Accessible travel has come a long way over the past few decades. There are now plenty of opportunities for individuals with physical limitations to fulfill their wanderlust and explore many different corners of the world.
While the travel industry has made strides in becoming more accessible, conditions are far from perfect. Use these tips below to plan your trip to be as accessible and enjoyable as possible!
1) Plan Far in Advance
Although specific restrictions will vary between countries, service providers cannot deny you access to their services because of your disability. They do, however, need time to prepare accommodations. When you’re working out your trip details, you should contact these providers as early as possible to discuss and request the necessary arrangements. This includes calls to hotels and lodging, transportation companies (airlines, bus companies, car or shuttle services), and representatives for any tours or activities you’re planning. You may also want to call these providers again 24-48 hours before your arrival to confirm the discussed accommodations have been made.
2) Be Specific When Describing Your Needs
Keep in mind that although it may be second nature to you and the individuals in your life, the people you contact to arrange the various accommodations for your trip may not fully understand what accessibility means for your circumstances. To ensure all your needs are met, it’s important to be as clear and specific as possible when describing them.
When speaking with representatives, provide as much information as necessary to explain your limitations. The more they know, the better they can accommodate you. It’s best to provide this information over the phone to avoid any miscommunications or misunderstandings that could become issues later on.
3) Make Medical Preparations
Before you travel, you must ensure you have all the medications, equipment/supplies, and care access necessary for your day-to-day life and in case of emergency. Discuss any travel plans with your doctor in detail so they can provide recommendations to make the process easier. Acquire enough of your prescriptions for your trip, plus extra (if possible) for backup. Be sure to keep medications in original packaging with original labels, especially if you will be flying to your destination.
It is also a good idea to ask your doctor to write a medical statement outlining your needs to communicate them to service providers better and provide them if you need medical care during your travels. You may want to consider purchasing traveler’s health insurance and researching physicians in the area where you’ll be staying, just in case.
4) Research Transportation Methods at Your Destination
For the best travel experience, you’ll want to figure out the best way to get around your destination ahead of time. Arranging an accessible shuttle or car service is one option, or researching if any of these services are free.
Public transportation is also a reliable option for travelers with disabilities in many locations, as most buses are handicap accessible. Using public transit during your travels can save you time waiting (and money) on a specialized vehicle. Plus, you’ll get a more authentic sightseeing experience of the city you’re visiting when you use the same transportation methods as the locals.
5) Consider Booking Through a Specialized Travel Agent or Company
If you’re concerned about forgetting or not being aware of the details involved in planning accessible travel, consider seeking assistance from a travel agent or agency specializing in this area. These agents can create a personalized itinerary tailored to your travel preferences and accessibility requirements. They can arrange accessible accommodations, transportation, tours, dining, and other experiences, alleviating your stress. Additionally, travel agencies may be able to secure better deals for you and can provide information about companies and services that offer accessibility discounts for you to utilize.
At Northwest Bus Sales, our inventory includes a wide selection of ADA-compliant buses and shuttles with additional accessibility features. Adding one of our vehicles to your transportation fleet, whether private or public, will make it more accommodating to individuals with disabilities, ensuring they have the best travel experience possible in your city.
Contact our team at (800)231-7099 today for assistance in choosing a new or used bus to suit your needs!
