♿️As COVID-19 restrictions are starting to loosen up after 5 months, it has become all the more important to take necessary precautions. Many people have started to travel, and are starting to resume their normal lives. Here are some of the wheelchair accessible travel tips which might make your journey a little easier. Detailed planning is absolutely necessary for wheelchair accessible travel during this Pandemic.

Day trips by Car

  • Always wear your face mask even if you are not getting out of the car.
  • Avoid crowded areas if you are stepping out of the car
  • Always remember to carry gloves, hand sanitizer, water, food.
  • Try to use the restroom before leaving your house as it is safer to avoid using public restrooms during this period. If you absolutely need to take a bathroom break or stop at a gas station along the way make sure you practice the Covid-19 recommended guidelines. Always Sanitize the Bathroom rod while using the Wheelchair Accessible Bathrooms
  • Limit your stops along the way.
  • Remember to wipe your crutch or mobility scooter handle or the wheelchair wheels and crutches every time you return from outdoors
  • Avoid opening your car windows in crowded places
  • While dining outside make sure you wipe your chairs before you sit down.
  • If you are going to a beach make sure to maintain proper social distancing and check out the accessibility details about the beaches with ramps.

Long distance travel by car

  • If the destination  is drivable then it’s better to drive to reduce the chances of exposure to COVID-19. It is  easy to carry  your own  wheelchair and the mobility scooters. 
  • Check out the covid 19 restrictions in other states.
  • If you are renting a car, make sure to check the cleaning rules of the rental company. Wipe the steering and handles in the car before using. Make sure to check there is enough space in the car to fit the wheelchair or mobility scooter.
  • If you are using hand control for driving the car, make sure it can be used in the car that you are given .
  • Carry some food and water with you in case restaurants and stores are closed and/or are not wheelchair accessible. 
  • Make sure you have medicine and cleaning supplies.

Air Travel

  • Book direct flights to destinations. If there are connections then ensure that you have enough time in-between. Embarking/disembarking with mobility and Covid 19 challenges takes up valuable time and may result in lost flight or delayed baggage when making connections.
  • Book  your plane seats in advance and also check for Cancellation policies. Try to get   seats near the front of the aircraft and close to the accessible restroom. An aisle seat is preferable for more leg space.
  • If you need wheelchair at the airport, always reconfirm with the flight attendant before landing.
  • Mobility challenged people  taking assistance should make sure the person assisting them is wearing a mask and aware of all the cleaning rules.
  • While using the elevator make sure there are no more than two people.
  • Make sure to carry some local currency for tipping the person who helps with the wheel chair at the airport.
  • At  security check in make sure you wipe your crutches, Mobility scooter and wheelchair if that went through the scanning belt
  • If you want to rent a scooter or wheelchair for your trip contact the local rental company. They can even deliver the scooter to your hotel and also pick it up from your hotel at the end of your trip. Make sure you check with them the cleaning and sanitizing rules 
  • Make sure you understand how to go to the Rental Car location from the airport, given your mobility challenges. 
  • The disabled placard from your country is valid in most other countries. Make sure to carry it especially if you are driving. 
  • While booking a hotel or airbnb make sure to check the cancellation details. Use the wheelchair accessible filter while booking. If you are booking airbnb call them and check the wheelchair accessibility details. 
  • If you have a mobility scooter you will need to charge the battery daily. You can do that either in your room or at the hotel reception.
  • If walking long distances is a challenge, call your hotels beforehand and ask them to give you a room close to the elevator or reception. Make sure that there are not more then two people in that elevator.

Finally, have fun and travel smart during the pandemic