Tips For Physically Challenged Travelers
For the disabled, traveling comes with its own unique challenges
. Although planning for a trip is something we should all do, it is particularly important for disabled travelers. Not only do disabled travelers have to prepare and pack, but they also have to make sure their disability will not be a difficulty on their trip.Below is a list of tips for physically challenged travelers:
Accessibility Planning: Contact the airline prior to leaving for your trip so that you can arrange for such things as: special parking for handicapped, transportation to get around the airport, assistance to get on and off the plane, wheelchair on the plane, special seating such as close to the washroom, and extra storage space for medical devices such as crutches or a walker. Verify your booking with the airline 48 hours before leaving for your trip and inform them of any assistance you may need. Check-in as early as you can if you need help with boarding. As well, call hotels to find out information about wheel chair ramps, room service, special parking for the disabled, accessible rooms, special assistance, and if there will be help when checking into the hotel.
Research Your Destination: Some travel destinations have minimal accessibility so it is important to check travel guidebooks, online, or call ahead to see what the limitations are for accessibility. Check the type of materials used in the sidewalks and on the roads, whether it is a hilly destination, and elevators installed in many of the buildings and hotels. Will the taxi service, subways, trains, and boats allow wheel chairs? For international travel, service dogs require a health certificate and proof of vaccination. Some countries and cruise ships do not allow service dogs. For both the flight and destination area, check if there are hookups for a respirator as well as a stretcher travel services.
Insurance: It is important that you are protected when traveling. Travel insurance is a good choice. One key benefit of travel insurance is medical coverage that includes coverage for such things as medication and treatment and costs, emergency medical evacuation, hospital stay, transportation to a hospital, transportation home...etc.
Pack Carefully: Make sure any medication and other important health items are in a carry-on bag so you will not lose them if your checked luggage is stolen or lost. Make sure you have all of your medications. If your medication has to be kept below room temperature, bring a cooler bag. As well, make sure the hotel has everything you need such as a small refrigerator to store your medications. Keep your physician contact number on you in case of an emergency. Make sure you bring enough medication with you for the entire trip.
It is important for disabled travelers to voice any concerns when traveling. Planning ahead is a key element to having a successful and pleasant flight and vacation. Make sure you keep all necessary documents, medical documents, and medication, in a location that is easily accessible. Planning to travel and traveling can be a dull chore, however, if you are disabled, you need to make special arrangements so it is important to make the appropriate plans, especially if the disabled person is a child. This can include being on medication, having an oxygen tank, physician attention, or making one more comfortable for the flight. When taking the time to plan, a disabled person can now have a wonderful travel experience.
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