Traveling with a Disability – Top Ten Tips

Going on holiday when you, or someone in your travelling party, has a disability can be challenging.  From finding somewhere wheelchair friendly to making sure that the pool has a hoist, there are lots of things to consider before booking your trip.  We’ve put together our top ten tips for getting the most out of your accessible holiday.

1. Check to see that your hotel, B&B or self-catering home is on the flat.  Somewhere on a hillside will make getting around with reduced mobility or in a wheelchair that much harder.

2. Ask for full details of the accommodation offered.  An ‘accessible’ room may be on the ground floor but will your wheelchair fit through the door?  An accessible shower may have grab handles but do you need a no-step walk/wheel-in facility?  It’s a good idea to ask for email confirmation so you have it in writing, should any issues occur on arrival.

3. It’s also worth checking whether other features, such as a pool, are fully accessible and fitted with the appropriate equipment.

4. If you’re flying, tell the airline in advance if you need special assistance at the airport or for boarding the plane.  It’s also a good idea to check that there’s suitable transport for the transfer between the airport and your resort.  If suitable wheelchair accessible vehiclesaren’t offered by the airline or tour operator it might be useful to book a wheelchair accessible taxi ahead of travelling.

5. Search websites like Trip Advisor before you go to find out more about your chosen destination from people who’ve been there before.  Trip Advisor also features message boards specifically for disabled travellers where you can ask advice from other holiday makers.

6. Airline and train operators each have different policies, so it’s worth getting in touch with them before you leave to find out what they are.  They’ll be able to tell you about additional support, such as priority boarding or if assistance for you and your luggage is available.

7. Pack extra medication and necessities in your hand luggage.  If your suitcase goes missing you won’t be caught short and you’ll have enough to last until it’s returned to you, or you can find a pharmacy.

8. Check if any medication you plan to take with you requires a note from your doctor.  This could help avoid issues at customs if you’re travelling abroad.

9. For air travel, try to book a window seat.  This means that you won’t have people constantly asking you to move or climbing over you when they want out to the toilet.

10. Be careful when buying travel insurance and make sure you read all the small print.  Many specialist companies now offer travel insurance for people with existing conditions, which can make it easier to ensure that you’re covered for all eventualities

Finally – and most importantly – have a great time!