Traveling with a Disability

Also Posted Through Becoming RentABLE

Traveling has always been something I look forward to. The thrill of exploring new places, tasting new foods, and experiencing different cultures is what I live for. But, as someone with a disability, traveling can also be a challenge, especially when it comes to finding a place to stay that truly works for me. Accessible lodging isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. Without it, what should be an enjoyable experience can turn into a stressful one.

Over the years, I’ve learned exactly what I need in a space to make it comfortable and safe for myself and my service dog. It’s not about having a bunch of fancy gadgets or extras—it’s about simple, functional features that make all the difference. I tend to make accessibility choices based on what works for me, not it being marketed towards accessibility. Because of this, many of my needs regard simple changes that improve the lives of both disabled and able-bodied individuals.

The biggest issue I have when traveling is finding lodging that has a step-free entry without a steep ramp. Because I am an ambulatory wheelchair user, I need a step-free entrance when I am using my chair, but when I am walking, I need the ramp to be a very smooth grade, otherwise, I cannot walk up it. This prevents tripping and flipping while also giving me the independence to explore the location without help.

The second thing I have to have when traveling is an accessible bathroom. This includes a bench in the shower or bath so I do not have to sit on the floor, grab bars in the shower and around the toilet to prevent falls, and a reachable sink with a mirror I can see myself in so I can get ready. Having an accessible bathroom allows me a chance to relax and decompress while getting ready for the adventures the trip holds.

One thing that I find is frequently overlooked in short-term rentals is having all kitchen appliances within reach of someone in a wheelchair. As someone who prides themself on their independence, being able to make my own meals gives me a sense of control and normalcy on the road. Having a kitchen that's designed with accessibility in mind makes a world of difference.

In addition to an accessible kitchen, the layout and structure of the furniture make a big difference in my stay. Having sturdy furniture that is spaced out enough for a wheelchair to pass by allows me to steady myself during transfers. This is also very important when I have falls or have to get off the floor. The layout of furniture also matters when it comes to storage and reaching outlets. I have to have enough space to store all of my medical equipment out of the way while not blocking all of the outlets in the room or having to crawl behind a bed to plug my power chair in. Speaking of beds...they can't be too high or too low. I have to be able to safely transfer from my chair to bed and back again, or be able to stand up and sit down from the bed. If the bed is too high or too low, or if there's a big gap between it and my chair, it becomes extremely difficult to get in and out of bed.

Finally, the biggest factor for me when traveling is space for my service dog in training. We always travel together, and I have to make sure there is enough room for both of us to move around comfortably with all my equipment in the room. He needs an outdoor space to use the bathroom and get his zoomies out, and an indoor space to rest and eat. If there is not enough space for us, it is very stressful because I'm more likely to knock things over, or worse, trip and fall.

Obviously, accessible lodging isn't one size fits all, but taking into consideration what individuals need can completely change travel for people with disabilities because everyone deserves the chance to explore the world comfortably and without barriers.