Wheelchair users may find travel challenging at times, particularly on lengthy trips when barriers and obstacles must be overcome. But the secret to enjoying the journey is to have an upbeat mindset and adhere to a few simple principles.
How to plan a lengthy trip if you are a wheelchair user
Wheelchair users can choose from a wide range of experiences, including wine tourism, beach vacations, rural vacations, adventure trips, urban and themed tours, and cruises. Certain places may be less expensive than others due to daily needs and mobility issues.
For people who would rather have assistance when planning their next holiday
When organising a trip that is accessible to people with disabilities, there are professional agencies that can help because they are aware of the challenges associated with wheelchair transportation by air and land. The organisation can offer guidance on how to plan the trip, find accessible lodging, find restaurants and activities, etc. The tour operator will make an effort to meet all requests and specifications.
Here are some travel operators who specialise in catering for those with disablilty:
If you would rather plan your own travel, there are a few things to think about, such as your preferred form of transportation, the length of the trip, and whether or not you can use a wheelchair. Keep in mind that there are only so many accessible seats on trains and aeroplanes. That's why it's crucial to plan your travel well in advance, particularly for group or high season vacations.
It is imperative that you always have the appropriate travel insurance to cover all potential risks, particularly with regard to issues that may arise during the trip (such as delays, misplaced luggage, etc.) and with your wheelchair (for instance, in the event of a breakdown). This is especially true for lengthy trips.
Long distance wheelchair users: advice for all
It's crucial to become familiar with some fundamental wheelchair travel advice, particularly if you'll be spending a lot of time in a car, on an aeroplane, or on any other kind of transportation.
For instance, it's crucial to select a wheelchair cushion that fits well and to utilise an extra one to reduce pressure. Sitting for extended periods of time, even with an anti-decubitus cushion, can be harmful to the skin. Don't forget to release pressure periodically along the journey.
Similarly, always keep water or soft drinks on hand to stay hydrated if you are planning a lengthy road trip in a wheelchair. Making the requisite pauses to ease the discomforts of lengthy drives can be made much easier by being aware of the locations of gas stations and rest areas with accessible restrooms.
Organising
You need to be extremely organised when booking tickets, as we already discussed in our post on how to plan your next vacation. Please familiarise yourself with each company's policies regarding wheelchair transportation and fees, your preferred seats and their closeness to restrooms, the assistance services offered at the airports of departure and arrival, etc.
Ease of use and mobility
Always keep your mobility and comfort in mind. Which clothing types make you feel the most at ease? Will you have to spend the night on a train or aircraft? When you're driving, will you stop to eat or relax? How are you going to get around once you get to your destination? Will you rent a car or take public transportation? When will you require a taxi? In certain cities, wheelchair-accessible taxis are rare, and rental car businesses rarely have wheelchair-accessible versions. Planning ahead and conducting research are essential in this regard.
Arrange your suitcases and bags
Luggage should be kept to a minimum on all trips, but wheelchair trips require this in particular. Reducing the amount you carry has a direct effect on your comfort and mobility. Naturally, the longer the journey, the more luggage you'll need, but in certain circumstances, hiring a courier service to deliver part of your luggage to the location in advance is advised.
Lastly, we advise you to compile a list of specialty hospitals or pharmacies at or near your destination in case you require any unusual medical gadgets or specialised treatments. You will be more prepared to deal with an emergency if one occurs as a result.
We suggest that you do more research and educate yourself with the topic if you'd like to learn about additional advice for users on lengthy trips. If you plan ahead properly, you can easily overcome a lot of hurdles.
Wheelchair users also talk about their experiences on lengthy trips on a variety of blogs and services. Check them out, and feel free to comment on our social media pages if you have any further thoughts or suggestions.