Disability Travel 101: Tips for Accessible Travel with a Disabled Child

Traveling with a disability is no easy task.

We started traveling with our disabled daughter when she was just a few months old and suffice it to say, her needs have evolved quite a lot over the past 6 years.

From managing neurodivergence and sensory processing issues, to flying with a wheelchair and navigating foreign cities with mobility equipment, we’ve experienced the gambit of stressors involved in the world of disability and travel.

And I won’t lie, it is hard. On some particularly rough days, I wonder if we should just throw in the towel.

But then a good day comes. We’ll see Sophie’s eyes light up at wildflowers in a national park, or hear a breakthrough of new speech in an echoey historic building. And suddenly, it seems so worth it all over again.

Now let me say this with full disclosure,

I do not know what it’s like to be disabled.

But as the mom to a disabled child, I do understand the frustrations that come with navigating a world that is not accessible. So whether you’re disabled yourself and want to travel more, or are the caregiver to someone else who is disabled, my hope that by sharing all of our advice and tips in one place, it will help the world a little easier to explore for someone else.

This is a working blog post, and I’ll keep updating it as we discover more challenges and solutions. I don’t pretend to know it all, and would love to add any tips you may have to make this list as comprehensive as possible!

So with all that said, here are our top disability travel tips gathered through nearly 7 years of exploring the world with our disabled child.

A little disclaimer: this post contains links to affiliate websites, such as Amazon and LTK, and I may receive an affiliate commission (at no cost to you!) for any purchases made by you using these links. Your support is much appreciated!

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Finding Accessible Destinations

Disabled Influencers

The best place to look for disability-friendly destinations? Disabled influencers! Most people have probably heard of Curb Free with Cory Lee, who shares hundreds of accessible travel guides on his long-running blog.

But there are a tons more travel influencers in the disability space sharing their own travel and experiences, which is my personal favorite way to learn about a destination.

Here are a few disability advocates and influencers you should follow!

• Curb Free with Cory Lee | Probably the most well-known disabled travel influencer, his blog contains so much helpful information like trip reports, cruise line reviews, and so much more. Don’t forget to follow him on Instagram as well.
• Spin the Globe by Sylvia Longmire | an award-winning wheelchair accessible travel blog bringing readers the most authentic accessibility information available
• Little Miss Turtle | Wheelchair travel blog sharing Melanie’s own experiences and accessible adventures
• Have Wheelchair Will Travel | Julie and her family share their travels, tips and experiences as well as day-to-day tips and the other fun in between.
• Simply Emma | UK-based blogger sharing life experiences from a wheelchair user’s perspective.
• Wonders Within Reach by Jennifer and The Allen Family | A Spina Bifida mom sharing accessible adventures for all types of families
• The Journey of a Brave Woman | Marcela, the 1st disabled Latin woman to have climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro & visited all 7 Wonders of the World
• Maayan Ziv | Founder of the AccessNowApp, Mayan shares her work in advocacy, technology, and travel
• Wheelie Wanderlust | German-based influencer sharing accessible travels and tips around the world (her blog, through written in German, is worth busting out Google translate for).
• Accessible Adventures | Epilepsy mom Kristy shares resources, adaptive gear & guidance for wheelchair-friendly destinations.
• Special Kind of Magic | Special needs mom planning magical and accessible travel experiences for all abilities (Disney, cruises, and all-inclusives)
• AmandaCapable | Disabled mom and outdoor disability advocate with a love for para-cycling
• Spectrum Getaways | Dina, an autism mom and travel advisor helping autistic families explore the world

Travel Without Limits

Travel Without Limits is Australia’s (and maybe the world’s?) first magazine highlighting disability-specific travel. You can find a lot of destination info on their website, but the most info can be found by subscribing to their bi-annual digital magazine, which includes first-person experiences and detailed information to help you travel with confidence.

Wheel the World

Wheel the World is an accessible travel agency specializing in a seamless travel experience from start to finish. Their team of accessible travel agents will guarantee all of your accessibility needs are met and planning everything from accessible hotels, to accessible tours and cruises, taking the headache out of planning for you.

I’ve found the Wheel the World Facebook group to also be a treasure trove of knowledge where members can ask questions and share their firsthand travel experiences.

Accessible Cruise Lines

While our family hasn’t embarked on any cruises yet, many disabled people enjoy them for the large accessible state rooms offered, onboard accommodations, and having all of your amenities in one place. Especially for a multi-city itinerary, cruising can take a lot of logistical stress out of the equation.

