Travel Tips

Ahhhh, vacation, a time to relax, detach from routines and schedules, and luxuriate in a change of scenery. One memorable vacation of ours was a trip to Florida. Sure, there were accommodations I made for Luke so that he would be completely comfortable (room service versus hotel restaurant dining), but all in all the beach, pool, and other activities proved to be just what we needed.

The restfulness we experienced was all but obliterated on the plane ride home. Settled into our seats, all was peaceful until a man and his baby were seated beside Luke. Tears and shrieks of frustration from Luke quickly got the flight attendant's attention, and she graciously located seats in another part of the plane where adults surrounded us.

Counting my blessings that those seats were available, clutching my stomach for the distress that Luke felt, I was immediately soothed by a fellow passenger when she looked right at Luke and said, "I don't like sitting next to babies either". Although her comment helped us to relax, thereafter, travel became the wild card, an event for which I needed every ounce of energy and resolve.

And because there is a big world to explore and we all deserve a break, we believe that getting there should not be stress inducing. Welcome to Travel Tips, a collection of suggestions that will help to make travel what it should be: fun! Should you have tips to share, we welcome your suggestions at Passporttofun@Lambdoodle.com.

A holiday vacation is usually a highly anticipated activity for families. But for families of children with special needs, even a simple trip can require a lot more planning. Whether a child has a physical disability or a developmental disorder such as autism, traveling can be a positive event when following these holiday travel tips. Here are some ways to help insure a wonderful holiday trip experience with disabled children and their parents.

Holiday Travel Tips - Prepare the Child

Kids with special needs are often anxious about changes in their daily routines. Unexpected surprises will not necessarily be met with enthusiasm. Preparing children with autism or anxiety disorders ahead of time for the holiday trip will benefit them greatly. Talk about the trip's daily itinerary, places the family will visit, and what the hotel and food will be like.

Another good holiday travel tip is to discuss travel arrangements with the disabled child. Will there be an airplane ride? If so, parents may want to consider a flying software application like the iPhone fear of flying course. Looking at pictures of the destination and talking about the travel plans ahead of time will also help alleviate many nervous feelings.

Planning Ahead of Time for Holiday Trip
A quick phone call by a parent may be all that is necessary to avoid an unpleasant experience. Find out ahead of time if a restaurant has considerations for the physically disabled such as ample aisle space and bathroom accommodations. Make sure that museum and bus tours have sign language interpreters or listening devices available for the hearing impaired. Find out if the transportation used (plane, train, or rental car) can accommodate physical requirements.

Stick to the Routine When Taking a Holiday Trip
As much as possible, keep routines such as bedtimes, wake times, and afternoon naps or rests similar to those at home. If staying at a relative's home, bring along familiar items such as a favorite blanket or teddy bear (lovey), nightlight, radio, or fan to help the child feel safe and comfortable. Also, review the plans for the day every morning with the child who has special needs.

Holiday Travel Tips - Info Tag for Special Needs Child
In case a child with special needs gets accidentally separated from her parents during the holiday trip, she should have with her some vital information, including the names of parents, caregivers, and grandparents, cell phone numbers, and the name and phone number of the hotel or relative where the family is planning to stay. Written down, this is an important safeguard for a disabled child that cannot communicate the information verbally.

When taking a trip to visit close friends and family this holiday season, make sure to plan ahead, especially if traveling with a child with special needs. Holiday trips can be memorable and fun for disabled children, but only if the holidays are planned well and if routine is incorporated. The holiday travel tips above should help parents of children with disabilities to plan for their vacations.

Today's world is more accessible than ever, and for anyone with special requirements for traveling, there's a world of information and help waiting for you.

Outline Your Travel Needs
Take time to evaluate the logistics of the trip in relationship to your ability to keep pace. What modes of transportation will you be using -- airplane, motor coach, train, ship, transit vans for ground transfers? Make a list and refer to relevant brochures, your trip organizer or travel agent to make sure you include everything.

