Have Mobility Issues, Will Travel!

Having mobility issues doesn’t mean you can’t go on a great vacation!

We love Utah, but just like you, we love a relaxing vacation too! If you suffer from limited mobility or have a disability, you’ll need to spend a little more time planning your break though. Our customers have come to rely on their stair lifts, home elevators, ramps and mobility scooters, so travelling can be a real mobility shock – the good news is that you can sidestep any potential accessibility problems if you plan ahead.

Plan, plan and plan some more

When you have a disability of any kind or even if you just struggle to walk for more than just a few minutes, the key to having a trouble-free vacation lies in great planning. Some destinations cater to people with mobility issues more than others, so it’s really important to ask yourself if your chosen destination is suitable for you.

Do you need a wheelchair or walker? How will you travel – train, plane, car or bus? Can you take your own wheelchair on your chosen mode of transport or will you ask for assistance at the airport or station? Is there good wheelchair access in your chosen destination? What about oxygen – does your airline allow it? Is your chosen hotel wheelchair friendly?

We’ve put together some helpful tips that will help you plan your vacation, so that you stay mobile and happy during your travels and here they are:

Before you book

• Ask yourself what your needs are and what equipment you’ll need while travelling to your destination (whichever mode of transport you are using). Write everything down.
• Start looking for a destination and accommodation that meets your mobility needs and remember – if you have doubts, investigate them, as nothing spoils a vacation more than finding yourself confined to your hotel, while everyone has fun.
• When you’ve found your dream vacation destination, take some time to contact the airline or train/ bus operator and the hotel you plan to stay at. Make sure that you are allowed to take your mobility aids and that the hotel really is as accessible as it claims to be (In our next blog, we’re going to tell you what questions to ask when you call a hotel).
• Only make bookings when the companies have answered all your questions and you are satisfied that you’ll have a great time, free of any mobility hiccups due to accessibility problems.
• Check reviews on travel sites and search for the most accessible countries, cities or even cruises in your browser. Popular searches include: “vacations for seniors with limited mobility”, “vacations with little walking”, “limited mobility vacation”, etc.

Here at Western Stairlifts, your mobility solutions provider in Utah, we’re in the business of making our customers’ lives easier, whether that be by installing a stair lift, walk-in tub or home elevator or by letting you in on our top tips for making life and vacations a lot more enjoyable! For more information about our mobility solutions and services, feel free to drop by our showroom or give us a call on 801-386-2408. We can’t wait to hear from you!