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Traveling with a disability is challenging and more research and planning is needed to ensure safe travel. Unfortunately, not everywhere you go is accessible to people with disabilities. Therefore, your choice of destination and your trip can make all the difference.
There are great tour operators and travel agents out there who specialize in helping travelers book accessible trips that are tailored to their specific needs. However, if you go the DIY route, there are also resources available to help you find booking options.
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Planning resources
AbleThrive
AbleThrive Aggregates support resources to help people with disabilities. The website covers several topics related to living with a disability, including health, parenting, employment, relationships, and of course, travel.
AccessibleGO
AccessibleGO is a full-service travel platform that helps people with disabilities get the most out of their travels. They feature articles written by community members who all have firsthand experience of traveling with a disability.
You can use your booking tool to search for hotels and Cruises that are accessible. You can also book trips through the website, but we generally recommend booking direct with a hotel or airline.
Discover
Similar to AccessibleGO, Discover enables you to book accessible accommodations. The site uses a unique classification system that allows you to filter the search based on your specific physical accessibility needs – from being able to go up just a few flights of stairs to being fully used wheelchair accessible accommodations.
Handiscover also has community contributed articles on the website to help you plan your trip from start to finish.
Gallery: 5 Ways Your Vacation Will Cost More Due to the Pandemic (GOBankingRates)
Connected: What does barrier-free travel mean for you?
Tips for planning an accessible trip
The resources listed above all have content specifically designed to help people with disabilities – often with an emphasis on physical disabilities that affect mobility – when planning travel. But there are also some general tips that anyone looking to book an accessible trip should keep in mind when planning an excursion.
Use a travel agent or travel company that specializes in accessible travel
Beginners in particular should consider using tour operators and travel agents that cater to people with disabilities. Not only will you have resources to ensure that your trip meets your specific needs, but you can also get special rates or offers by going through an agency.
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
The STEP program is a free government service that notifies you of security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. STEP also helps the U.S. Embassy better serve out during an emergency while you are out of the country.
This tip applies not only to travelers with disabilities – everyone traveling abroad should register – but travelers with physical disabilities can also add relevant information about mobility impairments.
Call ahead to arrange specific assistance
Whether it’s a hotel, cruise, or flight, call ahead if you need any special assistance. When booking, it is a good idea to call and note if there are any physical limitations that you need help with – e.g. B. when boarding an airplane with a wheelchair. Also, call again 48 hours before your trip to confirm the assistance arranged at the time of booking and mention again at the check-in counter.
Connected: Air travel tips for wheelchair users
Find out about contingency plans before you go
Before you travel, speak with your doctor to discuss specific concerns, obtain medical certificates for the trip, and replenish medication you may need prior to your trip (you should pack more medication than you need, and it should be in your carry-on bag) stowed away for easy access).
In addition, find out about the region you are traveling in and have contact information for doctors’ offices, pharmacies and hospitals in the event of an emergency.
It’s not a bad idea to check either comprehensive travel insurance this also includes health insurance during your stay abroad.
Featured image by Chakarin Wattanamongkol / Getty Images.
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EDITORIAL DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline, or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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