Getting around in everyday life can be a challenge for those whose mobility is limited, and it can be challenging enough for some to feel a sense of being trapped at home. These obstacles are only heightened when thoughts turn to travel around the UK or abroad. Whether it is by car, boat, plane or train, stepping outside your comfort area and into the realm of the unknown can feel insurmountable.

With the belief that everybody should have access to the many wonders of our world, we have collated these travel tips to help you with your travels.

Sometimes it takes a leap of faith

Sometimes the barriers to travel lie within us. No matter the person, there is always a sense of doubt about whether you will cope with any problems that arise in a strange place. When in a wheelchair, worries are exacerbated, as you can never be sure of the accessibility of the places you visit.

It could be that you are worried that your chair will be damaged by the airline, or the hotel won’t be as advertised.

Travel is an adventure, and part of this experience is taking the risk of the unknown even though you are worried. No matter the situations you face, you will handle them, and the payoff is the reward of beautiful sights and new experiences.

Understand your rights

It is easier to take the leap of faith and travel when you feel fully informed. Make yourself familiar with the expectations of your chosen carrier. For instance, when travelling by plane, it is often permitted that you stay in your chair up to the aeroplane door. Knowing this can save you much heartache at check-in when you might be asked to check your chair in as luggage.

By knowing what is expected of the people aiding you in your travel, you can help remind them of the service expected. It will also give you peace of mind to know that these provisions are in place.

Plan ahead

For most people who struggle with accessibility issues, planning is a way of life. Although we would all love to enjoy some spontaneity, in truth, you need to know you can get to where you want to go. Proper planning can prevent your holiday from being derailed for something that could have been foreseen. For example, you might want to make sure that a hostel in Tel Aviv or hotel in Greece you may be going to stay in, has good accessibility and accommodations in place to assist you in having a comfortable stay. Consequently, you need to know how the company you travel with caters for boarding and exiting. Whether a plane, train or boat, there will be a set procedure for travel, and you need to plan this ahead of time.

If you are going on a road trip, you can get your car modified to be wheelchair-accessible or hire one, depending on your requirements. Vehicles like Toyota Sienna and other vans could be adjusted to provide a rear entry for a wheelchair. You can check out if your car can be modified to employ such a facility by going through the best site on vehicle hybrid conversion offers or by contacting an automobile shop nearby.

Equally, inspecting the hotel you have booked is as accessible as you expect can be as simple as a phone call before you travel. Finally, check the area you are visiting for accessible sights and producing your accessible itinerary can offer peace of mind. You might decide to take a spur of the moment excursion while you are there, but having a clear plan can help form the basis of a good experience.

Anticipate increased mobility needs

Using the right mobility equipment for your travels will save you much heartache. While you might be happy to use a cane around your home, it might be that a walker is more appropriate for your travels. You will be moving more and possibly on uneven ground. Go prepared with the right equipment.

Equally, while you might not need to use a wheelchair all the time and can manage some walking, traveling is exhausting. Getting on and off transportation, especially trains, can be challenging, and upgrading to a wheelchair or scooter could make this much more manageable. Moreover, you can also employ an option of traveling by wheelchair vans seattle (or elsewhere), which can help you enjoy road trips as well. You can invest in a wheelchair-accessible vehicle and remove all the barriers that may come up due to your disability. When sightseeing, you can go further and see more if you manage your mobility challenges.

You might not normally use a scooter or wheelchair and might feel self-conscious or reluctant to make this leap. However, travelling can increase your confidence and your freedom to go further.

Be flexible and see it all as part of the experience

Anyone who travels needs to expect the unexpected. You are going out of your comfort area, and there are things you don’t know. Likely, things won’t go as planned. Being flexible and staying positive in the face of challenges will be the making of your holiday. Every problem you come up against on the road will have a solution. Getting frustrated or angry will merely ruin your travels. See each obstacle as part of the adventure of travel and be proud when you arrive at your destination.

Be bold and embrace the adventure

It is easy to see problems that might stop you from travelling. Sometimes, the biggest step in overcoming these challenges is seeing them as part of the adventure. No matter your levels of mobility, there will be barriers in the way and a need to detour every now and then. With a mindset that demands that nothing gets in your way, you can go where your heart desires.

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