Getaway Recommendations For Easier Wheelchair Travel

With more municipal emphasis on accessibility, more people of limited ability are rolling their way around the world enjoying the freedom of wheelchair travel. From walkways to buildings, people in wheelchairs are experiencing more freedom.

New laws are requiring that buildings and sidewalks be more accessible. There are now automatic door openers, ramps into buildings, curb cuts on street corners and doorways are generally wider. Even buses have flat entry points and empty spaces for wheelchair riders. The loud and gently insistent voices of advocates for the disabled travel enthusiast have made all of this possible for wheelchair travel.

The public is now more aware of the needs and challenges of the disabled traveler. Handicapped people in wheelchairs are now rolling around the world with fewer obstacles and greater ease. However, despite these societal advances, people who must travel in their wheelchairs still need to do some advance planning to ensure their comfort and safety, especially when planning vacations in foreign countries.

Particularly if the holiday destination is in a third world country or remote area such as in parts of Africa, the destination should be scouted out. Check out the hotel and the airlines. What other facilities are in the area that you may need. Where are the hospitals and can you easily fill any prescriptions you might require.

Booking your vacation online is convenient but there are questions specific to your needs that you won’t find answers to on a website. Call your hotel personally to inquire about accessibility and door widths in the room. Ask for a confirmation number or code as proof of your booking. This rarely, happens, but sometimes hotels overbook and can give your room away or deny that you even made a reservation.

Services for disabled passengers vary from airline to airline. Make phone calls to check on provisions made by the airline for wheelchairs. Ensure that you can access the plane in your own wheelchair, or if not, what type of service do they provide. Will they stow your wheelchair in the luggage compartment and what assurances can they give you that your chair will not be damaged? Find out what the airline’s policy is for lost or stolen luggage, which may include your wheelchair.

Some airlines ask for a fit-to-travel certificate or a note from your doctor about your health. Your doctor should give you a note just to be on the safe side. It should also include a list of approved medications. This will assist in getting through customs or security with a minimum of disruption if you are found to be carrying prescription drugs.

Travel insurance is another area of concern for wheelchair travelers. This is key because often those bound to a wheelchair may have compromised immune systems making them vulnerable to all manner of viruses. You need to be covered if you should become injured as a result of a fall. Food-borne illnesses and vulnerability to new viruses can also be a concern. All it takes to have a safe, healthy holiday is some advance planning.

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