Traveling with Disabilities: Ten Top Tips 1

Just because you are disabled does not mean that you should not enjoy
the joys of traveling. More and more disabled people are traveling and
enjoying wonderful vacations now thanks to their needs being taken
into consideration.

A lack of mobility should not mean a life sentence stuck inside the
house. Disabled persons have their special individual requirements
depending on their degree of disability, and type. Many more tourist
destinations are adequately equipped to accommodate disabled persons.
If you plan before you go, it should make for a smooth and enjoyable
trip.

Hoverounds and other types of motorized wheelchairs, plus walkers,
strollers, canes that convert into seats, and more, are all available
now, to help take the stress and strain of travel off older people
too, not just the disabled.

If you are disabled or have limited mobility in some way, and want to
ensure that your trip be a memorable one, here are ten tips on how to
travel with disabilities.

1. Research the cities on your itinerary before traveling to ensure
that they have the resources required for disabled persons. Do not
hesitate to ask about the services provided.

2. When making airline reservations either on the phone, online, or
through a travel agent, let them know you need assistance (such as a
wheelchair) from the time you arrive at the airport to the time you
disembark at your destination. Even if you have just a mild
disability, remember that airports can be very large, with long walks
from gate to gate.
Also keep this in mind if you have to change planes on your trip.
Certain airports like Atlanta and Charlotte and the DC airports, can
be impossible to get through in anything less than 30 minutes even for
the physically able, so know before you go, plan your routes
accordingly, and make sure there will be assistance for you as well.

3. Check out the local luggage transportation facilities to and from
the airport/station. In some cases you can send your luggage and heavy
items like your power chair on ahead so it will be there waiting for
you.