Traveling can be exciting and an exhilarating experience. The opportunity to explore and see a different part of the world can open one’s eyes to the beauty that surrounds them. If you happen to be in a wheelchair and are planning to travel soon, this article will provide some helpful tips.
1. Inspect your chair. Make sure that your chair is in great working condition and does not need any maintenance or repairs. It is best to get your chair maintained at home so that you are not stranded on vacation and stuck spending your time looking for a repair shop. If you are currently using a manual chair, you may want to check out electric wheelchairs for sale as they make getting around much easier.
2. Call ahead. It is important to call the hotel or tour company ahead of time and let them know that you have a wheelchair or a disability so that they can make appropriate accommodations. It is best to mention your needs when you make your reservation but this is not always possible. At a minimum, be sure to notify service providers with at least 48 hours before your arrival or scheduled tour. This will allow the company to provide adequate staffing and resources to accommodate you and your family. It will also ensure that you have a smooth experience instead of having to deal with getting accommodations in the moment.
3. Be clear with what your needs are. It is imperative that you are clear on what you need from your hotel or tour guide. For example, if you mention on the phone when you are reserving your hotel that you are in need of a room that can accommodate a wheelchair, it may be necessary to repeat this more than one time. It may also be necessary to confirm with the reservation specialist that the room you are booking can accommodate a wheelchair. This will save you from the hassle of arriving at the hotel to find out that while you were given a large room, it is not conducive the wheelchair lifestyle.
4. Bring pertinent medical information. When traveling it is best to bring any pertinent medical information that could be useful in the off chance that something was to go wrong. Documents with your doctor’s phone number and your prescriptions is a good idea to pack as well.
5. Consider hiring the help of a travel agent. Depending on what your needs are, you may want to hire the help of a travel agent that specializes in disability travel. The travel agent will be able to advise you on where to go, where to stay, and how to gain access to tourist attractions. This will save you time in having to do all of the research yourself and your travel agent can arrange everything for you before you leave on vacation. The ease of use is well worth the money spent on paying the travel agent to coordinate your trip. All you will have to do is sit back and enjoy the experience.
Disclosure: Guest Post
Photo Credit: Best Motorized WheelChair