Why Your Wheelchair Shouldn't Hinder Exploring Somewhere New in 2024
For the millions of wheelchair users across the UK, travelling to unfamiliar places (and familiar places, in a lot of cases) poses more logistical considerations compared to peers without mobility restrictions. However, embracing a proactive positive mindset along with helpful planning can ensure your wheelchair doesn't prevent you from realising exciting travel aspirations in 2024 and beyond.
Research Access Options Thoroughly in Advance
The most vital component underpinning any wheelchair user's successful trip is comprehensive upfront research on the accessibility amenities and options available at your intended destination. Never assume availability - always verify directly across the different sectors relevant to your travel plans.
Check details like wheelchair-accessible hotel rooms or holiday cottage options, the existence and convenience of accessible public transport, availability of adapted taxi transfers or private accessible vehicle rentals and whether top sightseeing attractions and tours can properly accommodate you.
Book Assistance Services Proactively where Required
While many airports, train stations and coach terminals now offer improved wheelchair assistance services enabling smoother connections during travels, quality, availability and booking procedures vary greatly across regions and transport operators globally. Avoid stressful predicaments by pre-booking certified wheelchair assistance well in advance across all sectors of multi-leg trips.
Most airlines require at least 48 hours' notice to coordinate airport wheelchair pushers suiting your itinerary's arrival, connection, and departure specifics. Confirm assistive arrangements periodically leading up to travel. Carrying your booking confirmation numbers and key mobility aid details ensures efficient hand-offs between assisting parties through your journey. It’s always better to have more information than you need!
Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles Don't Have to Break the Bank
Mobility aids like wheelchairs make venturing across unfamiliar terrain much simpler by providing trusted support. However, travelling any distance using manual chairs quickly causes strain and tiredness. Bringing your own powered mobility equipment overseas can prove costly and complicated too regarding aircraft storage procedures.
Wheelchair-accessible vehicles can be expensive, but you don’t have to break the bank if you simply cannot afford a new one. Used WAV vehicles are available, and it’s worth looking for reputable suppliers who can prove that the vehicle is safe to drive and in good condition. Allied Mobility has a great range of used wheelchair-accessible vehicles in all shapes and sizes that are the perfect option for anyone who wants to keep on exploring in 2024.
Don't Overlook Cruising's Perks
An often overlooked yet fantastic travel option enabling wheelchair users seamless access across myriad global destinations is cruising! Given large ships' massive passenger volumes, cruise lines invest heavily in ubiquitous onboard accessibility across deck spaces, eateries, theatres, and activity zones catering to all mobility levels.
Once you’ve arrived in world port cities like Barcelona, Stockholm or Sydney, cruise terminal proximity allows easy access arranging adapted shore excursions exploring iconic landmarks and attractions. Modern vessels have accessible staterooms with roll-in showers too. Best of all, you only need to unpack once enjoying numerous destinations via accessible transport while your floating hotel voyages on carefree.
