Holidays

jane52

Hello Everyone.   Travelling abroad in a couple of months on a coach trip.  Have invisible disability, which may be an issue, may not.  What sort of things do people do to take care of themselves when abroad.  Will be travelling solo in a group.  Any tips welcome.  Also any companies that specialise in holidays for people with disabilities that people would recommend

Thank you everyone

Jane

jane52

Thank you Woodbine.   Did go on some coach trips abroad pre covid, but have a new health condition/disability too now so that is why I am less confident.   I will organise insurance soon.

Would like to go on holidays that include flying too, but not yet confident enough for that due to long term disability.   Anyone know how good support is at airports?

Jane

Sandy_123

Hi @jane52 I've just come back from holiday and at the airport they had a team of staff, who were there to help people with disabilities. Assisting around the air port and getting them on the plane 1st. Using wheelchairs would you feel more confident taking a freind or carer.

jane52

Hello Sandy_123.  Thank you for replying.   I am not a wheelchair user.  My issue is that if my blood sugars drop too much or if I get too stressed (and am not confident at moment re using airport) I might faint - linked to a couple of health issues.   Then I do not think I would get let on the plane.   I can eat food to help, maybe take a medication, like people who are afraid to fly do.   I live right by an airport, but there have been articles in news where people with disabilities needing support have been left on plane.   I could contact airport and find out what support they do offer.   I am also wondering if flying from a smaller airport maybe better.   Have flown from Stansted and found that much easier and air company that flies from there one I prefer.   Maybe beginning to answer some of my own questions.

Jane

jane52

I would be travelling abroad with a group, but it is at other end you are met, and meet up with others, so leaving u.k would be on my own.

Sandy_123

No but they use the wheel chairs because it's a lot of walking to  gates to board the planes. It's for the elderly too. 

Jimm_Alumni

Hi @jane52, welcome to our community! I see you've already met some of our wonderful members

I agree with many of the responses here. Travel insurance is very important. Support is meant to be available at all airports, usually you contact the company you are flying with to inform them you require assistance. They will then often liaise with the airport to ensure you get assistant while within the airport. This is usually in the form of a wheelchair due to how much walking there is. Sometimes it can be a small internal vehicle too.

Hammy57

I desperately need a holiday, have not been away for five years but it is so expensive to go on a disabled holiday, especially if you are on your own even in this country

Scopehoop

Traveling with any disability can be so hard, but being prepared helps. Pack any medications/supplies you need and backup plans like local pharmacies. Keep a copy of your prescriptions, too. Let the tour company know your needs in case you need assistance.

danwheelies

Jane, traveling with any kind of disability does require advance planning to ensure your needs are met, and you feel comfortable every step of the way. While not specific to disabilities, the tips in this article on comprehensive trip planning are certainly relevant https://gowithguide.com/blog/how-to-plan-a-trip-5-essential-steps-5730. In addition, considering traveling with a private tour guide that specializes in providing tours to persons with disabilities may help alleviate potential stress by having someone available to provide extra assistance if needed. A number of tour companies now offer this specialized service. Wishing Jane all the best with her trip preparations.