Traveling is fun for everyone but traveling is adventure for differently-abled people. People with disability enjoy travel more than normal people. Nothing gives more joy than a satisfying traveling experience. However a bad traveling experience is a nightmare. A good travel agent experienced in disabled travel can make your travel more predictable and enjoyable. Some experienced travel agents are listed below you’re your reference. Depending on experience, I wish to provide some basic things that you should consider before planning that perfect thrilling adventurous vacation.

Your Destination
You should know your destination well. Do not assume anything. Make sure that all the places of interest and stay (at least most of them) are wheelchair accessible). Double-check all the assurances of your travel agent.

Personal Considerations

Fist decide the purpose for the vacation. Try to answer these questions for a satisfying experience

• Is it for a quiet rest from stress or for elation?
• What do you love most - snow / sun / beach / mountain or whatever it is.
• Your physical conditions and the ability of your health to withstand your choice.
• Your budget considerations.

Your equipment

• Carry the manual of your wheelchair or any equipment that you use. This will make sure that an unknown mechanic can know your equipment in a shorter time.
• If you can fix the equipment, it’s great. On the other hand, if you depend on others make sure you are thorough with the how-to and the functioning of the equipment to give sound instructions.
• Carry the required toolkit to fix the equipment.
• Find out if the original equipment vendor has a branch near your vacation spot. Alternatively, talk to your vendor to see if he could suggest another vendor who could help with equipment failures.
• Carry replacements for the parts that fail often.

Safety first

• Carry all the important telephone numbers with you (One set in your personal purse and another in your luggage)
• Check your equipment and make sure it is fit.
• Make sure your travel plans, your contact telephone numbers are with your family and friends at home.
• A good travel companion will be of great help.
• Try to make friends in your vacation spots through internet chat and forums for any timely help. In addition, you can use these methods to clear your doubts about your vacation spot.
• Gain clear knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of the place that you are vacationing. Different places may have different laws on disability.
• Learn a word or two if the vacation spot is a foreign land and requires languages other than your mother tongue.

Your Travel Kit
Light travel is a happy travel. However, do not miss anything that you would require daily. Do not assume that you can buy it unless you are sure about the availability at the store. Make sure your luggage has your name, address, telephone number pasted on them visibly and legibly.

TAG: disability and society