Not sure if a cruise ships stateroom will work for you? Search YouTube for “[Insert Cruise Line Here] accessible cabin tour”. You’ll find a ton of videos and reviews showing you the exact layout of the room and its handicap accessible features.

The one area where cruise lines can be really lacking is when it comes to shore excursions. In some cities where the cruise ship is not able to dock at the port, passengers must be taken by tender to the shore. This is not an option for wheelchair users (some cruise lines, such as Virgin Voyages, will only allow folding manual wheelchairs on a tender).

And even if the boat can dock, a lot of excursions are just plain not accessible at all. As you plan your cruise vacation, make sure you check the excursion options carefully if you want to prioritize time off the boat.

If you’re thinking about cruising, I’d encourage you to research the various big cruise lines and read through the “Accessibility” page on their website, which will give you really solid idea of what accommodations are available for both physical and intellectual disabilities.

Advanced Certified Autism Centers (ACAC)

Another new and exciting area for disability travel is the expansion of Advanced Certified Autism Centers (ACAC). These are properties in the travel world who have gone above and beyond to train staff and implement autism-friendly programs at their properties (Beaches Resorts, Marriott, and Carnival Cruises, to name a few). I’ll be keeping an eye out as this program expands, but for now, these ACAC properties are a good place for families with autism or other cognitive disabilities to consider visiting.

Packing for Disability Travel

Packing may just be the most stressful part of traveling, and packing for a medically complex human? Take that x10.

Here’s a few tips to make it not so scary:

Medical Supplies & Medications

The number of medical supplies you need to bring will of course vary by person and their needs, but It’s important to note that an extra bag for medical supplies is allowed by airlines at no extra charge. However, only medical devices (aka items needing a prescription) can go in this bag, so be sure to keep this bag dedicated for only medical necessities. (for us, that’s diapers, wipes, syringes and medications).

While you won’t always be asked, I keep the original prescription with any medications and DME supplies like diapers or special formula. This is especially important for oversized liquids: note, these are allowed, but will require a special screening to bring through security in a carry on. (You can avoid the hassle altogether by checking these items).

Speaking of medication, make sure you have enough to last you the whole trip, and then a little extra in case of delays or emergencies. If an insurance exception is needed to stock up before your next refill, make sure to speak with your pharmacist at least 2 weeks in advance so they can get things sorted with your insurance company. 

We’ve found that for big retail pharmacies, if you’re able to fill your medication at a different branch while traveling (for example, another CVS location in a different US state), they will not make an exception for additional supply. However, if you have international travel planned where refilling elsewhere is not so simple, this should be worthy of an approval. (I say worthy because we all know insurance companies make up their own rules).

Do keep in mind that even if insurance doesn’t approve covering the additional supply upfront, you always have the option to pay of out pocket yourself for a extra week or two of supply (not ideal, but hey, it’s an option).

Documentation

Any documentation from medical providers stating your child’s specific medical conditions and assistance needed can be helpful as well. While I completely agree that no one should ever have to “prove” their disability, sometimes it just happens, and it’s reassuring to have in your back pocket should any incidents arrive. Keep in mind, for attractions that offer discounted or free caregiver tickets, this may be requested from you as well.

Snacks & More Snacks

Like any traveling family with a kiddo that eats by mouth, you’ll want lots and lots of snacks, especially if your child is a picky eater with specific safe foods. This snack organizer can be a great way to keep kids engaged with their favorite finger foods.

Luggage & Bags

Getting all this stuff from Point A to Point B brings its own challenges. We love a 360 rolling hard side luggage that rolls with ease (this our favorite tried and true carry on).

Needing to keep a bunch of medical supplies organized? Consider stacking pack out tool boxes like these one, or if going on a road trip, simple storage drawer organizers.

For wheelchair travel, check out Phoenix Instinct‘s wheelchair attachable suitcases that are a real game changer in terms of how many bags you can carry through the airport. For a more budget solution, use heavy duty stroller hooks for small bags or luggage straps for banding rolling suitcases together.

Durable Medical Equipment

Perhaps the trickiest part of traveling with a disability is deciding which durable medical equipment to bring. We all know how important it is to have multiple assistive devices for different purposes, but unfortunately, most airlines will only allow two pieces of mobility equipment (a wheelchair and a hiking carrier, for example).

