Recently I took a look around my local area and saw several disheartening scenes regarding accessibility.  Through the Americans for Disabilities Act, there has been a forward push to help cities and towns throughout American to become more travel friendly to those seniors in wheelchairs or with any other type of mobility problem.  Arthritic hands, weak wrists, tired backs, and muscles that no longer obey lifting commands can hinder a well thought out trip.  Remnants of a stroke and a stumbling gait don’t make matters any better.  With all challenges just  to enjoy a vacation, how could anyone plan a vacation trip?

Even for an unimpaired traveler the travel and arrangements one has to go through is many times strenuous and wrought full of peril!  Our post 9-11 era hasn’t improved much with the passing of time, so that means we all suffer through the long inspection lines and body searches, chaotic schedules, and lost luggage.   I’ve seen those in wheelchairs have to contend with getting their personal chairs checked onto the plane at the last minute.  As our lives and the world around us continue to change, there is a noticeable movement across the world’s continents to be more disability friendly when involving the traveling tourist.  Accessible Journeys is dedicated to helping make independent travel for those with accessibility issues.  This is one website with individual hosts and travel companions who go the extra mile in seeing that you get to experience all you can.  Buses, vans, hotels, and restaurants are all making travel easier for the disabled senior.

Last year as I traveled across a portion of California, I had an accident which left me having to use a cane for ambulation assistance.  I personally made my own matters worse by over packing my bags.  What a nightmare!  Heavy luggage to pull around plus a bum knee wasn’t making my trip very pleasant.  Since then, I’ve used a rolling piece of luggage which forces me to down size the amount of clothing I take on a trip.  The uniqueness of this suitcase is that all hanging clothes are placed in a zippered bag which wraps around the shell body of the suitcase.  With a top-loading compartment which allows me to reach into the center of the bag or store essential items on top, I find this particular piece of luggage makes travel easier for me.  Big zippers make gripping easier and there are Velcro fasteners.  With the skyroll bag, you may be able to fit it in the overhead compartment of aircraft, or place upright in a small closet within your cruise cabin, or train berth.   (see photos)

Travel can be made to be fun even when you are confined to a wheelchair, crutches, braces, or canes.  The following companies have scheduled accessibility travel just for you all through the year -   www.suddenlysenior.com, www.seniorcitizens.com, www.smartertravel.com,  www.budgettravelonline.com .

Another important issue of accessible travel is insurance.  There are many different policies, plans, and rates.  Of course,  this sounds all too familiar with the new Medicare prescription programs.  Travel insurance is a smart way to plan a trip.  You never know when you’ll get sick or injured on a trip.  By purchasing travel insurance, you are guaranteeing yourself medical assistance whether in the US or abroad and medical transportation coverage.  Just one more way to make travel easier for seniors.

So before going on your next trip, take the time to discuss your travel needs.  It’s as simple as that!  Happy Traveling