Travel Tips for People with Disabilities for a Comfortable Trip

Traveling is the new normal, and accessible traveling is enabling individuals with physical disabilities/ differently enabled people to travel with ease and comfort anywhere they want, as they should! The idea of accessible tourism is catching up in India, and around the world and aims to ensure that travel destinations, services and products are accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical disabilities, or age. Planning well in advance is a necessary precondition when it comes to traveling for differently-abled individuals. American tourists can visit Flyopedia to book international flight tickets online in advance and make a hassle-free and memorable trip to colorful India this holiday season.

Planning well in advance is the key:

Whether you are planning a solo trip or traveling with a loved one, time is of the essence. The Internet has enabled all of us to plan everything in detail to have a smooth traveling experience. And accessible tourism has opened a range of possibilities for differently abled individuals to travel like everyone else. All you need to do is to do some necessary preparation in advance. Search with terms like “accessible traveling”, “disabled tourism”, “handicapped”, “barrier-free”, “disabled,” “reduced mobility” and “special needs” to book the online flight tickets from USA to India, and make reservations for hotels and specific travel destinations.

Explain your disabilities clearly:

Whether you are looking for air travel options or accommodation, it is pertinent to clearly mention the kind of disability you face before you book international flight tickets online. This prepares the hotel or airline staff to prepare for safety measures and figure out other clearances for a smooth journey. Ask for a note and certificate from your regular doctor and share the same with the concerned management. Carrying a certificate is hugely beneficial, especially in case you need to carry any medical equipment like a walker. It is pertinent to write the names of your medical supplies clearly. You might need to reach the airport ahead of time if the specific medicine is flagged at the location. Make sure to arrange for all the above mentioned things before you make a hasty plan.

Inform your airline officials while booking:

The biggest hurdle for people with mobility issues is flying. Most international airports are big, it is not easy to make your way from one part of the airport to the other. Similarly, carrying medical equipment, if any, will also take some time and effort. Navigating successfully through long security lines also requires added assistance. But once you inform your airline team about requirements for a wheelchair or any other kind of assistance, a staff member will be allocated to you right from the moment you enter the airport.

It is advised to plan your journey without connecting flights when you book online flight tickets from USA to India. If you book a connecting flight it might take extra time to change the flights. Sometimes, there is very little time between two connecting flights which might cause an unnecessary rush. It is best to take all relevant steps that minimize time spent in airports or long layovers.

Enquire with the hotel management in detail:

You will need to do this very carefully. Ask all the relevant questions from the hotel staff before you make a reservation. There are important considerations like the width of the elevator door, pick and drop facility with an accessible vehicle, or any other specific requirement that you might have. Some hotels have provision for rooms on the ground floor for people with any type of physical disability. Staff members in the hospitality industry are generally well-trained when it comes to taking care of their guests. But it is of paramount importance that you enquire about the specific requirements as per your needs and comfort.

Choose the destination carefully:

Sometimes, we love to explore a travel destination for its crowd and vivaciousness. Sometimes, we want to enjoy a holiday quietly. So, choose the destination carefully before you book discounted last minute tickets to India. While it is fun to travel during that time, large crowds might hinder mobility issues for differently abled individuals. But if the locations are wheelchair friendly, and assistance is provided by the staff of a museum, for instance, you can enjoy your voyage even during peak time. If you are planning to enjoy a cruise, get familiar with the cruise line policies regarding accessibility and then book the tickets. Just make sure to take a well-informed decision before you select a tourist destination.

The world is a big place, and many countries are making huge strides to make travel and tourism accessible, safe, and enjoyable for one and all. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities clearly directs the governments, tourism boards, and all stakeholders to minimize hurdles on the path of accessible traveling. Steps like wheelchair-friendly ramps and washrooms, trained staff for assistance, buttons with Braille, and so on allow differently abled individuals the much-needed freedom to see the world like everyone else!