Practical advice for disabled holidaymakers

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by: bythesea
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Word Count: 452
Date: Sat, 9 Apr 2011 Time: 9:56 PM
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If you suffer from a disability then preparing for a holiday can take a little extra planning - finding accommodation that is truly disabled friendly, for example - but with sufficient research things can still be planned in a relatively swift manner.

With hotels, don't take the claim that it's suitable for disabled guests at face value. That could simply mean that the hotel features a lift - but what about suitable handrails for your room's bathroom, for example? It's always best to phone ahead or send an email to spell out your specific needs so that you can be sure that you won't be faced by substandard facilities upon your arrival.

With any holiday, be sure to buy comprehensive travel insurance before you set off. Always disclose your disability and any pre-existing medical conditions when applying for your policy to avoid any potential problems should you need to make a claim. Many providers will offer specific cover for disabled holidaymakers - whether that be a single trip or annual travel insurance policy - so shop around online and find the best deal for your needs.

If you have specific needs during travel, then be sure to let your airline operator know ahead of time so that they can make provisions to ensure that you're comfortable during your journey. If you use a wheelchair, also make that known when you contact the airline.

Carry any necessary medication in your hand luggage and take along a doctor's note explaining your need for it in case airport security has any queries. If you take the medication as part of your daily routine then plan ahead and be sure to take enough for the full duration of the holiday with you when you travel.

Look at booking a hire car in advance if applicable so that a suitable vehicle is more likely to be available for the duration of your trip. Also look into the possibility of taking your Blue Badge with you while you're away; many European countries officially recognise the badge, making parking while on holiday a lot easier.

If you are heading to Europe and plan to do a lot of roaming while you're there then you may want to invest in a RADAR disabled toilet key, which will grant you access to many relevant facilities throughout Europe. Be sure to check the country you're visiting is covered before paying out, though.

With the right amount of preparation you can be sure that you'll enjoy a truly relaxing holiday without any unexpected problems popping up and potentially ruining your trip.

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If you travel a lot, make sure you look into annual travel insurance.