Photo by Josh Appel

Originally Posted On: https://www.shoutoutuk.org/2019/05/27/travel-made-easier-for-wheelchair-users/

Unfortunately, even though we are now well into the 21st century, not all cities and towns around the world are accessible for wheelchair users and others who suffer from limited mobility. It’s surprising that in today’s modern world this is the case, but thankfully there are a few things you can do to make sure you can still enjoy some travel even if you live with a disability. Read on to find out more!

Always Plan Ahead

First of all, it will always pay off to plan well ahead. There might not be many accessible hotels in the area you are travelling to, so it’s best to book this as far in advance as possible so that you can ensure there will be an accessible room available for you. When you book any flights or train travel, you should get in touch with the company you book with to let them know that you require assistance. This will give them plenty of time to ensure that everything at their end is organized and in place for you.

Look For Accessible Tour Groups

One of the best ways to explore a new town or city is to join a tour group. Unfortunately, some of the main ones might not take their groups on the most accessible route for wheelchair users. They may also take their group into buildings with stairs and no ramps. Thankfully, there are now more and more accessible tour groups being set up in most major tourist destinations. If you join one of these, you should still be able to explore some of the main sights and attractions where you are.

Consider A Road Trip

If the idea of getting on a plane or train is quite daunting for you, why not head out on a road trip instead? The new scheme for Vauxhall Motability Cars means that you might be eligible for a new car through your disability benefits. If this is equipped to take your wheelchair, you will be able to travel around at your own leisure.

Look For Accommodating Sights And Attractions

You should be aware that some sights and attractions that interest a lot of tourists might not be completely accessible for those in wheelchairs. If you take a look online before you leave, you will be able to come up with a list of attractions that are completely accessible and that you know you’ll be able to get into. That way, you don’t end up wasting your time trying to find the disabled entrance in a building that doesn’t have one.

Plan Your Route

If you just want to wander around a city to experience its sights and sounds, it’s worth taking the time to plan a route before you head out. You can then find the most accessible way around the city, and you won’t have to worry about being blocked by steps or other paths that are unsuitable for wheelchairs.

Travelling when you are in a wheelchair doesn’t have to be difficult!