Because policies vary so much by airline, it’s best to contact the airline you’ll be flying specifically and confirm in writing how many mobility items or special bags for medical supplies you may gate check or carry on with you.

Wheelchairs & Strollers

Traveling with a wheelchair can feel extra scary with the risk of damage always being a real concern. For more tips on this, scroll down to the section on flying with a disability.

If your child is young enough that you can get by will just a stroller, I recommend getting this stroller as wheelchair tag (also for a medical stroller that might get mistaken for a typical one). While it’s nothing official by any means, it has helped us many times in explaining (without having to really explain) that Sophie’s stroller is acting as a medical device. This is particularly important for visiting museums or other places where strollers might not typically be allowed.

Looking to rent mobility equipment at your destination? While there aren’t widespread options for this, there are a few companies (mostly catering to cruise ships) where you can rent wheelchairs, scooters and walkers: Scootaround and Special Needs Group (aka Special Needs at Sea) being two of them.

Carriers & Hiking Packs

Although getting more difficult, we like to utilize a carrier in places where accessibility is not really an option (say, the hills of Lisbon or a waterfall hike in Hawaii). Our go-to is the MiaMily Carrier. We love it because it’s so lightweight and compact, making it easy to stow and bring out as needed. Another popular option is the Kinderpack Child Size carrier, with an upper weight limit of 85 lbs!

If either of those don’t work for you, the next best option would be a hiking pack. These are much sturdier and provide good support, but in turn are bulky to maneuver around with. We used a Deuter Kid Comfort for many years, but it became clear that Sophie was becoming increasingly more uncomfortable in it as she grew. So, we recently upgraded to the WeCarryKevan version, and wow! What a game changer. Sophie is so comfortable in it and we love all the added supports it offers.

PS. Need hiking solution for bigger kids? Check out Huckleberry Hiking‘s tandem hiking cart!

Car Seats & Alternatives

A car seat is a must if you plan on driving at your destination, and you can certainly check your typical car seat or booster seat for free (I highly recommend putting it in a heavy duty bag to protect it from dirt and wear). If you want something ultra portable, we love our WayB Pico folding car seat that doubles as seating on the airplane (more on that later).

Seating & Alternatives

If your child is small enough and still able to use typical bay items, your best bet will probably be to rent gear at your destination, limiting the amount of items you need to bring. BabyQuip is an awesome tool to rent gear from local families, offering everything from strollers and travel cribs to high chairs and toys.

While we try to keep it light, we do sometimes bring our Firefly Splashy bath chair in the custom Firefly travel bag. It can double as not only a bath chair, but seating for feeding AND a handy chair for the pool or beach.

Or if you don’t want to lug something of that size, consider this inflatable bathtub that was a real lifesaver for many years before Sophie outgrew it.

Safe Sleep Solutions

Sleeping in a new place can be one of the trickiest part of travel for some of our kids. For years, we used these The Shrunks Inflatable Bed Rails, which worked amazingly when Sophie was smaller and less mobile (Hiccapop also makes similar inflatable bed rails).

There’s been many a time we’ve had to move the mattress to the floor to prevent Sophie from falling out of a bed, and we’ve gotten real good at creating makeshift barriers by stuffing extra pillows and blankets under the fitted sheet.

However, now that Sophie has become a master escape artist, we finally broke down and purchased the Safe Place Travel Bed. And what a great investment it has been!

The inflatable frame makes it compact enough to fit in a carry on size suitcase and Sophie loves having her own quiet space to decompress after busy days. (Helpful hint: we purchased this mini air pump for even more space saving, but note, you will have to do a little manual inflating at the end as it’s not quite powerful enough to inflate the bed 100% by itself). With our new bed, we never have to worry about Sophie climbing out of bed again. It’s a win for all!

Preparing for Emergencies

When it comes to traveling with a medically complex child, one of the biggest reasons families opt to stay home is for fear of a medical emergency happening when away from home.

And rightfully so. These situations are scary enough on their own, let alone in a foreign city. However, there are a few things you can do to minimize your risk and plan ahead, helping to ease your mind that if something does go wrong, it will still be ok.

