Take Charge of Your Travel
Tips for a successful journey
From Alaska to Alexandria, the world is full of accessible travel possibilities. All it takes is a bit of foresight and resourcefulness. Part of a successful trip includes giving consideration to all aspects of your travel: pre- travelling; on route to your destination & your return home; and during your stay. Here are some tips to help you plan your dream vacation:
• Figure out what kind of travel suits you
Travel personality quizzes such as
www.besttripchoices.com quiz will give you insight on the experiences and destinations you might enjoy the most.
• Prioritize
Decide what things you absolutely need for a successful trip and what you can live
without. This will help decide where you go and what you do.
• Consider working with an expert—especially if it’s your first time
Some travel agencies such as
www.SeaWheels.ca specialize in arranging vacations for people with disabilities. Inform your travel agent in detail about the nature of your disability and your specific needs for transportation, accommodation and medical equipment.
• Plan ahead
Take the time to properly research, plan for and take care of all of your accessibility needs. If you are going to fly within Canada, find out how the “one-person-one-fare” rules apply to you. If you use a mobility device you will need to make advance arrangements with the airline to deal with boarding and exiting the plane.
• Decide what equipment to rent and what to bring
Decide which equipment you will need in transit as well as at destination. Consider renting or purchasing a travel commode chair or bath bench. You can check this as baggage labeled as medical equipment for no charge. If you decide to rent medical equipment, keep in mind it may not meet the same standards that you are used to at home.
• Think through your transportation needs from start to finish
How will you get from the airport to your hotel? Make your plans well ahead of time and
confirm your arrangements in writing. Travel with all the written confirmations you have made for your itinerary.
• If you fly—pack critical supplies in carry-on
Make sure you are travelling with enough medical supplies, clothing and medication to tide you over in case anything happens to your checked baggage. Keep medications in their original labeled containers under your name and bring copies of your prescriptions. Bring documentation of your disability. The two-bag carry-on limit doesn’t apply to medical supplies, equipment, and mobility aids. Check the Canadian Air Transport Security Authority website for details:
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca.
• If you fly—know your rights at security
Let the Screening Officer know your abilities. If you are unable to walk through the metal
detector, you can bypass the detector and be screened by a hand-held metal detector. You can choose to have this hand search over your clothing done in a private area. You do not need to remove your shoes if you are unable to.
• Don’t let a flat tire ruin your trip
Travel with an emergency repair kit. Learn how to put together and take apart
your mobility equipment or how to put your chair in manual mode. A laminated set of
instructions attached to your wheelchair may help you avoid an unpleasant surprise.
Some people choose solid tires or travel with a spare joy stick or cushion to avoid hassles.
• Carry travel insurance
Protect yourself against lost luggage, medical complications or an emergency that requires an early return home.
• Bring some cash in the local currency
Tipping can go a long ways towards getting extra service and attention.
• Learn some key phrases
A simple “per favour” and “grazie” can go a very long way, not to mention “where is the nearest wheelchair accessible bathroom?”
• Pick your battles
Consider this: does it really matter if they call it a “handicapped room” if it meets your
accessibility needs?
• Keep your cool when things go wrong
So your rental vehicle hasn’t yet been equipped with hand controls. It is very unlikely that the employee you’re dealing with is in fact the person who made the reservation. Explain your situation calmly. Give the company a chance to resolve the situation. Not everyone has heard of a “roll-in shower,” so try to be clear about exactly what you need. Ask to speak with the manager. Keep track of the names of the people you speak with, as well as the actions they take on your behalf to resolve the problem. If you have been inconvenienced you can ask for a partial refund or a discount on future services. If you have a travel agent, he or she may be able to resolve the situation on your behalf.
• Lead by example
Let consideration, courtesy and civility be your guideposts on the way to an incredible and successful journey.
Travel Resources
Canadian Transportation Agency – Accessible Travel
United Spinal Association
Accessible Air Travel publication (PDF)