Being disabled or accompanying someone in a wheelchair can seem like a challenging situation if you're eager to travel, but it shouldn't be a limitation in any way.
However, even if our chosen destination is just a short distance away and we have everything we need, some uncertainties will always arise. These include issues of accessibility at airports , transportation, and difficulties finding accessible hotels and tourist attractions where you can enjoy your stay without setbacks.
Therefore, in this article, we'll help you plan every phase of your trip in a wheelchair (or as a companion for someone with a disability) so you can do it with peace of mind and without any avoidable inconveniences. As Mark Twain said:
“Twenty years from now, you'll be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So cast off and sail away from familiar ports. Use the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.”
HOW TO TRAVEL IN A WHEELCHAIR: THESE TIPS WILL BE VERY USEFUL
Traveling is one of the most beautiful things in life and one of the activities that teaches us the most . It's true that not everyone likes it, but we could say that there is a large percentage of people who do like to get away from their routine from time to time. Who could say no to a relaxing vacation?
There's a popular expression that says that the moment we choose a destination is the moment our journey begins . Because even if we're miles away and still have several weeks to go, our minds will already be on the desired destination.
HOW TO CHOOSE A DESTINATION FOR OUR TRIP?
When we start planning a trip, we always have a lot to consider. Our destination , how many days we'll be traveling, how much money we have available , which hotel we'll stay at, and what kind of tourist attractions we'll enjoy.
But what happens when we're traveling with someone in a wheelchair or with some type of mobility disability ? In this case, the only difference will be that we'll have to take a little more time, foresight, and do a little research before choosing the destination or activities we'll do during our trip.
Fortunately, there are currently many adapted destinations with accessibility options , as you can read in our article on 7 amazing destinations in Latin America to visit in a wheelchair , where you will find various options to visit and ensure that we will have ramps and special access for people in wheelchairs or with reduced mobility .
HOW DO I KNOW WHAT I NEED TO TRAVEL IN A WHEELCHAIR?
It's important to consider what things we'll need during our trip that might present a challenge once we arrive.
Do we need to assemble special travel equipment? What kind of mobility assistance do you need ? Do you use a wheelchair, a walker, or a cane? Is your chair lightweight? Is it foldable?
If you have an electric wheelchair, it's important to know your range. How will you recharge it? What are the requirements for transporting batteries? If you plan to travel by plane, train, bus, or rent a car?
These are all questions you should ask yourself to be able to organize well and choose the options that best suit your needs and budget.
WHAT TRANSPORTATION SHOULD I TRAVEL IN IF I AM IN A WHEELCHAIR?
If you need special equipment or assistance on any of your chosen means of transportation , it is recommended that you contact the companies you will be traveling with well in advance to discuss your needs and to find out if they have it available or if they have the space to transport it on board.
The best time to talk is when you make your reservation, so you can clear up any questions.
Please note that airports have wheelchairs available for transfers, and some are adapted for use inside the plane. Just let the airline you choose know in advance so they can arrange this for you and provide support if needed.
Some airlines even provide assistance during connections and procedures at domestic and international airports. Check the rates, as there is often an additional fee.
HOW DO I BOOK MY PLANE TICKET IF I'M IN A WHEELCHAIR?
All airlines have available seats for passengers in wheelchairs and/or with reduced mobility, but please note that these seats are usually limited on each flight and are subject to availability.
If you're traveling with a group of wheelchair users , it's a good idea to book and check availability as soon as possible, especially if you have to make connections to other flights.
When selecting your itinerary during your ticket booking, be sure to check the special assistance box and specify what type of assistance you require, whether partial or full.
HOW DO I TRAVEL IF I HAVE A LOT OF DIFFICULTY GETTING AROUND?
There are many accessible tourism companies you can contact if you need comprehensive assistance, whether for yourself or a family member you're traveling with.
