Going on a trip, especially when we do so to enjoy a holiday, is something we all look forward to.
Travelling, for a person with reduced mobility, is not always easy and for some people it is even a nightmare, leading them to stop doing so altogether.
There are several ways to travel, and none is better than the other. What works for some does not work for others, so it is best to find the way that makes us feel relaxed and allows us to enjoy the trip.
I have taken many trips, and my favourite option is to travel by car.
Going on a road trip, especially when I do it from home, is synonymous with total relaxation. There are several reasons for this:
- I don't have to fly, which, for me, is the worst part of any trip, even if it's to my dream destination!
- The freedom to set the itinerary at our leisure and change plans whenever we feel like it.
- It's one of the best ways to travel and discover places we would otherwise never visit.
- Depending as little as possible on other forms of transport, not having to stick to timetables or deal with everything that comes with travelling on public transport, i.e. no stress from aeroplanes, trains, boats and all the complications that come with them.
- We can open or close the window when we need to, listen to music at the volume we like and stop whenever we feel like it!
Planning
But this does not mean that a road trip does not have to be well thought out and well planned to avoid setbacks and unpleasant situations, as well as being important so as not to exceed the set budget, which can easily happen!
Once you have decided on your destination, it is a good idea to have a rough route planned and defined. When travelling many kilometres in a row, you need to take into account stops for eating or going to the toilet and bear in mind that not all petrol stations and roadside restaurants are adapted for this.
It is very important not to forget to take your parking badge, as it is essential for parking in spaces reserved for people with reduced mobility, or even in other spaces without having to pay, and in some cities, to be able to enter certain restricted areas, such as city centres.
Accommodation
I prefer to book accommodation in advance but, if possible, with a free cancellation option in case we stay longer in one place or discover another that we would like to visit. Of course, the fact that we need hotels with accessibility for reduced mobility complicates this task a little, so it is best to do it in advance. In this case, it is important to choose hotels with easy parking.
Accessories
Don't forget the accessories that make our lives easier, especially when travelling. For example, manual or electric propulsion aids provide safety and stability and give autonomy, especially to those who use wheelchairs, as they allow them to travel on paths that are not in good condition or on uneven surfaces, which often happens when travelling.
Packing and organising your suitcase
My motto is to take as little as possible, but take everything!
Packing a suitcase depends a lot on the individual, but above all, when you are in a wheelchair, it depends on your destination and even the means of transport you are going to use!
If we are travelling by car, we are free to add a few extra things, as we will not have to carry them on our backs, let alone overload those accompanying us.
Make a list of what you will need in advance and add items as you remember them. That way, you won't forget anything!
Leisure activities
There are many activities we can enjoy while travelling, whether they are more or less extreme.
Search the internet for what you would like to do and contact the companies. Even if you don't find specific information for people with disabilities, you will be surprised at everything you can do in a wheelchair, if that is the case.
To visit monuments and museums, check the websites, as there is usually a page dedicated to disabled access. It is worth checking, as sometimes there are alternative entrances. Some websites also provide information about parking and adapted toilets. Don't forget that, in many cases, you will be asked to provide a certificate proving the person's condition in order to enter.
What can't be missing for a fantastic road trip?
Good planning;
Essential wheelchair accessories;
Parking;
Good company;
Good music;
Spirit of adventure!
Start planning your next trip now and JustGo!!
Sofia Martins, ‘JustGo by Sofia’