by Travelling with mobility issues can be daunting. The thought of navigating unfamiliar airports, worrying about accessible accommodations, or wondering how you’ll get around in a new city can turn the excitement of travel into a source of anxiety. Whether you’re managing a chronic condition, injury, or any physical limitation, the challenges of accessibility are often amplified in travel settings. But that’s where a specialized travel professional can make all the difference.
A knowledgeable travel professional understands your unique needs and can create a trip that prioritizes comfort, accessibility, and ease.
From arranging accessible transportation and accommodations to coordinating mobility equipment rentals and providing guidance on accessible destinations, they take the guesswork out of planning. With the right support, you can travel with confidence and focus on the joy of exploration, knowing that each detail has been carefully tailored to suit your needs.
Read the story below about one client’s experience and how it turned anxiety and fear into a trip of a lifetime on their bucket list.
Diane’s Alaskan Journey Story
I recently came back from a one-week cruise to Alaska on Royal Caribbean’s The Brilliance of the Seas and had the most wonderful time. A cruise to Alaska has been on my bucket list for as long as I can remember.
I almost didn’t make the trip as I had recently been diagnosed with extreme arthritis in both my knees which has really affected my everyday mobility. I started to think about how I might be holding my friends back from enjoying their time, how I would be able to navigate the airports, transfers, getting on and off the ship, through long security lines, getting around once on the ship… all these things and so much more went through my head and I thought, I’m crazy to do this.
I shared my feelings with my travel agent, Scott from Gravitate Travel and he said, no problem, we can help you with all these things and you can have yourself an amazing vacation and he was completely right!
Scott listened to my concerns, reassured me and then presented all the options that were available to me as a traveller with mobility concerns and issues.
He arranged wheelchair access for me at the airports (no worries about standing in long lines with nowhere to sit down). I also opted to travel business class so that I was seated at the front of the plane with lots of room to stretch my legs, was close to a bathroom and had the use of the Air Canada lounge prior to my flights. To be honest, the cost was not that prohibitive, and it gave me such great piece of mind during my flights.
As anyone who has done cruise travel, you know there are often longer lines to get through the port security and customs (if travelling out of Canada) and again, Scott planned for me to be accompanied by a member of the port team in a wheelchair that made this task so much easier. My travelling companion/friend was also able to accompany me and help with luggage etc. Once we were through, a crew member from the ship took over and pushed me in the wheelchair up the gangway and I was finally onboard, and my excitement was starting to stir. They said the cabins weren’t ready yet, but would I like to go to the buffet for lunch and they allowed me to keep the wheelchair until it was time to go to my cabin.
The biggest difference that Scott made for me was arranging a “scooter” onboard that allowed me to roam freely without being worried about getting from one end of the ship to another. I never knew that you could rent these onboard until Scott provided me with all my options and I’m so glad he did. It took me a day or so to really get the hang of it (my apologies to the man in the casino I nearly ran over) and you do have to keep it in the cabin overnight, but it was by far the best thing I ever could have done to make this trip what it was. I was even able to get off the ship easily in Juneau with my scooter and really enjoy a day in port. Not all the ports were as accessible as Juneau, but you can always ask your travel agent to ask the cruise lines what the restrictions are for scooters and the ship does have wheelchairs onboard that I am sure would be available to take off the ship.
I just want to say that this is the reason why you shouldn’t let your mobility hold you back. Speak to your travel agent, tell them your situation and let them help you find the best solutions so that you can get out there to see the world. Don’t be held back from enjoying life and friends, and seeing all those places on your bucket list!
Where to next? I’m thinking of a river cruise in Europe!
Even the waitress in Juneau, Alaska at the Red Dog Saloon made accessibility a joy!
Ready to put your fears to rest and get out there to see the world?
Talk to one of our travel professionals at Gravitate to help you plan your next trip. It’s important to share your challenges with your travel professional so they can ensure that they put all your worries to rest and book you the best vacation you’ve ever had! Just click on the Let’s Talk icon in the top menu to use our handy booking tool to book a date and time that works for you and your schedule.
