Traveling with a wheelchair is perfectly doable if you arrange a few things in advance. Here are six points that make the biggest difference in practice.
1. Request assistance well in advance
For flights and many train journeys, you can arrange assistance. Do this as early as possible, usually at least 48 hours before departure for flights, directly with the airline or through your travel agency. Check the exact conditions with your carrier.
2. Look up the route, not just the destination
An accessible hotel is of little help if the bus to get there has stairs. Also check the path from the station or airport to the front door, and call if the website says nothing.
3. Ensure grip and protection for your hands
If you push yourself, after a long day in the city or at the airport, you'll notice that slippery hand grips and sweaty hands are a problem. Half-finger gloves with a padded, non-slip palm provide more grip and protect against blisters, while keeping your fingertips free for your phone and tickets.
4. Protect your arms on long journeys
Hard armrests start to hurt after a while. Soft armrest pads in a set of two make long days more comfortable.
5. Keep everything within reach
Phone, medication, wallet, a bottle of water. A storage bag for your wheelchair with multiple compartments keeps it all in one place. With a cup holder with phone holder on your push handle or armrest, your drink and route are always in view, without having to hold them on your lap.
6. Allow extra time, and a raincoat
Transfers, lifts that don't work, a platform on the other side. Give yourself a margin. And the weather doesn't stick to your plans: a compact waterproof rain poncho fits in any bag and can be put on as soon as it starts to rain.
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