When you have a disability or someone in your family unit does it can be a little different planning a holiday to how it is when you’re all able bodied. There are different things to think about during the travel process and while you’re away, but it’s not impossible, just different.

Planning things
Advance planning is essential. There are all the usual things everyone has to do such as booking immunisations and sorting out passports, but you’ll also want to make certain you have enough medication to take for the duration, perhaps get a wheelchair serviced, and check out the local disabled facilities where ever you’re planning on visiting. The more you plan and are prepared for, the less problems you are likely to encounter.

Flying
Just because you have a disability doesn’t mean you can’t fly. No airline is allowed to refuse you passage purely based on disability, and many are set up to assist disabled travellers in many ways. Having said this, you may have restrictions – many won’t let someone with mobility issues sit next to the emergency exits for example, and some insist on the disabled person having an attendant with them if they have specific needs.

You’ll also want to arrange for your wheelchair to be transported with you and to be ready for you when you land rather than having to wait for it. Check out what communication devices are provided if you’re hard of hearing, and what documentation you might need for a guide dog or service dog to travel with you.

Travel Insurance
This is pretty important for anyone, but its vital if you have a disability that you make the insurance company aware of this and make sure you are still covered for all eventualities. If you’re travelling in the EU fill in and carry an E111 form as well, and make sure that your wheelchair and any other equipment is covered for immediate replacement if it’s lost, damaged or stolen.

Hotel & Local Facilities
Check out your hotels facilities – do they have induction loops? Is there adequate wheelchair access throughout the whole complex or just in certain areas? Find out about local beaches do they have disabled access and facilities? If not, then where is the nearest beach which does? Are there any excursions you want to take and if so, will they cater for your disability? Checking these things out in advance means you’ll be able to really enjoy your holiday once you’re there safe in the knowledge that you won’t be stopped from doing the things you want to do.

Useful Articles
Fear of Flying Tips
How to Travel Well with Kids
Money saving holiday tips
Duty Free Limits
DVT
ESTA Guide
Flying when pregnant
Traveling with a disability
Travel insurance info
Carry on luggage