The thrill of Travel

Traveling to me is like breathing. I just can’t live without it. Even in winter when the weather is too cold to really get out and enjoy, there is nothing like sitting at home by a warm cozy fire and contemplating that next vacation trip. Where do you want to travel? What sights do you want to see? There are so many possibilities.  Dreaming about your next vacation can be very exciting but planning takes a little work. Especially if you are someone who likes to minimize the surprises that like to pop up out of nowhere to complicate things and dampen the mood. Spontaneity is great but when you have a disability planning is essential. Traveling by wheelchair as I do can be intimidating not to mention frustrating but is doable with proper preparation. Most able bodied travelers are  at ease with flying. Simple right? Just book a flight, fight your way through customs and off you go. I wish it was still that easy. Unfortunately when you are in a wheelchair things get a little more complicated. Especially if you require a motorized wheelchair like mine. The first thing to know is that flying is still possible out of large modern airports where stairs are not required to board and deplane. You will need to let your flight attendants know ahead of schedule so they can be prepared with a special narrow wheelchair to transfer you into that will fit down between the aisle of the plane to get you to your assigned seat. It helps if you can get a seat near the front and as close to the aisle as possible. In my experience they will help transfer you from chair to chair but don’t expect to be able to get up and use the bathroom during the flight. The facilities are just not large enough. Better take care of all of that in the Airport terminal. When they transfer you out of your own chair they will take it away and store it in the belly of the plane. Here is where you better hope it doesn’t get misplaced or left behind. That has never happened to me but I have heard horror stories from other wheelchair travelers. Getting to your destination without your wheels could definitely put a damper on your fun. So let’s just assume that everything works as planned and you and your chair arrive in tact and are reunited at your destination, what next? You have to get transportation to your Hotel. Grab public transportation or call an Uber or Taxi service right? That option isn’t always available to those of us who need motorized wheelchairs to get around in. This is where the pre-planning comes in handy. Be sure to find out what is available in the location you are flying to. Most places in the US have at least one option available but once you cross the borders all bets are off. That is not said to scare anyone out of traveling internationally. It can still be done. You just might have to be a little more creative and do a lot more research and planning. The next big hurdle is always the Hotel. Especially if you need a room that has a roll-in shower and not a tub with hand rails. Hotels are not required to offer more than the bare minimum when it comes to handicap accessibility and that usually means your chances at getting a room with a roll-in shower are pretty slim. Calling ahead and talking with the Hotel by phone is imperative. I have had absolutely zero luck booking online and getting the exact room that I need. Oh the website will tell you that you got it but don’t you believe it. You would be amazed how many times we have had to seek a different Hotel because the room they promised was not available. It really helps to travel with an able bodied companion to help with the luggage and any extra medical equipment that you require for your stay. Being a C-7 quadriplegic I need someone to help me get going every day. That includes getting up out of bed, using the bathroom, showering and getting dressed. I require a rolling shower chair for my potty program and showering. This is vital piece of equipment that must always travel with me or be rented beforehand and have delivered to the location I will be staying. Just one more thing that makes traveling with a disability a little more difficult. Nevertheless with just a little more planning and effort you can be out and about enjoying all the world has to offer. Never let your disability keep you from traveling!

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