Tips When Traveling With a Disabled Senior
Traveling with your loved ones is no easy task, especially when they’re disabled. The challenges vary depending on the individual. Some people may have difficulty walking, sitting up, or having problems with their vision, and other challenges are specific to the type of illness. One thing is for sure though, having accessible bathrooms and other facilities at the destination can be hard to reach at times. Nevertheless, despite all these challenges. It’s all going to be worth it when we see our loved ones having the blast of their lives.
Traveling with an experienced guide can be a solution. Guides are familiar with the terrain and can offer suggestions for accessible hotels, restaurants, and other destinations. But if you can’t exactly afford one and decide to do things on your own. Here are some tips that would help.
8 Tips to Help You Plan Your Destination
- Contact the Airline for Assistance
Most airline companies offer assistance for people who would need a wheelchair. They will assign an employee to ensure that their passenger in need gets on and off the plane safely.
- Check out the accessibility of the destination before you book your flight
Mapped out and plan ahead of time if the place you are going to is disabled-friendly. Healthcreeds.com has mentioned some recommended countries that you might want to look into.
- Consider the mobility options at your destination
Some places offer wheelchairs for rent and know their policies as cities sometimes have their own rules, such as a minimum of 2-day rentals. This could be a problem if you plan to have a quick stay. You can check out this guide about how to travel with a wheelchair to learn more about it.
- Speak with a doctor about any medical considerations or conditions that might affect you during travel (e.g., diabetes)
Make sure to bring any necessary medication, know the restaurants around the area if they are suitable in case of a restrictive diet.
- Research how to get around at your destination (e.g., public transit, tours)
Many public modes of transport are handicap-friendly and can save you money and time from calling the appropriate vehicle.
- Book an accessible hotel room
This can make or break your trip. It’s probably better to book a more expensive hotel than book a cheaper one in the middle of nowhere.
- Consider Booking an Educational Tour
Make sure not to book something inaccessible for a disabled person. A mountain hike will probably not be ideal. Instead, go for something that doesn’t involve a lot of movements, like a museum.
- Join a Disability Group and ask for tips
Chances are you will be able to get some helpful, friendly tips from locals.
Stop Stressing and Just have Fun
Sure it may take some time to plan when you have someone to think about, but remember why you are traveling in the first place, and that is to have fun. Things will not always be perfect and might even go wrong. It’s best to travel in groups and avoid secluded areas, so help will always be available.
