There are many factors you need to be ready for when travelling with mobility issues, including difficult terrain, hectic airports, and accessibility obstacles. But with some careful planning and a little research, you can achieve safe travels with mobility issues.
Read on as we provide some useful tips that will help you better prepare, so you can overcome any obstacles to help make your travel time together an enjoyable experience.
Medical Clearance
Before you set off on your trip, ensure that an adequate medical clearance is obtained from a doctor. Many airlines and hotels will need to know of special needs in advance to properly accommodate the passenger by the travel date. Present the medical information to the travel agent, airline, and hotel. It’s also a good idea to carry the documents with you in case assistance is required in other locations.
Review Mobility Information
Not all hotels are mobility equipped or accessible, and you don’t want to find out there are no suitable elevators or ramps after you arrive. Plus, some hotels will mention they are wheelchair friendly, but this may only be throughout certain areas of the hotel. Before you book, ensure to do the proper research on the accommodation’s accessibility features and what the accessibility includes. Speaking directly to a booking agent or manager can help clarify and obtain the necessary information easily.
Research Surrounding Areas
You may wish to explore outside of your accommodation or resort area during your trip. But if the area is in a difficult location or the streets surrounding your hotel are made of cobblestones, for instance, getting around will be a challenge. Google Maps the area to determine the layout of the location to help you prepare accordingly.
Proper Travel Insurance
When booking a trip, purchasing the proper travel insurance is essential. This includes adequate medical coverage in case of an accident and trip cancellation insurance in case anything unexpected arises before taking off.
Plan for the Airport
The airport can be an overwhelming experience for anyone – especially those travelling with mobility issues. They are busy, confusing, chaotic, and usually massive. It can take some time getting around with someone with a wheelchair or walker. Let the people at the airport know about any mobility issues and see if they can arrange for personal assistance to and from the terminals. Screening officials and flight attendants should also be aware, so they can appropriately accommodate your needs on board the flight. Keeping staff informed and asking for assistance can help make the airport process go smoothly.
Careful planning in advance and covering each of these bases can help reduce mobility concerns significantly during your trip.