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Jul 27, 2019 • 6 min read
Living with a disability all my life, as a crutches user initially and now a wheelchair user, I’ve come to grips with that universal vagueness around accessibility. I know that no matter how much I spend on accommodation or how much research I do before boarding a plane, I will face obstacles along the way. This isn’t necessarily pessimism but more a healthy dose of realism that wards off total devastation when things go wrong.
In recent years, I’ve made travelling my priority. I’ve gone on road trips across the USA, weekend breaks in Berlin and Lisbon, a friend’s wedding in Lake Como, winter excursions to Iceland and life-changing visits to Japan; even though I had incredible times in each of these places, none of them were without challenges.
Learn to Manage the Challenges
There is no such thing as a perfectly accessible city. While some cities can boast about fully accessible transport systems or a higher rate of accessible tourist destinations, there’s a collective vagueness that comes with the word accessible, and it changes depending on where you are travelling and whom you are speaking to.
Lift Off
When booking your flights, it is important to clarify how much assistance you require. You can opt for assistance right from check-in—which can significantly reduce your waiting time in security—or choose to meet someone at the gate if you prefer uninterrupted browsing at the duty-free stores. Additionally, be sure to contact the airline directly to confirm your seating arrangements, as individuals with physical disabilities cannot be seated in emergency exit rows, and they typically sit beside the window to avoid disturbances from other passengers.
For long-haul flights, an onboard wheelchair is available should you need to visit the restroom. However, this chair is not particularly sophisticated, so assistance may be required when transferring from the chair into the cubicle, and there could be delays as the cabin crew arranges the chair and clears the aisle. Therefore, it is wise to manage your personal needs proactively—don’t wait until you’re desperate! Unfortunately, short flights often lack these provisions, which leads many to limit fluid intake before takeoff.
Travel Insurance
Most disabilities are classified as pre-existing conditions when it comes to travel insurance. Yet for wheelchair users, the insurance quote typically does not incur additional charges. However, if you are receiving medical treatment, travelling against your medical team’s advice, or awaiting surgery, coverage may not be available. Some insurance companies focus on plans specifically for disabled travelers, which cover costs related to mobility aid damage or loss, as well as support for caregivers if they fall ill. To ensure that you receive a policy tailored to your needs, it is advisable to contact insurance providers directly.
Making Compromises
Regardless of staying in five-star hotels or budget hostels, a big city or a remote village, I need to conduct significantly more pre-holiday research compared to my non-disabled friends making similar trips. Consequently, making compromises often becomes necessary for me to partake in the same experiences.
These compromises frequently manifest as reserving wheelchair-friendly accommodations that may feature steps at the entrance, often requiring assistance to navigate in and out. Experiences like struggling to fit into bathrooms because of door dimensions or enjoying a delightful meal but being unable to use an upstairs restroom add to the challenge. It might also involve luxurious accommodations with access facilities solely in the bedroom, necessitating physical support from friends to reach a swimming pool, or taking longer, more expensive transport options due to accessibility issues on efficient public transport.
Triple Check that Accommodation is Suitable
When a hotel, restaurant, or venue claims to be accessible online, follow up with a phone call or email to clarify what their version of “accessible” entails. Inquire about door dimensions, step counts, and bathroom sizes, as well as elevator specifications. For instance, I once arrived at a hostel in Barcelona and discovered that while it was advertised as wheelchair accessible, it was located on the fourth floor and my chair wouldn’t fit in the elevator. Through several frantic calls by hostel staff, we managed to locate an available apartment that had one step at the front door but a larger elevator. If I had made a quick phone call prior to my arrival asking for measurements, that late-night scramble could have been avoided.
Added Costs
When spending considerable amounts of money or travelling afar, it is crucial to understand precisely what you’re paying for, especially since accessible rooms can often be amongst the most expensive. If you opt to book through third-party sites, contacting the hotel directly to confirm that your room meets your needs is essential. Moreover, considering the higher rates for accessible accommodations, it may be prudent to inquire about possible discounts. In my experience, it is always wiser to be overly cautious during the booking process than to arrive at a location hoping they will provide what was promised online.
Furthermore, certain guided tours may impose extra charges for access facilities. For instance, in Iceland, a fully accessible Golden Circle tour was available, including an adapted bus and pick-up and drop-off from my accommodation. However, this option was priced at approximately €400 ($445) per person, while the standard tour cost only €80 ($89). Opting for the economical choice necessitated my exiting my wheelchair and hoisting myself onto the coach. I opted to keep the atmosphere light-hearted despite the challenges; these situations are rarely glamorous, but they often keep your wallet happier.
Having a Plan B
When seeking authentic experiences within diverse cultures, consider that accommodations like a thatched cottage in Ireland, a beach hut in Indonesia, or a traditional ryokan guesthouse in Japan may lack quality access facilities. Acknowledging this in advance allows you and your travel companions to devise lifting systems, and sometimes it’s prudent to establish a Plan B to avoid missing out altogether. Additionally, having a Plan B is crucial when considering transport options. Familiarize yourself with the transport system before arrival, identifying which buses, trains, and trams offer assistance or have access features. In large train stations, using Google Maps to display your destination to a staff member at the information desk can significantly enhance your journey.
Always Do Your Research
A recent survey by Compare the Market identified Luxembourg, Berlin, Stockholm, Oslo, and Bern as Europe’s top five most accessible cities, a testament to their progressive and liberal status. Each location tends to feature predominantly flat terrains and contemporary architecture; however, such a high rating does not absolve the necessity for diligent research prior to your visit. Gather information about noteworthy attractions, and as you become familiar with the transport systems and local geography, you will be better prepared to tackle any challenges that may arise.
Download GoTravelDaily’s Accessible Travel Online Resources (2019 edition) for free.