Get Travel Insurance

Firstly, obtain a travel insurance policy. You’ll want a policy that specifically covers medically related incidents, which is not as common as you would think. Most travel insurance policies do also have limits around pre-existing conditions, however some can still offer coverage if you obtain a medical certificate from your health care provider stating your child’s condition is stable and they are healthy to travel. Be sure to check the fine print very carefully on these policies, and get approval for the pre-existing condition in writing, if possible.

Have an Emergency Plan

The next thing I always do is research the nearest hospital (better yet, children’s hospital) to where we’ll be staying. If traveling abroad, expat Facebook groups are a great place to ask for recommendations for English-speaking doctors. Have a transportation plan in place for emergencies (does the country have Uber or another ride share app?) and know the phone number for emergency medical services.

Stay Connected Abroad

Speaking of, you can easily stay connected abroad with eSIM service from Airalo. Simply download the app and choose a data plan for the country you’ll be staying in. It’s way more affordable than international coverage offered by your home carrier (though in a pinch, that’s always an option as well) and will ensure you can make a phone call quickly if an emergency arises.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program is a free service for American citizens. Simply register your upcoming travels and it will allow the Department of State to more easily locate your family while abroad in the case of a natural disaster, safety concerns, or other family emergency.

Big Red Safety Box 

For autism families, check out the Big Red Safety Box. This collection of autism safety tools for children prone to eloping is completely free and includes two door/window alarms, an RFID shoe tag, plus visual prompts and window signs for your hotel or Airbnb.

Flying with a Disability

Yay! You’ve packed your bags and planned ahead for any unexpected hiccups. Now’s the time for the big event. And in most cases that means…flying!

While I know how scary and unknown it feels, I promise that with a little practice, flying with a disability is not so bad.

Here’s a few tips to help things go smoothly:

Consider Prescription Medications

No matter which way you slice it, flying is stressful on our little humans. You’re in a new place with lots of stimuli and people, not to mention traveling 36,000 feet above the earth. Having a prescription for nausea or anxiety can help a ton with getting your kiddo through those first couple of stressful days. Ask your doctor if they feel a prn prescription medication might be helpful.

Know Your Rights

The Air Carrier Access Act outlines the rights of air travelers with disabilities and what services an airline must provide, such as:

• Airlines may not require a person with a disability to travel with another person.
• Airlines may not keep anyone out of a specific seat on the basis of disability, or require anyone to sit in a particular seat on the basis of disability, except for exit-row seating.
• Airlines are required to provide assis­tance with boarding, deplaning and making connections. Assistance within the cabin is also required, but not extensive personal services.
• Assistive devices do not count against any limit on the number of pieces of carry-on baggage. Collapsible wheelchairs and other assistive devices have priority for in-cabin storage space (including in closets) over other passengers’ items.
• Airlines must permit a passenger to use his/her Portable Oxygen Concentrator during the flight if it is labeled as FAA-approved.

Clarifying these regulations even further, the U.S. Department of Transportation has developed an Air Passengers with Disabilities Bill of Rights. It’s quite lengthy, and I encourage your to read through ti tall, but here are a few particularly interesting tidbits:

• An airline may not refuse transportation or other services because of one’s disability (including appearance or involuntary behaviors).
• Passengers with disabilities must be provided prompt and timely enplaning and deplaning assistance from properly trained airline personnel.
• Once a passenger with a disability has boarded, airlines must provide assistance onboard with moving to or from the lavatory and stowing or retrieving carry-on items.
• Priority in-cabin stowage must be available for at least one normal-sized collapsible manual wheelchair in any aircraft with 100+ seats. Airlines that use seat strapping should provide space for at least two wheelchairs, if stowing the second wheelchair would not displace passengers.
• Airlines must also provide for the checking and timely return of assistive devices at the gate for use in the terminal.
• Should an airline lose, damage, or destroy the wheelchair or other assistive device, the airline must provide compensation in an amount up to the original purchase price of the wheelchair or device.
• Airlines must provide an adjoining seat for a companion who provides personal assistance (such as feeding or interpreting) that a flight attendant cannot provide.
• Airlines must provide a seat assignment that best accommodates the passenger’s disability, if the passenger meets the airline’s procedures.
• Passengers with disabilities who are not satisfied with air travel services, may file a complaint with the airline or DOT. Airlines must respond and directly address the disability related issues in your complaint in writing within 30 days.

Booking your Flight

When booking your airline tickets, be sure to note any special assistance needed (often called a DPNA or SSR code). Even if you don’t need assistance getting your child onto the plane via an aisle chair, you’ll still want to make sure they’re aware of your situation, whether that be flying with a wheelchair or having a child with an intellectual or developmental disability.

