Accessible Travel: 10 Tips to Experience the World Safely and Comfortably

From CSA Journal NUMBER 95 / VOL. 2, 2024

Wanderlust doesn’t come with an age limit. As travelers age, needs may shift, but the desire to explore our incredible planet remains. The world is more accessible, and with preparation, just about everyone can have the trip of their lifetime!

The disability community has long advocated for greater access and equity for travelers of all abilities, and their work is making a difference. Accessibility measures can offer significant benefits to everyone, not just those who have disabilities. Individuals without a disability but who might identify with one of the following statements can benefit from equipment or systems that make travel accessible:

• I can’t walk as far as I need to.
• My balance isn’t what it used to be, and I don’t want to fall on vacation.
• I get too tired walking.
• My legs or back hurt when I walk.
• I can’t go up and down stairs.
• I can’t see well enough or hear well enough to enjoy tours.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, over 25 million Americans have disabilities that make traveling outside the home difficult (Bureau of Transportation Statistics, 2022). Open Doors Organization’s 2020 market study revealed that 70% of adults with a disability had traveled at least once in the previous two years. The market study also showed that, of adults with disabilities:

• 69% traveled with a companion.
• 40% used an assistive device at home or when traveling (for example, a mobility aid, communication device, durable medical equipment to access a bed or shower, or devices to assist with breathing).
• Travelers with disabilities spend over $58 billion annually on travel.

Barriers for travelers with a disability, or who simply struggle with mobility, may come in the form of small inconveniences or major obstacles. The good news is that more countries and companies recognize this significant population of people who want to and can afford to travel, if their destinations accommodate their needs.

Hire a Travel Advisor Who Is Accessibility-Savvy

Traveling with a disability or limited mobility can be challenging, but the rewards are so worthwhile. Here are 10 tips to make travel accessible and enjoyable.

Selecting a knowledgeable Travel Advisor (or Travel Agent) can make all the difference in planning an accessible trip. Here’s what to look for:

• Certification: Check if the Travel Advisor holds accessibility-focused certifications. For instance, certification from the Special Needs Group (SNG) is a reliable marker of an Advisor’s training and knowledge of accessible travel. You can also find specialized Travel Advisors on the American Society of Travel Advisors website (see Resources section).
• Experience: Advisors with experience in planning trips for people with similar needs to yours will more likely anticipate challenges. Don’t hesitate to ask about their previous experience or read client reviews in the field of accessible travel.
• Listening Skills: Your Travel Advisor should take the time to understand your specific needs and preferences and use this understanding to shape your travel plans.
• Patient and Detail-Oriented: A successful accessible-trained Travel Advisor will show patience and attention to detail while managing numerous aspects of your trip.

Know and Be Honest About Your Specific Requirements

Begin by completely understanding your needs. Evaluate the logistics of the journey in relation to your abilities, including transportation modes and physical activities, and note any special equipment you use at home.

Consider the scope of your activity limits. For example, consider distances you can comfortably walk, your ability to tackle stairs, and how frequently you’ll need breaks. Be realistic and practical, and remember: vacation isn’t the time to tough it out. If you need enhancements, such as a wheelchair or scooter for sightseeing, or auditory or visual aids, add them to your list.

Travel days can be long, you may have jet lag, and you probably aren’t eating your usual diet. Understand that travel comes with challenges and surprises. Plan for comfort and peace of mind rather than pushing yourself to the point where you risk sickness or injury.

Investigate the accessibility options of the destination you want to visit and compare them to your limitations. While some overseas hotels may offer “accessible rooms,” they might have 20 steps to enter the front door, or the sidewalks may be cobblestone or not have curb cuts. Think through what a day may look like and consider potential obstacles in advance.

Plan in Advance

Planning cannot be overemphasized in accessible travel. The more detailed your plans, the fewer unexpected situations you’ll encounter.

Research transport policies for special equipment, as rules vary. Some airlines prohibit specific types of batteries and oxygen cylinders. Inform them about your needs in advance, as most require at least 48 hours’ notice to make arrangements.

Unfortunately, accessible travel still requires paperwork. This could range from form-filling for airlines to verification documents for certain equipment rentals. Take the time to check and fulfill each requirement beforehand.

Ensure your hotel or resort options offer proper wheelchair access, including public areas, rooms, restaurants, toilets, swimming pools, hot tubs, and beach areas. Always confirm the availability of accessible rooms for your travel dates, as the sooner you book, the more likely you are to secure perfectly accessible accommodations.

Don’t forget to address your transport needs. If you plan on renting a car, talk with the local company to ensure they have a vehicle that accommodates your needs. More and more countries, from the UK to New Zealand, offer guided tours and self-drive options for people with disabilities.

If you are flying and need assistance getting through airport security and the airport, you should request help in advance. You can request assistance directly on the airline’s website when you purchase your ticket. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) hosts a program called TSA Cares that assists anyone who needs support during the security screening process. TSA Cares has a form on their website to complete in advance (see sidebar and Resources section). Let your airline know if you need assistance with a wheelchair at the airport.

