3 Essential Travel Tips For People With Limited Mobility

Travel is an enriching experience. It breaks you out of your routine and forces you out of your comfort zone. Everyone should have this opportunity. While money holds some back, fear that they can’t travel due to health concerns or age holds others back. However, it is possible to travel despite having limited mobility and there are steps you can take to make it as easy as possible. Here are three essential travel tips for people with limited mobility.

Plan Your Destination Accordingly

There are several charities that provide lists of accessible destinations for people with disabilities. Then you can choose from hotels and historic sites that you can wander about freely. National Parks are one of the best options, and the guides let you know where you can go if you have limited mobility. 

Other charities can connect groups with limited vision, and they help arrange trips. They often plan trips for those with assistance dogs or can connect you with a sighted companion. There are also organisations like Tourism for All that audit hotels and venues for suitability for the disabled. 

Always verify that a hotel or lodge can accommodate your disability before you book it. Wheelchair ramps are a start, but you’ll really appreciate the accessible interior design after you spend a night in a hotel room. If you aren’t sure, call ahead.

Arrange Handicap Accessible Transportation

Don’t forget about the travel arrangements themselves. For example, pick an airline or railroad that makes things easier by letting you store a wheelchair in luggage instead of making you check it in. Know which taxis are accessible and how to call one up. Discuss your personal mobility challenges and medical circumstances with airlines and the tour operator so they can make the necessary accommodations. Put all the details in writing, too, in case you don’t or can’t explain at a particular moment. Tell airlines if you need access to a wheelchair during airport connections.

Consider taking a door wedge with you as well. They can keep doors open, making it easier to get through in a wheelchair or walker. And don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Get a Mobility Scooter

A great way to improve your mobility is to get a mobility scooter. If you already have one, stock up on batteries before your trip. Buy mobility scooter batteries from a recognised brand and supplier for safety and battery life. Then you won’t have to worry about missing out because your battery gave in or needs to recharge. Nor do you have to try to find replacement batteries while far from home. Just swap out batteries and go. Note that you’ll need to take a certificate of compliance for any scooter batteries, however.

Select a mobility scooter that can be stored in luggage instead of somewhere else where it is harder to retrieve. For example, National Express is one such case. They allow you to store small mobility scooters (23 kg or less) and wheelchairs in the luggage compartment. They won’t dismantle or reassemble the items, so look for models 

that can easily fold up and be stowed away until you’re ready to disembark. 

Conclusion

You have the same right to travel the world as everyone else. And there are many resources available to make it as accessible as you need it to be.