Planning for Holiday Travel When You are Disabled
If you are one of the millions of people around the world who have the time and the resources to travel, but who have physical restrictions or are disabled, you are not alone. Today you are part of a growing trend of travellers. According to the Academic Network of European Disability Experts (ANED), across the European Union around 26% of the population aged 16 and over are disabled. And according to the Department for Working Pensions, there are 11.9 million disabled people in the UK.
This significant percentage of the population also contribute greatly to tourism, with the ANED also confirming that the travel and tourism for people with physical restrictions or disabilities is now over €100 billion.
Yet those with a disability who are planning a holiday, will know that doing so comes with unique concerns. With this in mind, we have travel tips devoted to you – or anyone you know with a disability!
Here are our 12 top tips when you’re travelling with a disability
1) Start at the beginning
The secret to a stress free trip is to plan ahead and cover all bases. The first step is often getting travel insurance which covers your pre-existing medical condition. AllClear provide specialist cover for all ages, for any medical condition, and to any destination. You can start a quote by clicking the ‘Quote Now‘ button anywhere on our site. You might also be interested in our disability travel insurance factfile.
2) Call ahead
No one wants to be uncomfortable in their accommodation, so call your hotel – or wherever you are planning to stay – for clarification of the facilities available to you.
3) Check your rental options
If you can’t find accommodation that will provide you with the equipment you need, but can accommodate you otherwise, you can hire equipment for the duration of your trip. Once you have found a hire company, most hotels will be happy to coordinate with them for you.
4) Communicate
When it comes to travelling (and air travel specifically), Tell everyone! If you have a special requirement, be sure to inform:
The agent when booking
The airline (in advance of your flight)
The special assistance desk before AND after security at the airport
The ground staff at the gate
The cabin crew
5) Allow yourself extra time
Some things can take a little longer. If you are travelling with a wheelchair, airport security will swab both the wheelchair and the person sitting in it. The swabs are then tested through a scanner before you are allowed to continue into the airport lounge. These extra procedures have the potential to delay your departure, and compensating for them will cancel out the risk of you missing your flight.
6) Take extra medication
Only you or your doctor will know best what medication – if any – is necessary to take with you on your holiday. If you’re not sure, check with your doctor! Also, besides keeping medical supplies and medication in your suitcase, keep a small bag with you at all times containing everything you might need. You may want to keep a few days supply of medication. This way, if you lose your luggage or something else happens, you have no reason to panic.
7) Be specific with your requests
For any requirements, such as those that are physical or dietary, be very specific when telling people what you need or how they can help you. Doing so will increase your well-being, and the safety of others.
8) Stay calm
You live with your disability every day and that means you know exactly what you need and how to handle things. But others may not. Yes, people should be trained and informed, but that isn’t always the case, so try and be patient with people by staying calm. You don’t want to be the cause of any unnecessary stress on yourself. This does not mean that you don’t deserve to be treated properly, and with respect. Assertiveness and aggression are very different!
9) Be prepared for a medical emergency
Information is the key to care. Keep on your person at all times information to do with your disability, medication, personal safety and any other important details. You may want to state the following:
Your disability
A list your medication (including dosage)
Next of kin contact details
Your doctor’s contact details
Places on your body that are painful
Possible triggers of your condition
Symptoms of a decline in your health
Your insurance details
This way if anything untoward should happen you know that the people around you can treat you correctly.
10) Do your homework
If you can find details in advance of any restaurants and tourist attractions that are accessible to you, you can make the most of everywhere you visit.
11) Be flexible
There may be places you want to visit that seem inaccessible to you. If you stay flexible you may not have to miss out. Places may surprise you with an alternative entrance, a private room or some helpful employees which could all lead to you getting exactly what you wanted.
12) Have fun
Now you have done everything you can to ensure a stress free trip, enjoy yourself. You deserve it!
We would love to know what you think of these tips. Or do you have anymore to add? Please let us know in the comments below.