What should I consider when selecting a trip destination?
Authors: Sharon Jang , Dominik Zbogar | Reviewers: Duncan Campbell , Janice Eng | Published: 16 November 2022 | Updated: ~
When planning a vacation, the first step is to choose a destination. Your destination may be based on attractions you want to see, accessibility of a location, or how far away it is from you. The distance you need to travel is important to consider as the further you go, the more sitting you will have to do. When selecting a destination, think about how long you are able to realistically sit comfortably for. If you can only sit for a couple of hours, perhaps a driving trip may be more appropriate as it allows you to take breaks whenever you want. If you are able to handle long periods of time without requiring pressure relief or stretching, then a longer international flight may work for you.
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This set of stairs was the only way in from a large tour boat to a Brazilian village. I could have stayed on the boat and just waited for the group to come back, but the ship crew were very willing to carry me, and with a little direction as to where and how to hold and lift we pulled it off – not without a few shaky moments, but overall very well done! I found in many settings which were used to tourists and travelers that the staff involved were very helpful and happy to help. Duncan’s Experience“As you travel more, you start to realize that a given region or country can have common characteristics which can affect your travel. Examples are that Brazil has very thin bathroom doors. In Kenya the hotel may have entrance stairs, but they also have guards at the door who are more than willing to lift you up the stairs. In Thailand most bathroom doors are simply the same size as all other doors and many of the bathrooms have a showerhead in the wall and the whole bathroom is tiled, i.e. the shower is not enclosed – instant wheel-in shower! In China the national airlines have very little knowledge, experience, or facilities for people with disabilities. This is only the tip of the iceberg as cities and countries can have their own unique travel characteristics, but one thing that came to light through all my travels was that people in general and especially people in the travel industry can be very helpful.” |
Health concerns
Travelling with SCI can come with additional concerns around health. If you are worried about health concerns that may arise, talk to your SCI physician and ask if they know of any specialists or specialized medical centers in the area you plan to travel to. In addition, take a look at whether there are any hospitals/larger medical centers around your travel destination. Be sure to check if your health insurance is accepted at your location of travel, should a medical issue arise.
Wheelchair maintenance
It may be beneficial to look into medical equipment repair shops at the travel destination in case your wheelchair requires maintenance or repairs, or if spare parts are required. Where such a repair center may not exist, the best alternative is to find a bicycle shop. Many of the parts are interchangeable and they are usually very helpful.
Power assist
If you are using a manual chair, a power assist device may be worth considering as long distances and rough terrain can surprise you when travelling. Another device to consider is something called a FreeWheel which allows a manual chair to travel on much rougher terrain, such as cobblestone, grass, and gravel. It is also easily transported.
Refer to our article on Wheelchair Propulsion Assist Devices for more information!
