For many with mobility issues, the realities
of vacation travel can often cause undue stress and anxiety.
This is counter-productive to the purpose of most vacations,
which is to relax, de-stress and to take a break from our
normal routine.
Well, if you've weighed all the options
and finally decided to take that trip you've been planning,
congratulations! The hardest part is out of the way. It's
now time to concentrate on the fun task of getting prepared
for your trip.
Where to Begin?
With so many wonderful travel options to choose from, it's
important to start with a list of important criteria. Get
out your pencil and paper and jot down the absolute essentials
that you will require from your destination. Keep in mind
that you are the guest and have the power to be choosy about
your lodgings. Here are some basic points to consider before
you make your final choice:
Is your Resort/Hotel Fully Accessible?
- Assuming this is an essential criterion, you will want
to ask specific questions about your room, elevators and
the accessibility of the available services. A good resort
will be forthcoming about the services and amenities available
to mobility challenged guests.
What is the Weather Situation?
- Depending on the time of year, you may wish to arrange
your travel dates based on the most suitable weather.
For example, seasons in the tropics alternate between
periods of torrential rain and dry spells. Unless your
wheelchair is equipped with pontoons, the rainy season
may not be the best time for a visit.
Have Your Paperwork in Order
- If you're traveling overseas or to another country,
inquire early about the various types of paperwork and
documentation you will require. A valid passport is the
only legal form of identification recognized around the
world -- you will not be able to cross most international
borders without a valid one. The process of receiving
a passport is easy, but may take some time to complete
-- start the process well in advance of your vacation.
If you have a passport, but have not traveled for some
time, ensure that is up-to-date before you make your trip.
Clams or Rubles? - Find out
what kind of currency you will be requiring for your trip.
Most major banks will convert your local funds to the
desired amount of foreign currency -- some charge a fee.
If your trip includes multiple countries, be sure that
you have appropriate funding in place. Many people choose
the simplest option -- travelers checks or credit cards.
Keep in mind that while this method may simplify your
cash situation, you will be restricted from purchasing
goods and services from vendors who do not take payment
this way. Also remember to research the costs of local
items so that you can budget accordingly -- tips and taxes
are usually welcomed and in some cases, required.
Accessible Vehicles - If you
plan on renting an accessible vehicle, you should book
well in advance. Many smaller car rental operations only
offer a few vehicles for their mobility challenged guests
- once the available vehicles have been rented out, you
may be out of luck. Further, you should ask the rental
company for information on the local road conditions,
laws and other driving requirements.
Don't Drink the Water - If you're
prone to stomach ailments when ingesting different water
and foods, it is a good idea to inquire about the type
of diseases common to the area you’ll be visiting.
Many resorts offer bottled or filtered water for their
guests and some claim to do all their cooking with the
same water. If you are not fortunate enough to have this
luxury, at the very least you'll be able to take precautions
to prevent unnecessary exposure.
Keep One Eye Open - If you're
particularly vigilant and like to monitor travel advisories
and warnings, the US State Department will be happy to
share the latest list of infectious diseases, venomous
animals and unstable governments and economies. Although
none of these things should be taken lightly, temper this
with the fact we already live with many of the listed
hazards on a daily basis. If you've been able to ward
off hepatitis, Lyme disease or even poisonous snakes and
spiders until now, you probably have the skills to do
so in another land. To be safe, ensure that you purchase
trip insurance with proper medical coverage.
Peak Travel Times - Be aware
that the month, day and even the time you travel will
have an effect on the cost and comfort of your trip. When
traveling by air, peak times affect the cost of your ticket,
the amount of people on the plane, and even the proposed
flight schedule (planes may be on time or delayed). Typically,
you will find lower airfares, less crowded planes and
on-time schedules if you travel during off-peak times.
Party, Party, Party - Ask in
advance about local holidays or festivals that are scheduled
for the time you will be at your destination. During major
street festivals, some cities close down parts of the
street. Such closures can have an definite effect on your
mobility. With the additional people in the streets, you
may even find it hard to navigate from one location to
another. On the other hand, if you're into wild crowds
and street parties, then at least you'll know exactly
when to book your trip.
Enjoy Yourself
With proper planning, your vacation getaway can offer the
same comforts of your daily environment. Perform some research
in advance and don't be shy to ask for advice from family,
friends, travel agents and other sources. If your fortunate
enough to find an exotic locale that has your mobility needs
in mind, your vacation will be one to remember!
