Special requirements: Travelling if you are disabled

Holidays for disabled travellers involve loads of planning. It's best to make bookings at least three months in advance and special needs forms may have to be completed. The good news is your journey should be relatively comfortable, as most transport companies have facilities for disabled passengers.

BEFORE YOU GO

Getting ready

• Make clear what your, or a disabled person or child's, travel needs are when you book a holiday
• Take any necessary prescriptions with you. If syringes are needed, ask a doctor to produce a letter explaining why - it could prevent embarrassing questions
• Don't forget to apply for a European Health Insurance Card and appropriate travel insurance
• Research your destination for disabled facilities
• Make sure your hotel or resort will be easy for you to get around
• If you have a guide dog, allow time to get a pet passport if it needs one
• If you need jabs, ask your doctor about contra-indications
• Make sure your travel insurance covers your medical demands

MODES OF TRANSPORT

Going by plane

Airlines usually ask disabled customers to fill in a detailed form outlining their condition and travel needs, such as dietary requirements and where they'd prefer to sit. Most major airlines cater for disabled passengers. Check whether:

• It's possible to use a wheelchair on board or where it will be stored
• Toilet access is restricted for wheelchair users
• Lone travellers can be helped on and off the plane
• Emergency warnings are delivered to blind or hearing-impaired passengers

Going by train

If you're going on a long journey, dietary requirements, toilet facilities and wheelchair access are the main considerations. Remember to:

• Make your travel needs clear to a train company, well in advance
• Ask whether guide dogs are allowed on the train, if necessary
• Assess facilities for disabled people at stations you'll be using
• Check whether ramps are available for wheelchair users boarding and leaving trains

Going by boat

In theory they're roomier than planes and trains, but boats can still pose problems for wheelchair users and other disabled travellers, particularly if you want to move from deck to deck. Remember to give notice of any special requirements.

• If you use a wheelchair, check doorways and how easy it will be to board and move around a ship
• Make sure you can take part in any land tours included in your holiday
• If you are blind or use a wheelchair, ask about the ship's layout and your cabin
• Make sure emergency warnings are delivered to blind or hearing-impaired passengers
• Many cruise lines have dedicated cabins for disabled people with appropriate doors, light switches and braille signs

Travel Health: http://www.travelhealth.co.uk

Travel Health Online:http://www.tripprep.com