Travelling internationally can be a great way for persons living with disability to relax and explore the world. With proper preparation, it’s possible to travel safely as a tourist, student, volunteer, teacher, or more.

All you need to do is prepare adequately in advance and make the right arrangements. This helps to ensure that your needs are met. In this guide, we’ll provide some tips on how you can enjoy your holidays and vacations as a person living with limited mobility.

Planning for the trip

When travelling abroad, you want to have the same access that you would if you were at home. This is where proper preparation comes in. One of the most important things to keep in mind while preparing is your medication and the doctor’s prescription.

The medication helps to keep your health in check while the prescription allows you to buy medicine while away in case it runs out. Documentation that proves that it’s safe for you travel also comes in handy.

Something else to consider is travel insurance. It should include a cover for both medical and financial loss.

It’s also prudent to take note of what devices you usually use at home, such as your Solax wheelchair or scooter. You can look into hiring some of the devices while away to lighten the load during your travels.

Lastly, use a specialized travel company or agency that’s dedicated to travelers with limited mobility. These agencies and companies organize holidays and vacations for persons with a variety of requirements. They provide resources tailored to each individual.

Booking a destination

If you’re travelling independently, the most important part of the booking process is carrying out some extensive research about your destination. You want to make sure it’s accessible.

The hotel, Airbnb, or lodging should be ADA-compliant. The best thing to do is to call ahead and discuss the accommodation details. Communicate your needs clearly.

Some of the important questions to ask is whether there are:

1. Entryways that can fit a wheelchair, scooter, and any other assistive device

2. Disability aids such as ramps, grab bars, shower benches, and special mattresses

3. Charging ports for power wheelchairs, power scooters, and other electronic mobility aids

4. Lifts, level surfaces, and other step-free access facilities leading to main areas

5. Amenities such as bars, pools, and a beach that are accessible to a person with disability

Other things to research on include the type of electrical plugs used in the country of destination, the electrical voltage supplied, and the reliability of the electrical connection. This is important especially if you’re travelling with electronic mobility aids.

Check to confirm that the destination is close to the tourist sites you would like to visit. Have a map of the area just in case you might need it. Research about the transportation services and companies available and call to find out if they offer assistance to people with disability.

Travelling with equipment

Traveling by air

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to make a list of all the equipment that you use while at home. If you’ll be carrying your Solax wheelchair, scooter, or any other assistive device with you, remember to pack your chargers, adaptors, tools for repair, and accessories.

The next thing to do is to confirm if the airline has guidelines that prohibit certain devices due to safety. At Solax, we manufacture mobility aids that are travel-friendly and approved for airline travel.

This includes foldable power wheelchairs, scooters, portable chargers, batteries, power cords and many more. They are easy to pack and transport.

Remember to prepare your equipment in such a way that nothing gets lost during storage. Remove loose fittings on your wheelchair such as the headrest, cushion, arm rests, and foot rests.

Traveling by road

If you’ll be traveling by road, consider packing accessories that will make it easier to handle your mobility aid.

For example, the Solax Hercules ST101 and Solax Hercules Plus ST102 hoists make it convenient to transfer a foldable wheelchair or scooter without putting strain on the owner or caregiver.

It is perfect for road travel. All you need to do is fold your wheelchair at the touch of a button and hoist it up in and out of your trunk without lifting the heavy weight.

Assistive Travelling

If you’ll be travelling with a caregiver, it’s important to take their needs into consideration during your travels. This is especially if they’ll be pushing you in a manual wheelchair and taking you for all the site seeing.

Consider how much energy they’ll expend and be ready to allow them to rest. If you’ll be traveling independently, arrange for wheelchair assistance ahead of time. The airport and airline will assist you when checking in and going through security.

Larger airlines that seat more than 60 also provide aisle wheelchairs that make it easy to have access to the bathroom. When making all of the arrangements, keep in mind that persons with disability may only be allowed to get off the plane last for safety purpose. Allow enough time for all the arrangements.

Conclusion

At Solax, we ensure that persons with disability are well-equipped to travel by providing products that are recommended by cruise lines and approved for air travel. Our power wheelchairs and scooters are also foldable and travel ready.

When travelling, you do not have to worry about arranging for special transportation. Our catalog includes devices and accessories that can fit in a car, van, and SUV. You’re assured of convenience and functionality as you prepare for your vacation and holiday.