Over Sixty Spring 2022 Digital

35 TRAVEL OVERSIXTY.COM.AU | ISSUE 2 | 2022 Have wheelchair, can travel. Here’s how to get out and about… confidently Research and a clear understanding of what’s on offer will ensure your travel experience is enjoyable and carefree Photo: Getty Images PLAN JULIE JONES PLAN T ravel is often pictured as being idyllic and carefree, but the reality is the oppo- site for many people travelling with a mobil- ity restriction or a wheelchair. Certainly, our family’s first holiday after my son became a wheelchair user was fraught with anxiety. But after careful planning and research, we found many hotels are well equipped to en- sure all guests can enjoy awonderful holiday. LOCATION Location, location, location is not just the rule for real estate but also for choosing ac- cessible accommodation. Being within an easy walk or wheel to restaurants, local at- tractions, transport and shopping will en- hance your holiday experience. A centrally located hotel may cost a little extra but the benefits of being within easy reach of attrac- tions is usually worth it. ACCESSIBLE OPTIONS The internet has a dazzling array of options but it’s often hard to narrow down the choic- es to ones which are truly accessible. Vague wording is often used around accessibility and it’s therefore worth either booking with an agent who is familiar with accessible travel or contacting the hotel direct. Never assume reservations staff or an agent under- stands what you need. It’s important to brief- ly explain your requirements and ask de- tailed questions to determine if your needs will be met. A greater understanding of the facilities offered by hotels will add to the suc- cess of your next holiday. ACCESSIBLE FACILITIES Hotels, apartments, holiday parks and even some glamping experiences offer a variety of accessible facilities including ramp access, step-free entry, enlarged rooms and open- plan bathrooms. Many are equipped with specific features which make access within the accommodation easier. Wide doorways, enlarged light switches, lever taps andwheel- chair access to sinks are commonly found. Accessible bathrooms are often desirable for travellers who are less mobile due to the additional equipment installed. Grab rails which surround the shower and toilet assist with stabilisation, transfers and safety. Many of these bathrooms also offer a step-free shower with a hand-held shower head and options for showering while seated. For safety and convenience, hotels are now offering rooms fitted with visual alarms Access all areas to assist guests with a hearing impairment. A visual alarm alerts the guest to visitors or hotel staff delivering room service and is es- sential in case of a fire. RECREATIONAL EQUIPMENT In our travels we’ve found some accommo- dation providers go the extra mile, supplying accessible recreational facilities including beach wheelchairs and hoist access into pools and spas. HOTEL PITFALLS Knowing the pitfalls can help in avoiding them. And it should be noted, all accessible rooms are not created equal. The level of accessibility and understanding of the term varies around the world. When researching a hotel in New York I noted an ADA compli- ant bathroom listed, which I assumed would have a roll-in shower. When I delved a little deeper and called the hotel, I was informed the shower was over the bath but was con- sidered ADA compliant as it offered grab rails. That bathroomwould be unusable for a wheelchair user but could easily bemistaken as an accessible option. It always pays to ask and if in doubt, request the hotel sends you a photo of the bathroom, or the feature, which will impact your stay the most. POSITIVE ATTITUDE Planning and research are key, but we’ve also found with our family’s travels, packing a positive attitude makes a difference.