Advanced Preparation Makes Handicapped Travel Simpler

by crrcont on June 25th, 2010

There are several resources out there that are dedicated to disability travel planning and accommodations. Anyone that has a disability or that is planning to travel with someone that has a disability must make their arrangements with a little more care than other travelers.

Almost every travel destination in the United States and many other countries are required to have specific accommodations for the disabled. However you will have to make sure that those accommodations are available at the time that you are planning to travel on vacation. You will not have the same needs as another disabled person, so it will always be better to talk to an actual person about your specific needs.

Disability travel planning should go off without a hitch but sometimes there are things that might catch you off guard. If you will end up being mobile in an inside establishment, like a hotel or casino, and do not have an electronic scooter you may find that they have a majority of carpeted areas that an older wheelchair will have a harder time navigating.

Removing your shoes and doing other security related tasks can be extremely difficult. Let the security people know that you have difficulties performing certain tasks and ask before you go what their standard procedures are for those who can not complete security checks.

You will also find it helpful to know how far your room is from other destinations that may be on the same grounds, like restaurants, casinos, or pools. If you have to take an excessively long path to get from one area to another you should request a different room with easier and faster access to all the routes and amenities before you arrive.

Make sure that your hotel knows that you will have special needs before you book the room. Most hotels will try to be accommodating, but others literally do not have the access you will need. Make sure that you will be able to use the shower or bathtub, have easy access to the elevators, and will be able to receive assistance with your bags and any other needs you might have.

Leave ample time for your disabled travel needs. The world is far from set up to make disability travel as simple and efficient as it should be, but it doesn’t have to be a disaster either. Time and information are your two best friends when planning a trip.

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