The temps are rising and that means one thing: summer adventures are on the horizon. At 101 Mobility, we believe everyone deserves to soak up the best of the season, no matter what mobility challenges they may be facing.
Planning Accessible Summer Adventures
We recognize the importance of accessibility when it comes to summer travel. That’s why we’re excited to share tips on traveling with a disability, including info on navigating transportation, preparation, the best mobility products, and more. Get insights on how 101 Mobility can help you manage the challenges of traveling with a disability or traveling with a disabled person and get ready for a fun-filled summer ahead.
Preparing for Travel With a Disability
If you or a loved one has a disability or faces mobility challenges, there may be an extra layer of planning needed when taking summer vacations. But don’t worry—we’re sharing accessible travel tips so you can have a seamless and fun experience once you arrive.
For starters, you’ll want to thoroughly research a destination before you make a decision and book your trip. Does your dream location have a lot of accessible activities available? What will the weather be like? Are there multiple modes of transportation required? Once you’ve done your thorough research, you’ll also want to look into lodging and attractions, paying extra close attention to the accessibility information for each.
You’ll also want to keep your health top of mind at every step. Consult with your doctor or other healthcare providers to ensure you’re well enough to travel and get any additional tips on your health before you go. Make a checklist for packing the essentials, like medications, medical documents, and any adaptive equipment you might need, so you have peace of mind—and are kept safe and healthy. Want tips on evaluating your mobility? Learn how to conduct your own assessment at home.
Air Travel Tips for People With Disabilities
Need to hop on a plane to get to your destination this summer? When it comes to the challenges of traveling with a disability, navigating the airport and flying process can sometimes be tricky, but it doesn’t have to be. Get tips on handling air travel with a disability, making the journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
- Book Assistance Through the TSA Cares Program: When navigating air travel with a disability, you’ll want to contact the TSA 72 hours before your trip to chat with an expert about your needs. They can help answer questions or arrange support and assistance during the screening process.
- Request Wheelchair Service and Pre-Boarding: Traveling with mobility aids? Check out your airline wheelchair policies. You can usually request wheelchair assistance ahead of time through the airline when booking your ticket. Alternatively, you can give them a call at least 48 hours before your flight to get the help you need once you arrive. Once you get to your gate, talk to an agent about pre-boarding. This will allow you extra time to get on the plane and get situated. There are also concessions for carers traveling with a disabled person, like getting to board together. Ask your airline for more info.
- Traveling With Mobility Scooters or Medical Devices: Let your airline know what mobility equipment you’ll be traveling with. Certain equipment may be carried on the plane depending on its size and weight. Your mobility scooter will need to be stowed away in the cargo hold during the flight and you will use a transfer chair to get on the plane.
Recommended Mobility Travel Products
When traveling with a disability, the right mobility equipment can make all the difference. At 101 Mobility, we offer today’s best mobility equipment and tools, ensuring you’re able to easily get where you need to go. Check out a few of our top recommendations below.
- Power Chairs & Scooters: Easily maneuver through tight indoor and outdoor spaces without exerting yourself. Take these tools with you on the go to easily navigate common outdoor activities this summer, like heading to the park or zoo. Looking for the best models for travel? Give the Pride Go-Chair or Golden Technologies Power Scooters a try, as these are all lightweight and can be disassembled as needed for travel.
- Wheelchair Ramps: If you use a wheelchair, power scooter, or power chair, ramp access is critical, especially when traveling. If you’re headed out on a road trip, you’ll likely need a ramp you can take with you and use as needed. Our multi-fold ramps are up to the task, as they’re designed for easy transport and feature an extended hook to clear car rear bumpers. They can be folded in both width and length, and can be separated into two sections, making it easy to cater to your needs when traveling. Learn more about how mobility scooters go up ramps. Looking for additional car equipment to keep you mobile? Check out our wheelchair carriers.