This is also the perfect time to request special meals (whether a child meal or one for special dietary needs) for long-haul flights. Sometimes you can do so within the booking portal; other times you may need to call the airline directly to request this. Be sure to do this right away so you don’t forget and have your kids left with chicken curry for dinner (speaking from experience).

Getting to the Airport

As with any flight, getting to the airport can add its own stress. If your child struggles with transitions, consider getting a ride from a friend of booking a car service to take you directly to the terminal, rather than having to park your car and take a shuttle. That one less transition (and moving of ALL THE THINGS) may be worth the extra cost.

Airport Security and TSA Cares

Now comes the real fun part: the dreaded security check. But don’t dismay, there are several resources available to help make this as stress-free of an experience as possible. 

If you’re not someone who flies a lot or just stressed out by the whole idea, reach out to TSA Cares. Simply complete this form online or call (855) 787-2227 and you can request special assistance at the screening checkpoint.

There is also a new symbol for non-visible disabilities called the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Wearing this lanyard will alert security officers that you need special assistance without having to disclose your disability in front of others. I’m not sure how well known this is across all states, so as an alternative, TSA also offers a disability notification card you can show to agents.

Even with these helpful programs, the security process can be overwhelming for children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Consider taking an advance trip to the airport to familiarize yourselves with the terminal or take part in a practice boarding event such as those put on by Autism Flies.

If you have any oversized liquids (>3 ounces) such as medications or formula, be sure to take them out of your bag and place them in their own bin for special screening. You’ll want to have a copy of your prescription with these as well.

Although not free, having TSA PreCheck has been a monumental help for getting through security as a family and I highly recommend it for everyone (children are free when traveling with a PreCheck parent). Shorter lines, not having to remove electronics or toiletries from your bags and being able to keep your shoes all seem like small things, but make the already chaotic process go so much smoother.

Wheelchairs will require a special “pat down” including under the seat and testing of your child’s hands. We typically divide and conquer for this part, me accompanying Sophie through the wheelchair screening while Matt pushes all our belongings through the x-ray machine. If you’re a solo parent, this part could be a bit challenging, so again consider registering with TSA cares for extra assistance.

And one final word: just know that no matter how much you plan or how often you fly, security is still everyone’s least favorite part of the travel experience. Keep expectations low, don’t be afraid to take your time, and don’t let others make you feel bad for taking up space. You’ll get through it and to the other side before you know it.

In the Terminal

Whew, you made it through security! Now’s a good time to fill up those water bottles and take a restroom/diaper change break before getting on the plane. Accessible restrooms (especially those with adult changing tables) can be tricky to find, so I recommend looking these up beforehand on the airport’s website if needed.

Once at the gate, let the gate agent know what type of wheelchair assistance is needed (aisle chair, etc.) and have your wheelchair tagged for stowage. If you have a folding wheelchair, they likely can bring it into the plane’s cabin with you, so be sure to ask about this.

Do you have a layover and need your wheelchair back to use during the layover? Surprisingly, this is not something airlines typically do. Yes really…they prefer to check your wheelchair ALL THE WAY THROUGH to your destination and make you rely on those airport wheelchairs being pushed by an airline employee while you wait for your next flight.

Be sure to stand your ground that this IS NOT acceptable. In our case, there is no way an airport wheelchair would provide the type of support Sophie requires and she’s getting far too big to carry around through a massive airport. So yeah, we’ve gotten into a few fights over this, but with enough awkward silence and stares the gate agent usually gives up on their “policy”. So far, we’ve always gotten the wheelchair back. 🤞🏻

Boarding the Airplane

Finally, it’s time to board. Be sure to make any final diaper checks or restroom breaks and pack up your bags before boarding begins.

Now for one of the most common questions I get asked about flying with a disabled child…how do we get Sophie on the airplane? Because she can’t walk, but she obviously can’t sit in one of those little rinky dink aisle chairs.

The answer is fairly simple. Before getting on the plane, I transfer Sophie to our MiaMily Carrier (we’re still under the 44 lb weight limit, thank goodness!). Yes, I could just carry her in my arms, but at 35 pounds and with so much other gear to tote down the jet bridge, the carrier is a lifesaver.

