How to Plan an Accessible Vacation

Planning a mobility-friendly vacation with an itinerary for the entire group requires some planning and thinking ahead, but there are plenty of ways to make the process easier and ensure a fun-filled vacation. Here, you can find the best tips for a mobility-friendly vacation to maximize your ease and comfort. 

Planning an Accessible Vacation

You should begin the planning process early. This additional time helps you ensure each traveler has everything they need to enjoy their experience. If you have a specific destination in mind, connect with several lodging options to determine which will offer the most convenience for all travelers.

Here's how to plan an accessible vacation:

1. Explore Accommodations

You likely have a general idea of where you want to go for your vacation. Perhaps you want to explore Phoenix or navigate Orlando. Exploring accommodations at various hotels, attractions or excursions you're interested in visiting can help you discover which ones have the best accessibility features. These features can help make your vacation experience seamless, so taking the time to research the locations or contact a support team can make a big difference. Many places will list accessibility options and support online, but reaching out can help you determine whether you need to take additional steps to prepare for the trip or to request accessibility services.

Consider researching the restaurants and tourist spots near your lodging. If you plan to explore the area, it'll be helpful to know which places offer accessibility services beforehand. Knowing there are many opportunities for exciting experiences around your location can also provide peace of mind in case you don't want to stick to a strict schedule. Some locations may simply need some advanced notice to prepare certain accessibility features, so contacting them beforehand ensures you can visit all the places on your bucket list without sacrificing ease. 

2. Create a Travel Agenda

Your travel agenda will consist of everything from transportation to some of your excursions. Contact your lodging venue to verify your reservations and prepare for your mode of travel. For instance, if you're flying to your destination, contact the airline or airport to discuss accessibility services. You'll need to inform the airline in advance if you're traveling with a wheelchair, and confirming your flight a day or two before the departure can ensure you receive maximum assistance at each terminal. If you're driving, be sure you prep the vehicle before it's time to head out. On top of typical needs like oil changes and tire rotations, you should also maximize the space to ensure each passenger's comfort.

You'll also want to call local restaurants and attractions you might visit during your trip. Whether you prefer to stick to a set schedule or want the freedom to explore new places as you encounter them, creating a travel agenda will be a huge help. For example, if you know you want to get a nice dinner at a local restaurant, call ahead to see which locations offer the accessibility features you need. You don't need to pick the exact restaurant you plan to visit, but having a few ideas in your pocket can make your experience much less stressful when you arrive. 

3. Book Mobility Equipment

Another element to consider is how you'll move around your destination. Determine how you can transport your mobility device for maximum ease. You can store wheelchairs in vehicles, use car carriers for storage, use a lift platform, or opt for a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair that you can fold or take apart. Mobility scooters are an excellent option for travelers who can't operate a manual wheelchair easily or experience fatigue quickly.

Packing Tips and Checklist for Accessible Travel

Planning your vacation also involves packing all the items you might need during your stay. Be sure to have these items ready:

• Medical equipment and devices: Ensure you have all essential medical devices or equipment, including medications, charging equipment, and protective gear. In some cases, you may need to bring equipment such as a collapsible shower chair or walking aids. Contacting your hotel or Airbnb can help you determine whether these items will be available upon your arrival or if you need to bring them with you. If you have limited space or want to streamline your travel experience, opting for mobility device rentals ensures you have equipment ready to go without needing to find space in your suitcase or car. 
  
  
• Comfort items: Comfort items make people feel more at ease when traveling. These items could include a blanket, pillow, seat cushion, or specific item of clothing. These items should be easily accessible during the journey, so be sure to place them in easy-to-reach locations. 
  
  
• Emergency information: It is critical to have important information ready in the event of an emergency. Items like a medical ID card can be helpful if you face an unforeseen event. 
  
  

Mobility-Friendly Vacation Tips

There are even more ways to streamline your travel experience. Implementing a few strategies can make navigation easier and provide peace of mind. Check out these mobility-friendly vacation tips to enhance your experience:

• Get in touch with guest services to learn more about their accommodations and whether you need accessibility passes.
• Ask staff about the location or availability of charging areas before your trip.
• Consider the weather before beginning any activities, and bring any protective gear necessary.
• Utilize the internet and other resources when possible to find out more about accessibility options.
• Always have any documentation and medication on hand in the event of an emergency.
• Arrive early to transportation stations or reservations to reaffirm any needs with the staff.
• Consider hiring an agent to guide you through various options to meet your needs.
• Never hesitate to ask for help if you need it. 
  
  

Choose Scootaround Mobility Rentals for Your Vacation

When you want to make vacation planning more manageable, renting mobility equipment can be an excellent solution. At Scootaround, you can choose from many mobility devices, including rentals for wheelchairs, power chairs, scooters, walkers, and more. Scootaround is a leading personal transportation solutions company, so we know what it means to have access to worry-free rentals seven days a week. We make it easy to find the equipment you need to explore more than 2,500 locations across North America and Europe. You're already on your way to a relaxing vacation, so let us handle the rest. We make it easy to book mobility device rentals online for your upcoming vacations. We look forward to serving you!