Planning a holiday should be fun and exciting but it can also be stressful with many things to consider. We have crafted a list of useful travel planning tips to help get you started:
1. Plan in advance and book ahead
Okay, so this is easier said than done, particularly as the April Holiday break is only a few days away. The further ahead you book the more likely you are to get the kind of accommodation you want.
More and more places have accessible options and if the information is not on their website give them a call and see what they offer.
2. Accommodation accessibility
The web has an abundance of information, but when it comes to information on accessible accommodation, it is often incomplete or inaccurate.
To avoid any surprises, it is a good idea to contact the hotel or provider before making your reservation. By calling or sending them an email, you will be able to ask any specific questions regarding the facilities, and make sure they meet your needs. Do not hesitate to ask them for photos of the facilities as well.
It’s also important to call them 48 hours in advance to confirm your reservation details.
3. Travelling to your destination
Once you’ve decided on a destination, the next step is to figure out how to get there.
Whether you choose to travel by plane, train, boat or car, the best thing to do is to contact your travel providers in advance. Specify any requirements or needs you may have, they will often be able to give you relevant advice and help you arrange the solution that fits you the best.
4. Travelling around at your destination
How will you get from your accommodation to the activities you want to do?
Getting there and deciding on the spur of the moment can be exciting but it is not always the best idea. Sometimes it might be better to research and decide beforehand the best form of transport, whether it be taxi, car hire, public transportation, or a combination of transport.
5. Extra equipment
If you need any extra equipment, you can check with your accommodation provider if they can provide it. If not, you can bring you own or rent it. There are plenty of companies you can rent equipment from, but planning for it in advance will make it less stressful.
For example, Mobility Rentals, Independent Living Centres, Access Rehabilitation Equipment, Independence Australia,
6. Activities
Web search and online reviews can help you decide on which tourist attractions to visit and give you specific information on the accessibility. There are also websites such as wheelchair world that provides useful travel reviews and resources for wheelchair users.
7. Supports
Who are you planning on travelling with? Will you need someone to support you? This is something you have to plan in advance as it may involve a cost that you will want to consider in your travelling budget and reservations.
The secret to having the holiday of a lifetime is to plan ahead, research everything and book in advance. Planning a holiday is half the fun and the more ready and prepared you are, the less hassle you will encounter.
An alternative to planning a stress-free holiday can be to hire a professional that specialises in accessible travel, such as Leisure Options or ClubMates Travel.