We then remove any loose pieces from her chair that could get lost in transit (like the tray and moveable armrests), and either pack them in a suitcase or carry these items onto the airplane. Some people also like to remove the wheelchair’s seat cushion to use for better seating on the plane.

We always board with the pre-boarding group when flying with Sophie, which gives us extra time to get Sophie’s car seat set up and our luggage stowed before all the people are staring us down annoyed that we’re blocking the aisle.

When boarding starts, the gate agent will make a quick pre-boarding announcement. However, since they have usually taken down any aisle chair users already, they typically move on very fast from the pre-boarding call to the next group. To make sure we have the extra time we need, we’ll typically stand right by the counter ready to go (you can also let the gate agent know you’d like to pre-board, in case you don’t have an obviously mobility need like a wheelchair).

Laura’s Tip: If you have a child with cognitive disabilities and do not need space in the overhead bins for carry on luggage, consider boarding the plane last. This will greatly minimize the amount of time you spend on the airplane as you’re waiting for take off.

If traveling with a wheelchair, bring it with you to the bottom of the jet bridge just at the plane’s door where it will then be taken away and loaded in the cargo hold just as they do a gate-checked stroller or carseat. If you’re low on extra hands, you can ask a gate agent to help you with this.

Finally, I always to ask the baggage handler or flight attendant where we can expect to pick up the wheelchair upon arrival, whether at the bottom of the jet bridge, at the gate counter, or in some cases, baggage claim! (yes, it’s crazy, but true — I’m looking at you Berlin). Each airline and airport does it differently, through 9 times out of 10 it will be at the bottom of the jet bridge where you left it.

On the Airplane

Another common question I get is how Sophie’s able to sit on an airplane seat. Because, you know, she doesn’t have the greatest trunk stability.

Our strategy certainly has changed over the years. When she was little we could get by with sitting her in the seat like normal with blankets around her to keep her supported. Now, we love to use our WayB Pico portable car seat. The Pico is FAA approved so it can be used during the whole plane ride, it’s super light and easy to carry (sliding seamlessly onto the handle of a carry-on suitcase!) and doubles in function as a car seat at our destination (we’ve even used it as a high chair in a pinch). It’s been a game changer in keeping Sophie supported and comfortable.

Some other seating devices recommended by special needs parents include:

• CARES Harness | Another ultralight solution, this one requires a bit of initial set up, but once you get the hang of it, makes for a super simple option.
• Any FAA Approved Car Seat | So long as it’s FAA approved and fits within the airline seat’s dimensions, any typical car seat can be used on the plane. Special needs parents have recommended the Graco Extend2Fit, Chicco OneFit or Diono Radian 3R for taller children.
• Convaid Carrot 3 | A medical car seat that is FAA approved
• Special Tomato Booster Seat | Also medical grade and FAA approved
• Firefly Go-To Seat | Lots of parents love to travel with the Go-To Seat because it can be used in so many different applications. Just note though, the Firefly Go-To seat is not FAA approved, meaning it can’t be used during take off and landing.

If you don’t want to bring a full car seat on the plane, a oversized travel pillow or backwards boppy pillow are two good options for additional lateral supports.

We do occasionally use an inflatable foot rest to extend leg (and sleeping) space, however, do keep in mind these foot rests can only be used at a window seat and once in the air (and even then, some airlines don’t allow them at all).

For additional head and neck support, a Hensinger collar is a common solution, while other parents recommend the NapUp or a simple travel neck pillow.

At Your Destination: Navigating Accessibility as a Wheelchair User

You’ve made it to your destination, woohoo! Now the fun really begins. 😊

But there are still a few things you’ll need to plan for to make sure all goes (mostly) smoothly.

Finding Accessible Accommodations

When it comes to accessible accommodations, hotels will almost always be your best bet. As much as I love a good Airbnb, and we still use them often because of the extra space we get, it’s increasingly becoming more difficult to find a good fit with a wheelchair. That said, Airbnb does offer search filters for different accessibility needs, so it’s worth a try.

While booking a hotel in the United States will almost always guarantee you ADA-compliant accommodations, other countries have their own standards. For example, a hotel may have an elevator, but is it big enough to fit a wheelchair inside? (we’ve seen some REALLY tiny elevators in Europe). The bathroom has a curbless shower, but can you fit through the shower door to transfer to a chair? These are all questions I’d recommend verifying with the hotel directly, in writing, if you have specific accessibility needs.

