Today, individuals who use a wheelchair can travel by nearly every mode of transportation to virtually everywhere in the world. But whether traveling two hours or two thousand miles away, traveling with a wheelchair still requires a lot of thought and careful planning. Wheelchair users must not only consider how to get from point A to point B, but what they need to do to prepare for the trip, whether they’ll find wheelchair accessible accommodations and attractions at their destination, and even little ways to make traveling with a wheelchair easier. Without proper planning, wheelchair users may find traveling more frustrating than accessible.
Many of the tips designed for individuals with disabilities also apply to wheelchair users. From making sure they understand the types of accommodations available to them to how parking and disability identification works around the world, these tips help lay out what travelers in a wheelchair should expect and how to access the resources that they need to make their trips successful.
WorldonWheelz: Travel Tips – Find advice on flying, hotels, cruises and other general wheelchair travel.
The Disabled Wheelchair Traveler: Holiday Tips – If traveling during the holidays, use these tips to help with accommodations, transportation, and other travel considerations.
FIA Guide for the Disabled Travel – Find all of the information on parking and identification that you need when traveling with a wheelchair.
Travelers with Disabilities – Discover general tips to keep in mind when traveling with a wheelchair or other disability.
With all the rules and regulations, traveling by air can easily become a frustrating method of travel for anyone. Add in a wheelchair and the chance for frustration increases. Understanding the specific rules and guidelines that apply to wheelchairs and taking time understand all that flying with a wheelchair entails can help reduce the stress and frustration at the airport.
How to Travel by Air with a Wheelchair – These tips make flying with a wheelchair a less stressful experience.
Flying with a Wheelchair and Other Mobility Aids – Gain an overview of what happens when flying with a wheelchair.
Flying Tips for Wheelchair Users – The AARP offers some flying tips designed particularly with older wheelchair users in mind.
Air Travel Tips for Wheelchair Users – A short video outlines steps wheelchair users should take when they fly.
Wheelchairs and Scooters – Make sure you review the TSA guidelines for traveling with a wheelchair before heading to the airport.
Information About My Wheelchair – Use the placard to provide information about your wheelchair to airline or other transportation employees.
While tips for disabled individuals may be helpful for wheelchair users, they experience some challenges that do not apply to all disabled people. Simply carrying a suitcase or getting in the door of the swanky hotel they booked can be a challenge. When ramps and other accessibility features fail to appear, travel can become downright impossible. Learning what challenges may arise and how to handle those challenges or effectively complain about them can make traveling with a wheelchair much easier.
Traveling with Disabilities – Adam Lloyd, a notable speaker on accessible travel, discusses ways to make traveling with disabilities easier.
Luggage Tips for Wheelchair Travel – Managing bags can be difficult for wheelchair users, but these tips help make sure they have what they need.
5 Things You Can Do to Help Your Wheelchair-bound Travel Companion – Those traveling with wheelchair users can also help make traveling easier.
Wheelchair users can travel virtually anywhere in the world, but some places make it easier. From wheelchair-friendly cities to special tourist experiences designed specifically with wheelchairs in mind, wheelchair users can plan a vacation they will enjoy. They may even discover some trips they never thought they could take, such as kayaking the world’s greatest rivers or exploring the beaches of the Caribbean.
The Most Handicap Accessible Destinations Around the World – Using a wheelchair does not have to limit where people go, as this list of handicap accessible destinations shows.
Accessible Trip Experts– Learn about wheelchair accessible locations from others using a wheelchair and discover the best places to visit.
Disabled Travel Trends – Discover some new travel trends and, perhaps, get ideas for a future trip.
Tips on Finding the Right Wheelchair Accessible Hotel – Not all hotels have highly accessible rooms, so it pays to check them out in advance.
Traveling with Your Wheelchair – Four wheelchair users share their experiences during four unique trips.
Cruise Hints and Tips – Even taking a cruise is not out of the question for wheelchair users.
Cruising with a Disability – Find practical advice to help plan and enjoy a cruise while using a wheelchair.
Best Ships for Cruisers with Disabilities – Not all cruise ships are ideal for people with disabilities, but this article helps you know what to look for.