People who are in wheelchairs are often hesitant to travel and enjoy life because they are in a wheelchair. You should be free to live your life to the fullest, no matter what your mobility limitations are. The best wheelchairs of today are a far cry from what they used to be.
Whether you use a powered wheelchair or you use a manual one, you should not let this get in the way of your travel. This article will take a look at the 7 reasons why you should travel as a wheelchair user.
1. Wheelchairs are Meant for Adventure
With new options like the powered wheelchair, you are going to be better able to travel to places that you really want to go. You can travel around different areas without getting as tired as you would while using a manual wheelchair. Between the ease of use that you get with powered wheelchairs and the accessibility all over these days, you can really enjoy traveling more than you would have in the past.
Just because you have a wheelchair, doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy some grand adventure.
2. Enjoy the Accessibility of Cruises
Cruises can be one of the best options for traveling for those concerned with accessibility. In the past, it was difficult to get on cruise ships with your wheelchair, but there have been a lot of changes in recent years. Before, small boats known as “tenders” would transport people to the ship. These caused difficulties for wheelchair users. Now, some cruise ship companies use ramps to help wheelchair users access the boats from the tender.
There’s also the fact that cruise ships have become incredibly easy to access for wheelchair users. From elevators to accessible rooms, you are able to get the accessibility that you need on a cruise.
Work with the cruise ship staff and see how they can help you make the most of your travel with them.
3. There’s Always Advancements in Accommodations
Even in recent years, traveling in a wheelchair was a difficult task. But the good news is that they are always making improvements in how to offer accessibility accommodations for wheelchair users who need them. The goal is to make sure that everyone who wants to travel can and gets the assistance that they need to travel safely.
While some industries are doing better with this than others, there are still regular advancements that can make life easier on you as you travel. If you have any questions about the accommodations that you can access, the company should be able to help.
4. Customer Service is Getting Better All the Time
More and more companies are providing training for their staff so that they can better serve customers of all types. They are gaining knowledge and experience on how to accommodate travelers to the best of their ability. You can get more compassion, assistance, and kindness as you travel from the staff as a result of this additional training.
Customer service staff have more tools than ever when it comes to helping their customers. If you have any questions about your trip and want to learn more about accommodations, the customer service team will be more than happy to help.
5. You May Not Have Visited the Most Accessible Destinations Yet
Just because some of the other destinations that you’ve been to lacked accessibility, that doesn’t mean there aren’t any accessible destinations. Wheelchair users in particular fear traveling overseas in case something goes very wrong for them. They may have visions of things like the cobblestone streets that Europe is known for, which is a nightmare for wheelchair users.
However, you would probably be surprised to know that there are plenty of tourist destinations across the globe that have the accessibility you need. There are some travel companies that are specifically dedicated to helping travelers who are wheelchair users.
You don’t have to worry too much about things if your wheelchair does break overseas. Most places do have shops that can help.
6. Because Why Not?
You don’t have to stay where you are just because you have a wheelchair. It can be intimidating to think about traveling, but you don’t have to give into that fear. You don’t want to miss out on great opportunities that can help you see the world.
The available possibility for travel today is seemingly endless. These experiences exist now. And as previously mentioned, the advancements for traveling are getting better all of the time. You can help make this process easier by contacting the various companies you will be working with during your travel.
Letting them know about what accommodations you need ahead of time can ensure that you get the accessibility you are looking for. This also help you find other travel alternatives if those places do not have the accommodations you need.
7. Be Travel Inspiration for Others
Traveling as a wheelchair user can be an inspiration for other wheelchair users who may be afraid to travel. By them realizing that there’s a whole world that they can travel around, even in a wheelchair, they will be more likely to take on their own adventures.
Wheelchair users don’t want to stand out when they are traveling. However, the good news is that as more people in wheelchairs travel, there will be more need for accessibility accommodations. This will lead to more wheelchair users being able to travel to wherever they want.
Conclusion
It’s normal to get anxious about traveling around as a wheelchair user. You are naturally worried about the accommodations and whether or not you can get the accessibility that you need while traveling. The good news is that there are always improvements that can allow you to have the vacation of your dreams. Your wheelchair may still bring limitations. But you can still have the time of your life and fill that need for adventure even if you are a wheelchair user.
About the author:
Trevor James is the founder and owner of Mobility Paradise, a one-stop shop for mobility scooters, electric scooters, electric wheelchairs, wheelchairs, oxygen concentrators, lift chairs, saunas, steam showers, massage tables, exercise equipment, electric bikes, massage chairs, and bathtubs. Years ago, Trevor’s grandma had an accident that made her dependent on a wheelchair; this forced Trevor and his family to put her into an elderly care facility. Since then, Trevor would visit her to take a walk around the neighborhood. Mobility Paradise was created because Trevor couldn’t find an online store that offers a wide selection of mobility equipment and educational resources. What started as a business focusing on mobility scooters grew to include all kinds of mobility products. You can shop for the most reliable mobility products at Mobility Paradise.
