People who have limited mobility don’t always have an easy time traveling. The good news is that The Air Carrier Access Act allows all flights in or out of the US, and provides accommodations to ensure that people with mobility issues can safely travel.
Though most airlines have folding wheelchairs to lend you, it is recommended that you bring your own folding wheelchair. It would be easier and more convenient for you to get on before and after the flight, and even layovers.
These days, there are inclusive excursions tours. This is an air organized by tour operators. The inclusive excursions also include arranged hotel and transportation or housing accommodations.
The fact that there are more and more companies that organize over 5,000 vacations worldwide, especially for people who are cane users, visually and hearing impaired persons, slow walkers; all those travelers with complicated health issues, and those wheelchair users.
Mobility Friendly Tours Offering
More often than not, people with mobility challenges only have limited options when exploring a new destination. One good thing about inclusive excursions tours and packages have accessible accommodations, trained guides, bathroom stops, and even logistical offerings to ensure that nothing will stand in the way for people with health issues to experience the world.
With every 8-10 people on each tour, the trip will have different spots for manual and performance or powered wheelchair users. The importance of travel grows, and there are lots of opportunities for tours and operators, as well as attractions and activities to give options for people in wheelchairs.
Travel Tips for People in Wheelchairs
Since mobility disabilities are common in older adults, a wheelchair-accessible tour is always an excellent addition to the product set. Here are some tips if you’re travelling with persons with disability.
1. Route should always be accessible
Always ensure that your tour guide can walk the route beforehand. There should not be a single step on your entire tour, and it has to be a hundred per cent free from steps because even a one-centimetre lip on pavements may be very challenging for a person in a wheelchair.
The guides should know where the bathrooms are and see that doors are wide enough to let the wheelchairs in. The same goes for grab bars, as there should be at least one on the side of the toilet. Also, there should be enough space on the toilet’s side to transfer the person from the wheelchair to the toilet.
Just a helpful tip, don’t always rely on the information about your destination online. You should always confirm wheelchair accessibility. This information is vital for the comfort and safety of guests.
2. Transportation
Some people are intimidated or not comfortable when you offer them a wheelchair. It is recommended that you contact with wheelchair accessible vans. A tour company needs to adhere to the rules about transportation.
Some countries require scooters and wheelchairs to secure the straps within vehicles. Other countries also require passengers to sit in their seats when they travel. Make sure to educate yourself about the laws and consistently implement them.
3. Group Tours Must be Small
Always avoid crowded tours if possible. Small group tours with an improved ratio of guides are usually better for people with disability travellers. The paces are slower, and it provides more attention to each guest.
4. Tour Guides should Also be Compassionate
This may sound cliche, but travel guides with empathy will always get you far. Because for some people, they think that the world is always against them. That’s why tour guides should always be trained to understand the needs of disabled persons.
For instance, if a disabled elderly have difficulty walking, tour guides should not take their time and avoid them rushing from place to place. The tour guide must be patient enough to take slower-paced tours.
Wrapping Up
Travelling with people with limited mobility comes with endless travel tips. With utmost comfort, ensure you always know what works and doesn’t. From the hotel, service vehicle, airlines, and everything, make sure it’s wheelchair-accessible. Most of all, choose a company that offers the best inclusive excursions.