If you ever, for whatever reason, find yourself in a wheelchair, you should never feel like your chances to get out there and see the world are limited. True, your disability, be it temporary or long-term, might stop you from doing certain things on your travels, but it doesn’t have the power to stop you from going on an adventure altogether. So, stop entertaining that thought, and stop listening to anybody that might try to tell you what you can and cannot do. Exploration and travels are entirely possible, and the points below illustrate how to start your next adventure.
Find out accurate accessibility information prior to travel
When you travel, you don’t want to waste any time. You want to be out exploring the city that you have journeyed to, and you certainly don’t want to spend hours trying to get in or out of somewhere because you can’t find an accessible entry or exit for wheelchair users. To stop yourself from having to do just that, you must find out accurate accessibility information in the place that you travel to before you get there. This may involve finding out about wheelchair accessibility at train stations and getting in touch with your hotel beforehand to make special arrangements for your arrival.
Pack light
The truth of the matter is, in a wheelchair, you won’t be able to carry, push or pull too many heavy bags or cases on your travels. This is just a given, and the sooner you accept this, and the sooner you resolve to packing as light as you can, the more stress you will avoid on your travels.
You should pack for yourself two small bags: one that can be easily hung up or carried on the back of your chair, and another that can be comfortably kept on your lap. Due to your lack of space, you need to be very economical with the way you pack.
Make yourself comfortable
On your travels, you could find yourself in your chair for long stretches — these will likely be periods of time sitting down that are longer than those you are used to when you are at home, and you will probably have to do more pushing and pulling on your wheels than you are used to, too. To get yourself through these extended periods and to stop them from ruining your adventures, quite simply, resolve to make yourself comfortable throughout them. If this means investing in wheelchair accessories like gloves and arm support, or wheelchair parts like cushions and cozies, then do it. Remaining comfortable with wheelchair accessories such as this while exploring the world is essential if you want to truly enjoy yourself while you’re out there.
You may be in a wheelchair, but that doesn’t mean that your chances of exploring the world are diminished. You can do it, and if you follow the advice above, when you do, you’ll have the time of your life.
