Accessible Travel Tips

Articles > Accessible Travel Tips

Travel is a necessary part of modern life. We all have occasion to visit relatives and friends. We take trips for business or for leisure.

This is an information service for the disabled traveler. We offer you general help as you make your travel plans, however we are not a travel agency.

For the most current information and further assistance when you are ready to make reservations, you should contact a travel agency or the tourist bureau for the area you plan to visit. If you have a chronic medical condition, be sure to consult your health care provider prior to making your travel plans.

Things to Consider as You Plan Your Trip

Talk to your physician about:

• your general physical condition
• your need for immunizations
• your prescriptions for the time you are traveling
• non-prescription medications you should plan to take with you,
(for example, pain relievers, antacids, a laxative, cold medications, an antihistamine, medicine to take in case you experience diarrhea, sun-screen)
• medical equipment you should take on the trip
• how to get medical assistance when you are away from home
• an extra pair of glasses or contact lenses

Talk to your travel agent about:

• means of travel that will accommodate your physical needs (train, plane, cruise ship, tour group)
• special accommodations you may need at any point in your trip (car rental, transportation within the airport, help with a wheelchair, special seating, special meals, etc.)
• arranging the timing of your trip so you will not become overtired while you are traveling
• what special assistance you can expect from the transportation company, hotel, tour group, etc.
• ask your travel agent about travel insurance

If you are in a wheelchair:

• have a maintenance check in advance of the trip
• take some basic tools and extra parts if necessary
• if you don't usually use a wheelchair but have trouble walking or become easily tired, consider renting a wheelchair to take with you as checked baggage (it may be difficult to rent a chair at your destination)

In addition:

• Be sure that you can manage on your own if you are traveling solo--bathrooms are sometimes hard to manage for the disabled traveler. Perhaps you need to have a friend or relative travel with you to provide assistance.
• Pack necessary items, such as medications, in your hand luggage in case your checked luggage is lost or stolen.
• If you are renting a car and require hand controls, find out where they are available before you leave home. Carry a placard indicating that you are disabled to display in the car. Find out how to get a temporary placard for the state or country of your destination before you leave.

More articles can be found in the MossRehab ResourceNet
Accessible Travel - Information and resources for the disabled traveler..... including airlines, trains, buses, cruise lines, driving, travel agents, tourism offices and more.

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Articles > Accessible Travel Tips