4 things that make traveling as a disabled person easier
Traveling as a disabled person is truly no small feat. Managing access at home can be challenging, but trying to move through the world in a new place, without all of the resources you have at home can be even more challenging. There are many ways to ease the challenges of travel, but here are 4 of the most impactful things I’ve found when traveling.
1. Use a packing list
It is truly the worst feeling to arrive on a trip and realize you’ve forgotten something that is crucial to your ability to make it through the trip. I’ve left medication, mobility aids, splints, and appropriate clothing behind (to name a few). It also helps me remember things like snacks and electrolytes, that although they also exist in other places, are so nice to have on hand.
2. If you’re flying in the US, using TSA Cares to get through security
Security is wildly challenging for disabled folks. Whether you get overwhelmed in crowds, can’t stand in line, are carrying through medical equipment (which is legally required to be allowed as a carry on) that might trigger extra scrutiny or travelling with a service dog, among so many other things, TSA Cares can help.
It’s a TSA program that allows you to request services if you need additional support through TSA and they will assign an individual TSA agent to move through security with you. TSA agents opt into working in this way, so you are only getting agents who want to do this work.
The program also supports people whose gender presentation doesn’t match their ID and people carrying ashes through security, among other groups! Basically, if you struggle with TSA, take a look and see if they can support you.
3. Take COVID precautions
Traveling as an immunocompromised person is a little scary. There are some key ways that I take additional precautions while traveling that I would highly recommend. First and foremost, wearing a high quality mask the entire time you are traveling through indoor, poorly ventilated spaces is critical. This mask buying guide from Mask Bloc Seattle is a great resource to find the best mask for you!
One of the hardest parts of masking while traveling is not being able to eat or drink. I love my sip valves, which attach to flat fronted masks and make it so you can use one of their special tiny straws to drink. Being able to drink water without having to take my mask off has totally changed my travel experience!
In addition to masking, I travel with a portable air purifier. If I am driving, I bring a full size HEPA filter, but when I am flying I can’t always be carrying around a big box like that. I have this one, which is supportive of 54 square feet. I use it on the plane and in my bedroom wherever I am staying before I take my mask off.
There is great evidence for using nasal sprays and mouthwashes can help you not contract Covid. Here’s a great post from Clean Air Club about the different nasal spray options.
It’s also helpful to have tests with you when you travel. Rapid Antigen Tests are not very effective, but there are excellent options for molecular tests. Here’s another great resource from Clean Air Club about the different molecular test options and how effective they are.
As a disabled person traveling, the last thing you need is more illness. It is worth taking precautions to avoid COVID infections or repeat COVID infections!
4. Do some research about your destination
The last thing I do to prepare for traveling as a disabled person is extensive research. There are a few main categories that I look into ahead of time:
What are the anchor activities that I need to be prepared for? Often when I am going on a trip, I’m going for a reason. Sometimes that reason is visiting my favorite gluten free bakery (hello New Cascadia Bakery) and sometimes I’m going to an event like a wedding or graduation. I usually try to create as much ease as possible around the main things I want to do while I’m travelling.
Where can I stay that allows for me to do those anchor activities best? Having a comfortable, centrally located place to be is helpful in creating ease. I usually look for something that is convenient for the anchor activities, food options nearby and access needs in the space. I know that I want to have a kitchen, not walk up more than a flight of stairs and have cotton sheets on the bed with low scent. I read the reviews of a place and will message a host if I need additional information.
Where will I be able to eat close to where I’m staying? Once I have chosen a place based on anchor activities, I look at where I can eat. I have a pretty significant number of dietary restrictions, and when I’m hungry it’s too hard to do that. Before travelling, I look at menus of local restaurants and coffee shops to see where I can eat. Then when I get there I know I have something I can eat. I also look to see if there is a grocery store nearby that I can get staples and snacks, eating some food I am used to helps my body immensely!
What else do I need to have in place to travel safely? For me this includes taking a second to look at where there is medical care nearby just in case I had an emergent situation. I also put the address of where I’m staying in my phone, just in case I need to call 911 or tell a family member urgently.
What is your best travel tip as a disabled person? I would love to hear what works for you either on instagram or via email! And if you use my packing list and it’s helpful or there are other things you’d add, I’d love to hear that too.
