Planning & Preparation What time of the year should I travel?
Contents
1. 16 Flying amp Transportation Is it better to fly direct or have layovers 19 What types of batteries for power wheelchairs scooters do airlines accept 20 Do I have to wait in the long security line at the airport 21 Can I bring my wheelchair on board an airplane with me 22 How do I get on an airplane if I m in a wheelchair 23 How do I go to the bathroom during a long flight 25 I need a wheelchair accessible van vehicle for my travels where should I rent one 28 What if something goes wrong or my rights were violated during my flight 29 Accommodations amp Lodging What questions should I be asking when making room reservations 31 What if I get to my room and it is not as advertised 33 Health amp Lifestyle How do I stay healthy as possible during my travels 35 Are there any reasons why I shou2. Lets you use your smart phone to take virtual notes Save your ideas things you like things you hear and things you see on the fly My TSA Free Gives you 24 7 access to information that passengers frequently request from the Trans portation Security Administration TSA TripIt Free Lets you organize trip details into one master online itinerary even if arrangements are booked at multiple travel sites It automati cally includes maps directions and weather in their master itinerary You have the option to book restaurants theatre tickets activities and more right from within the online itinerary And safely access travel plans online share them check in for flights or print an itinerary Google Translate Free Translate words and phrases between more than 60 languages For most languages you can speak your phrases and hear the corre sponding translations Google Maps Free Google maps simply rock Just use it to locate where you are but please note that if you are roaming I would suggest using a Wi Fi hotspot Otherwise your charges will be outrageous follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 15 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Get Human Free Why wait This is a free app that tells you the swiftest way to reach a live operator for example dial the 800 number then press 1 and then 4 Great
3. at your destination layover With that said here is a simple three step process which will explain the process further Step 1 Gate Check your Wheelchair or Mobility Device When you arrive at your gate the first thing you need to do is get a gate check ticket from the counter for your wheelchair or mobility device Simply ask the flight attendant behind the counter for it and they will attach the ticket securely to your chair tear off a claim stub and give it to you This ticket is to identify that the wheelchair or mobility device you are in is yours I always make myself aware to the airline gate personnel because its usually busy and now it s easier for them to identify you when it is time to board the aircraft Step 2 Transfer onto a Aisle Chair Now that you have been called for pre board ing it is time for you to out of your wheel chair or mobility device into what s called an aisle chair at the door of the aircraft The aisle chair is a small thin rigid high back wheelchair which is especially made for People with Disabilities to get on off of the aircraft They have straps to help secure you and are usually highly uncomfortable but don t worry it is only very temporary Either the airline crew or airline ground follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 24 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel ques
4. MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Planning amp Preparation What should I bring with me during my travels This is a loaded question and it completely depends on who you are as an individual Being prepared is one of the best ways to minimize complications during your travels First off evaluate what your medical needs are on a daily basis because you will need to bring these items with you as you travel Look at such things as medications and mobility aid devices such as canes walkers wheelchairs scooters etc Then I would consult with your physician to see what you will need during your time away Explain what you are wanting to do Your physician should be able to help provide you with the proper medication dosages and make recommendations for consumption application Resource Travelin Wheels has a great online article on Traveling with Medications that s worth a read if you have a moment Finally don t forget such important items as battery chargers for power chairs amp scooters eyeglasses and hearing aids if you need them Secondly I would suggest that you pack light and bring TWICE the money In your travels you ll meet two kinds of tourists those who pack light and those who wish they had Rick Steves Traveling with a disability depending on your disability requires us to carry more than the average individual Packing light your clothes and personal hygiene
5. The good news is there are several companies both based in the United States where you can rent wheelchair accessible vans shuttles or tour buses Below are a few major companies who specialize in these types of rentals Wheelchair Getaways wheelchairgetaways com The largest wheelchair van rental companies in the United States I have personally use them a few times and they re decent but I recommend that you be thorough in your communications with them Nonetheless they have always seem to deliver Ability Center abilitycenter com Ability Center has several locations through out the US but not a ton where you can rent wheelchair accessible vans They are a solid company and are respected within the industry Accessible Vans of America accessiblevans com A group of independent wheelchair van dealers who are all committed to improving the accessible transportation options for people requiring adaptive equipment for mobility Any of the above companies should be able to custom tailor the vehicle to your needs hand controls seat removal tiedowns etc For those who are outside of the United States a great way to find out who rents accessible vehicles in your specific country is to Google Yahoo or Bing accessible van rentals insert country name here In the end I recommend that you contact each company directly and get quotes Don t forget that the longer you rent it is generally cheaper on a per
