People with disabilities today are more accepted than ever before and are no longer discriminated against. There are laws in many countries that help them, and they can be protected. People with disabilities have seen many public buildings renovated or designed.
All these improvements have made it possible for people with disabilities to travel abroad on vacations or business trips. Despite all these improvements, traveling for people with disabilities can still be difficult, especially for those who are traveling solo or to unfamiliar destinations. This guide will assist people with disabilities to travel safely.
1. Plan well in advance
Planning is the key to success in any field. This is vital because it helps to reduce chances of getting lost or being inconvenienced. Although booking flights and hotel rooms is the most important, it’s also important to inform your friends or relatives in advance if they are planning on staying at your house. This will allow them to prepare for you and pick you up from your airport flight.
2. Hotel reservations that are accessible for disabled people
Because they make it easy for disabled people to move, hotels with accessible facilities are very convenient. Many hotels with disabled friendly structures have emergency protocols that prevent disabled persons from being left behind in the event of an emergency. These protocols are different to those found in hotels.
3. Look for a travel agent who offers special travel packages to disabled travelers
Book your hotel room and flights through travel agents that provide travel solutions for disabled persons is a great option. They will ensure that they book disabled clients hotels and airlines that are wheelchair-friendly. They provide services and recommendations to ensure that their clients travel comfortably.
4. When you are at the airport, be aware of your rights
For people with disabilities, traveling can be very stressful, especially when they arrive in an airport. The challenge for people with disabilities is to get the correct information and directions. These difficulties are exacerbated by the large number of travelers and the long queues. There are attendants at airports that can assist people with disabilities.
Security measures should not be made to discriminate against disabled travelers. They are also protected against discrimination by any airline. They should be aware of their rights to report and avoid discrimination.
5. Take extra medication
You don’t have to carry extra medication when you travel. Traveling can cause luggage to be lost so it is a good idea to have an extra medicine in case one gets lost. This will ensure that disabled people don’t run out of medicine while they travel, and do not have to look for a drugstore when they get home. This will ensure that they are safe.
6. Travel with a doctor’s note and your contact information
A doctor’s notes contains vital information about the condition of a disabled individual. It will save doctors a lot of time in emergency situations and help them save money on testing. If necessary, other doctors can access your contact information to obtain important information from your doctor. This simple, yet vital information can save lives.
7. Fly direct
For disabled passengers, connecting flights can be exhausting and hectic. They are at risk of losing their luggage or even getting hurt as they board and depart from a plane. Travelling by direct flights cuts down on these risks as well as saving time and effort. Direct flights are also a great option for disabled travelers, as they don’t have to wait in the airport while they await a connecting flight.
8. For disabled travelers, it is important to know where they are going
Nothing is more frustrating than trying to find directions from a place that you don’t know. This is especially difficult for disabled travelers. Therefore, it is important to have some knowledge about the destination. This will give them an advantage when they move about and allow them to plan their route. This will help them when they are in an emergency situation or are stuck and require immediate assistance.
9. Be sure to have the correct luggage
Travellers with disabilities should only take luggage they can handle. Traveling with heavy luggage can be difficult for disabled travelers unless they are accompanied by others. Being able to travel light allows disabled travelers to be more open to new situations. Besides, large amounts of luggage can easily become lost.
10. Have fun while you travel
Many people with disabilities are discouraged from traveling because of the many restrictions they face. Modern technology allows for safe travel, no matter what condition. All people should travel because it allows them to discover new things and be able to enjoy the experience of traveling.
