Travelling with limited mobility can be a challenge, but not something that should stop you doing anything. Definitely more planning required but a holiday with a wheelchair or other mobility aids is possible.
Planning and research is essential to make sure you get accessible bathrooms, hotels with lifts and wheelchair accessibility and attractions that work for you. Prebooking hotels is necessary as not all rooms are suitable. You also need to advise the hotel, airline, transfer company or car hire provider in advance of any mobility issues, so they are aware and can manage your needs. Speaking from personal experience, there’s nothing better than getting someone out of a wheelchair into a pool on a hot day (did this in Las Vegas!)
If you’re planning to do sightseeing, a road trip or even just relax on a beach – you also need to know that attractions, local public transport and restaurants/bars are also accessible. Luckily most of these have websites, so you can check in advance. They all tend to respond quickly on email if you have questions like “how many steps are there to enter the restaurant?”, “is the toilet accessible?” and so on.
Don’t forget to pack medication in your hand luggage and some extra in your checked-in luggage (just in case of flight delays on the way home).
We at Diamond Travel deal with operators who understand mobility difficulties and less-visible disabilities and can make your holiday special and reduce the stress.
Some ideas of adventurous holidays for wheelchair users here