Travel isn’t just about seeing new places; it’s about the moments that stay with you, the memories you make, and the way it changes you. My love for travel was deeply influenced by my mother and my late grandmother, both of whom had mobility challenges but never let that stop them from embarking on incredible journeys. Their stories are a testament to the power of preparation, resilience, and an adventurous spirit. Whether you have mobility challenges yourself or are traveling with a loved one who does, there are many ways to ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey. Sharing tips for traveling with mobility challenges.

My grandmother traveled well into her eighties, determined to see the world without limitations. She knew that preparation was key, and she made the most of the services available to her. At airports, she always arranged for wheelchair assistance to make navigating terminals easier. When she arrived at her destination, her cane was always at the ready to give her the support she needed to explore comfortably. Most importantly, she knew her limits and worked within them—never pushing herself too far, but never allowing them to hold her back either

My mother, following in my grandmother’s footsteps, continues to travel and explore the world despite her own mobility challenges. She has been utilizing airport assistance for years, ensuring that she can board, deplane, and collect her baggage without stress. One of her top travel tips? When booking flights, always check the accessibility options and request assistance in advance. Airlines and airports are more than willing to accommodate, but planning ahead makes all the difference.

Even as a solo traveler, she has never let mobility challenges stop her. She coordinates pick-ups with family and friends at her destination, making transitions smooth and stress-free. Her dedication to planning ahead has made it possible for her to continue her travels without hesitation.

Inspired by my grandmother’s and mother’s experiences, here are some practical tips for travelers with mobility challenges:

1. Plan Ahead and Research Accessibility

• Before booking a trip, research accessible destinations, hotels, and attractions.
• Call ahead to confirm wheelchair accessibility with tour companies, restaurants, and local transport services.
• Check if hotels offer accessible rooms with grab bars, roll-in showers, or elevators.

2. Utilize Airport and Airline Assistance

• When booking flights, request wheelchair assistance or mobility services in advance.
• Arrive early at the airport to ensure a smooth check-in process.
• Use priority boarding options to avoid the rush and get settled comfortably.

3. Pack Smart and Bring Mobility Aids

• Consider investing in a travel scooter, folding travel wheelchair, folding canes and walking sticks, compact rollators, or roll-up toiletry shower chairs.
• Have a small emergency kit with necessary medications and any required medical documentation.

4. Choose Accessible Transportation

• Research public transportation options in your destination that accommodate mobility needs.
• If renting a car, request a vehicle with hand controls or enough space for mobility aids.
• Consider booking accessible tours that offer transportation with ramps or lifts.

5. Listen to Your Body and Take It Slow

• Allow for extra time in your itinerary to rest and avoid overexertion.
• Choose activities that match your energy levels and mobility capacity.
• Be open to adjusting plans as needed to make the trip enjoyable and stress-free.

Here are some helpful apps and websites offering unique features to make navigating new places easier and more accessible:

1. Be My Eyes
• Connects visually impaired users with sighted volunteers via live video calls to provide assistance with tasks like reading signs or navigating unfamiliar environments.
2. Google Maps
• Offers step-free routes, wheelchair-accessible transit options, and detailed street views. Users can also view information on the accessibility of public transportation and venues.
3. Uber or Lyft
• Both ride-sharing apps offer wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) options in select cities, making it easier to get around without relying on traditional taxis or public transport.
4. Komoot
• Ideal for accessible outdoor adventures, Komoot offers detailed walking and hiking trails with information on surface types, gradients, and barriers.
5. TripIt
• A travel planning app that keeps all your travel information in one place. You can add accessibility requests to your itinerary and store important documents like accessibility passes.
6. accessibleGO
   This website is like a one-stop shop for travelers with mobility challenges. It makes finding accessible hotels easier by letting you search for places with features like roll-in showers, accessible swimming pools, or even outdoor spaces for service dogs. Instead of guessing if a hotel will meet your needs, accessibleGO gives you clear, detailed options so you can book with confidence. It’s a great resource for planning stress-free trips!
7. Wheel the World
   This is a helpful travel platform designed for people with disabilities. It makes finding accessible hotels, tours, and activities easier in over 250 destinations. With detailed information on accessibility features, it takes the guesswork out of planning, so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
8. Sage Traveling
   Sage Traveling specializes in planning accessible trips, mainly in Europe. Founded by a wheelchair user who knows the challenges firsthand, they offer personalized itineraries, accessible hotel recommendations, and transportation options. They make exploring iconic cities and historic sites easier and stress-free for travelers with mobility needs.

Though my grandmother is no longer with us, her love of travel continues to inspire our family. She showed us that mobility challenges don’t have to mean giving up on adventures—they simply require thoughtful planning and a willingness to embrace the journey in new ways. My mother carries on this legacy, proving that with the right mindset and preparation, the world is still wide open to explore.

For anyone traveling with mobility challenges, remember: your adventure is yours to shape. With the right tools, mindset, and support, you can continue to discover new places, create lifelong memories, and enjoy the beauty of travel—one step, one flight, and one destination at a time.