The thought of travelling fills some people with disabilities with dread because they assume that it will be a difficult process. However, this is not always the case and steps are being taken to make travelling easier and more pleasurable for disabled people. After all, going on holiday is something people love to do, and is a great way of ensuring disabled independence.
Planning a trip
It is always a good idea to plan a trip before you go so that you know what you’re doing, what you need to take with you and where you need to be and at what time. Planning ahead also allows you to identify potential problems and sort them in advance, meaning your journey will be stress-free. If you are going abroad, it is a good idea to see a travel agent or tour operator before you make a booking. You can discuss your individual needs with them and they can then find you a holiday based on your individual preferences. You should not always assume that people will recognise that you have a disability and you should explain your condition to the travel agent or tour operator so that they can adapt your booking to suit your needs.
When you are looking for accommodation make sure you research the facilities and check that the hotel or apartment is suitable for disabled people. In some countries, there are no legal requirements to provide lifts or ramps, for example, so some hotels may not be suitable for wheelchair users. Again, if you go to a travel agent they will be able to tell you which hotels will be best. In the UK all service providers are required to comply with regulations set out under the Disability Discrimination Act.
Air travel
Air travel is not covered by the Disability Discrimination Act. However, most people do not experience problems with airline staff and most will do all they can to make sure that you have a safe and pleasant journey. If you need help at the airport or getting onto the plane, you should try to ring ahead to notify the tour operator or airline.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is important for everyone but some universal policies may not be suitable for people with pre-existing health conditions, so it is important that you check the details of the policy very carefully before you go away. Generally speaking, the more you pay, the more comprehensive the policy. It is always a good idea to get a comprehensive policy that covers any medical care that may be required during the holiday.
Specialist agencies
Some travel agencies specialise in organising holidays and trips for disabled people; the agency will take care of all the planning and the trip will be tailored to suit the needs of a disabled person. Some operators organise individual holidays, while others specialise in group trips.