Travel Mobility Guides

There are many different cruise lines providing services to various parts of the world. Within each cruise line, you will find different ships that are suited to different types of cruising. It’s up to you to find out which cruise is the best fit for your wants and needs. The best way to do this is through some basic research.

Cruise vacations are an excellent way to travel in a safe and comfortable manner. If you have made a good choice in vessels, you will be able to enjoy much of the same accessibility and freedom of movement as any other passenger. This article provides some useful points of consideration when making your cruise ship choice.

"All ashore that’s going ashore!" That old familiar cry is still used today, although you are more likely to hear a series of beeps and buzzers telling you that you had better make your way to the gangway for disembarking. It’s just one of the many things you need to be aware of when leaving the cruise ship for an exploration of an exotic port.

An important consideration for those planning sea travel is the accessibility of your cabin. Though you will not likely be spending a great deal of time inside your room, it is still important to have a comfortable haven after a long day. Use the following basic points to help you make a choice before you book your cruise.

You need to verify with your travel planner or cruise ship authority that your mobility vehicle will fit through all required doorways and entranceways on the ship. The best way to do this is by supplying these people with the correct dimensions of your mobility vehicle (e.g. a standard scooter is approximately 24 inches wide -- that means that doorways can be no smaller than 2 feet).

Ask about doorway lips and other runners that are installed in public areas. If the lip is particularly high, you may need assistance when navigating with your mobility vehicle.

Accessible bathrooms include features such as wider doors, hand rails, wheel-in showers with fold down seats, water controls and showerheads installed at heights that you can reach from your seat. They will also include sinks and mirrors at wheelchair height, along with raised lavatory seats. Ask not only about your cabin bathroom’s accessibility features, but also those found in the general public restrooms. If you are on another deck and need to use the facilities, it may be a long trip back down to your cabin.

A true accessible cabin will have the switches, cords and other handles installed at a reasonable height for those seated in wheelchairs. If you are not guaranteed these helpful features, then ask for the existing measurements so you can be prepared.

Depending on your level of mobility, situations may arise where you need to ask for assistance. If the rooms do not have appropriate buttons, then you may consider requesting a pager-type device for this purpose. At the very least, your cabin should be able to accommodate your mobility vehicle. It is important that you are able to move about your room in relative ease, especially if your mobility device is your main source of transportation.

If you have multiple options available to you (some countries have only one rail system), try to choose the carrier that offers the most services tailored to your mobility needs. Some carriers offer a complete list of services, from boarding assistance to accessible sleeper cars, while others may offer only a few retrofitted cars with wheelchair tie-downs. As always, ask many questions ahead of time so that you have the most options when you make your final booking.

Special services may vary from one region to another, depending on a number of criterions: the cars on your particular train, the facilities at the various stations along your route and even your carrier’s policy on accessibility.

Ask if your car has doorways that are wide enough to permit access while you are seated in your wheelchair. Ideally, your room should have enough space to maneuver the wheelchair on both sides of the door. The best accessible rooms include those with door handles, latches and other switches mounted at a height that permits you to use them while you are seated in your wheelchair. These items should be operable with one hand and should not require tight grasping or, conversely, fine finger control.

Washrooms should also be large enough to accommodate you and your wheelchair along with an escort or attendant. If such a car is not offered, the washroom should at least be accessible to you and your wheelchair.

If you have additional needs that require the services of an escort, ask your carrier about special rates and allowances. Some carriers offer free fares for escorts, while others may offer similar promotions for different destinations. At the very least, most carriers will offer your escort a reduced rate for the trip.

You should also check your carrier’s policy regarding services your escort will be required to perform on your behalf. For example, some carriers require that your escort assist you in boarding, disembarking and moving about the train -- regardless of whether the carrier offers special boarding assistance. This is of particular importance if your escort is elderly or unable to assist in such a manner.

In all cases, you should be prepared to present valid documentation that supports your need for an escort (typically a medical certificate, doctor’s note or an ID card issued by a qualified organization). Too many unscrupulous travelers have taken advantage of this service and most carriers want to ensure fairness and equity for all.

Examine your ticket and itinerary carefully once you receive it. Ensure that you are comfortable with its policies and provisions so that you are not surprised at your various stopovers (especially when traveling overseas). Some European trains travel through countries that are not listed on a general rail pass -- in certain cases, you may be required to pay the full fare for that portion of the trip. On some trains, for example, ticket holders traveling from Venice to Munich will pass through Austria, which is not covered by the rail pass.

Ask your carrier if the departure and arrival stations are equipped with high-level platforms or wheelchair lifts. This will make it much easier to get on and off your train. If the departure or arrival station does not have a wheelchair lift, let the carrier know the weight of your mobility vehicle. Some carriers impose maximum weight and size restrictions to ensure adequate storage. Typically, most 3-wheeled scooters will be acceptable. Some 4-wheelers may exceed imposed size/weight limits and may not be acceptable (in such a case, you may wish to rent a mobility device from Scootaround).

