Travelling Tips for the Disabled

People with disabilities today have been recognized, and in many countries there are legislations that protect them making their life a little easier. Many public buildings have been designed to accommodate people with disabilities. Moreover, they are now able to travel for vacation or a business trip to places far away from their home. However, travelling for people with disabilities is still a challenge, especially when they are travelling alone or, when they are travelling to an unknown destination. Below is a guide to help people with all forms of disabilities so that they may travel safely.

1. Plan in advance
Planning is the key to success; for travelling too. Booking flights and hotel rooms should be the top priority; pick up from the airport has to be arranged as well.

2. Book disabled friendly hotels
Such hotel structures are convenient as they allow disabled individuals to move freely without much effort. There exist special emergency protocols ensuring disabled individuals to be safe in case of an emergency.

3. Use a travel agent that offers travel packages for disabled travelers.
Many travel agents offer great travel solutions to disabled people. They ensure to book airlines and hotels that are disabled friendly and offer services and suggestions to help their disabled clients travel comfortably.

4. Know your rights at the airport
People with disabilities find travelling very hectic especially when they arrive at the airport. They encounter the challenge of getting proper information and directions. However, many if not all airports have attendants that are supposed to cater to the needs of those travelling with disabilities.

Moreover, disabled travelers are to be very conversant with their rights to avoid and report any form of discrimination while travelling.

5. Bring extra medication
Carrying an extra dose of medication when travelling act as a backup when one dose gets lost for any reason. It is difficult for a disabled person to seek for a drug store when travelling.

6. Take a doctor’s note and contact information
A doctor’s note that contains information about the condition that a disabled person is facing will help doctors save a lot of time on tests in case of an emergency. Availability of contact information allows other doctors to get important information from your doctor should the need arise.

7. Use direct flights
Connecting flights are very hectic and tiresome for a disabled traveler. Using a direct flight minimizes all risks like loss of luggage, waiting in queues etc. and saves time and energy when travelling.