Now, make a list of your specific requirements. Be honest. What types of special needs equipment do you depend on at home? What do you use or need (or wish you had!) when shopping, sightseeing locally, dining out or going to the movies, attending concerts, the theatre, street fairs or sporting events at home? Can you hear and see clearly without special auditory equipment or visual aides? How far can you walk without a rest break? Are stairs difficult? Can you get in and out of the tub or shower at home without handgrips or other assistance?

Travel, whether solo or in a group, is full of challenges. This is no time for being a martyr or trying to "tough it out." If a wheelchair, scooter or portable oxygen will make your trip easier, place that item on your list. Many people who do not use wheelchairs or walkers at home feel more comfortable using these mobility aides for tour and excursions. In fact, most of our wheelchair and scooter rentals are to individuals who only use such aides when traveling.

Plan Ahead
If you already own a scooter, or portable oxygen, it's important to know the policy and procedures for bringing that equipment onboard all the transport vehicles, from planes to taxis to ferry boats, included in your itinerary. Does that transport have a way to stow your scooter or wheelchair?

Is oxygen allowed on board? Some airlines prohibit certain types of batteries, such as wet cell batteries, or oxygen cylinders. Airlines operate under strict rules, so there may be packing procedures to follow if they do allow the equipment. Keep in mind, most airlines need at least 48 hours notice to make special arrangements, and be prepared to fill out forms. Overall, cruise ships are more lenient in allowing oxygen, but some disallow certain types. All require that the oxygen be delivered to the ship, and that you have enough for the entire voyage. Oxygen may never be brought aboard in your luggage. Requirements vary, so check your cruise line for proper instructions. Again, documentation and paper work are required.

Whether you are headed for a cruise ship, hotel or all-inclusive resort, double check for wheelchair access at that venue, plus any venues you will be visiting on the trip. Confirm that accessible hotel rooms, resort accommodations or ship staterooms are available for your travel dates. The earlier you book, the better your chances of securing fully accessible accommodations. And early booking increases your chances of securing a ground floor hotel room or cruise stateroom near the elevator, if these issues are important.

Next, check on the access to public rooms, restaurants, bars, toilets, the swimming pool, hot tub, beach area and other amenities. Are there TDD phone devices? How will you get in and out of the shower or bathtub? Are there flashing lights to accommodate hearing? Braille room numbers? Knowing in advance the scope of your needs gives you time to arrange advance rentals of any necessary equipment, scheduled to arrive when you do. Everything from scooters, lifts, ramps, TDD kits and special mattresses, including special needs cribs, is available for rental. Will road travel or car excursions be part of the trip? Many car rental companies, such as Avis Access, have vehicles that are modified for drivers or passengers with mobility limitations. Check ahead to make sure a suitable vehicle will be available for your travel dates. If you will be hiring a car or van, make sure the company is aware of your special needs. When traveling with a limitation or disability, full travel insurance for medical coverage abroad and trip cancellation insurance are even more important and strongly advised.

Ask the Right Questions
When making the final bookings, be sure you ask the right questions, even if the accommodations or cruise stateroom are categorized as "accessible". For example:
- Are doorways wide enough for the largest wheelchairs? Do the doors open outwards or into the room?
- Are all the public areas of the hotel, resort or ship accessible?
- Do you need to make special arrangements in the dining room to accommodate the wheelchair or scooter?
- Will the bathroom facilities truly fit your need? Is the bathroom large enough for the wheelchair or scooter? Is there a roll-in shower? Grab-bars?
- Are there facilities for companion/assistance animals?
- Are there shopping and entertainment facilities close by if you are staying at a hotel or resort?
- On shore excursions or tours, does the van have a lift and method for transporting wheelchairs and scooters?

Simply stated, don't take anything for granted. It's easy to arrange for almost every situation, and the world is wonderfully accessible, once you know what's needed, what's available and how to find the necessary equipment.