Disabled Travel

The rise in the elderly and disabled population has resulted in increasing the number the number of disabled travellers. This has encouraged travel companies to provide more disability accommodations and holidays. If you plan to travel and have a disability, it is important to research your destination, travel with all medical devices and medication and ask for information ahead of time. 

Disabled Travel Planning

• Ask a companion to join you on the trip. Some airlines do not allow you to travel without a companion. Please note that disability rights vary from country to country.
• Book your travel arrangements by phone or in person with a travel agent. In order to get disabled accommodations and access, you must disclose your disability at least 48 hours ahead of time. It is not always possible to disclose this information via an internet booking.
• Research possible destinations ahead of time. Travel guides will show how accessible a location might be. Sites like disabledtravelers.com and independenttraveler.com give advice on the best destinations for disabled travellers.
• Think of a description of your disability and the accommodation that you require. Travel providers are extremely busy, so you will need to communicate quickly and accurately. Carry a letter in case it needs to be translated and ask a companion to memorise and practice how to request disabled accommodations.
• Visit your doctor before you travel The doctor should be able to tell you if there are any unforseen travel or medication risks. Make sure that you request all the medication you require, plus a few extra days in case of delays.
• Carry emergency and doctor numbers with you at all times Print off a list and give them to your travel companions and holiday representative so that they know who to contact in case of emergencies.
• Consider booking a trip with a travel company that caters for disabled people You should be able to select a tour that has already been set up to cater to your disability.

Disabled Transportation

• Prepare for airline travel. Keep a card which lists any metal implements or prosthesis. This can help you when you go through metal detectors.
• Keep all prescription and over-the-counter medication with you in your carry-on baggage to ensure that you aren’t separated with it. Keep all medications in their original packaging to avoid delays or confiscation of medication.
• Declare all medically necessary liquid medications. Small quantities must be carried in plastic bags supplied.

• Make sure all frozen medications are frozen solid as you go through security or you will be subject to additional screening and limitations.
• Request a seat on the aeroplane that will work with your disability and transfer. Choose an aisle seat or one near the bathroom. Avoid sitting in an emergency exit row as this requires that you be prepared to assist other passengers.
• Book airport transfers ahead of time and arrive early if you will need transport with disability access. Make sure that you arrive at least two hours ahead of time for international travel.
• Ask flight attendants to store assisting devices before take-off. You can get easy access to them during the flight and on disembarkation.

Disabled Travel Tips

• Pack lightly and prioritise what you need for your trip. Medications, devices, money, tools and specialised clothing as the first priority.
• Schedule a day to get over the journey. Travel exhaustion and jet lag can trigger dizziness, balance issues, nausea and tiredness. Attempt to get on the time schedule of the place your are visiting, but allow yourself to rest until meal or bedtime.
• Carry copies of health insurance, passports, credit cards and important papers Ensure that these are kept on you at all times as this information will help you in an emergency.
• Bring an emergency repair kit for wheelchairs and other devices. Wheelchairs have many moving parts which can break fairly easily. Bring the manual or read up on how to repair the chair before you travel. Ask for assistance whenever you need it.
• Try to visualise situations that may arise in advance so that you can determine how you will handle them.

Disabled Holidays.com  – Disabled Holidays in UK and Abroad. Accessible accommodation for people with various kinds of disability. Disabled Cruises.

Age UK – Everyone deserves a holiday, with accessible hotels, villas and apartments to suit varying levels of mobility – for disabled people with limited mobility, wheelchair-users and slow walkers.

Enable Holidays – Disabled Holidays abroad that are 100% tailor-made. Guaranteed fully accessible, adapted rooms, adapted transfers, airport assistance and mobility equipment.