Holiday Tips For Easy Wheelchair Travel

With more municipal emphasis on accessibility, more people of limited ability are rolling their way around the world enjoying the freedom of wheelchair travel.

With more ramps, curb cuts, elevators, wider doorways and automatic door openers in public buildings, disabled people are encountering fewer obstacles. Airplanes, buses, trains and taxis are now better able to accommodate wheelchairs. This is due in part to the awareness of the needs of the disabled because of strong advocacy groups.

Thanks to them, people in wheelchairs are able to live their lives to the fullest and see the wonderful world that's waiting for them. Having said that, people of limited mobility still have to plan their holidays more carefully than others. There are still many things to consider when making travel arrangements.

The accessibility of your destination, particularly if it's a third world country or remote area, needs to be researched, as does your hotel, airline and accessibility to medication and medical facilities.

Rather than book your hotel through the Internet, call your hotel personally to inquire about accessibility and door widths in the room. Ask for a confirmation number or code as proof of your booking. This rarely, happens, but sometimes hotels overbook and can give your room away or deny that you even made a reservation.

When booking your airline, not all offer the same time of service. Accessibility is generally not an issue but make sure that wheelchair space hasn't been given to another traveler. Check with the airline about their damage policy in regards to your wheelchair. Depending on your reasons for requiring a wheelchair, some airlines may request that you use one of their chairs and will offer to stow your chair under the plane with the luggage. If this is the case, what happens if your chair becomes lost, sent on the wrong plane to a wrong destination? What is their policy if your chair is damaged by a careless luggage attendant?

Some airlines may ask for a "fit to travel" certificate from your doctor, in which they must list the medications you're taking, if any. This is also important when crossing international borders. If certain medications are found in your possession, especially powerful prescription drugs, having a letter from your doctor may save you from embarrassing interrogation.

Make sure you have proper travel insurance. This can't be emphasized enough. People in wheelchairs can often be more vulnerable to viruses or have delicate digestion. Should you have an accident and fall from your chair, what coverage do you have and for how long. A little advance preparation will make all the difference between a nice holiday and a great wheelchair travel holiday!