Photo by Marco Brodowicz from Unsplash
Travelling is life-changing for most people. It allows you to try unfamiliar things, see new places, meet new people and even learn the culture, traditions and beliefs of a country.
While it’s an exciting learning experience, it can also be quite challenging, most especially for people who have disabilities or for old folks.
Thankfully, there are various ways that will allow you to enjoy your travels (both local and abroad) even if you rely on a mobilty scooter or a wheelchair to move and access places.
Plan early
Photo by James William from Unsplash
Travelling with a disability is possible! A lot of people are doing it. There are even bloggers dedicated to sharing their adventures all around the world in their mobility scooters or wheelchairs.
The key to succeeding in doing this is to plan ahead. Plan like the usual traveller.
Take note of the extra costs involved in transporting your mobility equipment. Check how much the airline charges for a wheelchair or a mobility scooter.
If you’re under medication, make sure to get a medical certification from your physician. Preferably, the statement should be issued on an official letterhead. Make sure to keep your medical certificate with you at all time when you travel.
Also, check if your target accommodation comes with amenities specially made for a disabled individual. You can check their website or listing details on your hotel booking app. If in doubt, try to reach out to the hotel management about your queries.
Make the necessary arrangements
You can either hire a travel agent to help you with the bookings and other necessary arrangements. Alternatively, you can handle everything yourself.
If you choose DIY travel, before you fly to your chosen destination, you need to take time in scheduling your tours and hotel plans. Here are other key preparations you might need:
- Call the train company at least 24 hours so you can request for special assistance.
- Check the available local transportation options in your target destination.
- Know the airline numbers to call if your wheelchair gets damaged or lost.
- Check the airline’s policy for electricity-powered mobility equipment.
- Book airport transfers as early as possible.
- Don’t forget to carry a voltage converter because some hotels may not be using the same voltage as your electric wheelchair charger.
If you prefer hiring a travel agent, make sure that they specialise in handling the needs of disabled or senior travellers. They should be able to book the flights, rides and accommodations needed with great ease.
Protect your wheelchair from damage
Sometimes, airline companies fail to handle personal wheelchairs and other mobility equipment properly. To avoid issues, take note of the following tips below.
Request for your wheelchair to be stored in the aeroplane cabin
Most aeroplanes are equipped with a closet that can fit a collapsible wheelchair. During check-in, talk to the airline staff and ask if they can store it in the cabin instead of the cargo compartment. Most wheelchairs stored in the cargo get damaged by other baggage.
If travelling with non-collapsible mobility equipment, remove the loose parts
Some of the loose attachments you can remove include the cupholders, armrests, footrests, cushions, oxygen attachments and tray cables. By doing so, you can prevent damaging these removable parts.
Include a written instruction on how to handle the equipment
Write a detailed instruction so the airline or airport staff knows what to do with the equipment. Make sure to include instructions on how to turn on or off the device, how to activate the free-wheel mode and how to lift the chair safely.
Avail a travel insurance for disabled individuals
Aside from making key preparations, booking accommodations and protecting your wheelchair or scooter, it’s also essential to have travel insurance.
Some issues result in the disruption or cancellation of your travel plan. Most of the time, car rentals, airlines and hotel companies are quite unforgiving, even when you explain the cause of your booking cancellation.
Travel insurance protects you from such unexpected issues. The insurance company can cover the cost of your trip cancellations, emergency medical expenses abroad as well as emergency medical transportation costs.
Take advantage of available discounts and promos
Some companies offer discounts to disabled passengers and their companions. All you need is to carry a proof of your condition. A simple medical certificate from your physician or a transit card can be used for proof.
Some transportation companies also charge reduced rates for individuals with physical limitations. Try to check if your target destination offers such privileges.
Say yes to travelling!
Photo by Josh Appel from Unsplash
Having a disability or being old should never prevent you from seeing the world.
There are many disabled individuals from all around the globe who keep on travelling despite their physical limitations.
It doesn’t matter what caused your physical disability. There’s surely an option for you. All you need is to do a bit of research or hire a good travel agent to make your dream tour possible.
