THOUGHTS ON TRAVELLING SUCCESSFULLY VIA WHEELCHAIR OR SCOOTER

By Carol Oldham O'Hara

Time was when those who walked by wheelchair or scooter rarely ventured beyond their homes. Not so today. The world has changed. Folks who travel in wheelchairs and scooters are commonplace throughout the world. Sidewalks in many countries are wide, with ramps to crosswalks; many cruise lines are proud of their cabins and their ships that say welcome to the less-able, and hotels are becoming better and better in this respect. From our travels of more than twenty years, with both a wheelchair and a scooter, my husband Jim and I have developed tips that might be useful to many of you.

1. Planning ahead cannot be overemphasized. Disabled cruise ship cabins are usually reserved way before the cruise you desire sets sail. The same is true of high quality accessible hotel accommodations. Travel agents who specialize in disabled travel can be useful, but it is often beneficial to take the effort to make your own reservations, if for no other reason than personal contact -- so you have no unwelcome surprises upon your arrival. Confirm and reconfirm before leaving home. Our cruise lines of choice are Holland America and Royal Caribbean. Hotel chains we like include Marriott, Hilton and Hyatt, although a number of others are equally accommodating.

2. When reserving, be certain to specify exactly what you need, whether it be a lowered bed, a wheelchair accessible shower, a shower chair, or equipment for deafness of blindness. If an outside cabin or a hotel room with a view is important, make that very clear. If you rent a vehicle, state your necessity, if need be, for one equipped with hand controls and a wheelchair lift. Often, you will be referred to personnel whose goal is to be certain you receive what you need.

3. If air travel is involved, make all airlines aware of your disabilities and let airline personnel know your specific needs and the type of help you’d like. We have always found the airlines to be more than accommodating -- providing help before boarding, while in the air, and upon landing. If you are traveling economy, request reserved bulkhead seating for more leg room. This may sometimes be difficult, but persistence usually pays off.

4. Many first-class trains around the globe offer quality accessible accommodations, including appropriate restroom facilities--some of them private--making rail travel a pleasurable way to see the world.

5. In many US cities, Super Shuttle offers private handicapped van travel to and from the airport you have chosen. We have found this service tops in quality and courtesy.

6. Keep a fully charged cell phone with you at all times. Be certain it gives you the capability of calling your home from whatever region your travels encompass.

7. Allow extra time before and between plane or train transfers, even if it means extra waiting time. This avoids rushing, which can be nerve-racking.

8. It is beneficial to learn a few important phrases in the languages of the countries you will visit, or carry with you a booklet of word translations. In Japan I once asked a rail attendant if he spoke English. "It depends," he answered. That was not what I wanted to hear. I didn't get an answer to my question.

9. If you are not certain where you want your travels to take you, spend time researching the web to learn of spots user friendly for your capabilities. For instance, the island of Oahu in Hawaii offers a very low-cost door-to-door service called Handi-Van, an arm of the city bus system. By registering via telephone for the service before leaving home, you and your companions may travel any place on the island, be dropped off, and later -- at the time of your choosing -- be picked up and returned to wherever you are staying. Young children must be in a car seat to ride with you.

10. For success, when traveling outside your own country, be sure to register with the appropriate consulates, tip generously for extra help, schedule light tour days, allowing yourself the luxury of lots of down time for resting and pondering your next adventure, and consume food considered healthy and safe But wherever you go and whatever you do, do not leave home without that important safety net -- trip insurance. With it, you will have no worries. Without it, your bank account could be depleted.

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It’s a wonderful world. Enjoy its pleasures for as long as you're able,

Carol Oldham O'Hara