Dig Into Details and Ask the Right Questions

When reviewing reservations proposed by your Travel Advisor or bookings you made on your own, don’t hesitate to clarify any ambiguities. If any accommodation or venue is listed as accessible, ensure it fits your definition of “accessible.” Ask questions about doorway widths, the suitability of restaurant seating, bathroom facilities, and if there are stairs or steps.

When planning visits to attractions, check if they provide necessary facilities for people with special needs. Do they offer wheelchairs or powered scooters? Does the infrastructure cater to your mobility aids concerning ramps, lifts, and surface materials for walking or rolling on? Do they offer special tours that may be private or in a small group where it might be easier to walk at a slower pace or see attractions from a wheelchair?

Arrange for Special Equipment in Advance

Consider renting special assistive equipment at your destination. This makes travel less cumbersome, especially when dealing with multiple modes of transport. Check the availability of required items like wheelchairs, scooters, portable oxygen, lifts, ramps, TDD kits, and special mattresses. Special Needs Group, also known as Special Needs at Sea, rents or sells medically necessary equipment and accessibility aids. They can deliver wheelchairs, scooters, oxygen and oxygen units, and audio and visual aide rentals to over 200 cities across 70 countries.

Purchase Travel Insurance

When traveling with a disability or limitation, don’t underestimate the importance of comprehensive travel insurance. Purchase a policy that will cover medical expenses overseas and trip cancellation. The policy should also provide emergency evacuation and repatriation (returning to your home country). Carefully read and understand the terms for any pre-existing condition clauses. Your peace of mind, knowing you can deal with any potential hurdle, is worth the extra expense.

Tap Into Technology

Technological advancements play a significant role in making travel more accessible by increasing independence and easing mobility.

• Smartphone Apps: Access Earth, Wheelmap, and Google Maps show accessible routes and facilities. BeMyEyes assists vision-impaired individuals by connecting them with sighted volunteers who help navigate unfamiliar environments.
• Translation tools like Google Translate can help with communication.
• Practice scanning QR codes, which may be required to access menus or interact with museum exhibits.
• Assistive Listening Devices: Individuals with hearing impairments can use devices like Roger Pen that enhance speech understanding in loud locations like airports or crowded tourist sites.
• Suitcase Wheelchair: The Phoenix Instinct’s self-balancing wheelchair suitcase allows wheelchair users to handle their own luggage (www.phoenixinstinct.com). The suitcase naturally follows the movement of the wheelchair, making it easy to navigate through airports or on sidewalks.

Before relying entirely on a technological tool, research it, read user reviews, and try it at home before your journey to ensure it works for you.

Don’t Forget About Your Other Medical Needs

Consult with your doctor to ensure you have an ample supply of your medications and are current on vaccinations. Ask about potential medical issues when traveling and make a plan for addressing them. Keep your medications in your carry-on luggage, not your checked bags. And make sure that your medications are legal to possess if you are traveling internationally.

Consider Cruising

Ocean and river cruises can be ideal for older adults with mobility issues. Many ships design rooms to accommodate a folding wheelchair or small mobility aid such as a walker. Large ships have medical services onboard, and smaller river ships are so close to shore that they can usually quickly and easily reach a port with medical services.

Check with the cruise line to see which rooms can accommodate scooters, power wheelchairs, or lift equipment. If you need a wheelchair, check if the ocean cruise ship stops at ports requiring a tender (moving to a smaller boat to transport guests from ship to shore) or if they dock directly at port.

Most river cruise itineraries require at least some ability to walk short distances and/or climb stairs to get off the ship and explore the ports. Small, collapsable wheelchairs and travel scooters usually work well for river cruisers when they need to use them part-time or for longer distances.

Relax at Beach Destinations

Many seaside locations are well equipped to accommodate older adults and those with special needs. Look for locations that offer easily accessible beach access, dining options, and restrooms. Joy on the Beach wheelchairs ( JoB) are designed with extralarge wheels to go from the sand into the water (and even over snow!). They are rentable through Special Needs Group and locally at some destinations. Insulated medicine bags, adaptive fishing poles, and scooter/wheelchair umbrellas are a few items that can make a beach day enjoyable and safe.

Travel is inherently unpredictable, and embracing a sense of spontaneity is part of the experience. For those with limitations or disabilities, the prospects can seem daunting. But with the right planning, resources, support, and flexibility, you can confidently explore the world. Happy travels!

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Resources

• American Society of Travel Advisors: www.asta.org/membership/directory-search
• Special Needs Group (SNG): www.specialneedsatsea.com
• TSA Cares, Request for Assistance: www.tsa.gov/contact-center/form/cares

References

• Bureau of Transportation Statistics. (2022, January 3). Travel patterns of American adults with disabilities. United States Department of Transportation. https://www.bts.gov/travelpatterns-with-disabilities
• Open Doors Organization. (2020). ODO market studies of travelers with disabilities [Pamphlet].