Planning is key
If you are planning to go on holiday somewhere you have never been before planning is key. Go to the tourist board website and find out about transport options to get to where you are going. Then check with the transport company's website to see if the journey is accessible. Check out YouTube and blogs to see how accessible a place in. Blogs that focus on accessible travel can be particularly useful like Curb Free with Cory Lee.
Do-it-yourself or go for a package
There are a number of speciality travel companies for disabled people that can take the stress out of choosing a suitable accommodation for you and it's worth considering booking a package through them as they are experts in their field.
Check out the hotel beforehand
If you are looking to book a hotel yourself, big chains such as Marriott and the Hilton will definitely have an accessibility policy, accessible rooms and lifts, check out their rooms and their policy on their website. Smaller historic hotels will often be keen to help and provide accessible rooms if they can but due to the structure of the building, there may be stairs and no lift. Email or ring the hotel if you are in doubt about their facilities for accessibility.
Consider renting for the trip
If you have bulky health equipment consider renting to take with you or to pick up at the destination. Oxygen concentrator rental, rollators and mobility scooters can be organised beforehand and the benefits of renting are that you can get the most up to date equipment and can avoid carrying it to your destination if you pick up when you get there.
Be aware of the airline's policy on accessible travel and also the accessibility of the airport. Check out the airline's website and if the information isn't clear message the company on social media far enough in advance. Many airports have a designated department to assist people and can help you through security or provide wheelchair assistance. This may also apply to those with ADHD and autism.
Don't forget transport to the accommodation
Don't forget transport from the airport, bus or train station. Arrange accessible transport in advance to make life easier for yourself.
Travel with a doctor's note
It's worth travelling with a note from your doctor if you are planning on travelling internationally, covering your illness or condition, medication and any special needs or relevant information. When you get to the destination be sure to make a note of where a local doctor can be reached in an emergency.
Lastly, don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance is so important, and appropriate insurance for the country you go to as well. Medical insurance cover for the US, for example, needs to be much higher than the majority of countries due to the high cost of medical treatment. Be sure that any pre-existing conditions are noted otherwise the company may not pay out if there is a claim.
Check out this useful guide to disabilities and travel abroad.
*Collaborative post
It's worth travelling with a note from your doctor if you are planning on travelling internationally, covering your illness or condition, medication and any special needs or relevant information. When you get to the destination be sure to make a note of where a local doctor can be reached in an emergency.
Lastly, don't forget travel insurance
Travel insurance is so important, and appropriate insurance for the country you go to as well. Medical insurance cover for the US, for example, needs to be much higher than the majority of countries due to the high cost of medical treatment. Be sure that any pre-existing conditions are noted otherwise the company may not pay out if there is a claim.
Check out this useful guide to disabilities and travel abroad.
*Collaborative post
I went on holiday with my friend a couple of years ago and she needed a wheelchair at the airport which was absolutely fine but sadly the hotel weren't as accommodating. It wasn't something I'd had to look into before as I'm mobile but it really opened my eyes and made me really think about these things before booking trips away again and it makes me more aware of helping others when I'm away too.
ReplyDeleteI bet it did. I have seen a number of articles and social media posts in the last year about the difficulties in using a wheelchair on a plane. People have been left on a plane for a long time on occasion, it's unacceptable!
DeleteWhen I had my crutches it was an absolute nightmare to get anywhere without having to constantly explain what I needed and why, so I can imagine for those in wheelchairs it is a whole lot more a saga x
ReplyDeleteTravelling can be overwhelming at the best of times, I can only imagine how difficult it when you need to take crutches, a wheelchair etc. with you on flights.
ReplyDelete