Has your disability made you want to kiss your vacation plans goodbye? Despite what you might think it may still be possible to enjoy vacation travel. My family has numerous health challenges and disabilities. These include asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, degenrative disc disease, mild balance problems and more. Through the years we have still found ways to travel with a disability.
Our destinations have included taking my wheelchair bound diabetic grandmother to realize her dream of seeing the Grand Canyon, Walt Disney World and traveling across the country. In the summer of 2009 my daughter (who has epilepsy) and I drove to Alaska from Tennessee. Along the way we had many experiences that made this our trip of a lifetime.
Vacation travel with a disability requires a little extra planning but the results are worth it!
Here are a few things to consider when traveling.
Packing
Pack lightly but carefully. Include a necessities bag that you can carry in for yourself. This bag should include overnight care items, medicines and an outfit.
Try to fit everything you need into one suitcase and one carry-on sized bag without overloading. Heavy bags are hard to heavy. Motel staff can help but may take a few minutes. Clothes are bulky and add weight. Reduce the amount of clothing that you take by planning to do laundry at the motel. Many motels will have a washer and dryer available for guests. Costs vary.This small step can make it much easier to travel with a disability.
Reservations
Plan your stops and make reservations. Talking to motel staff is especially important if you need a handicapped room or need help with bags. Having a place to stop is more important when you are traveling with a disability. Ask for the ground floor and to be close to the office. This can make it easier to get help if you need it.
Cooler
Keep medicines cold by using a small cooler. In addition to any other cooler we may use for lunch, we use an insulated sandwich bag for insulin. A refreezeable ice pack eliminates water issues from melted ice.
Planning
Plan the trip as far ahead of time as possible. Familiarize yourself with the location of handicapped parking, first aid stations and other services that you might need. Look this information up on the internet before you leave. Print out the pages for reference.
Talk to your doctor
Ask about any precautions that you may need to take on your trip. Also ask your doctor for a letter that includes your diagnosis, contact information and what medications you are currently taking.If you can’t get a letter ask for a printed medication list or photocopy and staple the business card of your doctor to the top of the list. In the event of a medical emergency the letter or printout will give valuable information to emergency personel.
Know your limits and plan for them.
For example, if you are not used to a lot of walking don’t choose a place where you have to park 5 miles from an entrance. If you tire easily try to find a motel room near your activiity where you can rest easily.
Heat
Taking reasonable precautions in hot weather is important for everyone. It can be lifesaving for a person with a disability. Carry water or an electrolyte drink with you. Take advantage of what shade you can find. If you feel like you need to stop or sit down do so.
Service Animals
Motels are required by law to accept service animals. We have found that most motels accept my daughter’s service dog well. However, the reality is that some motels are not as accepting. Calling the motel ahead of time can alert you to any possible problems.
Communicate
It is essential for anyone who travels with a disability to communicate with other people who may be on vacation. If you start to feel unwell it is important to say so. This alleviates worry on the part of people who may be with you. Similarly, communicate limits with everyone on your vacation. If family members know that the person with a disability will speak up when needed they can relax and everyone can have more fun.
