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| A change of scenery is good for the soul. |
First of all, MS and all disabilities manifest in different ways. There is no one size fits all traveling solution. But I think I can speak for those struggling with mobility.
I did not take my motorized wheelchair because of the cost of adaptive van rentals. I decided on taking my transport wheelchair and my rollator. Once we got to the airport, I checked my wheelchair and rollator with my baggage (no charge from Southwest Air). Be sure to ask them to securely tape those items. I lost one of my wheelchair leg rests on the flight and had to find a replacement chair. Book an aisle seat close to the door and a bathroom. Request a wheelchair when purchasing your ticket. They will deliver you to the gate and pick you up upon arrival. Make sure you have some cash on hand for tipping.
Now off to a hotel. The website TripAdvisor has several helpful forums for traveling with disabilities. Click on this link for a helpful Accessibility Checklist for Hotels on TripAdvisor.
The most important hotel questions for me:
1) Is the shower a roll in shower or does the bathtub have a wall mounted shower seat?
2) If it's a roll in shower, do you have a shower chair?
3) How high is the bed?
4) Is there space for a wheelchair in the room?
5) Where are your handicap rooms located?
More on the shower: Grab bars are necessary but don't make a shower or bath accessible. A roll in shower has a flat entry. This is the best option if you aren't able to lift your feet. Make sure they have a shower chair. If there is a wall mounted shower seat with a bathtub, this is a little tricky. I learned to put a towel down on the seat, lower myself to the edge of the seat that rests on the bathtub, and turn myself into the tub. If you have weakness in your hands, hotel shampoo is often hard to open. You may want to bring your own travel shampoo.
More on the bed: Never in a million years could I have anticipated this problem. We thought we asked all the right questions and the room looked like it was going to work. But when I went to sit on the bed, I couldn't get in the bed. Popular oversized mattresses don't work for someone who doesn't have use of their legs. Ugh! I was lifted into the bed and then I was stuck. I couldn't move. I was drowning in overstuffed pillow top bedding. I was a turtle stuck on its shell. Oh, and if I had to get up in the middle of the night, how was I going to get back in bed? We ended up removing the mattress and I slept on the wooden platform. Not a comfortable sleeping arrangement. I used a fold out sofa in the other hotels. It wasn't terribly comfortable but much better than a wooden platform. Most hotels also have roll away beds but you have to have a spacious room for that.
More on Accessible Rooms: I've found most hotels have their accessible rooms far down the hallway. You may not find a hotel with a room close to the elevator or lobby. Be prepared to get your exercise or to be wheeled to your room. This is not an issue with a motorized chair or scooter. When booking a room have a list of questions to ask regarding your specific needs.
Other traveling tips:
1. I was surprised how many museums, national parks and cultural centers provide manual wheelchairs. I especially enjoyed using the wheelchair at Bandelier National Monument because we hiked on a rocky trail and my chair was not durable enough for that terrain. Check websites or call to see if they provide this nice service.
2. Bring your handicap placard that hangs from the rearview mirror to use on your rental car.
3. I've always been very independent. The hardest thing for me was relying on others to transport me in the wheelchair (I missed the freedom of my motorized chair). People want to help but losing that independence is frustrating. As difficult as it may be, breath, let go and let others care for you.
4. Don't overbook your days. Enjoy each moment.
5. Be patient. Even in the hectic airports and during the frustrating moments. Breath.
5. Most importantly, have a sense of humor!
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| Bandelier National Monument provides manual wheelchairs. |
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| Another museum that provided wheelchairs. |
Wish List: While it is possible to rent wheelchairs, I wish portable scooters like the Lugge Scooter were available to rent. That would have been fantastic!
Traveling came with plenty of challenges but I'm glad I did it. The scenery was beautiful and just what I needed.
Good luck with your travels. If you have any advice to add, please comment below.
Bon Voyage!
