Although traveling in a wheelchair can be tough, it doesn’t have to deter us from getting out there and enjoying this great, big, beautiful planet of ours. There are tons of ways to make wheelchair travel easier and less stressful. I’ve been traveling in my power wheelchair for most of my life, and the good experiences have certainly outweighed the bad. Let’s dive right in, as I want to share some of my top wheelchair travel tips with you.
1. Choose an accessible destination for wheelchair travel
The first thing to look for when choosing a destination is making sure you will have accessible transportation available both when you arrive and throughout your trip. As a person traveling with a disability, no one wants to arrive to the airport to find that’s where you will be stuck the entire time! Also, make sure there is a hotel with an accessible room available and check the website of the destination to see if there are a variety of accessible things to do while there.
2. Know what to expect when flying with a wheelchair
People who use wheelchairs must transfer from their own wheelchair to be seated on a plane. Your wheelchair will either be stored in the cabin closet (if it is a manual chair) or underneath the plane (if it is a power wheelchair). The airport will provide assistants for you, if you wish, to assist with the transfer process. By always explaining how they can best assist you, and not allowing them to take the lead, I have found that transfers can be easy and safe.
3. Call the airline prior to boarding
Although booking a flight is pretty simple online, I always call the airline directly when booking. I want to let them know that I will be flying with a 400-pound power wheelchair, and that I will need two assistants to help me get into my plane seat. By making them aware of the wheelchair dimensions and type of battery that is in the chair, they are better prepared to keep me and my chair safe.
4. Make the best of your time at the airport
Being a wheelchair user, you will board the plane first. That being said, arriving early to the airport is crucial. Two hours prior to domestic flights and three hours prior to international flights is suggested. You don’t want to be rushed, therefore being less stressed on the day of departure.
After checking in, I always first find my gate so that I can reiterate my need of assistance with boarding, and then proceed to find a companion care restroom. Once I have located both of those places, I can then look around the shops or make those last-minute calls to my loved ones if time allows.
5. Road tripping can be fun
I love road tripping! This allows you to remain in the comfort of your own vehicle, and honestly pack almost as much as you want. Make sure to secure any refrigerated medications in a chilled cooler and pack those mood boosting snacks! You should always make sure your vehicle has good tires, plenty of gas and oil, and your ramp or lift is in good working order prior to departure. And don’t forget to throw in a couple blankets and plenty of waters just in case of a breakdown.
6. Know what to look for in an accessible hotel
Since the word “accessible” means something different for everyone traveling with a disability, call the hotel directly. You can look online to search for the hotel that suits your desires, but call them directly to ask particular questions of what makes their rooms accessible. You may want to ask the bed height, the toilet height, or what type of tub or roll-in shower the room has. If the staff member is not able to answer your questions, ask to speak with a member of management and maybe even request photos be sent to you.
7. Get outdoors and explore the area
Don’t be afraid to get outside of your comfort zone and explore the area. Every destination has things that make it unique and by exploring the area, you may gain a whole new respect for the culture of the people. Search on the destination website or read accessible travel bloggers’ reviews of that area. There are often great accessible hiking trails, accessible beaches, and a multitude of shops, museums, and events that you can enjoy.
8. Find the best prices and keep more money in your pocket for the fun stuff
Travel can be pricey and handicap travel is no different. By searching online with companies such as KAYAK, you will find the best deals for your flights and hotels. Also, travel during the destinations “off season” months. This will keep more money in your pocket for those special souvenirs or even allow you to enjoy some delicious restaurants in the area. Another plus for traveling in the off-season months is less crowds!
9. The caregivers need their own space too
Keep in mind when traveling with a caregiver that their needs are important. Allow down time for them to regroup and unwind before pushing them to go further. As you know, when people are tired, they can become disgruntled and not as much fun. By being cognizant of their needs, your needs will be more easily met, and you both will be able to enjoy your trip.
10. Don’t forget to have fun and enjoy the moment
The greatest travel tip that I can tell you while traveling in a wheelchair is to remain calm and patient no matter what circumstances come up along the way. Things may not always go as planned, but if you maintain a good attitude and find solutions for the problems as they arise, you can have the most enjoyable trip possible. By living in the moment and cherishing your time, great travel memories can be made that will never be forgotten.
Conclusion
Now that you are better prepared for traveling with a disability, it’s time to start planning your next getaway. The key to a successful trip is preparation, so now there is nothing standing in your way. The only thing left to do now is to unlock those wheels and roll on to that next amazing journey.