6. US based travelers only If you are located outside the United States please check with your airline first to see what they have as far as regulations for traveling with medical equipment follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 10 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Planning amp Preparation Should I use an accessible travel agent Travelers with Disabilities often need assis tance with all of the moving components that come with traveling There are a wide variety of needs associated with this such as transportation accommo dations medical equipment rentals and lots more which can be a little overwhelming especially if you are a first time traveler The good news is you re in luck Within the travel industry there are travel agents and agencies who focus their efforts directly for People with Disabilities What can they do for you They can handle many aspects of any type of vacation from airfare to lodging to booking sightseeing tours They can customize based on your inter ests abilities and energy level They can act as an advocate for you an swer questions about safety security They can save you time They can save you Best options prices amp value Types of Accessible Travel Agents Agencies Generally there are three different types of accessible travel agents agencies Fu
7. choose from and you have complete freedom to feel out which ones you are most comfort able with But I do have few recommendations to at least get you pointed in the right direction Below are some of the major websites Kayak com Their motto Search one then done And that s exactly how it works You put in your search criteria and it searches all of the major and some minor ones travel based websites at once It s a great way to see from a birds eye view all of the offers that are out there Highly recommended Expedia com One of the largest if not THE largest in the online travel game I personally have used this website multiple times without a hitch If you do have accessible requirements when travel ing there is a accessible input area during the checkout phase Hotels com As the name states they are more hotel fo cused but they do offer flights and vacation packages They were sued a few years ago for not having accessibility offerings so now they enhanced their website so you can now search for wheelchair accessible rooms Sometimes it s better to look at some of the lesser known websites They can be highly competitive because they have to compete with the larger ones Below are some lesser known websites Go Today Go today is an online travel provider offering vacation packages and customized itineraries to destinations throughout Europe Africa Asia and Central amp Sout
8. day basis follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 29 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Flying amp Transportation What if something goes wrong or my rights were violated during my flight Flying with a disability doesn t always go as smoothly as you planned I know because I ve experienced many bumps in the road in all of my travels Nonetheless if something does go wrong especially during your flight such as your wheelchair gets damaged or you feel your rights were violated in any way shape or form there is a hope for a solution Introducing the CRO In the United States the Air Carriers Access Act ACAA was created not only to help specify how airlines should treat People with Disabilities but also how they should resolve conflicts with those passengers If you do encounter a problem when flying the first thing you need to do is ask to talk to the airline s Complaints Resolution Official CRO Airlines must have a CRO available either in person or by phone at every airport to help resolve disagreements which may arise between the carrier itself and passengers with disabilities In an essence be clear and explicit on what the problem is state if you ve had any finan cial or time loss and see what the air carrier can do to resolve the problem at hand Candy Harrington has a great article on How to E
9. if you have your credit card confiscated by an ATM Rooms 0 99 Do you always forget what hotel room you re in With Rooms you can store and easily check your hotel room number on your iPhone You can also add a note to remind yourself which building or tower the room is in or which elevator to take etc Rick Steves Audio Europe Free This app organizes Rick s vast and varied library of audio content into geographic spe cific playlists so you can enjoy ready access to the information that relates specifically to your travel plans You ll get Rick s self guided tours for dozens of Europe s top museums sights and historic walks plus 200 tracks of travel tips and cultural insights from his radio show all for FREE Wikitravel Free online mobile site Wikitravel is a project to create a free complete up to date and reliable worldwide travel guide So far there is approximately 25 732 destination guides and other articles written and edited by Wikitravellers from around the globe Bloomberg http www bloomberg com news 2012 10 17 smartphones in use surpass 1 billion will double by 2015 html follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 16 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Internet amp Technology What websites are the best to book my flights amp hotels Obviously there s a plethora of websites to
10. Can beds amp furniture be moved Are there steps at the hotel entrance Ask if there s an elevator Don t forget that outside the US the first floor is actually the US equivalent to the second floor Is there handicap parking available follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 32 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Ask for a room block rooms set aside for a particular period of time for a you Ask for pictures Any reputable hotel will be happy to email you photos In general make sure you avoid asking yes and no type questions These types of questions get you absolutely nowhere Finally listen and read between the lines Be clear and explicit on what your needs are The person answering the phone at the hotel reservation desk is not a mind reader so the first call to action here is self assertion When asking questions you should listen for clues that indicate the hotel has a good understanding of your needs The reservation desk should be knowledgeable about ADA requirements such as wheelchair accessible passages counter heights door hardware bathroom fixtures and roll in showers If so your chances are pretty solid follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 33 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessib
11. Tions crew can and will help you transfer out of your mobility device if requested by you So SPEAK UP if you need help Once you are transferred and secured into the aisle chair the airline crew will then wheel you onto the aircraft to your seat assignment Step 3 Transfer into Your Seat Upon arrival to your seat row the airline crew will unstrap you and help you again if requested by you out of the aisle chair into your seat The airline crew will also help you get situated by strapping in your seatbelt and or stowing your personal belongings either underneath the chair in front of you or above you in the overhead compartments follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 25 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Flying amp Transportation How do I go to the bathroom during a long flight There s nothing worse than being in a middle of the long flight and having the urge to do what nature has intended us to do So preparation is the key here When I know I m just about to embark on a longer flight more than 2 hours without disembarking the aircraft I prepare in 3 different stages to help minimize as much as possible the hassle of going to the bathroom Stage 1 Watch what you eat The old saying is true Garbage in garbage out and that directly applies to what you eat and drink when you fly Caroline Mors
