by Tiffiny Carlson, Blogger
It�s hard to believe, but Christmas is just about here. While family gatherings can be stressful enough during the holidays, if you use a wheelchair, just getting to these gatherings can be a feat.
For anyone traveling this holiday season, here are the top 10 travel tips for people who use wheelchairs. These will ensure you�ll have an amazing holiday with the least amount of hiccups possible.
10. Give all the necessary info when booking travel and lodging: First, when booking plane or train tickets make sure to let the carrier know you use a wheelchair and will need all of the necessary precautions on the day you travel. Also, ask them the specifics regarding how people in wheelchairs enter/exit their planes or trains so there are no surprises when you arrive. Most carriers will want to know if you will need an aisle chair or if you're able to walk enough to board the plane. It's smart to arrive early in case the lines are extra long, which is nearly always the case during the holidays. But also, keep in mind that some lines will have a separate entrance for wheelchair passengers, so it never hurts to ask!
Be proactive when booking accessible hotel rooms, too. Before leaving for your Christmas vacation, make sure you call ahead of time to make sure they have everything you need, such as a shower bench, roll-in shower, etc.
9. Plan accessible transportation: Another thing to get squared away is accessible transportation. This is especially important if you use a power wheelchair and can�t transport your wheelchair that easy. In some major cities, accessible cabs are an option, and are slowly becoming more available, but we still have a long way to go.
8. Eat and drink smart: To avoid weird body issues or getting sick while traveling, one of the best things you can do is stay as close to your eating and drinking routine as possible. If you eat breakfast at the same time each day for example, try to stick to that. Also, staying hydrated in extremely important, especially when traveling on an airplane, so be sure to have access to lots of water.
If you're searching for food that works great while en route, granola, dried fruits and nuts are filling and give you loads on energy.
7. Pack creature comforts: When traveling, sometimes you want familiar things from home. Bringing your pillow, a cozy blanket or a comfortable sweater are great options, and are especially smart if you run cold. I love my neck warmer, and never hesitate to bring it on every trip.
6. Pack these 3 essentials: If you travel and use a wheelchair, always bring the necessary tools (and parts) if you need a quick tune-up on the go, a small amount of cash on hand for emergency situations, and back up batteries for your phone and wheelchair.
5. Bring a book: While having movies on your phone are great, batteries will die, leaving you with no entertainment whatsoever. I like to bring a book on trips since they don't require any batteries and are a great backup option if you get bored.
4. Get a prescription letter from your doctor: It�s a good idea to keep any essentials like medication with you in your carry on, but, if, God forbid, you lose your medication, you'll be glad you brought a letter from your doctor detailing the prescriptions you take and why you need them. A letter like this is usually adequate in getting refills of your medication from most pharmacies in the U.S. It's also a good idea to have other medical info on hand such as allergies and other pertinent information related to your disability in the case you couldn't communicate it.
3. Have important numbers on paper: How many of us have important phone numbers remembered? That's what I thought. If your phone dies or you lose it while traveling this holiday season, having a list of must-have numbers in your wallet is indispensable. While you're at it, make sure you have travel information, such as hotel names and necessary addresses, also on paper and with you.
2. Have back-up activities planned: We all know how lame it is when supposedly fun activities turn out to be no fun at all because they're not accessible. To make sure this doesn't ruin your day, have other activities planned just in case the one at hand doesn't work out. And plan these activities long before your vacation to make sure you've thought of everything possible.
1. Expect disruptions, and have fun: If there's one thing you can always expect when traveling, it�s that nothing ever goes as planned. Go into your holiday vacation this year with a calm demeanor, knowing that travel can be hectic. This will help you deal with stressful situations better when they arise.
And last but not least, have fun. It can be stressful traveling with a disability, but don't let the extra planning dampen your spirits. Once everything is in place, you�ll be having fun just like everyone else and lazing on the couch with a full tummy before you know it.
What holiday travel tips do you live by? How do you manage accessible transportation when you travel?