• Take along a brief statement of you medical history from your physician.
  
• If you use a wheelchair, be sure to bring some spare nuts and bolts and specialized tools to dismantle it. Bring a set of fuses, too, as well as a spare tire and tube. Bicycle shops can usually handle emergency repairs on manual wheelchairs, as well as on many electric-powered chairs.
  
• Plan ahead. Discuss your specific needs with your chosen destination before you leave. Make sure there's accessibility to all facilities.
  
• If you have mobility problems ensure your accommodation is on the lowest floor on which accessible services are offered. In an emergency rescue teams can get you down more quickly.
  
• Guests with hearing or visual impairments should contact hotels in advance about specialist devices. If these are not available reception should be informed so that other arrangements can be made in the event of an emergency.
  
• If you're bringing a guide dog, seek written permission before you leave.
  
• Major airlines, buses and trains assist travellers with disabilities provided they are informed 48 hours in advance. If you request boarding assistance on flights you'll probably be the first passenger to board and the last person off so allow extra time for this. Use rest rooms in airports before departure; they're more accessible than those on planes. Medical supplies are not included in bag limits on planes
  
• Passengers with hearing and visual impairments should arrange for conductors to notify them when their station is near.
  
• The travel industry is aware of the needs of travellers with disabilities. However some operators specialize in making travel arrangements for individuals and groups with disabilities. Some of these are; Accessible Journeys, Disabled Travel Agencies Database, Flying Wheels Travel.

Want to know more?

Planet Wise travel safety training courses are packed with lots more helpful advice and tips to make sure your trip is a safe and enjoyable one. Plus you'll get to share ideas with fellow travellers and pick the brains of the Planet Wise team of experienced travel experts.