12. amp international travel Do Bring a small first aid kit in your luggage to be carried on your person don t forget TSA guidelines Do Bring your eyewear prescriptions if applicable Do Update your vaccinations and ask about other immunizations you might need during your travels Do Try to get as much fresh air as you can between connections Do Wash your hands frequently when traveling Do Wipe down the tray table on an air plane have you ever seen an airline crew clean these I haven t Do Take airborne again consult your physician Do Drink plenty of water amp stay hydrated When it comes to your health and the health of others while you are traveling remember these 3 keys 1 Be proactive 2 Be prepared 3 Be protected Source Disabled World follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 37 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Health amp Lifestyle Are there any reasons why I should NOT travel with a disability Simply put Yes And I have 3 reasons why I believe you should NOT travel if you have a disability Let s break them down shall we Reason 1 You re unfit for travel We ve talked about health in some of the previous questions such as what foods amp beverages you need to avoid and the types of germs you might encounter to keep yourself healthy
13. ation At this point the company thinks you have gone to another site so it will try to send you better offers via email Note that bounce back offers don t happen all the time and you may have to wait a few days to get them Still they re certainly worth a shot as you can get deals on airfares hotels and travel packages sometimes at half the price flying amp transportation follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 19 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Flying amp Transportation Is it better to fly direct or have layovers I think this is an important question to ask The process of flying is often challenging enough for the average consumer these days but flying with a disability is even that much harder because it can take quite a bit of effort to get from point A to point B So in my opinion I always try to fly direct if I can Yes it is typically more expensive but the price is absolutely worth it if it can get you from point A to point B that much quicker Also it makes traveling a bit more simplified because all you have to do is get on the plane then you arrive get off Now I know that in a good percentage of cases flying direct is simply not an option If this is the case and if a layover is necessary I always try to schedule my inbetween time to give me enough time to get me on and off of th
14. ave a travel companion dispose in bathroom Finally a few suggestions If you do need to use the facilities during flight see Option B above I have a few do s amp don ts I recommend you follow Don t Ask to use the bathroom when the flight attendants are serving food and bever ages They will simply not assist you Do Inform the flight attendants if you have any inkling of having to use the bathroom They will need to get the onboard aisle chair provided the aircraft has one and this takes time Don t Expect the flight attendants to assist you in the bathroom because they won t Do Speak up Be an advocate for yourself People are not mind readers and especially flight attendants during a flight In the end it s all about being prepared taking the initiative and being aware of your body rhythm will help you minimize the hassle of in flight relief follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 28 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Flying amp Transportation I need a wheelchair accessible van vehicle for my travels where should I rent one Transportation is often a huge obstacle for those of us including myself traveling with a wheelchair especially those in a power wheelchair or scooter Unfortunately we can t just hop in and out of any type of vehicle That s the nature of the game I guess
15. avel within the United States Always consult your airline first no matter where you live Wet cell batteries are considered spillable and will need to be disconnected removed during transport Dry cell amp Gel cell batteries are considered non spillable and do not need to be discon nected removed during transport So before you travel it is important to know which type of batteries your mobility equip ment has because when you check in at the airport the airline agent will ask you If you don t know what type of battery is in your mobility device either check your user manual that came with it research your model number online or simply contact the manufacturer directly and ask them follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 21 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Flying amp Transportation Do I have to wait in the long security line at the airport The answer to this question is a HUGE timesaver Short answer No Again this answer will mostly apply to Travel ers with Disabilities within the United States If you need special assistance getting through airport security because you use a wheelchair scooter a walker a cane or any other type of assistive devices for mobility there is a special line usually off to either far side of the security queue Just look for a sign that says something about wheelcha
16. e aircraft without having to be super stressed out For you first time travelers if you are planning to fly and need special assistance during air travel traveling with a wheelchair or scooter or can t walk as far you will be FIRST on and LAST off of the aircraft Generally I recommend you allow yourself AT LEAST one hour in between flights connections for domestic travel and a mini mum of two hours for international flights connections This way you can minimize stress as much as possible gather yourself get some fresh air and safely get to your next gate follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 20 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Flying amp Transportation What types of batteries for power wheelchairs scooters do airlines accept Obviously this question applies to those who require use power wheelchairs or scooters for their mobility When flying airlines have very strict guidelines on batteries and other hazardous materials that are being transported Depending on your manufacturer of your power wheelchair or scooter there are typical ly three different types of batteries they make Wet cell Dry cell Gel cell I won t get into what they are chemically made up of but here s a quick synopsis between them in regards to airline travel Please note The below information applies to tr
