Today having special needs is no longer a barrier to travel and fun. The hospitality industry has stepped up to the challenge of helping folks with all varieties of special needs to enjoy the pleasures of travel.
The best way to start is to plan ahead. Planning ahead assures that you will have all of your needs dealt with and there will be no surprises.
Cruising is the easiest vacation for folks of all ages with special needs. Cruise ships are being constructed to make it easier to move around and enjoy the entire ship. Handicapped accessible cabins are now in greater supply and reasonably priced.
Airlines will accommodate many more needs and issues that arise. Personnel are now being trained to help special needs travelers as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Make sure everyone knows what your needs are and ask for help. Employees are not mind readers. They have to know that you need help if they are going to help you.
get the correct travel insurance. Make sure you get insurance that covers pre-existing conditions and medevac from wherever you are to home should the need arise. Costs can be anywhere from $40,000 to $150,000 without insurance.
Take extra prescriptions for all essential medications. Also take a letter from your doctor explaining why you need them.
If you use electrical equipment, such as scooters or breathing equipment, check the requirements for electronic equipment for where you are going.
Airlines can be a challenge. If you need assistance boarding the plane, be sure to tell your travel professional or airline that you need an aisle chair and assistance to get to your seat. If you are in the airport and are having difficulty with explaining your travel needs, do not get angry or frustrated—simply ask for the Complaint Resolution Office. They are trained to solve travel issues.
Equipment, such as hoyer lifts, wheelchairs and scooters, dialysis equipment, and oxygen equipment can be rented at your destination if planned ahead.
Hotels are all different so be aware of what each one considers an accessible room. In this digital age, have them send you a photo so you can confirm your needs are met. If the bed is too high, have the hotel remove the frame from the bed to lower it. If the entrance to the handicapped bathroom is too narrow, have the hotel take the door off its hinges and remove it. If there is too much furniture in the room ask the hotel to remove some of it for easier maneuverability.
These are just some of the many tips to make special needs travel easier. The main thing is that you do not stay home. Get out there and enjoy this wonderful world we live in!
Linda Cutrupi is owner of Mainly Special Needs Travel and author of “A Handbook For Special Needs Travelers”. She can be reached by phone at 201-568-2146 or by email at linda@mainlyspecialneedstravel.com.
