Hotels
While most large hotel/motel chains have 800 numbers, it is worth the extra few cents to call the hotel directly to make your reservation. This gives you the opportunity to ask specific questions about the actual facility in which you’ll be staying. Ask for a room that is on the main floor or near the elevator to minimize the distance you have to drag yourself and your luggage. Be sure to specify the accommodations you need (for example, wheelchair accessible, shower grab bars, smoking/non-smoking).
If you find hotel beds uncomfortable, after you check in do not hesitate to ask for additional pillows. Or go to a nearby discount store and buy a foam “egg crate” mattress pad. The added comfort is worth the few dollars it costs, and because it is so inexpensive, you can leave it behind when you go home.
Airlines
If you are traveling by air, call the airline and tell them you are disabled. Request a bulkhead aisle seat (first seat in coach). This is the easiest seat to get in and out of and has the most leg room. Allow yourself extra layover time when changing planes so that, even if the flight is running a little late, you will be able to make your connecting flight without rushing. Ask the airline what arrangements you need to make to minimize walking in the airports. Even if you do not normally use a wheelchair, request that one be waiting for you at curbside and at the gate of each stop on your trip. Save your energy for sightseeing and other fun activities. Get your ticket and boarding pass ahead of time to minimize the number of times you have to wait in line.
Use luggage with wheels, check most of your bags and only carry on what you absolutely have to have during your flight. Lugging heavy bags through airports will leave you exhausted before you ever arrive at your destination. However, be sure to keep all of your medications in their original prescription bottles with you. In the event your luggage is lost, you will still have the medicine you need.
