The Ultimate Guide to Safe Travel While in a Wheelchair

A well-planned vacation brings peace of mind for wheelchair travellers. Let’s check the main factors you should take care of so you can nail it and get the most out of your trip. Here are some useful recommendations and important information that every wheelchair user should know before heading to their next destination.

The Ultimate Guide to Safe Travel While in a Wheelchair

First, make sure you have the right wheelchair for travelling before you begin your journey. Ideally, a travel wheelchair should be durable and easily portable. Some of the factors to take into consideration include weight, folding capability and compatibility with different means of transport. There are lightweight folding wheeling chairs that are easy to manoeuvrer during a flight. Some models are also equipped with quick-release wheels and detachable components for easier storage.

Pre-Trip Planning

Preparation is one of the most important factors that can help make a trip for wheelchair users more enjoyable and productive. First, look for areas friendly to people with limited mobility. Most cities and tourist destinations have gone a long way in ensuring that wheelchair users are accorded equal opportunities as any other individuals in terms of access to attractions, transport and facilities.

While selecting a place to stay, don’t rely on the labels 'wheelchair accessible.' Contact the hotels directly for more detailed information concerning aspects like roll-in showers, grab bars, and bed heights. Some hotels also provide other mobility aids such as shower chairs or hoists upon request.

Another factor that should be considered is transportation. Gather all the necessary info on public transport systems in the area you are planning to visit. Today, most large cities have accessible buses, trains, and subway systems for individuals in wheelchairs. For longer distances, consult with the airlines, train, and cruise operators regarding the policies and facilities they offer to passengers who use a wheelchair. Get all your meds at hand. Consult your doctor before the trip and get any recommended vaccinations or other medications. Always have a letter from your doctor stating your medical condition and any necessary devices you require. This can be important when passing through security checks or dealing with customs.

Packing Essentials

A wheelchair maintenance kit is a must-have. Some of the items you should consider taking are Allen wrenches, spare tubes, and a portable air pump. These tools can be very useful if you need to make small fixes during the trip. Take enough of your medicines and any other medical related items that you may require. It’s always safer to carry more than what you expect to use especially if you are not so familiar with the new place. Don’t neglect add-ons such as pressure-reducing cushions or backrests that can make a long trip more bearable. By using adaptive equipment, your travel experience will be much more enjoyable. Think about items such as portable ramps, transfer boards or reaching aids. These can assist in managing accessibility barriers that you may come across during the process. Ensure you have copies of your passport, travel insurance policy, and emergency contacts at hand. Store these documents in electronic format just in case the hard copies are lost.

Air Travel

One of the biggest barriers that wheelchair riders face is air travel, but it does not have to be a challenge. When booking a flight, always report your needs to the airline. Request bulkhead seating if you need extra legroom or aisle seats if you prefer to transfer.

At the airport, get enough time for security checks. TSA agents are required to screen wheelchair users, but it may take additional time. You may be asked to describe how your wheelchair operates and the medical equipment being transported. When boarding, you will usually be offered the opportunity to use an aisle chair to access your seat. Ensure that the staff is fully informed about your transfer requirements. When you are using a power wheelchair, you are advised to disconnect the battery according to airline regulations.

Ground Transportation

When you get to your destination, you will need to find local means of transport. Most of the cities today are now accommodating people with limited mobility. You can find wheelchair-accessible taxis or ride-sharing services. Find and bookmark contact numbers of such services to find them before you travel. However, public transport is relatively cheap in many areas. Search for information on accessible routes and stations. Some cities offer enhanced maps or applications with additional information on accessibility. For more flexibility, you can rent a wheelchair-accessible car. Most car rental companies provide cars with hand controls or wheelchair ramps. These should be ordered in advance as they may not be readily available at the place.

Accommodation Tips

Sometimes, people book an accessible room in a hotel, but when they get there, they might find that the details are slightly different. Ensure that every feature that the host has been promised is included and working as expected. Do not shy from making adjustments if required, like moving some of the furniture out of the way to make more space. You should also be clear with the hotel staff regarding your needs. They can help with luggage or suggest the nearest restaurants and other places for people with limited mobility.

Sightseeing and Activities

Just because you are in a wheelchair, do not restrict your experiences. Today, it is possible to find many popular attractions with features that are accessible to people in a wheelchair. You can make a prior search to know about wheelchair-accessible tours and the areas where you can safely view the sights. Check if a tourist in a wheelchair can enter without waiting in the long queue.

While planning your daily schedule, take into consideration the geography of the terrain and distances. Search for information concerning the availability of pathways connecting various sites. Most cities today have detailed access maps for tourists. When going for beach visits or hiking among others, consider using adaptive equipment for rental. A beach wheelchair with large wheels that can roll smoothly over sand or an all-terrain wheelchair is a real game-changer.

Health and Safety Considerations

Travelling for long hours can be tiring. Schedule your rest so that you don’t get too tired and avoid pressure ulcers. Follow the same pressure relief exercises that are done at home. Personal hygiene should be observed at all times to avoid getting ill from using public wash-rooms. Always have hand sanitisers with you and make sure to use them frequently. Take care of what you eat and drink, especially when in areas that have low standards of hygiene.

When abroad, make sure to have a medical emergency plan in case of an occurrence. Find out the areas that have well-equipped hospitals close to where you will be staying. Keep an identification card with key medical details translated into the local language.

Communication and Cultural Awareness

Knowing a few specific phrases in the local language comes in handy. Consider phrases associated with accessibility and request for help. If people know what you want, most of them will be ready to help you. Remember that perceptions of disability might differ from one culture to another. In some places, you may be confronted with more staring or being offered assistance that you never asked for. These should be managed with tolerance and should be embraced as chances for cross-cultural experiences. It is okay to seek assistance from others when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Travellers also note that people they meet during their trips are often very friendly and willing to help.

Technology and Apps

Technology is also useful while travelling. Many applications have been developed solely for accessibility. These can assist you in locating the nearest accessible restaurant, bathroom, or attractions in a new city. GPS navigation apps are very handy when it comes to selecting accessible routes for a wheelchair. Choose routes that do not involve the use of stairs or any area that has steep slopes. Install translation apps when travelling to other countries. They can assist you in conveying your requirements even if you are not able to speak the local language.

Travel Insurance and Emergency Planning

Wheelchair users should always get all-inclusive travel insurance. Search for plans that do not exclude pre-existing conditions and damage to mobility equipment. Some policies even provide coverage for medical evacuation if needed. Before your journey, develop a comprehensive emergency plan. This should consist of the contact information, medical history, and details about how to access further care or go back home in case of an emergency.

Wrap Up: The Ultimate Guide to Safe Travel While in a Wheelchair

Planning your vacation when you are in a wheelchair may be challenging but it is not impossible to tour the world. Travelling with a wheelchair can be safe and fun if one takes the necessary precautions with a positive mindset. Always bear in mind that any journey is a chance for a quest and self-development. Happy travels!

What about you, have you got any experience travelling in a wheelchair? Feel free to share any tips & advice below! (Top photo source: Jens Theeß on Unsplash)

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ABOUTME

We overland. We eat plants and fungi. We live outside as much as possible. We are all connected. A female travel blogger overlanding and writing about ecotourism, ethical and sustainable travel, socially conscious travel and housesitting. An online travel magazine since 2015.