17. e of SmarterTravel com suggests there are 8 types of food amp beverages that you should avoid prior to flying Fried or Fast foods This should go without saying but sometimes common sense is not exactly common practice Digestion is harder for your body at 35 000 feet plus the human digestive system already has a difficult time processing saturated fats Then you ve got a recipe for heartburn or an upset stomach Alcohol The air we breathe on airplanes isn t humidified so alcohol of any kind can cause you to become super dehydrated Plus alcohol has a greater effect on your body at higher altitudes Cruciferous Vegetables Due to the cabin s increased air pressure when we fly broccoli cauliflower and other cruciferous vegetables can increase bloating and should be avoided Carbonated Beverages Carbonated beverages like soda and beer are also major contributors to bloating Avoid ingesting 24 hours prior and during your flight Sugar Free Gum and Candy Sugar free products usually contain artificial sweeteners and because we cannot process these very well and they can cause bloating gas and even have a laxative effect Not good Legumes Beans beans the magical fruit The more you eat the more you toot Beans naturally contain indigestible complex sugars that can lead to onboard gas and bloating follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights res
18. erved page 26 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Garlic Garlic contains sulfuric compounds that are absorbed into your blood stream and lungs This means that you will be literally smelling like garlic and have garlic breath even after you brush your teeth Airplane Provided Water Ice Coffee Or Tea Tests done by the EPA a few years ago showed that one out of every seven planes had tank water that did not meet federal standards and in fact contained bacteria like E coli Coffee tea and ice are also all made on board using the aircraft s water tank so unless you re feeling risky I would suggest bringing your own water purchased from any airport gift shop prior to boarding Stage 2 Right before your flight Go to the bathroom either at home right before you leave or at the airport before you board the aircraft This is why it is important to arrive early before you fly because you need to leave enough time to prepare properly Get EVERYTHING out By going to the bathroom right before your flight you minimize your chance of having to have an emergency midflight Another precaution is to use a catheter I ve used catheters in the past and it is not above me to use one if I need it They are and can be a lifesaver so I would suggest using one if you don t already Check with your primary physician for details For those already using cath
19. eters make sure your bag is empty prior to your flight and it also is another great idea to have a backup bag handy Stage 3 If nature calls Sometimes you do the best to prepare and minimize your chance of having to use the restroom while flying but there are always those circumstances However if you abso lutely need to use the bathroom facilities here are your options Option A Use your catheter amp urine leg bag less difficult Have your catheter amp empty urine leg bag in place before your flight If you need to empty the bag wrapup the bag in a blanket amp have a travel compan ion dispose in the bathroom Option B Use the aircraft s lavoratory most difficult You will need to do the following Request the onboard aisle chair from the Steward stewardess Transfer onto the onboard aisle chair follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 27 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Proceed to the accessible bathroom on the aircraft Enter the bathroom and transfer onto the toilet you may need assistance Do your business Reverse the process Option C Be discreet last resort Ask your traveling companion steward stewardess or even a fellow passenger to hold up a blanket Urinate in a bottle or whatever container available Wrapup the container in a blanket amp h
20. ffectively Complain which will explain the proper steps needed in order to make a complaint in the best light possible You may also contact the United States Department of Transportation DOT at United States Department of Transportation Aviation Consumer Protection Division 400 7th Street SW Washington DC 20590 1 800 778 4838 Voice 1 800 455 9880 TTY The key to handling these bumps is being flexible and firm The more flexible you are it s almost like you expect for something to go wrong and when it does it s generally easier to work through because it was expected in the first place Along with being flexible you must be firm What I mean is speak up be an advocate for yourself follow up make necessary copies of all documents and finally don t take no for answer accommodations amp lodging follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 31 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Accommodations amp Lodging What questions should I be asking when making room reservations Many hotel motel chains claim to be acces sible however there s a large spectrum of how they interpret what accessible actually means Plus amenities which are offered by many these places for People with Disabilities very drastically So unfortunately there is no one size fits all solution to thi
21. follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 2 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Table of Contents Disclaimers 3 Welcome amp Introduction 4 Planning amp Preparation If I m a first time traveler where do you recommend I go 6 What time of the year should I travel 7 What should I bring with me during my travels 8 I need to fly with medical equipment Does that count against my luggage flying quota 9 Should I use an accessible travel agent 10 Internet amp Technology Where are some good ways to research accessible trips vacations 13 What are some of the best accessible travel apps for my smartphone 14 What websites are the best to book my flights amp hotels
22. ghts reserved page 13 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Internet amp Technology What are some good ways to research accessible trips vacations Doing good research is the cornerstone of what makes a great experience from a horri ble experience The good thing about the internet is there s plenty of information out there for you to peruse through But the downside is whether or not the information you are reading is reliable Right So where do you start then I typically approach researching for any upcoming vacation trip by checking online forums There are a myriad of disabled travel focused online forums that can give you some good insight on other peoples perspectives These are some of my favorites Lonely Planet Thorn Tree Travelers with Disabilities Apparelyzed Travel Tips amp Wheelchair Accessible Holiday Destinations Forum TripAdvisor Traveling with Disabilities Forum FlyerTalk Disability Travel Forum I also have a few websites that I check as well It wasn t until I started talking with the owners of some of these websites and meeting them in person that I realized that the infor mation they had was solid Wheelchair Traveling Wheelchairtraveling com exists to give YOU the tools to plan your adventure accordingly It s an international resource built by other wheelchair travelers on accessible destinations and activi
