Tips for travel with mobility difficulties

For those with mobility difficulties, travelling might feel like a far-reaching dream and may bring on nerves and stress. But with careful planning and preparation, travelling can be accessible and easy for everyone. You can take some simple steps to ensure that your next trip runs smoothly and as planned, leaving you to sit back, relax and enjoy the ride. Keep reading for some simple tips to allow you to feel at ease.

Tips for travelling with a mobility difficulty:

• Plan ahead
• Arrange assistance
• Bring mobility devices
• Check with your GP
• Pack extra essentials
• Book travel insurance

Plan ahead

Planning ahead is essential for a stress-free and smooth holiday when travelling, with or without mobility difficulties. It allows you to reflect on your booking, make any necessary changes, or change finer details if required. Early planning and preparation will mean you can do your research about the locations in which you want to visit, making sure you’re able to explore them and visit the attractions and sights you want to.

Planning ahead will also enable you to get cheaper deals and ensure you get the assistance and additional support you need, especially when travelling by plane, train, or boat.

The blog Fat Girls Travelling recommends familiarising yourself with the airport layout prior to travelling to avoid confusion: “If you find yourself travelling with a friend or loved one who needs disability services, my first suggestion is to be familiar with both the airline and airport’s policies and procedures for assisting passengers with disabilities. Knowing the airport’s layout is beneficial as well. There may be different entrances, lines, or routes for those who are wheelchair users or those waiting for assistance versus those who can navigate on their own.”

Things you should ensure you plan in advance:

• Travel
• Travel assistance
• Accommodation
• Attractions you’d like to visit

Arrange assistance

For example, those planning to travel by plane, train, boat, or even car in the Channel Tunnel should consider arranging and booking extra assistance. An assistant attendant will be available to help you through the airport or terminal, especially if you can’t walk long distances or get tired quickly. For those who are in wheelchairs, airport assistants will be able to help you board the plane with an Ambulift which raises off the ground to allow you flat access onto the plane. To ensure you can get assistance, it is wise to contact the airport or terminal in advance to book this; that way, you can avoid disappointment or disruption to your travel plans.

Bring mobility devices

If you rely on mobility aids like stairlifts and lifts for the home, taking mobility devices with you when you travel will ensure you aren’t left isolated. Folding wheelchairs, foldable walking sticks and canes, and folding seats are all great options. They fold away small enough to travel on aircraft and in larger luggage bags.

Check with your GP

As with any health condition, it is recommended that you have a routine check-in with your GP or doctor beforehand to ensure that everything is as it should be and that you are well enough to travel without any complications. This is also a great time to request extra medication if you choose to extend your trip or there are delays.

Pack extra essentials

As mentioned above, travelling plans can often change due to delays or changes in your plans, so it's sensible to make sure you pack extra essentials. This includes extra medication or medical equipment you might need, as well as extra clothes and currency. Another great tip is to pack these important items in your hand luggage if you take it, just in case your hold luggage gets lost or delayed.

Book travel insurance

This top tip isn’t just for those with mobility or medical conditions but for anyone who is looking to travel: make sure you book travel insurance. Travel insurance will ensure you are covered if there are any unexpected changes in your booking, disruptions, lost luggage, or medical emergencies, and it will save you financially if you have to make a claim. There are companies that offer specialised insurance for a plethora of medical conditions and disabilities that wouldn’t otherwise be covered in a standard policy.

If you are planning a lifetime trip or simply want to enjoy a weekend break, hopefully, this guide has given you a few pointers for travelling with a disability or mobility concern. For more articles like this, then make sure you check out our blog.