Disability Travel Survival Guide

Traveling with a disability can be complicated. Broken mobility devices, changed routines, inaccessible lodging, and overstimulating environments can all prove challenging for disabled people. However, disability should not prevent someone from experiencing different parts of the country and world. In order to make the most of your travel experience, you may need to plan ahead. Here are some tips to minimize disability-related hiccups on your next adventure.

1. Know your mobility devices.

Unfortunately, many of us have seen the viral videos of disabled travelers returning home with broken mobility devices (namely wheelchairs). While you cannot always control what happens to our mobility devices once they are in someone else’s hands, there are some steps you can take to lessen the chances of your device being damaged. Planes are mandated to have a storage closet that can fit manual wheelchairs, lightweight power chairs, walkers, and other smaller mobility devices. You can ask the flight attendant to store your device on the plane if it will fit.

If you use a larger power chair or scooter, this will not be an option, but you can attach care instructions to your device, so that people know how to handle it properly.

2. Maintain your routine as much as possible.

Traveling can throw off our routines. Time differences, packed itineraries, and unfamiliar locations can cause stress. The best way to minimize stress is to stick to your routine as much as possible. Pack enough doses of any medication for your trip, so that you do not miss any. If you have dexterity issues and use a bidet to wash yourself in the bathroom, consider investing in a portable bidet. While they are not as user-friendly as standard bidets, they can still be helpful. If you are traveling somewhere with a time difference, try to go to sleep and wake up at a regular time. Avoid caffeine too close to bedtime and put your phone away at least an hour before bed.

3. Check your hotel’s accessibility.

Before booking your hotel, you may want to call to ask about accessibility features. For instance, if you need a roll-in shower, ask about that specifically to avoid confusion about what accessibility entails. Accessibility can have different meanings depending on who you talk to, especially if the person is unfamiliar with disability. You can also look online to see what other disabled guests are saying about the hotel.

4. Bring your comfort items and prepare for different environments.

Going to a new place can be overwhelming. Pack items that bring you comfort such as headphones, sunglasses, fidget toys, or any other item that helps you in stressful situations. To avoid discomfort, use sunscreen when spending time outside, stay hydrated, and take breaks when you need to. Keep in mind that different climates and environments can affect your body differently. If you go to a beach, you want to be aware of how the heat may affect you. Likewise if you are traveling to a drier climate, be aware that you may need to drink more than you normally would. If you are traveling to a colder climate, pack warm clothes. You do not want to get sick when away from home.

Traveling should be fun, and while there will always be stressors and unexpected complications, with preparation, you can have a great time and make the most of your trip.

Erica Mones is a writer, YouTuber, and Disability advocate with cerebral palsy. This blog is a part of the Disability EmpowHer Network and the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation collaborative blogging program, which uplifts the voices of women and girls with spinal cord disabilities.