It may prove difficult to ensure you can easily get around when traveling. Things like navigating an airport, boarding transportation, or staying overnight in new lodgings can put stress on anyone, especially when you are unsure of the process.
In truth, travel and recreation don’t have to be stressful! Many places—air and travel ports, rentals, and even recreational areas like theme parks offer services to assist with transportation needs.
Things you can book to help you include, but are not limited to:
● Wheelchairs and walkers
● Priority boarding for multiple forms of transportation, and especially for
planes, getting through TSA quickly with an assisting agent
● Lodgings with features such as:
○ Elevators
○ Ramps
○ Grab-bars
○ Roll-in showers
○ Ground-level rooms
There are various places you can rent a wheelchair or walker from, such as
Scootaround or your local medical supply store; airports, other travel ports, and
recreational parks such as Disney World and Six Flags offer wheelchairs (as well as strollers) for low prices. This makes having fun with loved ones much easier.
Airports, with wheelchairs, can offer accessibility services and support with
reservations at least 24 hours in advance by phone or by booking through their site. This not only includes getting through TSA, but also boarding and exiting the plane. Upon entering your terminal, look for your airline’s Accessibility Station and let them know of your reservation.
Trains, with companies like Amtrak, offer similar accommodation services. By
requesting assistance, you can be given priority boarding as well as other forms of accommodation to suit your needs.
As for comfortable lodgings, in advance, look out for accessible features in:
● Hotels: these include elevators, ramps, ground-floor rooms, easy dining, and
specific amenities
● AirBNBs: for reservations like these, accessibility features are often listed in
the details of a rental
Sites such as wheeltheworld.com or accessibility search filters on booking sites can help to find the right lodgings for you.
Accessibility accommodation does not have to be limited to travel: even when
needed at home, you can rent anything you need to ensure comfortable living and mobility.
Reputable rental companies that can be readily accessed include Cloud of Goods,
Scootaround, and Mobility On Wheels (in New Jersey).
We hope that with these tips, you are able to focus more on having a fun, relaxing
experience. As always…safe travels!