Traveling with a disability that requires mobility assistance equipment can be a challenge. Making sure that you are fully prepared before your trip is essential. You will need to be thoughtful in considering which airline to use, which hotel you’ll be staying at, and which attractions you’ll want to visit, based on your own level of mobility. It does take some extra thought and decision-making, but it is much better to be prepared. With the right planning, you can ensure that your trip is an adventure to remember, rather than a major headache!
Planning ahead is a must, and there are a lot of small things that you can take care of or set up while you are still at home that will help your vacation or trip go smoothly. The types of transportation you will be taking to your destination, any hotels you’ll be staying at, the restaurants in the area, any sights you want to see, and how you’ll be getting around, all require a significant amount of planning. When taking any type of trip there are a lot of details to sort out, but for the mobility challenged, there are extra things to take into consideration. There are a lot of resources available on the internet to provide information, tips, and advice for traveling with mobility issues, and there are also social media groups available to post questions to and ask for help.
Making lists is a great way to keep your planning organized, and you can make a list for anything. Some great list ideas include:
• Your budget for the trip, including a daily spending limit
• Packing list – make sure you don’t forget anything important!
• Restaurants you would like to try
• Coffee shops, if you need a daily dose of caffeine to start your day
• Local cafés and hole-in-the-wall restaurants
• Pubs, if you enjoy that kind of thing
• Places and attractions to visit
• Local historical monuments or building
• Museums – art, history, etc.
• Local attractions specific to the area
• Hotels in the area (and once you pick one, you can list out the contact information and your reservation information as well)
• Transportation information once you’re there: rental car, shuttle, taxi, rideshare services, etc.
• Tours that you might be interested in taking, in addition to contact information for the companies guiding them
• Potential day trips that you can take, if that is something that interests you and is feasible
• Wheelchair and mobility equipment service or repair shops
• Pharmacies in the area (if you will require a medication refill while you’re on your trip)
• Hospitals in the area, and the closest one to your hotel with all the contact information (in case of emergencies)
• Important documents that you need to take with you or make copies of to take with you, such as:
• Medical information
• Primary care doctor’s contact information
• Prescription information
• Identification documents, including passport if you are traveling internationally
• Boarding passes
• Hotel reservations
• Transportation reservations, if you’ve made any
Plan before you go: Top things you need to plan
• Where are you going? If you are planning a vacation, this can be the biggest question of them all. Deciding where you want to go and what you want to see is the first step. Once you’ve got a few destinations in mind, you’ll want to check out the area attractions and sights. Do some internet research to find out how handicap accessible the city and surrounding area is. Some cities are far more accessible than others, and doing a bit of investigation in that regard can be the difference in a good trip vs a great trip. You’ll want to take your budget into consideration when picking a destination. Flights and hotels tend to be more expensive in bigger cities, but the transportation options in bigger cities are usually better than they are in small cities or towns.
For international travel, there are extra things to take into consideration. You’ll need to remember your passport, for one thing! Check into information regarding customs requirements for handicapped individuals. Also make sure that you double and triple check the accessibility of the country you are visiting. A little internet research can go a long way.
• Travel to your destination. Are you going to be flying, taking a train, or even a bus? It is essential to get in touch with the transportation company you’ve made reservations with and speak to them about your needs. There are also several travel agencies that specialize in special needs and handicap accessible travel that can help you book the most accessible trip possible, and having that help can definitely take some of the stress and worry out of trip planning. Taking stock of what your needs will be throughout the trip, and then taking steps to make sure that those needs are met will make your trip more enjoyable a
Ask yourself some questions about your needs, make a list of all of the things you think you will require on the trip, and then start making phone calls to hammer out the details. Will you need help with getting on and off the plane? What about assistance with carrying your luggage? Perhaps you’ll even need someone to help you transfer into the high-back airport wheelchair in order to board the plane? All of these questions and more need to be answered before you leave for your trip. There are a lot of online resources to help you plan, and sometimes it is as simple as a phone call to the airline, train station, or bus company. Planning for each type of transportation will be a little bit different, and can take a lot of thought, careful consideration, and phone calls, but it will make your trip much better, if you’ve got all the details accounted for. Below are several tips as well as links to helpful guides to get the ball rolling on your trip planning.
• Traveling by Airplane – for more information, check out this guide from Scootaround: https://www.scootaround.com/resources/travel-mobility-guides/airplane-travel
• Air travel offers the fastest, and usually the most direct method of getting where you want to go. When taking an airplane, there are several things to take into consideration, including the length of your flight, and whether or not the restroom will be accessible to you on longer flights. Make sure that you know your rights regarding air travel according to the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA). If you’ll be taking a flight that has connecting flights and layovers, make sure to leave yourself plenty of time (at least 90 minutes) to get from one plane to another. Check out the layout of the airports you’ll be departing from and arriving to, and see what services they offer. Once you’re at the gate, you will be required to transfer out of your wheelchair into a high-backed aisle wheelchair in order to get on the plane.
