If you are using a powered wheelchair, consider whether it is essential to take it.
Don’t forget to also take the charger and an adapter suitable for the country you are travelling to.
Have the wheelchair checked before you leave to minimise the risk of a breakdown during your holiday.
Try to find out in advance if there is anywhere you can have your wheelchair serviced should something happen during your trip. If you are travelling within the UK and have a breakdown then the local wheelchair service repairs may be able to help.
If you are travelling by air, check with the airline about transport of the wheelchair.
Always make sure your travel or home insurance also covers your powered wheelchair or any other equipment you need to take on your holiday.
Some hotels will have manual wheelchairs available for hire, but these are often first come, first served.
If you use a wheelchair infrequently but aren’t sure if you will need one while on holiday, it is worth checking with your potential accommodation to see if they have any available.
If you will be travelling to a theme park on your holiday, it is a good idea to check their accessibility provision. Some theme parks in the UK and abroad provide manual wheelchairs for hire, but these can rarely be booked in advance.
Mobility scooters can be hired at some theme parks, including Disney World Florida, but this is rare in the UK. If you are going on a beach or countryside holiday, it is worth thinking about how you are going to navigate the terrain.
Some beach hotels provide beach wheelchairs for rent, and most countryside resorts (for example, Center Parcs) have pathways that you can stick to if your wheelchair is unsuitable for grassy or muddy areas.
It is always worth calling in advance to make sure you will be able to get out and about easily.