Accessible Travel - Tips and Information

In the not-to-distant past, wheelchair accessible travel meant a trip across town to the doctor’s office. Maintaining the status quo has been the best most disabled people could hope for. Traveling beyond the community, unless seeking the services of a medical specialist, is simply out of the question! Not today! Disabled individuals now have the opportunity to travel abroad, set sail on a cruise, or take a drive cross-country to Grandma’s house. However, handicapped vacationers understandably have extra challenges, even in travel. So, take some advice, avoid a few pitfalls, seek assistance from professionals, and do a little homework before beginning to explore the world.

Life is full of pitfalls, and traveling is no exception. Unfortunately, many people are in the tourism business for the money, and meeting customer needs is not always on the priority list. For example:

Two summers ago, personal experience taught a hard lesson. Looking forward to a family weekend in a neighboring city, reservations are placed at a local motel chain. Specifically, the travelers needed handicapped accommodations for three. Immediately upon entering the room, one queen-sized bed alluded to a terrible mistake. The clerk has the audacity to suggest the room was rebooked without the children. Demanding different accommodations, the clerk immediately provided a room suitable for three, with one exception-no handicapped shower. Oh well, compromises can be made for two days. No such luck! Returning to the room at night, a big problem became very apparent. The bathroom door is not wide enough for a wheelchair to enter.

Do not allow travel nightmares to plague an already challenged life. Learn from the mistakes of another, and ask specifically for the disabled person’s needs to be met. Instead of asking for a handicapped room, ask for a wheelchair accessible room. For some reason, many establishments assume handicapped people do not have families. Make sure the rooms are big enough. Unbelievably, many businesses will try to cut corners and try to rent an unacceptable room, rather than admit the motel does not have the necessary accommodations. Nor will the staff helpfully suggest a competitor with a suitable room. Do not place the reservation online. Talk directly to a person, and get a name.

Take some advice, and seek help from professionals, especially when taking a cruise or traveling abroad. For instance, companies like Access Network specialize in assuring the customer’s special needs are met. Travel around the world, and know the establishments cater to physically handicapped guests. Whether going to Egypt, Africa, or anywhere else, travel agencies, with the disabled in mind, can tell a person the best places to stay, the nicest places to eat, and the handicapped accessible tourist attractions.

However, even with the help of a travel agent, a little homework can also prevent an inaccessibility problem from ruining a wonderful vacation. For instance Apparalyzed is an online support organization for paralyzed people. In giving support and advice, Apparalyzed also has travel recommendations including shelter, food, and fun.

So, before kenneling the dog, locking up the house, and exploring the world, listen to some sage advice. When looking for accommodations, be specific as to any special needs. Speak to a real person, not a computer. Seek professional assistance before traveling abroad, and do a little homework before signing on the dotted line. Take the “dis” out of disability, and enjoy life to the fullest measure.

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