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Questions to Ask Before You Book

 

Accessible travel looks different for every traveler. Before you book, asking the right questions can help you understand whether a trip, service, room, activity, or destination will actually work for you.

 

You don't need to ask every question on this list. Start with the areas that matter most to your travel needs.

 

💙 Start With Your Own Needs

 

Before talking with a travel provider, think about what you need to travel comfortably and safely.

 

☐ What are the most important accessibility needs I have for this trip?

 

☐ Will I need assistance at any point during my journey?

 

☐ Do I need to remain in my wheelchair or power chair, or can I transfer safely?

 

☐ Are there specific bathroom, shower, bed, seating, or doorway requirements I need?

 

☐ Are there activities or environments that I know will be difficult for me?

 

☐ What does a successful and comfortable trip look like for me?

 

♿ If You Use Mobility Equipment

 

Your wheelchair, power chair, scooter, or other mobility equipment may be essential to your independence.

 

☐ Can my specific mobility device be accommodated?

 

☐ What are the weight and dimensional limits?

 

☐ Are those limits for the equipment alone, or do they include the traveler?

 

☐ Can I remain in my own mobility device during transportation?

 

☐ Will I need to transfer to another chair or seat?

 

☐ If a transfer is required, what assistance or equipment is available?

 

☐ How will my mobility equipment be transported and stored?

 

☐ Are there battery or charging requirements I need to know about?

 

Don't assume that one mobility device can simply be substituted for another. What works for one traveler may not work for someone else.

 

🏨 When Someone Says “Accessible”

 

Don't be afraid to ask what that word actually means.

 

☐ What specific accessibility features are available?

 

☐ Can you describe the accessible room, vehicle, activity, or facility?

 

☐ Are there photographs or measurements available?

 

☐ Are there steps, thresholds, steep slopes, narrow doorways, or uneven surfaces?

 

☐ How much walking or standing should I expect?

 

☐ Are accessible restrooms available where I'll need them?

 

☐ Is seating or somewhere to rest available when needed?

 

Instead of simply asking:

 

“Is it accessible?”

 

Try asking:

 

> “Can you explain exactly how this will accommodate my needs?

 

🚐 Ask About the Journey, Not Just the Destination

 

Your destination may be accessible, but getting there can be another story.

 

☐ How will I get from one part of my trip to the next?

 

☐ Who is providing the transportation?

 

☐ Can the transportation accommodate me and my mobility equipment?

 

☐ Are there limitations I should know about?

 

☐ Will I need to transfer at any point?

 

☐ What happens if the planned transportation cannot accommodate my needs?

 

☐ Are there backup options?

 

🌎 Ask About the Activities

 

Before booking an activity or excursion:

 

☐ What does “accessible” mean for this specific activity?

 

☐ Can I participate using my own mobility device?

 

☐ Will I need to transfer?

 

☐ How much walking or standing is involved?

 

☐ What types of surfaces will I encounter?

 

☐ Are stairs or uneven terrain involved?

 

☐ How long will I be away from accessible restroom facilities?

 

☐ Is there somewhere to sit or rest?

 

☐ Can my companion or caregiver participate with me?

 

📋 Get Important Details in Writing

 

If something is important to your safety, comfort, independence, or ability to participate, get specific answers.

 

And when possible:

 

☐ Ask for important accessibility details in writing.

 

☐ Keep confirmation emails and documentation with your travel information.

 

☐ Make note of who provided the information.

 

☐ Don't hesitate to ask again if an answer isn't clear.

 

A verbal “Yes, that's accessible” may not tell you everything you need to know.

 

☕ One Last Question

 

Before you book, ask yourself:

 

> “Will this trip work for me—not just in theory, but in real life?”

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That's what good accessible travel planning is all about.

 

You don't have to know every question before you begin.

 

You just need to know that it's okay to ask.

 

💙 Let's Build Your Travel Confidence.

 

— Linda

Silver Tides Travel