Written by Nancy Kirk
November 26, 2024
Travel offers a chance to explore, learn, and unwind—whether visiting family or seeing a new place. But if you’re someone who deals with mobility challenges, travel often comes with unique obstacles. Navigating public transportation or accessing attractions can require extra time, effort, and preparation for those with an impairment or disability.
However, you don’t have to shy away from travel because of mobility limitations. We encourage you to embrace independence with mobility aids. These limitations don’t mean limited possibilities, but they do require more careful planning. You can still enjoy fulfilling travel experiences with the proper tools. This comprehensive guide provides detailed tips, resources, and inspiration to ensure your journey is as stress-free as possible.
Understanding Mobility Challenges
About 10% of the U.S. population reported experiencing some type of mobility difficulty, according to the National Institute of Health.1 While mobility issues affect a large population of seniors, chronic conditions like arthritis, long-term respiratory issues, or injuries can limit movement for people of all ages.
The Emotional and Physical Impact of Limited Mobility
Mobility issues can lead to discomfort in your body, which may cause many to avoid physical activity. But this can lead to further physical weakness, balance issues, and even social isolation over time. Maintaining an active lifestyle, even in small ways, is essential for the physical and emotional well-being of those who use mobility aids. Whether going local or long distances, travel can be an excellent way to incorporate manageable movement into your daily life, fostering connection and a sense of accomplishment.
How to Plan Accessible Travel: Before You Go
Start by researching destinations known for accessibility. Look for places prioritizing inclusive features like ramps, elevators, and well-maintained pathways. Online resources and reviews often provide insights from travelers with similar needs. For example, if you crave an international city—Lisbon, Portugal, and Mexico City, Mexico, are known to offer excellent infrastructure for wheelchair users, including accessible public transit and attractions. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, U.S. national parks like Yosemite and the Grand Canyon feature wheelchair-accessible trails and viewpoints. Also, be sure to incorporate rest days into your itinerary to avoid over-exhausting yourself.
Talk to Your Doctor
Consult your doctor for guidance. If you need more clarification about your physical capabilities, the safety of traveling, or how much activity is appropriate, a conversation with your healthcare provider is essential. They can recommend what activities to avoid, offer helpful advice tailored to your needs, and give you the necessary documentation for international travel.
Book Accessible Accommodations
When booking hotels or rentals, make sure it has accessible features before you book. Platforms like Airbnb and Booking.com allow you to filter for accessibility preferences, but it’s always wise to call ahead and make sure you can be accommodated. If you’re concerned, ask staff for photos or videos of the accommodations beforehand to ensure they meet your needs. Here are features to keep in mind:
- Wheelchair ramps and elevators.
- Accessible bathrooms with grab bars.
- Ground-floor or elevator-accessible rooms.
Other Transportation Tips
Accessible transportation is key to a smooth trip. For longer trips, consider renting accessible vehicles through companies like MobilityWorks or using rideshare services with wheelchair-accessible vehicles (WAV), such as Uber’s WAV option. Many cities offer wheelchair-accessible buses and subways, but availability can vary. When using public buses or trains, you can contact operators in advance to verify ramp access and ask whether staff can help with boarding.
Essential Travel Prep Mobility Aid Users
Before traveling, inspect your mobility aid, so you know it’s in top condition. Some checks could include fully charged batteries (for powered devices), tires in good condition, and a seat cushion for added comfort.
Travel-friendly mobility aids, like foldable walkers or lightweight wheelchairs, can make transportation easier. Other good-to-have travel accessories include hand sanitizing wipes to help kill germs on your aid and keep you healthy on the go, as well as compression gear to help reduce swelling during long days.
Navigating Airports and Airlines
When booking and boarding flights, notify the airline of your mobility needs. Ask for assistance with boarding, deplaning, and navigating the airport. For those traveling with powered mobility devices, check the airline’s policies on batteries and protective measures for your belongings.
Tips for a Smooth Airport Experience
- Arrive early to allow extra time for security checks and assistance.
- Use protective covers for wheelchairs or scooters to minimize damage during handling.
- Carry a copy of your aid’s specifications and medical documentation for staff.
