Accessibility can vary from one destination to another, but traveling with a disability can be made easier. Here are 5 tips to make your next trip smoother and more enjoyable!
1. Research your destination for Disability travel
This is especially important if you’re traveling internationally. Some countries, like those in Europe, may have good healthcare and accessible services, but older, historic buildings and infrastructure can present a major challenge to people with limited mobility. Also, if you have mobility equipment such as a wheelchair or scooter that will need to charge, make sure you have con voltage converter for that country’s power outlets.
The US State Department provides information on standards of medical care, accessibility laws, and other cultural circumstances. You can click on the country you’re visiting, and look at the country’s information page. It is a good starting point for more research. They also have a page with their own disability travel tips.
Some countries and cultures have special rules, restrictions, or even bans on service animals. Mobility International has a tip sheet on ten steps to take before traveling with a service animal abroad.
The internet is a great source of information for travelers with disabilities. Social media also has a wealth of information, often offering first-hand experience. For example, many influencers with disabilities or people who have family members with disabilities share disability travel tips and know-how that can help you. Cory Lee is a wheelchair user who has traveled to 48 countries on 7 continents. He has tips such as accessible things to do in Paris, adaptive paragliding in Switzerland, and how to explore national parks as a wheelchair user. He organizes his own tours as well.
2. Plan ahead, advocate, and allow extra time.
Plan ahead for the airport. You can get a TSA support specialist to accompany you in the security process, but you have to call TSA at least 72 hours in advance. TSA Cares helps people with disabilities through the security and boarding process in airports. You can request assistance by visiting this link. They also provide assistance for religious, Native, military/law enforcement, and gender-diverse travelers, as well. Additionally, airlines can accommodate you, but the AARP recommends requesting assistance while booking flights. Airlines have had problems with transporting and damaging wheelchairs in the past, so you may want to consider renting equipment. Always pack your medications in your carry on bag.
Just as you do in your regular life, you need to know your rights so you can advocate for yourself. If you’re traveling on an airplane in the United States, there is a Bill of Rights for airline passengers under the Air Carrier Access Act. This includes the right to receive seating accommodations and have assistance in an airport. As of 2024, over 240 airports and 17 airlines worldwide participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program. People who have a non-visible disability can voluntarily wear a sunflower lanyard that lets others know they may need a helping hand, understanding, or more time. The US State Department publishes a human rights report for different countries every year. Section 6 of each report outlines the rights of people with disabilities in each country’s report.
3. Medications, Insurance & Allergies.
Some medications that are legal in the U.S. may be illegal in other countries. Furthermore, even if it’s legal, other countries may impose limits on the amount you can bring, or have laws on shipping medicine over. Travelers with medical conditions leaving the United States should make sure their insurance covers medical treatment abroad. Purchasing a travel health insurance policy is also an option.
If you have allergies to medications or food, it’s a good idea to know the word for those items in the language where you are visiting. Having those stored on paper or on your phone is a good idea. That way, they will be handy if you need to visit a doctor or pharmacy. This also comes in handy when trying local restaurants.
4. Consider traveling with a disability-friendly tour group.
There are several tour companies which focus on travelers with disabilities. Want to go explore glaciers in Iceland, or even ride a camel on an adaptive saddle in the Sahara Desert? AARP lists several companies that can help you, and Condé Nast has a list, as well! Maybe you’d like to taste wine in Santorini and explore Greece in an accessible van. Wheel the World has a tour for that! Wheel the World has even planned a Machu Picchu tour for wheelchair users. Do you have visual impairments but still want to travel the world? Seable Holidays plans tours for blind and partially sighted people!
National Park Capable has an accessible hikes list, and puts on events, as well. Disabled Hikers also has a guide and inclusive hiking groups.
5. Check for resources in the area you’re traveling.
You may be surprised as what is available for travelers with disabilities. One such resource Adelante offers in New Mexico, for example, is Destination Accessibility™, a service renting wheelchairs, walkers, and scooters. They even rent equipment that helps people with disabilities better access the outdoors. Additionally, Destination Accessibility offers multi-day discounts. This service helps travelers with disabilities including those visiting for the International Balloon Fiesta and other visitor favorites. Furthermore, the proceeds from rentals benefit Adelante nonprofit programs for New Mexicans.
Are you traveling to New Mexico anytime soon, and may need assistive equipment like wheelchairs, walkers, or scooters? Destination Accessibility is here for you! The team can even meet you at the airport upon your arrival. Call 505-677-ROLL (7655) for more information.