Guide to Booking Holidays & Trips with Walking Aids
Booking a holiday is an exciting opportunity to unwind and explore new destinations, but for those with reduced mobility or who use walking aids, a little extra planning is needed for a stress-free and enjoyable trip when travelling with crutches or walking sticks. Whether you're jetting off to a sunny beach or braving a city escape, these tips will help you prepare for your trip with ease.
1. Plan Ahead for Special Assistance
When booking your holiday, let your airline, train operator, or cruise line know that you need extra assistance. Most travel providers do offer tailored services, such as wheelchair assistance or help with boarding and disembarking (including free seat allocation on flights). You must make these arrangements in advance, as services are limited so it's not worth risking leaving in until the last minute.
Top Tip: Always double-check the assistance policies and availability on connecting journeys if you're travelling via multiple legs!
If you're unsure whether you can travel with your walking aid such as crutches, you can read our blog on flying with crutches.
2. Request Accessible Accommodation
When choosing where to stay, triple check that the accommodation offers accessible rooms and facilities that suit your needs such as: ground floor rooms, roll-in showers, grab bars, disabled parking and ramps. If you're unsure, reach out to the hotel, it's always better to ask to save any problems later down the line.
Ask about the distance between your accommodation and key amenities such as the beach, swimming pool, restaurants, or public transport. This will save you from unnecessary long walks or difficulties navigating a new area.
Top Tip: Contact your accommodation directly (not through your booking provider) asking if you can be on the ground floor / near the pool, beach, breakfast or street as they will often be more proactive to help vs if it comes through your booking provider.
3. Arrange Transfers in Advance
Whether you're arriving by plane, train, or ferry, pre-booking accessible transfers will make your journey seamless. Accessible taxis, shuttle buses, or private transfers equipped for walking aids will save you from scrambling for options upon arrival when you just want to get to your hotel!
Top Tip: Research the terrain of your destination. For example, cobblestone streets or hilly areas may require additional planning or upgrading your accessories (e.g. High Performance Ferrules for walking on uneven terrain) for mobility.
4. Review Your Travel Insurance
Ensure your travel insurance policy covers pre-existing medical conditions, mobility equipment, and any potential disruptions. A comprehensive policy provides peace of mind should anything crop up whilst you are away, you want to be confident that you are covered.
Top Tip: Always keep a copy of your insurance details handy and share them with a friend / family member in case of emergencies.
5. Order Prescriptions and Supplies
If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to last the whole of your trip (and some extra). Don’t forget to pack additional items like spare walking aids (all of ours fit into a large suitcase), walking aid accessories and maintenance tools. It is so much better to be over prepared than to be caught short whilst you are away.
Top Tip: Carry medications in their original packaging along with a doctor’s note to avoid issues at customs.
6. Research Your Destination
Understanding the accessibility of where you're going is vital. Look up accessible attractions, restaurants, and transport options, or speak with your hotel to see if they have any useful recommendations. Many tourist boards and travel websites now provide detailed guides for travellers with reduced mobility. We also love Skyscanner’s Guide to Walkable Cities for finding the best destinations!
Top Tip: Check out your nearest doctor and hospital in case of emergencies, also research the local emergency phone number and keep it with you as these often differ in different countries.
7. Pack Smart
Pack lightweight and multi-functional items to minimise the load you're carrying. Consider investing in travel-friendly mobility aids, like foldable walking sticks, which are easier to transport. Packing a small first-aid kit can also be invaluable.
Top Tip: Use packing cubes or organisers to make clothes / prescriptions / accessories easily accessible and avoid overpacking.
8. Stay Flexible
Even with solid planning, unforeseen challenges can still pop up. Build some flexibility into your itinerary to accommodate rest breaks, unexpected delays, or last-minute changes. Having some buffer time to breathe can make a big difference and avoid extra stress when travelling with walking aids, which can be an already stressful situation.
Top Tip: Keep contact numbers for your travel provider’s customer service and local assistance services at hand.
9. Communicate Your Needs
Don’t hesitate to communicate your requirements to travel providers, hotel staff, and guides. Most people are more than willing to help when they can, so don't be afraid to reach out and ask for it!
Top Tip: If you’re travelling abroad, learn a few key phrases in the local language to explain your needs or download a translation app.
10. Enjoy It!!
The ultimate goal of any holiday is to relax and create memories that will last a lifetime. Just taking a bit of time to prepare ahead of your trip means during, you can just focus on enjoying your time away.
Top Tip: Celebrate the small wins. Whether it’s visiting a bucket-list destination or simply spending time watching a sunset by the beach – making memories is all that matters!
Travelling with walking aids or reduced mobility doesn’t mean compromising on adventure or relaxation. By planning ahead and prioritising your needs, you can ensure your holiday is as enjoyable as it is stress-free. Bon voyage!
If you'd like some more information on travelling with a mobility aid, then you will enjoy these blogs too:
