Many people dream of traveling the world in retirement. But many senior citizens fear that their dreams of seeing the world won’t be possible due to mobility issues. Thankfully, such fears are largely unwarranted.
Various conditions can affect mobility. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart disease may make it hard for people to travel. But that difficulty doesn’t mean aging men and women should resign themselves to a sedentary lifestyle. Here are some tips.Contact airlines or other transportation companies if you require special accommodations. The U.S. Department of Transportation notes that passengers are generally not required to provide advanced notice for disability-related accommodations. However, it makes sense to provide such notice to ensure adequate assistance during a trip. Airlines or other travel companies may arrange for wheelchairs to be available at the gates or train platforms so passengers can easily make connecting flights and trains. In addition, advance notice gives companies a chance to provide seating accommodations that can make for a more enjoyable trip.
Contact security agencies. Travelers with limited mobility should contact the security agencies in their home country as well as their destinations to get an idea of what to expect. This can help people with limited mobility determine if they should arrive extra early so they can make it through security checkpoints in time to make their flights or trains.
Contact hotels directly. Each country has its own laws regarding how to accommodate people with physical disabilities or mobility issues, so don’t leave things to chance. Travelers with limited mobility should contact the hotel directly to confirm that it can accommodate their needs.
