5 Tips for Traveling with a Disability

If you are a traveler with disabilities the below tips may be helpful to you:

1. Plan Ahead – The amount of planning you do before your vacation starts is proportionate to the relative ease with which you will experience while on your vacation. Do you need your wheelchair tuned, your prescriptions filled, your car checked (if you’re traveling by car)? Will you need a companion to accompany you on your getaway? These are all important questions that need to be answered before you get there, so don’t wait!
2. Call ahead – This may fall into the “Plan Ahead” category, but it is so essential it deserved its own space here on the list. Is there a wheelchair accessible entry to your hotel room? Is there an automobile waiting at the rental car dealership that is equipped for mobility? These type of questions and more are important to ask before starting out on your journey.
3. Double Check – Have you called the airline, hotel, wheelchair, car, van rental companies, medical equipment rental companies, and everyone else that you need to? Make sure to verify everything especially if you have any other special needs. Double-check everything with your travel agent and/or your airline at least three days before your flight.
4. Arrive Early – Everyone has to arrive to the airport at least 2 hours before their flight leaves now, but as a traveler with disabilities you may have to arrive even earlier to be certain that airline support staff can assist you.
5. Read Everything – Read about where you’re going, the hotel you’re staying at, and maybe most importantly, the thoughts and experiences of travelers who have made the trek before you. The insights they’re able to share can be valuable to your journey.