For any travellers, planning is an important part of travelling. If you’re someone with a disability, there are other factors you will need to consider to ensure your travel is hassle-free. Below are some of our tips on how to plan and make the most out of your travel.
Book in advanced
Booking in advance for your flight and hotel is one of the first things you need to do when travelling anywhere. Before you book, make sure to contact your travel agent and ask if they can accommodate your needs and requirements. For example, you may need to get a room on the ground floor or ask if they have a lift at your accommodation.
Travel insurance
Before your travel, make sure you have travel insurance in place to cover you abroad in case of emergencies. Some travel insurance should cover your medical needs abroad. You can also look for insurance that will cover your belongings in case they get lost.
Inform the airline
When travelling by plane, be sure to inform the airline and airport of your needs well in advance. On your arrival, head over to the helpdesk and make them aware of what your requirements are. In most airports, they can provide you with free mobility equipment. If you need someone to assist you around the airport, be sure to let them know beforehand.
Allow some extra time
If you’re a wheelchair user, you may need to allow yourself some extra time by arriving a few hours before your flight. The security and screenings throughout the airport may take longer than expected, so arrive early to prevent missing your flight.
Learn the basic language
If you’re travelling somewhere where a foreign language is spoken, be sure to learn the basics. Being able to understand and speak the language is important when it comes to communicating your needs. Be sure to learn the words that you may need to use while you’re abroad.
Bring extra medications and tools
For anyone with disabilities, be sure to pack extra medications while you’re abroad in case of emergencies. If you’re a wheelchair user, you should also look into bringing your tool kits and or extra batteries for electrical equipment.
Be prepared for emergencies
If you require medical attention while you’re abroad, it’s important to be prepared well ahead. For instance, you should write and prepare a list of all your medical information, including your emergency contact, insurance information, medications and other critical aspects of your disability. This information will be helpful in emergencies so that you can get the proper support that you require.
Research about your travel location
For some travellers with disabilities, you may be anxious about a new environment. To help you become familiar with the place you’re travelling to, you may want to research and learn as much as you can about the location beforehand. You can look at images or watch a video of someone else whose been there.
You can also use an accessible app to find accessible revenues in the location you’re travelling to. You can plan an itinerary for the rest of your stay.
