If you or a member of your family has a disability, then you might be worried that enjoying a holiday is going to be difficult or planning a great vacation will be impossible. While this is not the case, there’s definitely a little more to think about here. If you take the right steps, then can guarantee that everyone has a great time and ensure that you don’t have to worry about anyone feeling left out.
It’s worth noting that once you reach a certain age, it’s more likely than not that you will experience some form of disability or long term injury. As such, it’s well worth exploring the options here and keeping these factors in mind. So, let’s take a look at some of the factors that you should be aware of.
Plan What You Need To Take
First, you should make sure that you are thinking about what you will need to take with you on your vacation. If you or a member of your family has a disability that impacts mobility, then you might want to consider taking a wheelchair with you. While many resorts and attractions will provide wheelchairs, this can not always be guaranteed. If an attraction falls short it can leave you stranded. There might also be places that you want to visit where there won’t be facilities like this such as the beach. You can still enjoy vacations with your family on the beach if you invest in a wheelchair that is specifically designed for this type of environment.
Does your injury or disability cause you pain? If so, then you should think about what medication you’ll need to take with you. It’s important that you do have enough meds for the whole holiday and you might want to take a few extras in case you misplace a few while you are on vacation. You should also back some meds in your luggage and some in your carry-on. That way if your luggage gets lost, you will be able to guarantee that you still have the meds that you need to remain comfortable.
If your condition impacts you or a family member’s mental health, then there are other things that you will need to ensure that you pack. For instance, parents who have children with autism should consider their sensory needs. You might want to think about packing noise cancellation headphones or ear defenders if you are thinking about heading somewhere that is quite noisy and crowded. A place like Disney can be a nightmare for children with autism if they don’t have the right coping mechanisms in place.
Contact Companies That You Are Using
Next, you need to make sure that you are contacting the different companies that you will be using on your vacation. This could include:
Your Airline
Hotel
Entertainment attractions
Transport
You might want to do this before or after you start booking your holiday. For instance, you can contact different hotels to ensure that you find one that is accommodating and will be able to meet your needs and requirements.
When you contact your airline, you might want to ask what type of provisions they have in place for someone with a disability. You could explore whether you will be able to take a foldable wheelchair on as a carry on. Or, if they can guarantee that there will be a wheelchair available when you land at a specific airport. Some airlines do provide certain seating for those with physical difficulties and will offer different levels of support for those with particular conditions.
You might also find that the right airline will help you arrange travel and support once you reach your destination. Some are well known for taking the time to provide the extra support that guests with disabilities need to ensure that they reach their final destination without any difficulties. Certain airlines are rated higher than others including Quanta, American Airlines, and Air Canada, to name just a few.
When you speak to your hotel, make sure that you do enquire about their accessibility options. Some hotels such as certain family Disney resorts will offer you a room on the ground floor if you do have a disability. They may also make sure that your room is by transport links as well as the food court for the hotel.
Again, hotels should be accommodating to your needs, particularly once you tell them that you may require additional support. If a hotel does not match your requirements and can not support you, then you might want to consider staying somewhere else instead.
It’s certainly worth enquiring about what facilities of the hotel might be off-limit to you due to your disability. While this list should not be exhaustive it’s worth noting so that you can avoid disappointment. You should also make sure that there is a clear reason why a resort will not be able to accommodate you in a particular instance. Typically, the resort will reference a safety concern that they are unable to address.
It’s always disappointing when you reach an entertainment attraction like a theme park only to discover that the activities are not suitable or accessible to you. For instance, if you or your child have epilepsy, it’s worth exploring which rides at a theme park do use flashing lights because this will mean that the ride is going to be unsuitable. You can usually find guides like this online, but it’s often better to make sure that you get the information straight from the company. The info that is available from third parties online won’t always be accurate.
Certain facilities available will be specific to the entertainment activity that you are exploring. For instance, if your child has a disability, then it can be painful and exhausting for them to spend hours at a theme park. The good news is that most major theme parks like Alton Towers, Lego Land, Universal Studios, and Disney World all have their own accessibility options. However, they also have their own list of requirements and set of rules that they follow in terms of access.
So, if you or your child does have a disability it’s worth contacting the company to find out exactly what these are and to ensure that you meet the criteria.
In some cases, you will require formal proof from a doctor with evidence that you or a family member has a condition. In other cases, you’ll just need to make sure that you contact the company in good time and let you know that you will be visiting on a certain date.
Travel Insurance
You definitely need to make sure that you are paying for travel insurance when you go on holiday if you have a disability or if you are experiencing a long-term injury. An injury like this can get worse and this could prevent you from traveling. With the right insurance, you can make sure that you won’t lose any money if this does occur. Of course, that’s just the beginning. Travel insurance will guarantee that you are protected if you need additional support while you are abroad.
It’s possible that you might require medical treatment on holiday that relates to your disability. With the right travel insurance package, you will be able to make sure that you don’t come home to a massive bill.
Choosing A Destination
It’s worth thinking about where you want to go and the type of holiday that you want to experience with your family when you are booking a vacation. This is true when you are planning any vacation but if you have a disability there are, of course, other considerations. You should think about whether you want to relax and unwind in a private place or if you can manage quite large crowds. There are some beautiful places around the world that are perfect for a relaxing vacation from the islands of Greece to the secluded parts of Australia. Or, you could brave the crowds somewhere like one of the major theme parks and have a great family adventure.
Think About Cost
Finally, you need to make sure that you are keeping the cost of a vacation like this firmly in mind. There are extra costs that could impact you here and might just be relevant. Some reports suggest that it is more expensive to go on vacation if you have a disability. That’s why it’s always important to make sure that you are exploring the support options that are available. This can make the cost more manageable and ensure that you are getting the most out of your trip away.
We hope this helps you understand everything that you need to consider when you are planning a holiday if you or a family member does have a disability. By taking the right steps here, you will be able to make sure that your holiday is a fantastic experience. Remember, pride may stop you from asking for extra help and support. But if you do reach out, you’ll often find that resorts and companies are incredibly accommodating.
