Whether you’re hoping to head out on a romantic getaway or take your kids on the adventure of a lifetime, planning a disability-friendly trip can be difficult.
From finding accessible accommodation to navigating the complexities of public transport, it is hardly surprising that 92% of disabled people find travel inaccessible. However, this does not mean that travel has to be off the cards.
With that in mind, here are some top tips for planning a disability-friendly vacation.
Do your research. Doing your research is important for any trip, but it is especially crucial when accessibility plays a key role in the choices you make. For example, you may want to spend some time researching disability-friendly cities that are easy to navigate your way around. This includes Denver, Berlin, Seattle and more!
Figure out your method of transport. Once you’ve landed upon a destination, it’s time to think about how you will get there. Fortunately, the majority of companies, whether you’re travelling by rail or by air, will provide you with extra support and assistance should you request it. Just be sure that you reach out to them in advance to discuss the finer details of this.
Alternatively, if you were looking to go all out and plan a more luxurious trip, you could look into private jet charters for mobility-impaired travelers so that your comfort and satisfaction are guaranteed!
Choose your accommodation wisely. Traveling with health issues of any kind can make things a little more difficult. For example, not only do you have to ensure that your hotel or choice of accommodation is accessible, but you also need to pay closer attention to its location. For example, it’s often better to pay a little more to stay closer to the city centre, so that traveling around is less of a hassle after you’ve arrived.
Finding a good place to stay also means that you’ll find it easier to fall asleep while on vacation.
Find the best insurance policy. While you should never travel without health insurance, it is particularly important that you do so when traveling as an individual with disabilities or pre-existing health conditons. This will make it easier (and less expensive) to access the care and support you need in emergency situations. To ensure that you’re getting the best deal and adequate coverage, use price comparison websites to weigh out your options.
Consider working with a travel agent. As you can tell, planning an accessible trip requires a lot of care and attention. However, you can save yourself a great deal of time, energy and stress by having a travel agent take care of the finer details on your behalf. Make sure you discuss your wishes and needs with them in careful detail ahead of time, however, to ensure that they can protect your best interests while helping you plan the trip of a lifetime.
Final thoughts. There are plenty of steps that you can take in order to make the process of planning a disability-friendly trip as stress-free as possible. This way, you can focus on making memories and having fun!
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