“Road Trips can be a fairly affordable and fun way to travel. They allow you to not only visit a specific destination, but see the beautiful country along the way. It can also be a great way to have an accessible vacation.” [1]
“Traveling when you or someone you know has a disability can take a significant amount of planning. You’ll want to take into consideration multiple factors before leaving home, to ensure a successful trip.” [1]
- “Plan Your Trip Backward: Before you start planning, it can help to first determine desired activities at your selected destination. By doing so, you can make sure the places you want to visit and the activities you wish to engage in are easily accessible. When researching, seek out resources specifically dedicated to your unique community for trustworthy information on accessible-friendly guided tours, how to access tourist attractions and other valuable details. By utilizing comprehensive resources, you can plan a trip that caters to your needs and create an enjoyable and inclusive travel experience.” [3]
- “Decide when you want to travel: Sometimes when you can travel will help dictate where you travel. For example, unless you really want to experience a winter wonderland, you probably won’t be going to the northeastern part of the country during the winter months. If you are limited to traveling during certain times of the year, that may also help you decide where to go and narrow down your options.” [1]
- “You need a vehicle that suits your need – a wheelchair-accessible vehicle. However, you need to decide whether you want to rent or use your own accessible vehicle, if you have one. Whatever you choose, you should consider safety, cost, and convenience. Ensure that your mobility van itself is in good mechanical condition, and that all equipment such as van ramps & wheelchair or scooter lifts are well-maintained. In addition to checking these things while you’re still at home, it’s important that service will be available along the way just in case you have any vehicle problems.” [4 & 5]
- “Choose Halts Based on Accessibility: You might have a couple of destinations you want to see on your journey, but not every location is wheelchair accessible, so you should research places you plan to go and find out how accessible they’re. You may need to pack a foldable ramp if they don’t have ramps. Also, find out about the interior space. Stairs and bathroom facilities, unfortunately, may not have been adapted to people with mobility needs.” [4]
- “Add extra time to your itinerary: People with mobility-related disabilities may need extra time to get to and from road trip destinations. Add extra time in your road trip itinerary to avoid feeling rushed.” [2]
- “Map out rest stops on the way: If you are traveling with someone whose disability affects their mobility, stamina, or fatigue, you may want to add rest stops or rest days to your road trip itinerary.”[2]
- “Pack extra medical supplies and medications: People with disabilities and their caregivers tend to know that disability and medical needs can change from day-to-day. To avoid any unforeseen or emergency medical situations, pack extra medications, and bring multiple types of mobility aids as needed.” [2]
- “Check accessible travel apps and websites: Access Now is an online website and app that serves as a database for finding accessible locations worldwide. Users can search their desired destination and see how the location ranks in terms of accessibility features like accessible parking, handicap accessible bathrooms, and automatic door entrances. The app also caters to those with other physical disabilities, allowing individuals to see if locations have ASL interpreters, braille, and large print accommodations.” [2]
- “Enjoying Your Destination: Traveling to new destinations can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It allows you to immerse yourself in different cultures, explore new sights and create lasting memories. However, while enjoying your travels, it is important to prioritize your safety and remain aware of your surroundings. By empowering yourself with knowledge and taking certain precautions, you can make the most of your travel while ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.” [3]
Organizations that Help People with Disabilities While Traveling
- “The Disabled Travelers Guide offers comprehensive resources and information for travelers with disabilities.
- The Society for Accessible Travel and Hospitality (SATH) is an organization working to promote accessibility and inclusivity in the travel and hospitality industry.
- Accessible Travel Solutions specializes in providing accessible travel planning services for individuals with disabilities.
- The National Center on Disability and Access to Education (NCDAE) focuses on ensuring equal access to education for individuals with disabilities.” [3]
“Although planning a road trip with disabled travelers may seem overwhelming, know that it is possible with a bit of extra planning. Whether you’re looking to go camping, visit the beach, or see a local tourist attraction, accessible travel can be safe and fun with these travel tips.” [1]
Resources
[1] https://www.travelingwithachair.com/blog/planning-and-preparing-for-an-accessible-road-trip
[2] https://www.braunability.com/us/en/blog/accessible-living/how-to-plan-best-accessible-road-trip.html
[3] https://cehhs.utk.edu/2024/01/26/a-guide-to-accessible-travel-for-people-with-disabilities-in-2024/
[4] https://www.travelbillity.com/5-tips-for-planning-a-wheelchair-accessible-road-trip/