Have you ever canceled a trip due to a bad knee or other mobility issues? Have you avoided cruises or family events that involve travel for fear you'll need oxygen mid-trip? Relax. Today's world is more accessible than ever, and for anyone with special requirements for travel, there's a world of information and help waiting for you.
It's disappointing to be left behind or to have to leave a loved one behind because of a physical limitation or special travel need. Not having everyone around diminishes the fun for those who do make the trip, especially if the trip is a family event. Out-of-town weddings, family celebrations, reunions, and multigenerational trips are much more fun and memorable for everyone when every member of the family or group can participate.
Here are a few tips to ensure that when the next travel opportunity arises, you are ready to go.
Outline Your Travel Needs
Take time to evaluate the logistics of your trip in relation to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation will you be using? Airplane, motorcoach, train, ship, transit vans for ground transfers? Make a list and share it with your travel advisor so that nothing is missed.
Now make a list of your specific requirements. Be honest. What types of special needs equipment do you rely on at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had) when shopping, sightseeing locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending church, street fairs, or sporting events at home?
Can you see and hear clearly without special auditory or visual aides? How far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you get in or out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or assistance?
Travel, whether with a group or solo, is full of challenges. This is no time for being a "martyr" or "toughing it out." If a wheelchair, scooter, or portable oxygen tank will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many people who do not use wheelchairs or scooters at home feel more comfortable using these mobility aids when traveling.
Plan Ahead If you already own a scooter or portable oxygen, it’s important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that equipment onboard all the transport vehicles included in your itinerary, from planes to taxis to ferry boats. Does that transport have a way to stow your scooter or wheelchair? Is oxygen allowed on board? Some airlines prohibit certain types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours notice to make special arrangements. Be prepared to fill out some paperwork. Overall cruise ships are more lenient in allowing oxygen, but some disallow certain types of oxygen. All require that the oxygen be delivered to the ship and that you have enough for the entire voyage. Oxygen may never be brought aboard in your luggage. Requirements vary, so check your cruise line for proper instructions. Again, documentation and paperwork are required. Whether you are headed for a cruise ship, hotel, or all-inclusive resort, double-check for wheelchair access at that venue plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip. Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort accommodations, or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground-floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator if these issues are important. Check on the access to public rooms, restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area, and other amenities. Are there TDD phone devices? How will you get in and out of the shower or bathtub? Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille room numbers? Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when you do. Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits, and special mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental. Will road travel or car excursions be part of the trip? Many car rental companies, such as Avis Access, have vehicles that are modified for drivers or passengers with mobility limitations. Check ahead to make sure a suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates. If you will be hiring a car or van, make sure the company is aware of your special needs. When traveling with a limitation or disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad and trip cancellation insurance are even more important and strongly advised.
Ask the Right Questions
When making the final bookings, be sure you ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are categorized as “accessible”. For example...
Are doorways wide enough for the largest wheelchairs? Do the doors open outwards or into the room? Are all the public areas of the hotel, resort, or ship accessible? Do you need to make special arrangements in the dining room to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter? Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your need? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter? Is there a roll-in shower? Grab-bars? Are there facilities for companion/assistance animals? Are there shopping and entertainment facilities close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort? Onshore excursions or tours, does the van have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters?
Simply stated, don’t take anything for granted. It’s easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is wonderfully accessible, once you know what’s needed, what’s available, and how to find the necessary equipment.
I wish you well. I wish you safe and happy travels. And I can't wait to see you under a Canopy of Stars.
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