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When you or a loved one requires the use of a wheelchair, it can make holidays difficult to plan and stressful. While it can make things challenging, it is important to note that you can still have a fun, enjoyable, and stress-free trip if you plan in advance.
Just because you are living with a disability, does not mean you cannot enjoy seeing the world around you and enjoy travel as everyone else does. With this in mind, here are a few of the key considerations that you need to think about once you have decided on a destination.
Hotel Location
First, you need to choose the right base for your holiday. The holiday might be tricky if you pick a hotel that is out in the middle of nowhere, so instead, you need to choose a hotel that is easy to access, close to local amenities and has good transport links. Knowing that you are in a good location will automatically put you at ease.
Accessible Hotel
Leading on from this, you will also want to make sure that the hotel is easy to access. You can do research online to find hotels that are wheelchair friendly, but it is also worth getting in touch with the hotel to find out how they can accommodate your needs and get them to send photos of adaptations to make sure that they are suitable.
Check that they have all of the necessary hotel accessibility requirements you need to fit your needs, such as ramps and rails. Try to find reviews from other wheelchair users to get a better idea of what to expect.
Research Transport Links
Those in a wheelchair know just how frustrating public transport can be, which can be made much worse when visiting somewhere new (especially if it is a country with a different language!). This is why it is important that you research the public transport options and plan each journey that you are going to take.
Travel Insurance
As with any holiday, it is always a good idea to take out travel insurance particularly with the pandemic still creating issues with international travel. Not only will it make sure you are covered in the event that anything should happen, but it will mean that you will also feel a sense of security and know that you can be looked after should this happen.
Inform the Airline
If you are flying, it is a good idea to inform the airline ahead of time and to ask them how they can accommodate you. You also need to plan your transport to the airport in advance, check in online, and get yourself to the airport with plenty of time to spare. The airline should also make any adjustments, such as helping you on and off the plane, as well as ensuring you are comfortable throughout your flight.
Plan Ahead for Staycation
If you are opting for a staycation, this can make things easier, but you still need to plan ahead and research your options. A wheelchair-accessible vehicle can make travel much easier and more comfortable, but just be sure that there is sufficient parking near your accommodation.
Conclusion
If you are in a wheelchair, you should not shy away from booking a holiday. While it can be a little trickier, you can still have a fun, valuable, and rewarding trip but you will need to plan in advance. The above are a few of the key considerations that need to be made when planning the trip and should help you to plan the best possible trip.
