"Your present circumstances don't determine where you can go; they merely determine where you start." - Nido Qubein
With any trip or holiday, at home or abroad, it's a good idea to do some planning for your trip. If you are a person with disabilities, you need to be 100% certain that you needs are met precisely. There may be a few extra things to think about before you leave home.
“Seeing” your journey from the moment you leave your home to when you arrive at your destination may give you a pretty good idea about all of the possible challenges you may expect during the trip. This will help you to figure out what to plan so you will not be caught by these challenges by surprise.
Do you know that you can bring your Live-in Carer along? Our Live in carers provide excellent companionship and support during a journey. They can also help during the planning stage, if required.
Whether your are travelling with your Livein Carer or on your own, there are some common things that people with disabilities need to consider. We have composed a list of a few extra things to think about before you leave home. This is by no means an exhaustive list but it should help you understand the key areas to keep in mind:
It is important to communicate your needs clearly, especially when booking by phone, post or over internet. Different countries have different levels of services and facilities available or accessible to you. If you require a particular service or facility, we recommend to check that they are available before booking your trip.
Finding information is easy and don't be afraid to ask - travel agents, tour operators, airports and airlines usually ensure that their services are accessible to people with disabilities. Information they produce is clear and simple to use. You can request information in accessible formats, such as Braille, large print, or on audiotape.
There are many different types of travel insurance available. You will need to decide what type of cover you need and check thoroughly that the policy you choose suits your needs. Getting help from a family member or Live-in Carer in this matter is important as there are many things to consider.
On top of a standard cover for things like flight delays and theft of belongings, you need to make sure you are covered:
for any medical costs that arise from your disability as many policies do not cover claims arising from 'pre-existing medical conditions'
if an airline is unable to carry you for any reason, for example, a change of plane type to one that is not accessible
You should take out travel insurance even if you are travelling within the UK. This is especially important if you have a wheelchair or other special equipment, or you are likely to need medical attention which may cut your holiday short.
You have chosen the destination and have gotten your insurance sorted – now you're excited to begin your trip! Time to think about how you are going to get to the airport. “See” yourself getting in and out of taxi – do you need a specially adapted one? Do you need assistance in the airport? If you do, you need to let your airline know about this in advance.
Make sure you get a similar level of assistance at the airport of your destination. We suggest that you request written confirmation about any special arrangements you make to make sure there aren't any issues when you arrive at your destination and you can enjoy your trip from beginning to end.
Navigating through airports should not be difficult. Most of them have online maps where reserved seating and disabled toilets are clearly marked - and if you do get lost, find airport staff and they will be more than happy to help you.
It is vital to remember that, in accordance with European Law, you are entitled to certain levels of assistance if you are an individual with reduced mobility!
Live-in Carers can be arranged to travel with you - whether that is for companionship care, or medical support. From a two week holiday to a trip around Europe which can last a month, give our team a call to talk through your options: 01264 319 399
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