Maybe you haven’t traveled in a while or this is your first time traveling. The fear of the unknown may be causing you to be wary about your trip. Don’t worry! We’ve started the research for you to help you have the best, safest, accessible journey possible. Exploring new places is a lot of fun. Being prepared takes some of the guesswork and anxiety out of going. Here are some tips and tricks to help you choose your own accessible adventure.
By Air
Did you know wide-body aircraft are required to have an accessible bathroom on board? We did! When booking your flight, look for planes such as the Airbus A350 or a Boeing 747. These planes will have an accessible bathroom, larger cabin seating, and wider aisles. If you need a mobility aid, you can rent or bring your own. We suggest attaching a GPS tag to mobility aids stored in the plane. You may contact the airline to request boarding before the rest of the passengers. This will give you the time you need to board the plane without overwhelm. If you would like to use a wheelchair to board, an airline associate can offer a wheelchair designed for the plane’s aisle. This can also be used when needing the restroom.
Yearning to fly? Many zipline companies have accessible ziplines, bungee jumping, and helicopter rides. See the world as daringly as you want. The sky is literally the limit.
By Land
There are many things to consider when staying somewhere that isn’t your home. Vacation rentals are a good option when you need to consider allergens. You can often contact the rental owner and make sure the cleaning supplies, bedding, etc., aren’t going to go to battle with your mast cells. Rental homes offer the use of a kitchen, which can alleviate fear of cross contamination and hidden food allergens.
When booking an accessible room, here are some things you should consider:
• Bed and counter height
• Curb cuts
• Large print menus
• Will the fire alarm strobe if it goes off?
• How should you navigate around the building?
• Is there space for a Hoyer lift?
• Are grab bars in the bathroom and shower?
• Is there a shower chair?
• Power curtains?
• Shaking bed?
Looking to explore? Many museums, historical architecture, and national parks are free to the disability community and a companion. There are even companies willing to offer scholarships to help people travel. (This is the perk we love!) Living with a disability or chronic illness is expensive; travel doesn’t have to be.
By Sea
Cruise ships have the benefit of being a newer travel option. Many cruise ships offer lowered desks, automatic doors, elevators, pool and hot tub lifts, lowered tables, and can even offer a wheelchair to board the ship. Many stops along the way have been updated for accessible travel.
If you are looking for a more grounded beach vacation, all-inclusive resorts are a great option. Vacationers can stay at resorts with lifts into the ocean, smooth walkways, and even paths down to the sand. Resorts set up umbrellas, so if you are sun-sensitive, this has already been taken care of for you. Be sure you don’t forget your SPF and electrolytes!
Pack your bags – and your foley and colostomy bags! The world is waiting for you to explore it. Travel is for everyone. The world is for everyone.
