Thanks to the existence of accessible structures, traveling by train or plane is now possible for individuals with reduced mobility. Many associations and travel agencies are also making efforts to simplify the process, ensuring that travel becomes more accessible and enjoyable.
With the right tips for travelers with limited mobility, planning ahead and knowing what resources are available can make the journey even smoother and more comfortable.
Tips for Travelers with Limited Mobility Before the Trip
1. Consult Your Doctor
Inform your doctor of your future travel plans and ask if it is suitable for your health and possibilities. He or she may also be able to give you some advice on how to behave in conditions of fatigue and stress. Discuss what wheelchairs and mobility scooters are convenient for travel. For instance, a mobility scooter with removable battery is likely to be approved on a board. Folding wheelchairs are perfect for transportation in vans and public transport.
2. Choose Your Destination
Choose a destination that meets the following requirements:
- The infrastructure is easily accessible, as in developed countries. A city without barriers as such should have adapted access to its most important places of interest. Cities with better accessibility have urban slopes or ramps to visit various tourist attractions.
- Medical facilities with a good level of healthcare. Some destinations have even prepared large elevators to allow visitors to move around urban spaces with ease.
- A place of not too high altitude and humidity.
3. Choose the Right Season for Traveling
Get ready at the right time and find out about the weather at your destination: snow, rain, humidity.
4. Bring Your Medication
To carry your medication (especially liquids), you will need supporting documents, if applicable, your doctor will prescribe them. So make sure you have enough and remember to store them properly.
5. Materials and Papers to Take
Your passport, vaccination card (if needed), insurance card, disabled parking card, blood type card, addresses, as well as phone numbers of the places you will be visiting.
6. Find a Good Travel Companion
If you need help with care or daily tasks, you can find a travel companion: someone you trust.
Ask for help from associations specializing in travel for disabled people to obtain more details and help you choose a destination, means of transport, and a hotel. There are websites that can help you plan your trip by offering useful resources for people with reduced mobility.
7. Book the Hotel
Find a hotel with accessible rooms that are fully adapted to your situation. You can search them online, but be sure to call the facility to verify the information on their website and check other requirements, such as bathroom door measurements so the wheelchair can move around, access ramps, elevator, pool stair lifts, hallway widths, etc.
You can notify the hotel of your arrival so that there is staff available to help you transport your luggage and provide any necessary assistance if you are traveling in a wheelchair.
8. Confirm Your Reservation
After booking, try to make a call to confirm your reservation.
It is best to call hotels or apartments for rent. This way, you can express your personal needs clearly and precisely and find out if the accommodation is suitable for you. Rarely do “ordinary” websites or search engines on the net describe in detail the accessibility of rooms, floors, and elevators. So don’t forget to make this important call to calm yourself down and avoid frustration when you reach your goal.
9. Prepare Your Luggage
It is obvious for any trip, but in this case, you want to pack as light as possible since you don’t have any problem with mobility both during the trip and after it. An interesting option is to send the luggage by courier before reaching the destination.
The luggage must include the following bare essentials:
- Medications (as we have mentioned above). Also, if you are traveling by plane and are carrying liquids, you should review the regulations and have the necessary accreditation that allows you to travel with that product(s).
- Assistive aids for your mobility (wheelchair, walker, cane, mobility scooter, etc).
- If you have implanted medical devices that do not allow you to pass through the security line, you must have the necessary accreditation.
Tips for Travelers with Limited Mobility During the Trip
10. What Means of Transport Should You Use?
Travel by Train
- Most train stations are accessible, and trains have at least one space reserved for wheelchair users. Visit this site to find out which stations are accessible.
- Buy your ticket in advance. It is best to book tickets a week in advance and specify your needs so that they can offer you a complete service.
- You will receive a discount if you and your companion have a disability card.
- Take advantage of the train support service: as a general rule, most airports and train stations offer free assistance, although you must book in advance to request this service. Check the official websites of the airport or train station to book this service.
Travel by Plane
- Airport facilities usually already have wheelchair access throughout the terminal area. However, you can look up information about your destination airport and call customer service for more helpful information.
- Before reserving a seat, it is recommended that you contact the airline so that customer service can clarify the dimensions of the seats assigned to wheelchair users. For greater safety of the traveler, information can also be requested about the space required by the aircraft to ensure that the traveler can board the aircraft without any problem.
- You should first call the airline’s disability assistance – they will ask you about the features of your wheelchair / mobility scooter to see if it fits the criteria for weight, dimensions, battery type, etc.
- It is better to bring a manual wheelchair or a compact electric chair as it folds and does not require any declaration.
- In the case of an electric wheelchair, you need to check if the model is airline-approved.
Travel by Bus or Public Transport
- Some bus carriers offer assistance for people with reduced mobility. However, the same criteria apply for prevention and reserving the service 36-48 hours in advance.
- Another key factor when planning a barrier-free trip is the accessibility of public transport at the destination. Nowadays, means of transport such as buses, metro, or trains usually have at least one space reserved for wheelchair users.
- As accessibility regulations vary from country to country, you can take a look at official images of public transport to ensure there is enough space to fit the wheelchair. Some models come with a ramp that is provided in case of pushing a specific button near the doors.
Car Rental or Taxi
- Wheelchair-accessible taxis are just getting implemented, so it’s better to contact the companies both at the departure and destination and book in advance. Some companies (like Uber and TappAXI) have their own app, so you can check if there’s an option for a wheelchair-friendly taxi and if it’s available in your city.
- A great option when your stay is short is to rent an adapted car or a wheelchair.
11. Test Out Your Destination Point
Test the accessibility of the different accessories in the room (shower, TV, etc.). Make sure the rugs and the flooring are non-slip. Your wheelchair / mobility scooter should easily fit the doorways and entry hall. Ask if there are any SOS buttons around the rooms. The elevator should work around the clock.
12. Health Awareness on Trips
Inform the group accompanying you on the trip about your health status. This is beneficial in case of any problems so they know how they can help you.
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