Disabled Travel — Advice for Travellers with a Disability

Holidays are a time to relax and enjoy yourself, and if you are travelling with a disability, the last thing you want is obstacles getting in the way of your fun.

In recent years, airports and holiday resorts have become more and more adept at catering for a disabled traveller. If you have a disability, there is no reason why you shouldn't enjoy your holiday just as much as an able-bodied person.

So what do you need to bear in mind before you book a holiday?

• Buy Disabled Travel Insurance and declare any medical conditions when you book - goodtogoinsurance.com specialises in offering cover for a disabled traveller
• Research your chosen destination. Does the country you wish to travel to cater for people with disabilities? Are there ramps in public areas? Are there steps leading up to your hotel to negotiate?
• Contact your hotel before you book to find out if they have suitable facilities to meet your needs. Be specific, for example, you might need a ground floor bedroom or a large bathroom with mobility handles
• Apply for a Eurokey for access to disabled toilets and facilities in European countries including Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Visit the Eurokey website for details
• Some car hire companies provide specially adapted cars for disabled travellers
• The Blue Badge scheme is in force in many European countries, making travelling by car easier if you have a disability
• If you are going to travel by air, inform the airline of your disability so that they can prepare for your arrival, particularly if they need to accommodate your wheelchair or provide you with an aisle seat
• Check in early at the airport to give yourself plenty of time to get organised
• Crutches, canes and braces will form part of your weight allowance on flights so bear this in mind when you pack
• Most ferries and cruise ships have adequate disabled facilities including disabled toilets, ramps and lifts - check before you book
• If you have a guide dog, find out about quarantine procedures. It may even be possible to travel without quarantining your dog - visit the DEFRA website for details
• If taking a guide dog abroad, ensure it has an identity tag, a microchip and a pet passport. It will also need to be vaccinated for rabies. Your dog might need other vaccinations for different countries - find out before you travel
• Find out from your doctor if you need to complete a Medical Information Form (MEDIF) before you travel
• If you are a frequent flier, it might be worth obtaining a Frequent Travellers'' Medical Card (FREMEC) to save time next time you travel
• If you are blind or visually impaired, you might consider joining an organised tour that provides a sighted guide
• If you need medication, take plenty with you and store it in your hand luggage, just in case your hold luggage gets lost
• Certain drugs might be illegal abroad. Contact the local embassy if you are unsure about taking medication into the country
• Visit www.direct.gov.uk for more information about travelling with a disability

So if you are a disabled traveller, be well prepared for your trip abroad. Know your limits and research your holiday destination to ensure you have a wonderful time.