Tips For International Travel While in a Wheelchair
Feb 17th 2020
Traveling across international waters doesn't have to be reserved for only the able bodied. After all, there are nearly 2 million new wheelchair users every year. But anyone, no matter their disability, should be able to explore and appreciate everything the world has to offer. However, this doesn't mean that there may be some challenges along the way. If you or a loved one is currently in a wheelchair, continue reading to learn some of the top tips for traveling internationally while in a wheelchair.
Traveling across international waters doesn't have to be reserved for only the able bodied. After all, there are nearly 2 million new wheelchair users every year. But anyone, no matter their disability, should be able to explore and appreciate everything the world has to offer. However, this doesn't mean that there may be some challenges along the way. If you or a loved one is currently in a wheelchair, continue reading to learn some of the top tips for traveling internationally while in a wheelchair.
An inclusive excursion is also a great way to see all of the important landmarks in a country in a short and efficient amount of time.
Cruising is a great way to enjoy a variety of different countries without the hassle of hopping on a plane every few days.
Most major cruise lines are accommodating, offering staterooms with automatic doors and activities your entire travel party can enjoy.
Like inclusive excursions, cruise lines are streamlined, and are considered a form of inclusive travel. You can choose to cruise along the Mediterranean Sea or sail towards the various Caribbean Islands. There is a cruise out there for all tastes and preferences.
Depending on the chair, you may not have the ability to board certain flights, so check with the airline first. Scooters and electric wheelchairs with wet batteries can be dangerous if they happen to leak during the flight, so keep this in mind.
Make sure to study up on your rights before your flight boards. If traveling to Europe is on your bucket list, read through the European rights for travelers with limited mobility. Knowing these guidelines is useful information that may benefit you throughout the traveling process.
Check the wheelchair wheels and inspect the wheelchair brakes and bearings so that you feel comfortable knowing your chair is in great condition for the duration of your trip abroad.
Public transportation is often the best way to travel around a foreign city when you're in a wheelchair. Studying the bus routes a week before is a great way of preparing yourself for getting around the city since wheelchair accessible taxis are not always available.
There are no limits to what you can do on vacation while traveling in a wheelchair. Planning ahead is crucial, whether you are checking with your airline or calling your hotel ahead of time before your stay.
Everyone deserves to blow off some steam with their friends and loved ones. And traveling internationally while diving into a different and exciting culture is the perfect way to do so. No matter if you or your loved one has a disability, there are many ways to create the perfect vacation abroad so that everyone is comfortable and safe.
Tip #1: Try inclusive excursions
Inclusive excursions are optimal for the adventurer in you. Inclusive excursions are often safer, easier to book, and less of a hassle if you or a loved one has a disability.An inclusive excursion is also a great way to see all of the important landmarks in a country in a short and efficient amount of time.
Tip #2: Try Cruising
Cruising is a great way to enjoy a variety of different countries without the hassle of hopping on a plane every few days.
Most major cruise lines are accommodating, offering staterooms with automatic doors and activities your entire travel party can enjoy.
Like inclusive excursions, cruise lines are streamlined, and are considered a form of inclusive travel. You can choose to cruise along the Mediterranean Sea or sail towards the various Caribbean Islands. There is a cruise out there for all tastes and preferences.
Tip #3: Check with the airline before boarding
Depending on the chair, you may not have the ability to board certain flights, so check with the airline first. Scooters and electric wheelchairs with wet batteries can be dangerous if they happen to leak during the flight, so keep this in mind.
Tip #4: Check your rights before the flight
Make sure to study up on your rights before your flight boards. If traveling to Europe is on your bucket list, read through the European rights for travelers with limited mobility. Knowing these guidelines is useful information that may benefit you throughout the traveling process.
Tip #5: Inspect the chair before your departure
Check the wheelchair wheels and inspect the wheelchair brakes and bearings so that you feel comfortable knowing your chair is in great condition for the duration of your trip abroad.
Tip #6: Look into the country's public transit system
Public transportation is often the best way to travel around a foreign city when you're in a wheelchair. Studying the bus routes a week before is a great way of preparing yourself for getting around the city since wheelchair accessible taxis are not always available.
Some final thoughts
There are no limits to what you can do on vacation while traveling in a wheelchair. Planning ahead is crucial, whether you are checking with your airline or calling your hotel ahead of time before your stay.
Everyone deserves to blow off some steam with their friends and loved ones. And traveling internationally while diving into a different and exciting culture is the perfect way to do so. No matter if you or your loved one has a disability, there are many ways to create the perfect vacation abroad so that everyone is comfortable and safe.