Travel continues to be a growing industry—people are driven to see and experience other parts of the world for themselves. For those with mobility differences, including anyone using a device such as a wheelchair or walker, travel has additional layers of planning. Not every destination will be fully accessible, and the path there may have barriers as well. We’ll discuss travel accessibility considerations and some recent improvements in accessibility that make visiting or vacationing easier.
Can You Travel With Mobility Differences?
The short answer is yes, but there are quite a few considerations to make when planning a trip as someone with mobility differences.
- Transportation: Getting from point A to point B can take many forms, including airplanes, trains, and personal vehicles. It’s important to research your chosen method to determine what accommodations exist for assisting patrons, any measurements or equipment restrictions in place, and what kind of barriers you may encounter. Call the company in advance to ask questions and get guidance on what may be needed in your specific situation.
- Lodging: Dig into where you plan to stay during your travels. Check if there are doorway restrictions, ramps and elevators, and whether rooms are set up for accessibility. Work with the lodging company, whether it’s a hotel, cruise ship, or rental property, to get photos of the rooms to understand if the layout will work for you.
- Excursions: A big part of travel includes the daily activities you’ll be enjoying. Visiting local sites, taking part in tours, traversing amusement parks, and enjoying physical adventures can all be part of your trip. While strides have been made, many active attractions like ziplines, horseback riding, and water excursions are not very accommodating to all forms of physical mobility. Look ahead at your plan or itinerary to see what options there are.
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Equipment: Bringing mobility devices and access equipment with you adds to your packing list, as well as planning for how to handle it during the trip. Think ahead about anything you may need to bring along to maintain or use your wheelchair and other mobility devices. For instance, if you often have to tighten something on it, be sure the right tool travels with you.
Advances in Travel Accessibility
Industries are making headway in providing accessibility features for travelers. For example, some amusement parks and museums are providing low-stimulation spaces for those with sensory needs. Certain independent hotels have embraced accessibility by designing the entire layout to be more accommodating, from table heights to wheelchair-friendly pools. There are also companies helping to rent out mobility devices and accessible transportation locally. Even ridesharing companies now include accessible transport options, though availability isn’t guaranteed.