We're planning another family vacation. Just the thought of it stresses me out; however, I'm trying to stay positive. No matter the extra challenges, we continue to have great success exploring the world with Andrew's wheelchair. Our family has traveled to Europe, the American West, Disneyland and Disneyworld, and most major US cities together. Here are a few things we've discovered along the way:
1) Use a travel agent. Ours telephones hotels/resorts in advance of our trip and informs them of Andrew's special needs. I have a Word document that I share with the agent. He then "manages" the accommodations and it's one less thing for us to worry about. We spell out everything from bathroom needs to bed preference, then he takes care of the rest. It's a huge service. Email or call him and maybe Tim Hennigan can help you, too.
2) Take a back-up chair. Andrew's powerchair has broken down in Disneyworld, a Colorado ski resort and in the middle of New York City. We now travel with a portable Convaid push-chair that Andrew calls his "travel chair." It's just a back-up in case of an emergency. And when United Airlines broke his powerchair en route from NYC to LA, we were really glad to have the travel chair to use for our entire CA vacation. Note: this chair fit easily into every traditional London cab we used several years ago in England. All were equipped with a ramp and we just rolled Andrew into the the "back seat" area, which easily fit all five of us. Wonderful!
3) Call the airlines repeatedly. When we book plane tickets, I always get the name of a customer service representative at the airport. I call at least 5-6 times to make sure they have all the information they need about Andrew and his chair. I specifically request an escort for our family from baggage claim through boarding. They never mind providing this, since it makes their lives easier, too. Personally, our best experience ever with Andrew and as a family was when we flew to London on Virgin Atlantic Airways. They even installed a special plane seat for Andrew, which is designed to provide better postural support and positioning to children with special needs. Whoa!
4) Wheelchair Getaways has been a great van rental resource for us. We've used them in a number of states and are about to rent from them in Chicago this coming Winter. They'll meet you at the airport with your van and our experience has been nothing but good. Rates average about $125/day for a converted minivan.
5) Consider renting a condo. We're renting a 2BR condo this February in downtown Chicago. More space and less money than than two hotel rooms, and the entire building is completely accessible to persons with mobility limitations. We can't wait!