And another little tidbit I recently learned myself: even if you book an accessible room, it doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed one. Yes, seriously! So always be sure to reconfirm one week prior to your arrival and then again one day before to be sure the hotel has set aside an accessible room for you.

Getting Around at Your Destination

How you decide to get around while at your destination will vary greatly depending on where you’re going.

Here’s a few tips for getting around as a wheelchair traveler:

Car Rentals | Of course, a car rental will give you lots of flexibility, but you’ll also need to make sure you can afford a vehicle big enough to fit a wheelchair. Unfortunately, accessible vehicle rentals aren’t much of a thing yet, though one company in the UK, Open Road Access, is starting to change that, offering wheelchair accessible vehicles for rent, delivered to your door.

If you do plan to rent a car, consider opting for a lightweight and portable car seat solution like the WayB Pico portable car seat or for bigger kids, a RiderSafer vest.

Public Transportation | While public transportation seems like the easiest choice for wheelchair users, the unfortunate fact is that many subway and train stations still lack elevators! For wheelchair-friendly walking directions, use Google Maps and then navigate to ‘options’ and select ‘wheelchair accessible’. This will guide you through all step-free stations and sidewalks.

Similarly, the Transit app can be used to prioritize step-free public transportation routes with real time updates.

Wheelchair-Accessible Taxi | While not universally available, UberWAV or Lyft Wheelchair are both available in some major cities. BraunAbility has provided some helpful tips for accessible ride share programs here. Some cities, such as New York City, may even have their own wheelchair accessible taxi programs, so be sure to research your specific destination and what options may be available there.

Walking & Rolling | While most US cities will have fairly accessible sidewalks, international destinations are a whole different story. The Freewheel wheelchair attachment is a popular accessory for rolling over cobblestones and uneven terrain with ease! While it’s a bit pricey (like anything disability related), it’s definitely on the top of my wish list.

Restaurant Tips for Wheelchair Users

The final hurdle as you plan your trip is making sure the things you want to do in your destination are actually accessible as well! 

AccessAble is a growing app where users can rate accessibility of places. While it’s unfortunately not widely used (yet!), it can offer some insight into larger cities like New York City or Chicago.

For restaurants, love to scout out photos on the restaurant’s website, Google Streetview, or Yelp!, looking for any access obstacles at the front door or inside. If anything looks iffy, I’d recommend reaching out to the hostess in advance to confirm any accessibility issues (especially if accessible restrooms are a must). In Europe, though most restaurants have a step to get inside, most will have a temporary ramp they can set up for you.

Note on your restaurant reservations that a wheelchair accessible table is needed, so the restaurants will have plenty of time to prepare for you and seat you in the best possible location.

Accessible Tours & Activities

As far as accessible tours and activities, well, it’s really hit or miss. The first thing I do when researching an activity is go directly to their website and looking for an ‘Accessibility’ tab.

A dedicated accessibility page is becoming quite common and almost every website should give you at least basic information about the accessibility of a building or activity. This could mean a special entrance, skip the linen check-in, service elevator use, etc. Once you’re there, just ask the staff for any specific directions and you’ll find most people are very friendly and willing to help.

With guided tours, I’ve been very disheartened to find that many will say they are “not suitable for people with disabilities”. Which most times, just plain isn’t true at all!

Sure, there may be certain parts of a tour that are inaccessible or the may require a detour, but I encourage you to reach out directly to these companies, explain your specific situation, and work towards a solution for something you really want to do. If we don’t ask, unfortunately the default will always be to no.

When booking tickets for attractions, also be sure to look for “Caregiver” tickets. Lots of places are increasingly offering Carer/Companion tickets either for free or at a discount, which means saving on an adult admission (which helps soften the blow if we have to leave an attraction early due to Sophie’s needs).

Don’t Be Afraid to Take Up Space!

If I leave you with anything, it’s this: don’t be afraid to take up space!

I have to remind myself of this one often as well, but especially when we’re traveling.

The world was not made for disabled people, and adapting to a non-accessible world means it might take a little longer, you may need an extra accommodation and you may need to take up some more space!

Never feel guilty about this, it is part of the accessible travel experience. And remember, by taking up space, you’re making the world see you and your disabled child. How can the world become more accessible if we don’t get out there and show them what we need?

Are you a caregiver to a disabled child or disabled yourself? I’d love for you to share your own disability travel tips in the comments!

xo laura