4 Ways to Travel Independently While Using a Wheelchair

Using a wheelchair can bring along some challenges, but these challenges are surmountable. Whether you have always used one or are relatively new to this lifestyle, you are still capable of doing anything you set your mind to.

Independent travel, for example, may seem sometimes like a logistical hurdle because of some of the physical limitations of being in a wheelchair. To help you get around alone, we have created a list of ways to travel independently.

Read on to learn more about how you can work toward your next journey! 

• Emotional Support Animals

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when traveling alone can be loneliness. Of course, independent travel is a great experience of self-exploration, but that state of solitude isn’t for everyone. 

If you are looking to travel with the feeling of independence, but are at all concerned about being completely alone, we suggest you look into bringing along an emotional support animal.

These animals make for great travel buddies and are trained to help you through those moments of emotional stress or difficulty. 

Both service animals and emotional support animals are a great option for solo travelers of any physical ability because they can be a great companion no matter where your journey will take you!

• Public Transportation

If you have any difficulties of driving or operating a vehicle on your own, it doesn’t mean you are completely stuck. 

Public transportation has come such a long way in the last few years, particularly in the area of accessibility. 

Now there are wheelchair ramps and other accommodations on almost every form of public transit, designed for everyone. 

Traveling by means of public transportation really adds to the whole journey and will help you to get wherever you would like to go.

• Invest in Some New Wheels

Depending on where you choose to travel to, you may need to look into investing in some new wheels for your wheelchair. 

For instance, going off-road will require a different set of wheels than traveling on tarmac, and you don’t want to be unprepared when you arrive at your destination.

Do some planning beforehand so that you know what accommodations are available on-site, as well as where there may be wheelchair access at the places you will be visiting. 

Again, as we mentioned above, many places have begun to focus on accessibility for people who are in wheelchairs, so as long as you are prepared, you are likely going to have access to most things that you would like to see!

• Get Creative

This last suggestion is for anyone who may feel stuck or unsure of how to truly travel on their own. We are here to say that so many people have found ways to do it, and we assure you that you can too!

The biggest challenge is thinking outside of the box and sometimes challenging others to think with you. People in wheelchairs have skydived, rock climbed, and traversed some intense terrains all because they planned ways around the challenges in front of them and found creative solutions to overcome them.

Traveling independently is a wonderful experience and is a rite of passage for many. While using a wheelchair may add some extra planning to your trip, there is nothing that can stop you from finding creative ways to travel and experience the things that you want to see.

We strongly believe that the suggestions listed here can help to give you a little inspiration so that you can get to traveling! Pack your bags, bring your dog for company, and the world is your oyster. 

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