- Label your wheelchair with handling instructions and use protective covers.
What to Do If Your Mobility Equipment is Damaged while Traveling
Unfortunately, sometimes mobility aids get damaged by an airline while in transit. Here’s what we recommend if your mobility aid is damaged during transit.
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Stay Calm and Assess the Damage: Check your wheelchair for visible damage or functionality issues and take photos for evidence.
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Notify Airline Staff Right Away: Report the damage and file a report at baggage claim or the customer service desk before you leave the airport.
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Get Written Confirmation: Get a copy of the report and ask for written acknowledgment from the airline confirming that the damage occurred during the flight.
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Understand Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with airline policies for mobility equipment. The Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) requires U.S. airlines to repair or replace damaged wheelchairs at no cost.
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Request Assistance if Needed: If your wheelchair is unusable, ask for a loaner from the airline. Inquire if the airline can arrange for immediate repairs through local services.
Find Accessible Activities and Sightseeing
There are many accessible tours and activities these days, which have wheelchair-friendly pathways and adaptive equipment rentals. Look for museums with accessible entrances and elevators, national parks offering all-terrain wheelchairs, or beach destinations with accessible boardwalks or wheelchairs. Remember that even with meticulous planning, unexpected obstacles can come up. Try to have a calm attitude and backup plans for minor disruptions, and enjoy the trip regardless of any hiccups.
Why Mobility Aid Advocacy Matters
If you’re traveling with mobility challenges, you will likely face inadequate accessibility features at some point, even with plenty of research on destinations deemed accessible. If you feel comfortable, advocate for more accessible options so those using mobility aids can better enjoy their trip.
How to Advocate for Your Accessibility
- Leave Reviews: Share your experiences on travel platforms, pointing out both accessibility successes and challenges.
- Provide Feedback: After your trip, send feedback to venues or service providers to suggest improvements. Positive reinforcement for well-done accessibility features can also motivate businesses to maintain high standards for how accessible they are.
- Partner with Advocacy Groups: Organizations like the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or Accessible Travel Online provide resources for accessible travel and can assist in advocating for better accommodations worldwide.
Ideas for Mobility-Friendly Travel Destinations
By researching adaptive experiences in advance, you can plan an itinerary that combines easy accessibility with memorable moments.
Beach Relaxation: Several coastal destinations provide beach wheelchairs, allowing visitors to navigate sand and even enter the water. For instance, many beautiful state beaches in California and Florida offer free rentals of beach-friendly wheelchairs and accessibility mats, making it easier to reach the shore.
National Park Accessibility: U.S. national parks like Zion or the Great Smoky Mountains offer accessible trails with stunning views. Programs like the U.S. Access Pass also provide free entry for individuals with disabilities.
Museums and Galleries: Institutions worldwide have embraced accessibility. For example, the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and The Louvre in Paris offer wheelchair-friendly entrances and pathways for visitors with mobility aids.
City Tours: Many cities provide guided tours using accessible buses or routes. In Barcelona, for example, the city’s hop-on-hop-off buses are equipped with ramps and reserved spaces for wheelchairs.
Budget-Friendly Accessibility Tips
Traveling with mobility aids doesn’t have to break the bank—some programs like the U.S. Access Pass offer free entry to national parks if you have a mobility impairment. You may also find more affordable, accessible accommodation in hostels and guesthouses, which can be significantly cheaper than hotels. It’s also very common for public buses and trains to offer accessible options if you want to save money on taxis or private transfers.
ApriaHome Helps Make Travel Accessible
Traveling with mobility aids requires preparation, but it opens the door to incredible experiences. By researching accessible destinations, packing thoughtfully, and staying flexible, you can create memorable journeys tailored to your needs. Whether exploring nearby attractions or venturing to international destinations, accessible travel is about embracing adventure with confidence and adaptability. So get ready to start planning your next trip—there’s a world waiting to be explored, no matter your mobility level!
SOURCES
1. Mobility Difficulties Are Not Only a Problem of Old Age https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1495195/#:~:text=About%2010.1%25%20of%20noninstitutionalized%20U.S,major%20problems%20(Table%201).
