3 Must-Know Tips When Traveling with Disabilities
Travelers with disabilities or medical issues can still travel in comfort. You’ll hit snags along the way even if you try to anticipate every circumstance. Careful planning can help, but you also need to do some more leg work than usual to ensure that your trip is a success.
1. Pick the Right Destination
You need to choose a destination that offers an accessible trip. There are accessible trips to some of the best places to travel in the world, including:
- Machu Picchu
- Amazon
- Galapagos Islands
If you plan to visit Europe, you can utilize the European Network for Accessible Tourism to find cities in Europe that are accessible. The goal is to pick a destination that is accessible. If you plan to visit a mountain top that requires you to go up hills, through trails and to climb rocks, it’s probably not a good idea to go in a wheelchair.
Cities and attractions are becoming more accessible. Ramps are being added to many attractions in Japan, elevators and lifts added in Greece and Rome and business owners now catering to disabled individuals.
You’ll need to do your research, call ahead of time and start planning. A simple phone call to a hotel or an attraction will let you know if a trip is possible based on your physical limitations.
2. Bring Documentation and Supplies
If you have a disability or medical issue, it’s a good choice to bring along documentation and medical records from your doctor. This documentation can be used if you have to:
- Fill prescriptions
- Visit a doctor
- Go to an emergency room
Also check ahead of time to find out if you need special vaccinations or shots before traveling. Since we’re on the topic of documentation and preparation, don’t forget to bring along the essentials. If you have difficulty eating, bring along your eating and drinking aids.
A few items that you may need to bring with you, include:
- Medications
- Bed pads
- Wheelchair
- Cane
- Mobility assistant devices
- Dressings or bandages
- Portable Chargers
Any supplies that you might need during your trip should be purchased and brought with you. If you’re truly concerned about your health when traveling, consult with your doctor beforehand. Your doctor may be able to provide a list of items he or she believes you’ll need.
3. Plan Your Transportation
I’m going to assume that you’ve called the airline and ensured that they’ve made all of the possible accommodations you might need. I also suggest calling the hotel and ensuring that you book wisely.
A hotel near major attractions and that requires little travel will be ideal.
But you’ll also need to plan how you’ll get around. It’s harder for a person with a disability to get around, book a taxi or go on a bus. You need to prepare for your travel ahead of time. If you visit some locations, such as London, you can book:
- Black cabs that have ramps built in
If you call ahead of time, you’ll often find that there are taxis available for the disabled, but you’ll need to book well in advance. Oftentimes, you’ll need to book your taxi at least 24 hours in advance to make sure that there’s a taxi available for you.
Accessible buses and ramps are also available in some cities.
