Have you been thinking about going away on holiday abroad? Did you manage to go, how was it or if you didn't go what stopped you?
We like to go for holidays and explore different areas or just relax on the beach, but Luis is getting older and travelling is more challenging from getting heavier, to his change in demanding behaviour, getting louder and is now using a wheelchair instead of a pushchair.
Observation
We went away this year and it was not until we returned we noticed something, there are not many families like us. Now I do not mean cultural diversity or with 3 children, I mean pushing someone in a wheelchair or with a disability where they need one to one attention constantly.
There were some families who had hidden disabilities wearing the sunflower badges and there was also a lady we met near our hotel in a motorised wheelchair, but that was the extent of what we saw even in the airports. It made me think about this more as I had not done so previously, and there are some obvious reasons why some families avoid the journey.
Things to think about
The degree of disabilities of course vary and must be factored in. The airport can be exciting
when all goes well and everything is on time, but when there are delays even the most patient people can become agitated. Now add a disability and it can be even more uncomfortable, add a child or adult that you cannot explain these things to and you can see how easily this can become more challenging.
From our experience depending on the country the airports have done a pretty decent job increasing assistance for those with additional needs, from special assistance desks, to lanes in the security checks to boarding. We have also been on the other side when things are not so well organised at the airport to help aid families such as ourselves, and know the frustrations that can easily occur.
Thinking of other possible factors, being taken on and off the plane physically whilst other passengers look on, the length of the flight, how do they and us as careers cope with travelling in general, is there enough room, if they or you are non-verbal and express themselves with sounds how do the other passengers react?
Whilst abroad there can also be medical concerns if an emergency happens, do I speak the language, do they speak mine, having to explain the medical conditions possibly from the start, what if I need more medicine, do I have the correct insurance cover in place should I/we need it? You can see how the questions are easy to continue increasing.
What about facilities abroad and access in general, is there the same level that I am used to, and if not can we get by? These are valid concerns and I can imagine there are many more that you as readers can add to or even recall experiences.
Familiarity close to home, means not having to step into an unknown. We know what to expect and how to deal with it, when an emergency arises we are already mentally prepared of the steps to take.
There is no right or wrong and these decisions are circumstantial. As a family or an individual you know yourselves best and your thresholds, and vacation success can be dependant on both your preparation in advance but also the readiness of a destination to welcome those with disabilities.
That being said I believe we have composed a travel checklist I think is an absolute must before booking a trip. Have a look below and feel free to add some more in the comments or your thoughts and experiences taking trips home or away.
#Travel Checklist
Search for an accessible hotel/place to stay.
Check the destination for trips and places to go that cater for your needs.
Research and check the destination airport can actually accommodate your needs.
Book special assistance in advance through your travel agent or contact the airport directly usually at least 2 weeks prior.
Ensure that all medication is labelled with the traveller's name and details for the security checks in the airport. This is sometimes on the outer box packing rather directly on the bottles so use the boxes for travel if applicable. If not a prescription will also do.
Have appropriate travel insurance. Check the insurance covers all the traveller's medical conditions and equipment as needed for example a wheelchair. There are companies that do disabled insurance specifically, however I also found mainstream insurers covered our needs and wheelchair so shop around.
#Handy Money Savers
We have in the past been charged by the GP for a letter to confirm Luis' medication, however we realised this cost is not needed. Once your medication is labelled correctly and security can verify the names with the passport that will be enough. Alternatively a prescription or access to the medical app such as the NHS app.
Take an empty water bottle with you, most airports now have water fountains that you can use to top them up.
Plane and airport food is not exactly to everyone's liking or requirements and can be costly. You can carry cakes, fruit, vegetables, sandwiches and all solid foods in your hand luggage. The container carrying these foods must not exceed 100ml in size, regardless of the amount inside. Jams, honey and other preserves are also subject to these restrictions. There are more details generally found on airport websites for example: www.gatwickairport.com/passenger-guides/security.html
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