Get in touch with the airline, as well as the airport, and let them know that you will be traveling with a wheelchair. You’ll want to let them know what type of wheelchair you will be traveling with: a manual wheelchair, an electric wheelchair, or a scooter. If you are traveling with a manual wheelchair, remember to remove the leg supports and any cushions and put those into your carry-on bag, as they don’t usually travel with the chair well and can get damaged and/or lost. Attaching a set of instructions for disassembly and assembly of your wheelchair or scooter before you turn it over to airport staff is a good idea. Under the ACAA, if a wheelchair or scooter is disassembled for transport, it must be returned to the passenger correctly assembled. Having written assembly instructions readily available simplifies this process. Generally, airport staff should be able to assist you with transferring into an airport wheelchair after you check yours, as well as assist you with getting through security, or giving you directions to your gate. A lot of airlines do have priority boarding for those in wheelchairs, so definitely check into that with your airline!
• Taking the Train/Rail – for more information, check out this guide from Scootaround: https://www.scootaround.com/resources/travel-mobility-guides/rail-travel
• Traveling by train can be fun and exciting, but it does present challenges for those who are in wheelchairs. Make sure that you call the train company and/or the train station if you have any questions, or to let them know about your specific needs for the trip. The spaces on train cars are usually small and confined, and there are specific things to take into consideration and plan for, with any kind of rail travel, before you go. Handicap accessibility varies between train companies. Some train companies boast a full complement of services for accessible travel, from assistance boarding the train to accessible sleeper cars, while other companies have very few options.
It is very important to find out if the departure and arrival stations will be equipped with a wheelchair lift or high-level platforms. If there is not an available wheelchair lift at one or both of the stations, you will want to let your rail carrier know the weight of your wheelchair, as some have weight and/or size limits to ensure there is room for storage. If you find you are unable to take your chair because of these limits, you may want to consider a wheelchair rental at your destination. Another important question to ask is about the restroom situation in the train car. You’ll want to find out if the doorways are wide enough for a wheelchair to fit through, and if switches and latches in the restroom will be within reach while seated in a wheelchair.
• Hopping a Bus – for more information, check out this guide from Scootaround: https://www.scootaround.com/resources/travel-mobility-guides/bus-travel
• As with train trips, traveling by bus can present challenges if there is a wheelchair (or other mobility devices) involved. Busses are usually equipped to handle most handicap accessible needs, but they may be short on space to store wheelchairs or other mobility aids. Get in touch with the bus company and find out specifics about your trip and the bus that you will be on. Make sure to ask about options for boarding and exiting the bus, and if there is a restroom on board the bus, whether or not it will be accessible. Again, if you are unable to take your chair due to space constraints, or for any other reason, don’t cancel your trip just yet, but consider checking into renting a wheelchair at your destination. Scootaround can have your scooter waiting for you when you reach your destination and they will pick it up when you’re done.
• Leaving port on a Cruise Ship – for more information, check out this guide from Scootaround: https://www.scootaround.com/resources/travel-mobility-guides/cruise-travel-rentals
• Cruise lines are becoming more and more accessible, but it will still take some time and research on your part to determine the available facilities and services to make your trip on the open ocean the best it can be. Since the cruise ship serves as both your transportation and your hotel for the duration of the trip, you will want to make sure that the room will be comfortable for you and meet all of your needs. You’ll want to make sure that your wheelchair or scooter can fit through all of the necessary doorways on the ship, including your room and the restrooms, as well as the dining areas and entertainment rooms. Find out if there are raised areas, such as door sills, or if there are ramps or elevators to the different levels of the ship. Also ask about the accessibility of the restroom itself, including grab bars for the shower and toilet, whether or not there are seats in the showers, and if the shower controls will be at an accessible height.
• Taking your own equipment vs renting at your destination. Will you be taking your own wheelchair or power scooter with you, or do you plan to rent your mobility equipment once you’re at your destination? If you will be traveling within the United States, renting from Scootaround could be a great option for you. Renting can cut down on the stress of planning to travel with your wheelchair or power scooter. Scootaround has locations all over the country, so finding a location close to you should be quite easy. If you decide to take your own wheelchair with you, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with how that will affect your travel. Remember that when you are traveling by airplane, your wheelchair or scooter will be taken at the gate, and you’ll transfer to one of the airport’s wheelchairs. Generally, a member of airport staff will be available to assist you, if you are traveling alone. If you will be taking your own chair, and you are able to make small repairs (tightening screws, etc), taking a small repair kit would be prudent. If you are unable to make such repairs, definitely research wheelchair repair shops and services around your hotel. Make a list of the closest repair shops, and do some research into repair pricing and services, just in case you need it.
• Hotel accommodations. When traveling, your hotel room is your home away from home and you don’t want to find yourself in an unnecessarily uncomfortable or even dangerous situation because the hotel doesn’t provide everything you need. Make a short list of hotels that you would be interested in staying at, and do some research. Find out if they are handicap accessible or not, and if they are, dig a little deeper. Just like when you made your transportation reservations, you’ll want to call the hotel directly and talk to someone about your needs. Making sure that the hotel you pick will provide for all of your needs is paramount. A little bit of research and investigation can save you a lot of stress down the road. Ask questions about everything that is important to your specific mobility situation. Some questions that may be helpful:
• Do they provide special disability services?
