Three Ways to Improve Travel When You Have a Disability

If you have a disability, you likely already know some of the struggles that can occur while trying to travel. According to the Bureau of Transportation, 25.5 million Americans have reported travel-limited disabilities.

Those issues might cause you to avoid traveling altogether or make you dread it when you have to.

Thankfully, it doesn’t have to be that way.

Your disability doesn’t define you, and while it might cause you to face specific challenges others don’t, there are things you can do to improve your travel experience. Everyone deserves to enjoy traveling – both for work and pleasure.

While travel accommodations are slowly improving, you can do a few extra things to make each jet-setting experience easier for you, so you can enjoy your endeavors rather than worrying about them.

1. Plan Ahead

Planning for a trip is important for everyone. When you have a disability, however, it becomes even more essential. Consider what you might want to bring with you to make your experience easier. A lot of it depends on the disability itself.

If you have a vision impairment, for example, you should plan on bringing someone to guide you, or even a service dog to help you through airports and new surroundings.

If you have mobility issues, investing in a wheelchair or automatic scooter can be helpful. Look into transportation services that will accommodate your needs, especially if you’re bringing equipment, extra people/pets, or assistive technology. A little bit of extra planning goes a long way.

2. Research Businesses

Throughout your planning, make sure you’re looking at businesses that will provide the amenities and accommodations you need for an enjoyable experience. That should include things like

Hotels
Buses and other forms of public transportation
Tourist attractions
Restaurants

These days, many businesses are taking extra steps to be more accommodating to people with disabilities. Consider your needs and which businesses/organizations are doing their parts to help people with disabilities enjoy their travels. The more popular and successful these businesses become, the more likely it is for others to follow in their footsteps.

3. Pack What You Need

You’re not always going to be able to control outside circumstances when you’re traveling. Even if you plan ahead as much as possible and choose businesses and services that meet your needs, you might still face challenges if you don’t first take care of your needs.

That includes packing the right things, including specific medications, assistive tech devices, and whatever else you might need to remain comfortable.

It’s also a good idea to pack things that fit your dietary needs. If you have a condition like GERD or Crohn’s, you might not always be able to “eat healthy” while traveling. Keeping snacks with you that help to manage your symptoms will make for a more enjoyable experience. Doing so will also help you control your stress levels since you won’t have to worry about where you’ll find the nutrition you need.

These suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to improving your travel experience. The most important thing is to recognize that you don’t have to struggle on your travels. Combining the efforts many businesses are making with a bit of extra planning will make a big difference, so you can enjoy yourself and live well while away from home.

About Charlie Fletcher

Charlie Fletcher has written 28 posts in this blog.

Charlie Fletcher is a freelance writer from the lovely “City of Trees”- Boise, Idaho. Her love of writing pairs with her passion for social activism and search for the truth. You can find more of her work by visiting her portfolio at charliefletcher.contently.com.