23. h America Jetsetter com They re a community of travelers that provides members with insider access expert knowledge and exclusive deals on the world s greatest vacations They curate travel expe riences which means we only recommend places we ve been loved and would go to follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 17 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions again You will need to sign in with your email address to have access to their flash sales which give deep discounts on luxury properties amp resorts Pro Tip Newsletter Sign up Sign up on your favorite travel websites to receive weekly daily emails It s always free Sometimes you can save up to 30 50 by getting early bird sales and discounts before the general public Also don t forget their social media websites too like Facebook amp Twitter Utilize and maximize Bounce back Offers Pat Dunlap of Unhook Now describes the process of bounce back offers Here s how these work Visit a variety of online airline and hotel booking sites and start the process of booking a flight or hotel Get almost all the way through to the point you have entered your travel dates and locations email address and created a login make sure you opt in to receiving communications from the company and then log off before you actually enter any payment inform
24. h a disability is not easy It takes flexibility emotional strength and an enormous amount of courage However I choose to have a good PMA from the outset I choose to see the world as my oyster To SEE the things I want to see and DO the things I want to do I believe I can do it I choose to enjoy the journey that is set before me and you know what I know that YOU can do it too I will leave you with this quote from Norman Vincent Peale the father of positive thinking Believe in yourself Have faith in your abilities Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy The Disabled Traveler All rights reserved worldwide The Disabled Traveler is a product of Seen Noted LLC Cover designed by Houston Hanna
25. her business practices in your country and state Any reference to any person or business whether living or dead is purely coincidental You also MAY NOT give away sell or share the content herein If you obtain this eBook from anywhere other than http www the disabled traveler com you have a pirated copy Please help stop Internet crime by reporting this to support the disabled traveler com Copyright The Disabled Traveler which is owned and operated by Seen Noted LLC follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 4 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Hola Caio Bonjour My name is Justin Skeesuck and I m The Disabled Traveler I want to take you on a journey to answer the Top 20 Most Asked Accessible Travel Questions I consistently receive from my students who are People with Disabilities They simply WANT to travel but don t quite know HOW to go about it If you don t know who I am or have never heard of me before there s a short bio on my website located at http the disabled traveler com about where you can find out how more about me sign up and learn how I can help you become a smarter more efficient traveler than you are right now I ve spent nearly 20 years traveling to various parts of the world all while living with a progressive neuromuscular disease So I personally know firsthand what it s
26. ir access or simply ask a TSA agent upon approaching the security area and they should direct you appropriately If you are traveling with other people in your party a k a children spouses family mem bers etc you can also inform the TSA agent and they should allow them to go with you and not have to wait in the longer security lines Just be forewarned some TSA agents may not let you have your entire party go with you through the shorter security queue I typically travel with my wife and my three children and sometimes my in laws for support In the past I ve had TSA agents let my entire posse come with me and some times they don t It will completely depend on the person you come in contact with I recommend that if you absolutely NEED assistance simply stress the point to the TSA agent and they will more than likely let you have the people that you need help you follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 22 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Flying amp Transportation Can I bring my wheelchair on board an airplane with me To answer this question we need to be very specific It just simply depends on what type of wheelchair you have The only type of wheelchair that can be brought on the plane with you and what I mean by this is in the cabin of the aircraft are folding wheelchairs But there
27. is only a limit of one per flight and is strictly on a first come first served basis There s a designated compartment in the front of the aircraft where a folding wheel chair can be stored You should also know that depending on which type of aircraft you are flying on the above rule may not even apply at all The best way to find out if your folding wheelchair can be taken with you on your flight is to call the airline 24 48 hours before you fly Any other type of wheelchairs mobility devic es such as power wheelchairs scooters or rigid frame wheelchairs will need to go underneath the airplane in its cargo hold during flight follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 23 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Flying amp Transportation How do I get on an airplane if I m in a wheelchair This is probably one of the most commonly asked questions I get from People with Dis abilities traveling with a wheelchair especially if you have never traveled before But before I begin you should be aware that when you fly with a wheelchair you will be loaded first on the aircraft and you will be last off of the aircraft Airlines do this because as Travelers with Disabilities we need more time to get settled and more time for the airline to get your mobility device loaded underneath the aircraft and vice versa on when you arrive
