DISABLED TRAVELLERS Accomodation
Unfortunately not all hostels and hotels have
wheelchair or disabled access. It is obviously
important to check this before you arrive
to make them aware of your condition.
Transport
This will present a bit of a challenge depending
on the disability of the traveller. In Asian
or African countries for example wheelchair
access to buses and trains may simply be
unfeasible due to the crush of people getting
on. It is also likely that few buildings
and toilets have wheelchair access, and
if there are footpaths they are likely to
be riddled with holes. However this should
not discourage you to travel.
The best way to get around is to hire your
own car and have some an able bodied person
with you. Most countries have organizations
that can assist with information on travelling.
Literature
Check out the Amazon.com titles for travelling
help.
SENIOR TRAVELLERS
Senior travellers should not be discouraged
from travelling either even in the most
demanding of climate’s and cultures.
There are always more comfortable and affordable
places to stay, cars to hire for greater
flexibility and comfort, and doctors and
medical services available everywhere.
FAMILIES
Travelling with children should not be a
hinderance to travel plans and actually
they can enhance your interaction with local
people. There are always activities to entertain
children of all ages and a few checks should
ensure safe and hygienic travel and accomodation
services. Parents would be advised to inform
the accomodation establishment of special
needs for their children. Here are a few
other tips.
Transport
There are sometimes discounts for children
on public transport. On local buses and
trams children under a certain height or
age may ride for free. Always ask for a
discount before you purchase tickets. On
airlines infants usually under the age of
two or three not occupying a seat fly at
discounted rates or even free. Make sure
you also check what the carry on allowances
are with infants. Also check if there are
safety seats or special seating areas for
children and childrens meals.
Museums
Always ask for a child's discount before
you buy museum tickets. Children under 18
who are EU citizens generally receive free
admittance to state-run museums and galleries,
and there are similar privileges in many
municipal or private museums.
Restaurants
Always ask for a high chair or cushion in
restaurants. Most places will not have childrens
menus but they may have half portions or
children's portions.
Accomodation
Make sure you check the pricing for children
staying in your room. Some establishments
will simply charge them as extra adults,
others have discounts for children under
certain ages. Also check what equipment
they provide like high chairs, cribs etc.
Some establishments may also provide day
care facilities or activities for older
children.
Other advice
Most parents will know exactly what their
children can handle so try to take into
consideration the amount of time travelling,
the level of interest activities / museum
visits will generate for your child, how
much space and freedom older children may
need. Try to always have snack food available
for long queues or journeys, bring lots
of games, toys and drawing books. Baby products
are usually available in all big cities
and even in smaller towns in most countries.
Although the Western brands can be expensive.
You may need to bring along special items.
Helpful Literature
There are a number of titles published by
Amazon.com on travelling with children.
Some titles are Adventuring with Children
and Travel with Children.
WOMEN
Female travellers are always advised to
take special precautions on the road. In
some countries travelling alone is not adviseable.
The company of another person, preferably
male, is always best. Women may also consider
wearing a wedding band or engagement ring
regardless of their status.
Accomodation
If you have any concerns there are female
only accomodation establishments like nunneries
or hostels that have single sex dormitories
on demand.
Self Defence
Please read the comprehensive tips on the
health and safety page. But usually firm
requests are enough to take control of situations,
especially if you can draw the attention
of those close by. Any encroachment into
your personal space should be immediately
rectified – remove wayward limbs,
place barriers between your person and others,
or simply move on.
Health Concerns
Most miscarriages occur during the first
three months of pregnancy so care should
be taken during this time. Additional care
is also required to prevent illness and
women should also be vigilant about their
diet. Some places are not advisable to visit
during pregnancy because of the lack of
medical services available and common disease.
Clothing
This is obviously dependent on the location
you are travelling in, but female travellers
should always dress modestly and be culturally
sensitive. In some parts of the world this
may mean be covered from neck to toe in
baggy, loose fitting clothing.
Dressing appropriately will also minimise
problems for the traveller.
