A tutorial for physically challenged travellers

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by: hallsteinngretarsson
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Date: Fri, 4 Feb 2011 Time: 4:58 PM
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Handicapped tourists need to try as tough - if not tougher - than their non-challenged companions with regards to arranging journey. Using the three Ps (Plan, Pack and Proceed) is even a lot more important, but there is a fourth "P": be proactive. Handicapped travellers have to be articulate and voice their requirements at each phase with the procedure. Find out anything you need and ask for it. Plan in advance, get everything in writing and keep documents and medicine within easy reach.

Just before You Go

Plan as far in advance as you possibly can. Sign up for private health insurance with comprehensive cover. Several airlines will only allow one wheelchair per airplane; a lot of hotels just have a minimal quantity of accessible bedrooms and wherever you're heading, you should let people find out should you call for specific support whenever you arrive. Get in touch with the airline as quickly as you are able to before flying. Be sure they are able to provide transportation to get around the airport terminal, if you require it, as well as support to get on and off the airplane. Call hotels to ask for wheelchair ramps and find out about 24-hour room service - just in case you will need it.

Research your destination. Accessibility might be really minimal in some regions. Check out with Web sites as well as guidebooks for facts on ease of access for most cities. Stoned pavement, a lot of old, tall buildings without elevators, or perhaps hilly towns can make travel challenging if you're in a wheelchair. Check on the transportation possibilities obtainable as well particularly if travelling on the budget. Are the trains, subways, or boats simple to get into? Do they really carry wheelchairs? Taxis are a failsafe method of getting around in most places, but could be pricey.

Pack properly. Make sure any medicine that you'll want is in your carry-on luggage, just in case your checked bags are damaged or lost. A few prescription medication needs to be kept below certain temperatures so if you are travelling somewhere hot take a cooler bag with you and make sure that the lodge you are staying in includes a mini-fridge inside the room. Have spare prescriptions if possible, just in case you drop anything, and check with the doctor for the generic medicine name instead of a brand in case this can be different in your vacation spot.

Up in the Air

Confirm with the airline forty eight hrs before you travel that they've information of any specific requests that you've asked for. Check-in as soon as you are able to in the event you want support with boarding.

Request that the wheelchair is stored on board, rather than put in the hold. Planes will usually only allow one wheelchair for each flight, so an early check-in can help ensure that this is yours.

Label your wheelchair or scooter clearly, with the gate you're departing from, exactly where you're heading, exactly where you're staying and a house address.

Ask if there is an aisle seat available so you'll be able to get to the toilet more easily throughout the trip. Also, ask if there's a particular attendant who are able to help you.

On your Trip

Be ready to explain to people precisely how they can aid you should you want help. Most people are usually prepared to help carry or even push a wheelchair, but they are frequently far too shy to offer.

If anything just isn't what you've been assured, the only thing to do is complain. Refunds could be tough to obtain once you have returned home. Request a new room if you want to, or even a brand new hotel.

About the Author

Hallsteinn Gretarsson is an avid author on topics concerning disability, particularly associated with travel. Please find out more about handkappstöd on our website.