28. items will help alleviate some of the load and make your life easier in the process Resource Wheel Adventure as a quick article on Packing Tips for People with Disabilities As somebody once told me You can always buy deodorant T shirts toothbrushes and underwear pretty much anywhere in the world Now that s some good advice follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 9 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Planning amp Preparation I need to fly with medical equipment Does that count against my luggage flying quota Short answer no Each airline has different rules and regula tions for baggage fees so it s important to know EXACTLY what your rights are if you are traveling with a disability By law US based airlines CANNOT charge you for any medical equipment that you will need during your travels If you need medical equipment such as but not limited to wheelchairs scooters battery chargers prosthetic devices breathing equip ment medications bathroom commode s bath benches amp seats etc you are allowed to bring them with you and will not be charged for them As a safeguard I would check the Transpor tation Security Administration TSA website by visiting www tsa gov to learn exactly what the laws and regulations apply to People with Disabilities Please note This only applies to
29. k your trip will be a disaster right out of the gate JUST because you have a disability guess what Your trip WILL suck follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 38 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Think Simple Now has a great article on the 5 Myths of Positive Mental Attitude Here s a pertinent excerpt below A person s thoughts whether positive or negative do have an effect on their environ ment If you think negatively your mind will automatically seek out confirmation that the world is a terrible place Seeing is believing and your mind reinforces your belief that reality is negative See how it s a downward spiral of negativity If you expect negative results you are less likely to take risks and try new things Negative thinking masks your impressions in fear Positive thinking works the same way With a positive mental attitude you ll seek out positive choices and expect positive results This helps you move past fear and try things that others may believe can t be done This typically end in positive results You see negative thinking just won t get you anywhere It s a dead end road EVERY person I know has a good PMA when it comes to traveling with a disability They simply do not let their disability define WHO they are and WHAT they can do I won t lie to you traveling wit
30. ld NOT travel with a disability 37 follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 3 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions NOTICE You do NOT have the right to reprint or resell this eBook ALL RIGHTS RESERVED No part of this eBook may be reproduced or transmitted in any form whatsoever electronic or mechanical including photocopying recording or by any informational storage or retrieval system without express written dated and signed permission from the author DISCLAIMER AND OR LEGAL NOTICES The information presented herein represents the view of the author as of the date of publica tion Because of the rate with which conditions change the author reserves the right to alter and update his opinion based on the new conditions The eBook is for informational purposes only While every attempt has been made to verify the information provided in this eBook neither the author nor his affiliates partners assume any responsibility for errors inaccuracies or omissions Any slights of people or organizations are unintentional If advice concerning legal or related matters is needed the services of a fully qualified professional should be sought This eBook is not intended for use as a source of health legal or accounting advice You should be aware of any laws that govern business transactions or ot
31. le Travel quesTions Accommodations amp Lodging What if I get to my room and it is not as advertised Believe it or not even after you get through the entire Q amp A process see previous ques tion there is still a possibility that when you actually arrive at your carefully chosen hotel that it may not be as advertised However don t fret Know that you have some options to help rectify the situation at hand First you need to stay calm and don t panic Panicking doesn t help you in any way shape or form It only stresses you out and can cause you to make rash decisions So take a deep breath count to 10 if that helps you and take a minute to gather yourself Next know that it is not your problem it s theirs It s their responsibility to find you a suitable room YES even if it s not at their hotel But before going too far ask for the general manager or supervisor Generally the person at the front desk will not be able to help you in this type of scenario The general manager or shift supervisor has the authority and more importantly RESPONSIBILITY to satisfy the needs of their customers by rectifying any problems that might arise at their property When you talk with them be firm and clear on what your expectations were what was agreed upon and what is not as stated upon reservation Again stay calm and don t be afraid to speak up You are your own best advocate S
32. like to travel with assistive devices such as leg foot braces canes walkers manual wheelchairs and now with a power wheelchair It s my goal to provide you with only the BEST information and answers so you may begin to see the world differently as I do And with this book I hope I can help answer those burning questions you might have regarding the world of accessible travel I want to assure you that traveling with a physical disability is completely ACHIEVABLE I m living proof and I have met and helped many others like you to get out there and travel Our world is a place that NEEDS to be seen taken in and experienced by EVERYONE Even those living with a disability of ANY kind I hope you enjoy this FREE book and learn from my experiences so you too can travel more efficiently more effectively and most importantly with ease Yours truly Justin Skeesuck planning amp preparing follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 6 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Planning amp Preparation If I m a first time traveler where do you recommend I go I get asked this question ALL the time So it s only prudent that I lead off with this If you are a first time traveler meaning that you have NEVER traveled before with a disability I personally recommend that you start locally Have a stay cation
33. ll service These are companies that pro vide a full range of services for Travelers with Disabilities This includes booking cruises airfare hotels tours and excursions accessible transportation accessible rentals etc for pretty much anywhere in the world Please note some do have limitations with their product offerings You will have to inquire with each company directly Destination Specific Like above these are companies that provide accessible services for specific destinations and generally do not go outside their spectrum Disability Specific Also like full service these are companies that work directly with people with specific types of disabilities such as intellectual cognitive blind deaf physical or a combination of So should I use one then First you will need to ask yourself Do I have the time to research on my own Do I have the energy planning all the aspects of my own trip vacation If not then you would greatly benefit from the right accessible travel agent follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 11 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Awesome Where do I find one My recommendation is to Google Accessible Travel Agents and see what comes up for you There are plenty out there for you to choose from To get you started here are some more well known and reputable accessible
