Accessible Travel

Accessible travel means travel by people with disabilities is an adventure enjoyed on a global scale. Yet too often this adventure is sidelined or delayed by inadequate facilities, higher prices and general hassles other travelers do not face. In spite of this, travelers with disabilities are boarding cruise ships and planes in record numbers to explore the four corners of the Earth.
 

There are as many disabilities as there are disabled people, so each traveler's needs are different. Thankfully, the travel community is generating more and more solutions to these needs, creating a growing network of travel options for disabled people worldwide and broadening the access of accessible travel. To travel around the world without barriers, check out these tips from the American Society of Travel Agents. Some of the most travel-wise people in the world, ASTA members know travelers with disabilities do not ask for charity or discounts only an equal opportunity to see the world.

Many countries accommodate disabled citizens and travelers competently, from creating the proper infrastructure for wheelchair and scooter access to having a wide selection of hotels and restaurants that allow service dogs. Unfortunately some countries do not support disabled travelers to the same extent.

Ask a travel agent detailed questions about the customs of the country and the services provided at each destination you plan to visit. Your travel agent should also provide you with information on transfers while advising you of types of terrain you can expect to encounter, for cobblestone streets, while very picturesque, do not mix well with wheelchairs.

Be sure to take enough prescribed medication to last the duration of the trip, including extra medicine and a copy of your prescription just in case. Pack all medication in your carry-on bag, for checked baggage occasionally travels east while you're heading west. Also, carry your prescriptions in their labeled containers, for many countries have strict drug-trafficking laws and might be suspicious of pills in unlabeled bottles. In fact, it's wise to travel with a signed letter from your doctor detailing your condition, medications, potential complications and, if you're diabetic, your requirement to carry needles.