Tips from a Handicapped World Traveler

I write travel reviews for both on-line venues and for several print magazines. I am also handicapped. Writing travel articles requires that I actually, you know, travel. I have found that my handicapped designation has been more of a help than a hindrance to my journeys all over the world. I have learned to embrace it and make it work for me. You can too.

My handicap is Fibromyalgia. For years US doctors told me I had either Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis, depending on which doctor you asked. The Swedish doctors were quite amused by this. My problem is not my joints, but my muscles. I am finally getting the correct help and medications now, but I still cannot walk very far with my cane or my walker, and I cannot stand up for long either. Stairs are an absolute no-no.

Booking Flights & Hotels

Most folks these days use the Internet to book all of their travel arrangements. I am no different. You can find some fabulous deals if you take the time to compare various websites. What you may not know is that you can request special arrangements as well. Sites like Orbitz and Expedia allow you to specify that you will be needing assistance at the check-in counter. I always ask for a wheel chair to meet me there and take me to my gate. DO be sure to then call the airline and make sure the wheelchair order went through, especially if you have connections to make.

Before booking your hotel, call them and make sure the room is really set up for handicapped folks. People who are not handicapped do not understand that those 3 steps up into the office are a problem and will state the place is handicapped friendly when it isn't really. Double check it, especially if you are totally wheelchair bound.

At The Airport

Passing through security in a wheelchair means you get to cut to the front of the line. That alone is a major plus to being handicapped. Sometimes those lines can be excruciatingly long, especially if you are flying into or out of the USA. Please note you cannot do this if you are alone with your walker; this only works if staff is pushing your wheelchair. Do expect to be searched and scanned more than most people though. Unfortunately, wheelchairs and walkers are part of the 'profile' for in-depth security checks.

If, like me, you use a walker to get around then you can do what they call Gate Checking. This means you can take your walker with you right up to the plane where they will then take it and put it either in baggage or in the overhead if the plane isn't too crowded. They will also tag it so that it is brought directly to you when the plane lands. This is good for when you have a lengthy lay-over before reaching your final destination. The wheelchair folks will not push you around shopping and eating while you await your flight, so you will need this unless you just want to sit at the gate twiddling your thumbs.

Some small commuter hops require passengers to walk out onto the tarmac and climb steps into the plane. If you are in the system as handicapped then they should have a ramp set up for you instead. Do make sure they know this just like you made sure they knew you would be needing a wheelchair.

Once you reach your travel destination, the airport staff should wheel you right to the baggage claim area and help get your luggage off the belt for you. If no one is meeting you, they can also then help you get your luggage to a cab.

Special Walkers

If you are planning to travel the world and use a walker, make sure you have one that easily folds up. The nice young man or woman who will pushing your through the airport cannot also push your walker to the gate at the same time. OK, some very talented folks have done for me, but usually not. You will have to collapse the walker and rest it on your feet while balancing it with your hands. This is not as tricky as it sounds. Some walkers are easier to manage than others, so do shop around for one that will not be too unwieldy.

Over-Booked and Canceled Flights

I had the misfortune to be flying into Scandinavia from the USA during the whole Icelandic Volcano crisis. Being handicapped helped me a great deal here. In Europe, unlike the USA, they have specific laws regarding handicapped travelers. You get the very first available flight out when one opens up. They will still issue your ticket as stand-by, but you just need to go to the agent at the gate and they will make sure you get on that flight.

Also, handicapped travelers will get preferential treatment regarding accommodations if needed. The airport can make arrangements for pretty much anything you might need while waiting for the next flight. You have only to ask them and they will bend over backwards to help you. Again, this pertains to Europe. The USA, not so much. Most will help you in the US, but not all. So do have a back-up plan when traveling in the USA.

Landing In Australia

Traveling to Australia is highly recommended by me. It is a glorious place unlike anywhere else in the world. However, Customs there have stricter rules than most other places. Before landing you will be given a form to fill out stating you cannot bring in wood or animal hides. This came as a shock to me the first time as I was wearing leather boots and using a carved wooden cane at the time. I was slightly miffed, until the customs agent grinned. Wooden canes are fine. They just need to check it to make sure it is not hollowed out or hiding a weapon. Don't laugh. I actually did have, at one time, a cane that unscrewed at the top to release a sword. If you have one of these, leave it at home. For the record, the leather boots were also fine.

Tourist Attractions

You have to be realistic in your expectations when traveling handicapped. Most modern tourist attractions are set up for handicapped folks, but if you like visiting old Medieval towns and exploring castles then you will have obstacles. They just are not going to (nor are they required to) put an elevator into a 14th century castle. Alright? Don't be that guy.

If you are into Amusement Parks, then being handicapped will be a plus here too. Not only will you likely get a discount on the admittance, but you will be able to use the special lines for the rides thus bypassing those long waits that sometimes go on for hours at the most popular parks. You can also bring one person with you through that shorter line. Usually it is the Fast Pass lane they bring you through, but sometimes they will direct you in through the exit. Either way: Score!

The Bottom Line

Don't ever let being handicapped stop you from traveling. You need to take personal responsibility while booking, and double check more thoroughly on your reservations. You have to have realistic expectations when planning your outings at your destination. But the benefits truly outweigh those other factors and I have found that being handicapped actually makes travel easier in some instances. Use it to your advantage. Go see the world.