Cory Lee is a veritable icon when it comes to traveling in a wheelchair. Diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at the age of two, he was in his first power wheelchair by the age of four. In that same year, he traveled for the first time, headed to Disney World. Later, at the age of 15, Cory headed to the Bahamas. In his blog, Curb Free with Cory Lee, he says that the Bahamas and its food, culture, and stunning natural sites sparked something in him that made him want to see as much of the world as possible.
However, Cory states that even he has made mistakes that prevented him from enjoying some destinations as much as he could. For instance, he recalls having to wait for over three hours for an accessible taxi in Los Angeles. This, he says, was valuable time he could have used to get the most of his short stay in the City of Angels. Cory says that before heading to a new city, the number-one rule is to research and find out all the pitfalls to avoid by planning in advance. Below are additional pieces of advice for any wheelchair user looking to travel!
Top Considerations to Make When Choosing a Destination
There are more cities in the world than anyone could manage to see in a lifetime, so we’ll always spoiled for choice when it comes to selecting our next destination. During the research phase, factors to consider include a city or area’s reputation for accessibility. Sites like Condé Nast Traveler are a big help when it comes to choosing areas with high combined averages for accessible restaurants, hotels, and activities. For instance, if you’re going to Europe, then London is your best overall bet in terms of accessibility. Use your search engine and follow bloggers to obtain information on hotels like The Londoner, which has 18 accessible rooms with wet-room showers and two rooms with ceiling racks for hoists. Research in advance so you don’t miss out on hotels and rooms that will make your stay much more comfortable. Talk to other travelers, join online traveling networks, and rely on social media to connect with other wheelchair users who travel frequently and who can give you key information to make your experiences more enriching and safer.
Ensure You’re Covered Medically
Travel health insurance is always important but if you have a pre-existing medical condition that requires specialized care, then health coverage should be given due importance. Travel health insurance will ensure you are reimbursed if you need emergency care, hospital stays, or replacements for lost or damaged equipment. Speak to various agents before choosing one company, as the fine print may reveal big differences in aspects such as the extent of coverage and whether you will be asked to pay upfront for medical care. If you will be traveling alone for part or all of your journey, ensure your medical information is on you at all times.
Consider wearing a red medical information tag. Traditionally used by soldiers in battle, this tag doubles up as a fashion piece while providing vital information into information such as any allergies you may have to certain medications.
Book as Many Activities as You Can in Advance
Because cities and towns can pose unexpected obstacles (like an inaccessible subway system or too-few accessible taxis), booking experiences and transport in advance can help limit these obstacles. Be prepared for higher costs for some activities if you are a wheelchair user. You may be charged up to four times (or more) standard rates if you use a wheelchair, because, for example, activity organizers may have to pay extra for accessible vehicles to transport you and your friends to different points of your route. Calling in advance allows you to get an explanation of these charges and to compare rates offered by different companies. This, we’ve found, is a great way to keep your costs down while ensuring you have safe, comfortable transportation.
In Conclusion
Staying safe when traveling in a wheelchair starts with great research. From destination selection to transport options, nearly all of the information you need is online. Forge connections with other travelers and share tips and advice.
Contribution from freelance writer, Nina Graham.
