Tips for Disabled Travelers
With a little planning, you can reduce the hassles
The United States, on the whole, is the most disabled-friendly country in the world. But for the disabled, whether young or seniors, travel in the U.S. is not without its share of difficulties. Here are a few travel tips and links to 2 excellent Web sites that can help disabled travelers overcome some of the hassles.
Lodging. Many hotels and motels have specially-designed rooms available for no extra charge. If the particular hotel / motel where you want to stay is a part of a national chain, call it directly to make your arrangements instead of using their national toll-free phone number for reservations.
Air Travel. To avoid the hassle of changing planes, book non-stop flights whenever possible; if it isn't, be sure to allow enough time between flights. When checking in at your departure airport, ask to have a wheelchair meet you in the jetway at your arrival airport. Most airlines will board passengers in wheelchairs or with other ambulatory difficulties before boarding families with young children and other passengers; but, you may need to ask for a special pre-boarding pass when you check in. Seeing-eye dogs travel free-of-charge and may accompany their owners in the cabin of the aircraft, with some restrictions. If you will have special needs during the flight, e.g., supplemental oxygen, inform the airline in advance of your flight.
Be Prepared. If you take prescription medications, don't put them in the baggage you check. Instead, put them in a bag or purse that you carry onboard with you. Then, if your checked luggage gets lost, you'll still have your medications with you. Take along enough of your medications to last a few days longer than your trip ... in case your travel plans change due to unexpected delays. And, take your doctor's phone number in case you need to have any prescriptions refilled.
Access-Able Travel Source. Since 1995, Access-Able has provided valuable information and resources to mature and disabled travelers. Their Web site has information about everything you need to know about travel with disabilities, mature travel, disability magazines, access guides, wheelchair travel, scooter rental, accessible transportation and more! New to the site is a selection of "Home & Travel Stuff" that can help make your trip even more pleasant.
Fodors.com. Fodor, publisher of the world-famous travel guides, has compiled numerous tips and links to resources to help disabled travelers reduce the hassles and improve the quality of their travel experiences.
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