Traveling in a Wheelchair – How to Plan Your Vacation
Published: October 21, 2013
Being confined to a wheelchair may make you less mobile, but it doesn't mean that you have to be immobile. With a wheelchair, particularly a power wheelchair, you can still embrace life and get out there and see the world. In some cases, it may just take a little bit more planning! But that's okay, because we're here to assist you with some helpful pointers. If you've been putting off a much-needed vacation because of concerns regarding accessibility, don't – get out there and start experiencing what the world has to offer!
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Find Wheelchair-friendly Hotels
The Americans with Disability Act requires that hotels, motels, and other public accommodations provide wheelchair accessibility. If you are planning a vacation, you will want to contact the hotels in the area and inquire about their accommodations. In many cases, these rooms are advertised or marketed as "Mobility Accessible" guestrooms. Booking said room will provide you with peace of mind, knowing that your specific needs will be provided for.
If you are planning on booking an overseas vacation, it may be prudent to find accommodations with a multi-national hotel chain – such chains may not only be better able to meet your specific mobility needs, but you'll likely be able to confirm that these chains have suitable accommodations through their website.
Research Wheelchair-friendly Destinations
There are a number of ways to determine if your destination of choice is wheelchair-accessible. You can:
- Rely on popular travel guides, such as Lonely Planet or Frommer's;
- You can research online, using websites like NPS.gov (National Park Service wheelchair accessibility); and
- You can research the various public transportation systems in the cities you're planning on visiting (e.g., New York MTA Accessibility guide)
Through your pre-trip planning, you can determine not only if the particular sightseeing destinations you want to visit are wheelchair accessible, but the cities as well.
Go on Guided Sightseeing Tours
If you have concerns regarding mobility on your trip, going on guided tours is always an option. Many shuttles and buses are wheelchair accessible, and because the tours are guided, you won't have to worry about navigating or running into unexpected hurdles. From sightseeing in Rome to going on African Safari, guided sightseeing tours allow you to see the world. Perhaps best of all, they can provide you with a sense of calm and confidence, knowing that your needs will be cared for and addressed.
To book a sightseeing tour, you can consult with a travel agent, book online, or reserve a spot over the telephone. And during this process, you can confirm whether or not the guided tour is mobility accessible. The tools that you need are at your disposal – stop hesitating and start acting today! The world awaits and your wheelchair can get you there.
