If you or someone close to you uses a wheelchair and you are looking to travel, it can be very challenging. Those in wheelchairs need to have special amenities and assistance when traveling. You must locate in advance everything accessible hotels for wheelchair users to those attractions that you can visit that can accommodate wheelchair users.
In order to ensure that you are cared for adequately, there are some very important things that need to be done in advance of your trip. You need to do some research of two critical areas before you fully plan out your trip because this research may impact where you go, how you go, and where you stay when you arrive at to your destination. Here are those two things to research:
Airlines
If you are taking an airplane on your trip, the large domestic and international carriers all provide access for wheelchairs. Typically an airline will allow someone in a wheelchair to board in advance, and make sure that person is in a chair that allows for easy access and exiting from the airplane. Upon landing, the person in the wheelchair will usually be let off the plane last so as not to interfere with the other passengers. In the event of a connecting flight the airline will notify the next flight that you are a wheelchair passenger and you required some extra time.
For smaller and local airlines, there may not be the same level of wheelchair access or tension. It is important that you understand this before you get to an airport. So your best approach is to call the airline and explain your situation and find out what their resources and policies for those passengers in a wheelchair.
Hotels
Many more hotels today can accommodate those in wheelchairs. In fact most first world countries including the United States in the United Kingdom, have laws demanding that hotels provide mobility access throughout their hotels for those in a wheelchair.
However, in addition to adequate mobility access, it is very important that you also research each hotel’s amenities including their swimming pool, restaurants in the hotel, pet accommodations, access to electrical outlets in their rooms and internet access as well.
If you’re traveling to a third world country, or intend to stay in a very small hotel you might have justifiable concerns about their being able to accommodate your needs. Hotels in many countries provide special no access two guests in wheelchairs. These hotels and perhaps the entire countries are ones that you should avoid, because it is likely that the lack of Mobility will also be and every place you go within the country. This will surely spoil your trip.
Being in a wheelchair does not prohibit anyone from having a wonderful trip. Cities around the world understand the needs of thee special visitors and have adapted their cities to accommodate them. You will find buses and trains have special seating and sites and museums also have special ramps and elevators to make their use infinitely manageable. The key is to make sure you are clear on what to expect beforehand. So do your research and then you will have a great time.