

Airlines are required to provide you with any time of assistance you may need. This includes guided assistance to board, deplane, or connect to another flight. They’re also required to provide seating accommodation assistance to meet your disability-related needs.

Booking Your Flight

You deserve a pleasant flying experience. Start by choosing the right airline and flight. Go for one with a track record of good customer service. Larger planes usually have more restroom and seating options available to you. You want to go with the largest plane available when making reservations.

Call the airline to request assistance at least 48 hours before your flight. Provide as much information as possible. This will allow them to prepare adequately for you to have great flying experience. Let them know if you have any special dietary needs.

You might need a medical certificate (a letter from your doctor) saying that you’re capable of completing the flight safely if:

• You’re in an incubator or stretcher

• You need medical oxygen during the flight

• You have a serious medical condition that requires extraordinary medical assistance

Most importantly, make your booking as early as possible.

International Flights

Flying out of the USA? Remember, not all countries provide the same level of accessibility to mobility-impaired travelers. You might want to do some research before your trip, so you know what to expect. Here are some tips that might come in handy:

• Book flights that allow lots of time for transfers between planes in case you have to connect flights. Ideally, you should book direct flights to make things easier. If you can’t use the bathrooms on the plane, then you want to avoid direct flights.

• Make sure to check out the rules of the country you’re visiting regarding your medications, medical equipment, and assistance animals.

• Find out whether you will need a power plug adapter or voltage converter for your devices in the new country.

Wheelchair Access

Traveling in a wheelchair can be stressful. You need to make your flight on time, maneuver through the airport, and wrestle your luggage like everyone else. And you still have a wheelchair to keep up with!

Luckily, it’s not all doom and gloom. You can have an easy time navigating through the airport if you’ll just plan ahead. Most airlines will need to stow away your wheelchair in the holding area and transfer you to a specially-made aisle chair. For this reason, the airline will need to know whether you have an electric or manual wheelchair and its dimensions when you’re making the booking.

Get to the airport as early as possible. The airline stewards should help you transfer to your new seat. You might want to attach a note to your wheelchair explaining how to use the breaks. This will make it easier for the stewards to move and store the wheelchair. Airlines usually allow people with disabilities to preboard. If this option is available, you’ll have plenty of time to board the plane and settle in.

Here are some additional tips to make air travel less of a hustle:

• Make sure your wheelchair’s functionality is checked thoroughly before your date of departure.

• If possible, book a seat near the bathroom to make it easier to move around in flight.

• Seniors can get foldable walkers and rollators to help them get around.

# 4. Booking Disability-Friendly Accommodation

Booking hotels can be complicated when you want to make sure things are as accessible as possible. You need to make sure the hotel you’re booking caters to the needs of disabled travelers. This may include a parking space for disabled persons, a roll-in shower, low beds, wide door frames, and any other amenities.

Don’t be shy. Call the reception of the hotel and ask about these facilities. Some hotels have a limited number of rooms that are wheelchair accessible. So you’ll want to make your bookings early to avoid missing out.

#5. Getting Around with a Disability

Getting around can be a challenge if you’re visiting a country with poor infrastructure. Poorly paved paths, unmarked potholes, exposed electrical wires, inaccessible public transport and buildings, minimal signposting, and lack of accessible toilets are just some of the problems you might have to deal with.

Do some research about your destination before you leave. Find out whether they have accessible public transport. You might want to look at car-sharing services such as Uber. The UberAssist option can come in handy wherever you are if you’re unable to use public transport. With UberAssist, the driver provides extra assistance to the passenger. You’ll even get room for an assistive device.

If you opt for car hire, companies such as Hertz and Avis offer wheelchair-accessible vehicles in most countries. But you’ll need to make your bookings well in advance. In the United States, you’ll find wheelchair accessible taxis in all major cities.

#6. Taking Out Travel Insurance for Disabled Travellers

Many things can go wrong when you’re traveling. But this shouldn’t stop you from exploring the world on your two-wheeled wagon. In fact, with proper planning, you can have a largely hassle-free and exciting adventure.

This is why it’s important to take out travel insurance. It covers your medical expenses, trip cancellation, emergency air transportation, loss of assets such as damage to your wheelchair, and even trip unexpected trip interruptions.  

To qualify for disabled travel insurance, you must meet the following requirements:

• Take out insurance that covers the full cost of the trip. This includes hotels, transportation, tours, cruise, flight, and others.

• Be medically able to travel. You’ll need a letter from your doctor to prove this.

• The cost of travel insurance largely depends on the particulars of the trip, your age, and the type of coverage.

It’s also important for you to know that if you’re a senior covered by Medicare, your medical bills won’t be covered if you get sick overseas.

Disability Shouldn’t Confine You to a Lousy Travel Experience

Traveling with a disability can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. The key is to prepare adequately for the trip. If you find all the tasks too involving, you can always hire a full-service travel agency for people with disabilities. They can help make bookings for flight, hotel, accessible van rental, and anything else you may need. The world is your oyster!