How to Travel Abroad when you have Restricted Mobility
Travelling abroad if you’re recovering from treatment or an illness or have restricted mobility can be a bit overwhelming, however this situation is commonplace amongst travellers of all ages around the world, and with a bit of preparation there’s no reason why you should have any problems.
Here are some ways to ensure that the whole process is as easy as possible:
Talk it out
Get in touch with your doctor before booking your holiday as they can tell you if there’s any local healthcare support that you’ll need to liaise with either before you travel or while you’re overseas. Ensure that you’ve purchased travel insurance, read your policy, and call the company if you have any questions about your cover. Head to your pharmacist and get copy prescriptions for when you go through airports, along with advice on any other medications you may need for your destinations.
Book an easy holiday
If you have restricted mobility, there are some concessions you can make to ensure that the whole process is a little easier. Book your travel through a travel agent, as they can leave notes in your booking explaining that you need help, and can give you up-to-date information about the accessibility in your hotels.
It’s also a good idea to avoid flying first thing in the morning, as the stress can mean you don’t sleep well the night before, meaning you’re tired and don’t enjoy your first few days of travel. You’ll find that it’s a better airport experience during the day as well, as there are fewer people and lines, and if you aim for flights that are non-stop or have short transfers, you’ll reach your destination while still feeling relatively fresh.
Take your time
Plan to get everything done in advance so you’re not dealing with any last-minute panicking. If you’ll need assistance on the flight, airlines will require at least 48 hours notice, although if you book through a travel agent they’ll have this handled. Do a few things to ensure that you’re returning to a nice environment- give the house a clean, make a meal and freeze it, book your transport to and from the airport, and pack a few days before you leave so you don’t need to rush the day before you go.
Don’t forget to take photos of your medical information, passport, and travel documentation and leave a copy with someone at home. Aim to get to the airport nice and early so you can grab a coffee and read a book and won’t feel rushed if there are any long lines through check-in or security.
Use the Assistance
There’s plenty of assistance available if you need it, and you don’t need to be disabled in order to use a wheelchair. If you have a chronic or temporary injury or you’re elderly, you should use the facilities. You’ll find that most people will be only too happy to help if you need assistance, so relax, take your time, and enjoy your trip.
