Got summer travel plans? Make the time away much more enjoyable with some simple solutions to enhance accessibility, increase convenience, and offer comfort when away from home. Nobody wants to deal with a situation where they are not being accommodated; bring what you need to make your vacation relaxing and restorative- without hassle and headache.
Going away? It is safe to say that if you live with a mobility issue or physical limitation, you may run into some sort of situation or challenge that makes you rethink how you travel. It might be that there are stairs where you did not expect or the bathroom is not big enough for your much-needed mobility aids; avoid these scenarios and focus on your trip. Bring a few items from home that can truly make all the difference.
Try some solutions that can make your summer travel so much more enjoyable:
Don’t Shirk on Planning
The most important thing that you can do to improve how your trip goes is to plan, plan, plan. Call ahead- never assume- and make sure that you will have the things that you need. It can help to comprise a list of things that are important to you, such as handicap accessibility, in-room refrigerator, and distinct amenities. Find out where your room will be or how people navigate the town or city that you are visiting. If transportation around might be problematic, call your hotel for recommendations. While the unexpected can still happen, preplanning takes a lot of the worry out of visiting an unfamiliar place.
Take Time to Find the Right Place to Go
Speaking of your accommodations, take time and make the effort to find the right place to stay. This will be a place that is accessible and convenient- as well as safe for you to visit and stay. Consider that you will be spending the majority of time away in your room or lodging- sleeping, lounging, eating- so make sure it meets your distinct preferences and needs. If it does not, keep looking. That is the beauty of preplanning; you allow yourself the time to find this out before leaving home.
Invest and Carry a Portable Ramp
Depending on the nature of your mobility issue, you can’t go wrong when you invest in a portable ramp. Even if you don’t use a chair or scooter, a ramp has great potential to improve accessibility and keep you safer. Portable ramps are an insurance policy- kind of like tire chains are for a pickup truck- and having one in your vehicle when traveling ensures you won’t ever take a tumble trying to get up steps or navigate difficult terrain.
Confirm it is Pet Friendly
Are you planning to bring a service or support animal? Call ahead to make sure your hotel or host will accommodate your pet. While you are legally permitted to bring a licensed service dog into most public places, there is a lot of gray area surrounding other support animals, like therapy pets. Either way, ask about provisions for your pet including a place to walk and nearby supplies to keep you covered throughout your stay.
Install a Vehicle Lift
If this is a big trip or journey, you may want to make the leap and install a vehicle lift in your car or truck. These typically make it possible to stow your mobility aids securely and get behind the wheel of your vehicle. If you are planning on making the trip solo or if you plan on driving during the trip, a vehicle lift can make a momentous difference. Talk to a mobility professional to learn more.
Consider the Creature Comforts
Wherever you go, bring along the creature comforts that you enjoy. Some people need a fan for circulating the air but also to provide a white noise that drowns out any traffic din or sounds that could keep them awake. Others use sound machines for white noise and enjoy listening to the sound of rain, the ocean, or a wide range of other olfactory sensations. These simple comforts will help you relax and sleep well, which is integral for a pleasant travel experience.
Bring your Own Pillow
Are you one of those people that can’t sleep with anything buy your favorite pillow? Then, you better bring it on your trip. If you use a therapeutic wedge pillow, bring that to ensure you are able to elevate and incline when laying down in an unfamiliar bed. You certainly don’t want to risk a stiff neck or sore back due to poor sleep during your time away; bring your favorite pillows and sleep like a baby.
Got summer travel plans? Make the time easier and far more enjoyable with these simple solutions. While it is always nice to get away, bring along some comforts of home that also help with accessibility and autonomy. For other mobility aids and solutions, talk to the team at Pacific Mobility; they offer quality equipment with top-notch service and support widely.
President, Husband, Father, Grandfather Graduate of UC Davis- Bio Sci Major- Go Aggies! Jeff has extensive experience in all of Pacific Mobility’s products and services, and specializes in accessibility products as well as stairlifts, ceiling lifts and custom wheel chairs. His hobbies include spending time with family, gardening, mountain biking, exercising and off road motorcycle riding.
24 years as Owner/President of Pacific Mobility Center – selling, installing, and servicing stairlifts, porch lifts, ceiling lifts, pool lifts, handicap ramping, specialty wheelchairs, scooters, power wheel chairs, and other power mobility devices
Certified Environmental Access Consultant since 2008
Licensed General Contractor since 1998
Certified Aging in Place Specialist since 2016
Board Member for Home Access Professionals
Member of Association of Members of the Accessibility Equipment Industry (AEMA)