Every person is unique but there are similar issues that you may come across if you have mobility issues, whether you are in a wheelchair, walk with a stick or have crutches. You may also have complex needs and other health issues to take into consideration too.
Here are some tips for what you need to take into consideration when travelling with mobility issues.
Plan ahead as much as you can
The more you research the more you can find out about the accessible routes into a city, town or village.
Even some of the ancient tourist sites are accessible. Herculaneum's ruins are accessible for example when Pompei's attractions are not. Travel writer and author John Sage says that avoiding hills in Paris and bridges in Venice is possible. So do your research in advance.
Ask for help if flying
Many airports have a designated department to assist people and can help you through security or provide wheelchair assistance. If you are travelling with someone who has a mental impairment such as severe autism or ADHD then they may also be able to provide you with help too. They can also help you if you are travelling with service animals, such as guide dogs.
Check out accessible hotels
Look for modern hotels when booking your accommodation. They are more than likely to have ramps, lifts and accessible rooms. Many countries have laws and regulations that all new hotels have to be accessible. Older hotels are less likely to have these features, especially in towns that have old historic buildings and architecture, where changes to the structure are not allowed. Check out the hotel websites too as some will have an accessibility page on there.
Look for a tour route that is suitable.
Look for tours that suit your needs. If you have walking difficulties, some tours that are flat or have a route that doesn't go on cobblestones or up large hills. If you are hard of hearing some companies may have guides that know sign language. If there is no information on the website, email and ask them for a plan of the route they are following, check if they have accessible toilets along the route, that the streets are not cobblestone, that there isn't a steep incline, that there are ramps you can use if mobility is a problem.
Invest in a good guide book
Books such as the Rough Guide To Accessible Britain and Lonely Planet Accessible Melbourne can be a lifesaver when planning a trip. Check out the guidebooks in your local bookstore or on Amazon.
Check out tourist information offices
They should be able to give you information on accessible hotels and accessible cafes and restaurants. Some towns have mobility scooter rentals or places you can hire a wheelchair if you have mobility problems but don't normally use a wheelchair.
YouTube guides and blogs
YouTube is a great source of information. Look for tours of the area and attractions you are visiting to see how accessible it is. Some boats and cruise ships may be great if you are in a wheelchair but others not so much.
Blogs are a brilliant source of information too. Blogs such as Curb Free with Cory Lee can be a lifesaver for people with disability issues and it's always good to read personal recommendations of how someone with mobility issues travels.
Museums
Many of the bigger museums will have tours suitable for the deaf and the hard of hearing and may employ guides that are trained in British Sign Language. There may also be braille guides or large print guides available if you are visually impaired or blind.
Medical Insurance
If you have disabilities you may have complex needs and need specialist medical insurance. I would say to everyone, whether you have disabilities, medical issues or are perfectly healthy, be sure to get the best travel insurance for your needs as you never know when you may have to use it.
I hope you enjoyed this post and it was helpful to you. For more information, check out this government advice guide on foreign travel for disabled people.
*Collaborative post
Great tips for those with mobility issues. I was pregnant with a broken foot and had to travel. Even Easy Jet were helpful!
ReplyDeleteI bet it is a minefield, I work in a large conference centre and we often have people in with mobility issues and I often have my eyes opened when theyh alert me to new things that woudl help them. Mich x
ReplyDeleteThese are some great tips!! My grandmother use to fly over to South Africa until she was in her late 80's and they were so helpful as she had mild mobility issues. Good advice on the insurance as well
ReplyDeleteLaura x
Planning is key but I imagine that some of the information required isn't readily available so you need to dig a little deeper - which is a shame because everyone deserves to go on holiday without too much stress etc.
ReplyDelete