“Normal is an illusion, what is normal to the spider is chaos for the fly” – Morticia Addams

Traveling as a person with a disability can be very daunting.  When a person travels away from home, it is important to anticipate what may be needed and prepare all the different things they may need. The person traveling should take into account their destination, how to get there, what kind of transportation they will use, and the details in between. 

Here are some tips to think about before traveling away from home for a day trip:

Bring a small bag filled with things you need for the day like:

• snacks
• water bottle
• cash
• ID
• emergency disclosure card
• emergency contacts
• car keys or public transportation card
• notebook and pen
• electronic tablet if you have one
• medications
• cell phone
• stim toys if needed
• noise canceling headphones
• fully charged mobile wheelchair batteries
• sturdy crutches that will keep you  moving along
• batteries for hearing aids
• sign language interpretation
• what kind of captioning will be provided
• whether  a personal care assistant is needed 

Here are some tips to think about before traveling away from home for an overnight trip:

• everything you will need for day trip
• any overnight things like overnight and morning medications
• address where you will be staying overnight
• research the location beforehand for hospitals, restaurants, pharmacies
• train/bus/airplane tickets
• rental car or gas for your own car
• make sure the car is running ok
• make sure bills are paid for beforehand if not immediately due
• research sensory information in that location
• curb cuts available
• building accessibility
• physical accessibility at transportation sites
• stairs versus ramps
• research the culture of your destination and how it differs from your own culture
• captioning at sites where you are traveling
• any audio accessibility needed

Here are some tips to think about before traveling by airplane to a different part of the country:

• airplane tickets
• know the airport/train station/bus station beforehand
• everything you need to know from the previous lists
• gain access to your passport or figure out how to get a passport

Here are some tips to think about before traveling by airplane or boat to a different country:

• everything you need to know from the previous lists
• gain access to your passport or figure out how to get a passport 

My observations while traveling outside the United States are positive.  I found Europe to be accessible for people in the disability community. Since I was well prepared for the different changes from the United States to Europe, I had a great time while traveling.  As a person with a disability yourself, you can, too, if you prepare well for your trip!