• On which floors are the accessible rooms located? (Important for emergencies in which elevators may be out of service)
• Are the accessible rooms ADA compliant, and if so, how?
• What is the height of the bed? Can you easily get in and out of it from a wheelchair?
• Is there a wheelchair accessible shuttle provided by the hotel?
Once you’ve chosen a potential hotel to stay in, make sure to check out their amenities and the location around the hotel. Look into how easy it will be to get around once you’re there. Find out if the hotel offers a free breakfast, Wi-Fi, laundry services, or if they have room service. Traveling with all the amenities of home helps to make sure that you are having a relaxing, rejuvenating trip. Some hotels have been renovating their pools to allow for handicap accessibility, so if that is something that you’re interested, definitely call and ask!
• Transportation at your destination. How will you be getting around once you’ve arrived at your destination? One of the biggest obstacles when traveling with mobility needs is finding acceptable transportation. You’ll need to sort this out, especially if you will be traveling by yourself. Check to see if your hotel offers a handicap accessible shuttle or van from the airport or train/bus station.
Public transportation could potentially be an option, depending on your destination. A lot of city buses are handicap accessible, or offer special pickup for wheelchairs. If you will be renting a vehicle, there are several companies that rent wheelchair accessible vans, and you can find them by doing a simple internet search. If you can drive, or have a traveling companion and a collapsible wheelchair, a regular rental car may be an option, provided it has a large enough trunk/cargo space for your chair to fit in. If you choose to rent a regular vehicle, it would be wise to call the rental company and discuss your needs with them so that they can reserve the right type of vehicle.
Handicap accessible taxis or rideshare services may be an option to look into as well. Pricing and availability will, of course, depend on where you are. Bigger cities do tend to have better transportation options, overall. Making these decisions and doing research well in advance of your trip can save you time and stress down the road. You don’t want to be stuck at your hotel without a way to get around!
• Area attractions and their handicap accessibility. Looking into the handicap accessibility of any attractions you would like to visit ahead of time is a very important step to take in order to ensure your enjoyment of the trip. Tourist attractions, historical monuments, museums, and even city centers will all have vastly different levels of accessibility. You don’t want to get to a museum, ready to enjoy the art and history, only to find that there are no elevators. You may be able to find the information online on the website for the business, but if you can’t find what you’re looking for, definitely make some calls and ask questions. Ask about the accessibility of the building and specific exhibits or parts of the attraction that you are particularly interested in. Also, don’t forget to ask about handicap accessible parking and/or if shuttle service will be available to you.
Do some research on the restaurants in the area if you will be eating out on your trip. Making sure that the local hot spots or hole-in-the-wall diners will be able to accommodate your needs is a good idea. Some restaurants and cafés may be too small for a wheelchair to maneuver comfortably. You can always check the restaurant’s website for information, or just give them a call and ask about their handicap accessibility and whether or not they will be able to accommodate your needs.
• Going on a tour. Taking tours can be a fantastic way to see a new city, or to learn new and interesting facts about a familiar place. If you do decide to take a tour, you will definitely want to get in touch with the tour company and ask some questions about the accessibility of their tours, so you can determine whether or not they can accommodate your needs while you’re on the tour. Sometimes the price of the tour can vary greatly depending on whether or not you’re in a wheelchair, generally due to the accommodations that will need to be made for the chair. If you can find a company that specializes in accessible tours, they will generally take you on the smoothest, flattest, and sometimes shortest tour routes, while still giving you a great experience. It would be a good idea to find out what kind of tour it is (walking tour, bus tour, etc), how long the tour is, and what experience, if any, they have with providing tours to individuals with specific needs regarding mobility. Some good questions to ask:
• What route will the tour guide plan on using?
• Will you be encountering curbs, steep hills, rough terrain (cobblestones, dirt paths, etc), or stairs?
• Are there handicap accessible restrooms available anywhere on the tour route?
• Will a guide be able to physically assist you if the need arises (such as pushing a manual wheelchair or assisting you with walking up any stairs)?
• Will you be on the tour with other tourists?
• If so, will you be expected to keep up with he other members of the tour, despite your mobility requirements?
There are a lot of different types of tours to be found, depending on your destination. Historical locations, local interesting businesses, museums, natural wonders, and beautiful public gardens are all fantastic places to take tours and learn new and interesting things.
With the right preparation and planning, traveling with mobility needs can be a great adventure! Whether you are traveling with a wheelchair, scooter, or other type of mobility aid, there is always a way to make sure that your trip goes off without a hitch. Doing all of your research well before the trip, making lists and reservations, planning ahead, and making some phone calls to get answers to important questions are all great ways to make sure that you’ll be well on your way to that stress-free and well earned vacation!