Organizing our own trip has its charms, but it's true that if mobility is seriously compromised, it's best to leave it in the hands of people who are truly dedicated to it and have special wheelchairs for each location, as well as their own transportation, transfer vehicles, and professional assistants . In addition, we offer perfectly tailored tours so travelers can enjoy themselves without worrying about a thing.
Just Google "adaptive tourism companies" in the country you're planning to visit, and you'll quickly find a list of options. It's important to talk to them and tell them all your requirements . Don't leave anything out. This will ensure that nothing is missing when you travel.
HOW DO I CHOOSE A HOTEL IF I'M IN A WHEELCHAIR?
The hotel will be one of the most important places on your trip , because it's where you'll rest, clean up, and spend the night. Therefore, you should check the accessibility of both the hotel's general facilities, its rooms, and the surrounding area.
It may be that a hotel is accessible, but doesn't suit your specific needs . You should always call the hotel staff directly to find out. You should also find out about the accessibility of your hotel's surroundings , including accessible restaurants, ramped sidewalks, stairs, elevators, etc.
WHEN SHOULD I TRAVEL IN A WHEELCHAIR?
Make sure you travel during the best time of year to the destination you're visiting, and make sure it's not during a season with extreme weather conditions, such as heat, cold, or rain. Avoid any weather obstacles that could make your trip more difficult.
It is also not advisable to travel during peak season , especially since it will be crowded and it may be difficult to navigate tourist sites or find a suitable company to take you on excursions.
Here again, it's advisable to plan everything well in advance and do a lot of research on the weather in the country, city, and/or province you're traveling to, and talk to the tour managers.
Thousands of wheelchair users joined the BottleCapChallenge. Want to see how they did? Click here.
WHAT IF SOMETHING DOESN'T GO AS YOU EXPECTED?
Unforeseen events often occur during a trip, so we recommend that you always have a backup plan , especially if you're planning an accessible tourism trip.
A backup plan can save us if the weather doesn't cooperate, if an element of the attraction we had planned fails, or if we have a problem with our wheelchair.
Make a list of everything you'd like to do and prioritize it . Also, make a list of all accessible tour companies and all accessible tourist sites. This will help you make better choices if you have to change your plans.
HOW DO I KNOW IF A PLACE IS A GOOD PLACE TO SEE IF I'M IN A WHEELCHAIR?
Check out reviews from other visitors who've been to the place you're planning to visit and assess their experience. Often, sites take these recommendations into account to improve their service, but other times they don't.
Pay attention, above all, to the comments and ratings of other people with disabilities, especially if the sites you plan to visit have specifically indicated that they are accessible.
HOW TO TRAVEL COMFORTABLY IN A WHEELCHAIR?
Make sure you're comfortable and restful throughout your trip to enjoy it to the fullest. Equip yourself with therapeutic and ergonomic products to prevent aches and pains during your vacation . You'll even feel comfortable on the plane for long hours if you travel with a suitable travel pillow.
If you're traveling in a wheelchair and plan to do several activities throughout the day, you may also want to bring some extra support, such as an ergonomic cushion with air or gel to prevent skin injuries , such as bedsores or ulcers, and relieve pressure so you can enjoy your trip from the first day to the last.
At Theramart you can find a wide variety of cushions for your everyday life . We leave you this link so you can browse our collection and find the ideal one for you: Ergonomic Cushions
Daniela Zapata, one of our influencers, is a professional salsa dancer and wheelchair Latin rhythm champion . She unboxed TheraAir , her favorite Theramart cushion.
Daniela chooses it every time she competes or trains because of its great comfort, support, and pressure relief in the support areas . This cushion is ideal because it's non-slip and provides freedom of movement.
What did you think of our tips for traveling in a wheelchair ? Do you think we missed any? Don't hesitate to comment on this article and share your travel experiences with us .
If you've read everything up to this point, we truly believe that you're more than ready to embark on an adventure and experience an unforgettable trip .
Good luck!