Traveling with a disability doesn’t have to be stressful and we have the tools to help make it just a bit easier. Getting outside this summer? Learn more about the best outdoor mobility aids. Searching for mobility solutions to use at home? Check out our full range of products to find something right for you.
Have a relative coming to visit you for the summer instead? Get tips on making your home more comfortable for visitors or contact us for your free-in home consultation. We’ll help assess the layout of your home and your needs.
Hotel and Ground Transportation Accessibility
If you’re traveling with a disability or traveling with a disabled person, choosing the right hotel is especially important. There are a few things you should keep in mind when making your booking. Not sure what to ask? We can help. Follow a few best practices for booking accommodations and ensure the hotel you’re choosing has:
- ADA-Compliant Bathrooms: Ensure they have rooms with larger bathrooms for wheelchair access, grab bars for safety, and more.
- Elevator and Ground Floor Access: Ask the hotel about elevator access and if preferred, see if you can get a room on the bottom floor.
- Parking and Shuttle Services: If you’re staying in a busy tourist area, your hotel may be larger with more distant parking. Ask how close the parking area is and see if there is a shuttle for assistance, so you don’t have to worry about navigating a long distance. You’ll also want to ask about ride-sharing or rental options in the area that can accommodate wheelchair users or those with other disabilities.
Quick Checklist: Travel-Ready Essentials for Accessibility
Ready to go, but worried you’ll forget something? Check out our handy checklist to make sure you’re prepared, no matter where your summer travels take you.
- Battery Backups and Chargers: Make sure you have any necessary cords, chargers, and backup batteries for all your medical and accessibility equipment.
- Foldable Ramps: When packing up your car, don’t forget any ramps you may need to get you in and out of your vehicle, and in and out of buildings.
- Travel Documents and Prescriptions: Grab your passport, any prescriptions you may need, and all your medications, packing them safely somewhere you’ll be able to easily access.
- Emergency Contact List: Write down all emergency contacts and make sure this list is also somewhere easily accessible. This can come in handy if anything urgent arises. Additionally, remember to pack and wear any medical jewelry.
Traveling With a Hidden Disability
At 101 Mobility, we know that not all disabilities are visible. If you’re traveling with a hidden disability, you’re not alone. We’re here to support you however we can. Get a few tips for traveling with a hidden disability.
- Consider Slow Travel: Go easy on yourself and make sure you don’t overpack your schedule. Traveling at a slower pace can give your body and mind time to rest.
- Be Flexible: Have something active planned but don’t feel like you’re up for it? Give yourself grace and the flexibility to adjust as needed.
- Reach Out for Support: Bring a trusted friend or loved one with you or be sure to reach out via phone if you need to talk.
Remember, your vacation should be fun and relaxing for you. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself and prioritize your health at every step.
101 Mobility Can Help You Prepare
If you’re facing the challenges of traveling with a disability or traveling with someone with a disability, 101 Mobility can help you prepare. Check out our wide range of mobility solutions designed to make your life easier at home—and on vacation. You can also explore our caregiver highlight for tips on prioritizing yourself while caring for a loved one. Ready to get started? Contact us today for help dealing with the challenges of traveling with a disability. We’d love to chat with you about your needs.
Looking for temporary tools when traveling with a disabled person? We also offer short-term mobility equipment rentals, ideal for those recovering from surgery or an injury.
Get Out and Explore With Confidence
Everyone deserves the chance to travel and explore—especially in the summertime. If you are traveling with a disability, you can make your experience much easier with the right tools and support. Stay prepared, stay calm, and take it one step at a time. And if you need a helping hand with stress-free getaways, 101 Mobility is up for the task. We’re here to empower our customers to be more independent and find joy in traveling.
Whether you need mobility solutions to take on those summer trips with ease or are looking for ways to make your living space more accessible, we’re here to help. Give us a call or reach out to us for a free in-home consultation and get on track to an adventure-filled summer ahead. Happy travels!
