Travel tips

Going on holiday with mobility issues can present certain challenges also some believe that older travellers are less aware of their surroundings are unsteady on their feet and basically all-round easier targets for thieves than younger travellers but with age comes wisdom and good planning can reduce the impact if the unexpected happens, however the planning needs to start long before getting to the airport .

Deciding where to go and booking

• Visit your travel company well in advance before deciding on your destination to ask what support and advice they can offer.
• Join social media groups and talk to others about your proposed trip. Ask about accommodation and excursions, not all cities are scooter or wheelchair friendly and if cruising what transfers for going ashore are available
• If your holiday involves going by plane, coach or sea will your scooter be allowed
• If travelling to the EU check if your blue badge will be honoured
• Important make sure you arrange the appropriate travel insurance at the time of booking contact fishinsurance.co.uk they have excellent insurance packages

Preparing and what will you need to do

• What if there are delays or cancellations, will you need medication, drinks, food, money?
• Divide clothes and other items between suitcases so if one goes missing you can still manage until it turns up.
• Make copies of your passport, medical card, credit cards and travel itinerary. Give a copy to a friend back home and keep one set with you but separate from the real thing. Email any pertinent information to yourself through a web-based email account so you can get it from any hotel or internet café if needed. To scan your documents using your phone see camscanner.com
• Write down your medication and dosage so it can be replaced quickly
• Nobody wants their holiday ruined by thieves, check posts and articles on line and familiarise yourself with any local theft distraction scams. A common one is to stop you and ask questions whilst another person helps themselves to your belongings from your bag or someone with a clip board asks you to complete a survey, in some countries children are involved in asking you to complete questionnaires.
• In Barcelona on the famous Las Rambles entertainers encourage the crowd to move closer to watch their performances and with your bag over your shoulder or hanging on your back pickpockets abound whilst you are distracted so be on your guard.

Travelling to the airport

• Airports can be noisy and confusing to even for the most able of passengers. If a map of the airport is available on-line print one and familiarise yourself with the layout including toilets and refreshments
• Allow plenty of time to arrive and know where to go to ask for assistance

At your resort

• Personal Safety – It is vital that you are aware of your surroundings, look confident and know where you are going
• If drawing money from a cash point check who may be looking over your shoulder and always try to go into the branch. If travelling with a partner divide any cash between you away from prying eyes
• Think about having a card with limited funds available there are various cards you can load with the appropriate currency. Some banks have an ap that can be used on your phone to temporarily block your card if you can’t find it
• Don’t place bags, camera equipment or phones where they can be easily snatched that includes putting bags down at your feet and your phone on the table in full view.
• Don’t hang your bag over the back of your scooter or in the shopping basket. You may think you can catch someone running away but you could be putting yourself in danger.
• If you need to carry a bag have a cross body one or carry a small purse concealed under your clothes. Keep your hands free and your personal possessions close.
• Expensive jewellery and watches can make you a target for thieves so leave them at home. That goes for sentimental items that cannot be replaced if lost or stolen
• Use the safe in your room to store your passports and other belongings
• Keep your mind on your surroundings, avoid distractions such as talking on your mobile not only can it interfere with your scooter’s system, but it means you are not concentrating on what is going on around you. This also applies to listening to music on players
• Make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and if find your phone’s battery is low our scooters have a usb port to recharge but don’t do this whilst riding

We hope you find our tips useful and if you have any yourself just email them to us, we will add them to our list

Happy holidays