34. owds however some tourist sites monuments might be closed Low November December January and February are typically the slowest and cheap est to travel Here you will run into colder weather in northern hemispheres and pretty much no crowds But most likely you ll see a lot of tourist sites monuments closed Secondly it depends on where your destina tion lies in the hemisphere Example When it is winter in the Northern Hemisphere Australia is basking in the Southern Hemisphere s summer and vice versa Midwinter in Australia is July and August and the hottest months are Novem ber through March Remember unlike in the northern hemisphere the farther south you go in Australia the colder it gets Personally I love the shoulder season because it has the mix of both good weather and less crowds And you get more bang for your buck to boot Seasonal Weather Patterns What I mean by this is something that often sneaks up on you or that you just simply don t think of is seasonal weather patterns You may not be fond of pushing your wheelchair through thick snow or visiting the Caribbean during hurricane season I d check wunderground com for your desired destination s to see what the yearly weather patterns are like before you book Source NY Times When to go follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 8 The DisableD Traveler Top 20
35. phrine a stress hormone Traveling can reduce a person s risk of heart attack by 50 Traveling gets the blood flowing because it requires you to be active Traveling has been found to contribute to a person s overall well being both physically amp mentally Traveling can make you sleep more deeply 3x more likely Traveling can produce long term health benefits of using leisure as a coping mech anism during stressful times It s a gross world out there Did you also know When you travel you take something else with you Germs A few stats for you 1 in 5 passengers on flights report getting cold within one week of flying Most commercial aircraft in service recir culate 50 of the air delivered in the cabin 60 of airplane food trays carry MRSA Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria A single sneeze typically consist of 30 000 airborne droplets 9 out of 10 outbreaks of the stomach flu typically occur on cruises hospitals day cares and schools Out of 7812 water samples taken from 2316 aircraft s 2 8 were positive for coliform bacteria aka avoid coffee or tea Toilets on airplanes are among the most germ infested places almost anywhere E coli it is almost always found As many as 30 of all travelers do not wash their hands after using the airport airplane bathroom Airport public drinking fountains can harbor as many as 2 7 million bacte
36. ria per square inch on the spigot follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 36 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions The final verdict Here are some Do s amp Don ts you need to know to stay as healthy as possible First the don ts Don t Travel if you ve recently had a heart attack or any major medical issues again consult your physician Don t Leave home without your inhaler if you have asthma Don t Leave home without your insulin if you are diabetic Don t Fly with contact lenses they will dry out and irritate your eyes Don t Minimize touching your face as much as possible Don t Forget to carry along the names and dosages of all your medicines Don t Take sleeping pills without a super vised prescription Don t Drink beverages like soda and alcohol Don t Eat foods that will irritate your stomach intestines i e fast foods greasy foods spicy foods Now what you should do Do Visit your family physician for a med ical amp dental checkup to make sure you re healthy BEFORE you travel Do Inform your physician about your travel amp find out if you need to change any medication dosages Do Ensure you carry enough medicine to last you through your trip Do Check on your health insurance to see what it covers for both domestic
37. s buffets If a cruise is something you are interested in I would recommend try calling Debra at Easy Access Travel easyaccesstravel com She is an accessible travel agent who has lots of experience in the cruise industry If you need to rent equipment such as wheelchairs walkers etc check out Special Needs at Sea specialneedsatsea com follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 7 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Planning amp Preparation What time of the year should I travel It s not in my DNA to tell you WHEN and WHERE you should travel but I think there are a few things you should at least be aware of in regards to traveling with a disability The Travel Seasons In the realm of the travel industry there are what s called travel seasons This refers to the times of the year where the tourist industry is the heaviest moderate and lightest It also varies by which part of the hemisphere you want to visit First let s break down the seasons High Late May June July and August are typically high season and most expensive to travel Chances are you will run into lots of other tourists and depending on where you go it can be REALLY hot Shoulder April early May September and October are typically shoulder seasons and are more economical to travel The weather is milder and you have less cr
38. s problem Luckily we have the power to pick and choose which accommodations suit our needs the best though it might take a bit of work finding it The best way I ve found is to work with the system not against it So we will need to work within this system by asking the RIGHT type questions Before we begin asking questions you ll need to determine what your specific needs are Do you need a roll in shower or a bathtub shower combo Do you need a commode chair Do you need a bath bench Do you need a room on the ground floor in case of an emergency Do you need the bed to be a specific height Do you need specific clearance around the room Once you have narrowed down your specific needs the next step is to call the hotel you ve chosen and ask some questions When you call ask this question first Hello my name is insert your name I would like to stay at your property Can you please tell me about your accessible wheelchair rooms Have them tell you what the rooms are like If they can t immediately tell you ask for the Head of Housekeeping or Head of Engi neering These people are intimately familiar with the rooms because they are in charge of them Next here are some additional questions you can ask if you need further clarification Ask for shower details Ask for toilet details Ask for measurements room amp shower
39. tate that you know what your rights are and they are responsible for either getting you another room at their property or if not available somewhere else that is comprabale Another great resource to check out prior to arrival at your hotel is Oyster com This website has hotel investigators who visit hotels and resorts worldwide to help uncover the truth so you know exactly what you re booking yourself into Simply search your hotel and see what they have uncovered Finally don t be rude Nobody likes to work with rude individuals so the more you are willing to work with and help rectify the problem the more likely you will find a solution in a timely manner health amp lifestyle follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 35 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Health amp Lifestyle How do I stay healthy as possible during my travels Disclaimer Always consult your physician before traveling Keeping your self healthy before and during your travels is more important than you might think The stress and change of environments can drastically influence your daily health espe cially if traveling great distances Moreover is my goal to make sure you are as healthy as possible so you can ENJOY your vacation Health benefits of travel Traveling can reduce blood pressure heart rate and levels of epine
40. ties Highly recommended Travelin Wheels Blog An excellent resource for ongoing accessible travel destinations tips amp tricks and more Finally there s nothing like a good travel book right So far there s not a ton of disabled focused ones but here are a few 101 Accessible Vacations Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers By Candy Harrington 22 Accessible Road Trips Driv ing Vacations for Wheelers and Slow Walkers By Candy Harrington There is Room at the Inn Inns and B amp Bs for Wheelers and Slow Walkers By Candy Harrington follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all rights reserved page 14 The DisableD Traveler Top 20 MosT askeD accessible Travel quesTions Internet amp Technology What are some of the best accessible travel apps for my smartphone Did you know that smartphones in use recently surpassed the 1 billion mark and is expected to double by 2015 Yes that is billion with a B More and more Travelers with Disabilities are using smart phones to their advantage If you haven t jumped on the bandwagon yet you should So which applications should you be using Don t fret I pulled together my Top 10 recommended travel apps for smartphones Skype Free w optional subscription My 1 Lets you make phone calls and video chat to anywhere in the world for virtually pennies on the dollar Evernote Free w optional subscription
41. travel agents agencies that I know of Able to Travel abletotravel org A full service accessible travel agency owned and operated by United Spinal The largest one out there Easy Access Travel easyaccesstravel com A full service accessible travel agency owned and operated by Debra Kerper She is super knowledgeable and really nice Sage Traveling sagetraveling com The Europe specific travel agents at Sage Traveling use their expertise in European accessible travel to create custom accessible holidays for disabled and senior travelers Hammer Travel hammertravel org They provide travel opportunities for people with developmental disabilities that are unique safe and enjoyable Disaboom also has a good article by Candy Harrington on Finding the Right Travel Agent It will provide some really good insight on how to filter out some good ones from some not so good ones In the end I recommend you try to find an accessible travel agent agency that can answer your pertinent questions and has good overall knowledge of where and what you are trying to achieve Interview at least 2 3 before you make a final decision on which company to go with Always trust your gut If any particular company or organization is promising too much it s like the old saying says If it s too good to be true it probably is internet amp technology follow me facebook amp twitter 2012 seen noted llc all ri
42. which is a vacation in your hometown Gather yourself a small budget and call to book a accessible room at a hotel in another part of your home town You can drive there in your own vehicle if you own one or take public transportation to get there is another option as well This way you can get out of your home environment without having to be too removed from it You can ALWAYS go home if it becomes too hard for you So no stress It s a perfect safety net for first timers and will get you used to being outside of your comfort zone at home Another great option for the first time travel ers who are a little bit more adventurous try a 2 3 day cruise Cruises are a great way to get accommodated to traveling with a disability because they for the most part have gone above and beyond the accessibility requirements and make it really easy for their customers Everything on the ship is accessible and the rooms are completely accessible as well They have roll in showers generally more space than other state rooms and the best part is that you only have to unpack once All ships have elevators and are easy to navi gate around because they are mostly flat They also have lots of things to do such as swim ming don t worry they have pool lifts which are chairs that you sit in which will drop you down into out of a pool or spa gambling shopping and you can have the opportunity to gorge yourself on the endles
43. while traveling Nonetheless if your physician says you SHOULDN T travel then you should listen to him her and heed to their advice Traveling with a disability requires you to be baseline healthy Traveling is stressful in the first place and as disabled individuals uprooting us from our home environment where we are most comfortable to an environment that is unfamiliar might have devastating effects on you So play it safe Listen to your doctor friends and family Reason 2 You re not ready financially Yes traveling does take money And traveling with a disability typically costs 20 50 more depending on your disability and needs I know it s a bummer because I m just like you I have to spend that extra cash as well This is because we have to rent extra equip ment and special services in or to accommo date our travels For example In the past when I ve rented a wheelchair accessible van for a week in Hawaii it will cost me approximately 1 200 If you were to rent a car for the same week in Hawaii it will cost the average consumer 200 400 I don t mean this to scare you or deter you from traveling in the first place but if you do not have the money you shouldn t go Instead set a budget for your trip and save for it novel idea right even if it takes you five years It s just not worth going into major debt over Reason 3 You don t have the right mindset If you thin
Download Pdf Manuals
Related Search