Most carriers will do their best to accommodate special-needs passengers and the extra luggage they may require (e.g. scooter, wheelchair, oxygen tanks, etc.). If you have additional luggage requirements, talk with your carrier in advance. This will allow them to be more prepared and to make the boarding process as quick and pleasant as possible. Most carriers will allow you to check your scooter, wheelchair or powerchair at no extra cost. If you decide to check your mobility vehicle, ensure that you have made arrangements for some sort of conveyance for stops along the way.

Most carriers allow people with restricted mobility to board the train ahead of other passengers. Carriers generally ask that you come to the station at least one hour before the train’s departure. The additional wait time will be suitably comfortable if you’re traveling in an accessible car. If you would rather not wait in your car until the train rolls, ask if you can wait in the dining or lounge car (where there is typically more room).

Today's luxury train cars offer you a chance to travel in a relaxed and comfortable manner. If you're not planning on de-boarding, then you should be free to dress as you would at home. Comfortable shoes, loose clothing and an extra sweater may work well for you.

If your trip involves spending one or more nights on board the train, look for a carrier that offers sleeper cars with your own private bedroom, or, if possible, your own shower access. You will have a much more enjoyable time if you do not have to leave your car to use the facilities (morning or night). And if the soothing sound of the railway tracks keeps you up at night, remember to bring along a set of earplugs.

Inquire about the added room required for your scooter or wheelchair. Some cars are large enough to accommodate this, while others may force you to leave your mobility vehicle in storage or in another car. As with any specialized lodging, be sure to reserve your sleeper car well in advance.

One of the benefits of train travel is its peaceful and unhurried nature (bullet trains notwithstanding). Look out either side of the train and you’re likely to see the most incredible scenery passing by, whether desert, mountain, coast or prairie. Unlike air travel times, where you can leave half an hour late but still arrive 20 minutes early because of the tail wind, train travel speeds are rather finite. This forces us to relax and take a more philosophical approach to the delays. As with any type of travel, be prepared to deal with cancellations and other setbacks. There’s usually not much you can do other than sit back and enjoy the wait (remember to pack a book or bring along your favorite music to pass the time).

If you’re planning to use an accessible van or vehicle at your destination, enquire about your carrier’s services in this regard. For example, if you are traveling between Washington D.C. and Orlando, the Auto Train allows you to ride in a typical Amtrak passenger car, while your car is stored in enclosed car carriers at the end of the train.

Never leave your luggage unattended or unguarded on the train or in the station. It only takes a moment for your bag to go missing. Whether traveling at day or night, secure your baggage to a rack or bench with an appropriate lock or tie-down. Always keep your valuables close to you (if you’re extra cautious, consider keeping them in a concealed money belt while you sleep).

Also remember to keep an eye on your rail pass. Depending on your carrier, this item may not be replaceable. If you’re concerned, consider purchasing trip insurance. While such insurance may not replace your pass immediately while traveling, you may be eligible for a refund for the unused portion upon return.

So whether you’re in for the ambience, relaxation, romance or the adventure, enjoy your time on the rails. Take some time to meet your fellow passengers, gaze out the window or simply get lost for a little while as you travel the route so many have gone before.

1. Modern buses are a pleasure to ride. If the last time you traveled by bus was a decade or more ago, you may be surprised by the amenities that you find on buses these days. Modern bus fleets such as Megabus have plush reclining seats, washrooms, safety belts and wifi so you can check your email and surf the internet while traveling.
2. Buses are a lower cost travel option. Bus fares are very reasonable and can get you to your destination for a fraction of the cost of flying or even taking a train. Because of this, buses are an excellent option if you have friends or family that you’d like to see more often (or if you have kids that you want to bring home to you for the holidays).
3. There’s no security clearance required. Let’s face it, going through airport security is rarely a pleasant experience. When you travel by bus, you don’t have to line up for ages before having to remove your shoes and pass all your gear through an x-ray machine, then get patted down by surly TSA agents before having to line up again just to get onto a cramped plane. Boarding a bus is an entirely more civilized experience.
4. Buses get you closer to your destination. There are plenty of places in North America that trains and planes won’t take you to, especially now that many train lines are being closed down. Buses go to (and leave from) places you just can’t get to by other means of transportation, making travel more accessible for everyone.
5. You don’t need to arrive hours before departure. When you travel by bus, all you need to do is get there in reasonable time to board the bus, not two hours in advance to ensure that your baggage is checked and you make it through security in time.
6. No lost luggage. When you travel by bus, you’re responsible for loading your bags on the bus and getting it off again at the end of your journey, so the chances of you losing it are slim to none.
7. When you travel by bus, you get to enjoy the journey. By taking the bus, you have time to savor the views presented to you as you travel. You can drink in all the sights and really take the time to enjoy everything that you see. Because all you need to do is sit there and relax, you can admire the beautiful countryside or urban landscapes that you pass through as you are driven to your destination.

Scootaround wants you to have the freedom to travel anywhere you want to go. Bus travel is one of the most popular ways of seeing North America and we don’t want you to miss out on the opportunity due to lack of storage space on the bus. Most buses have limited space for mobility equipment, with some only having room for 1 or 2 mobility devices. For those travelers who are able to leave their mobility equipment at home, renting from Scootaround is the perfect solution.

As North America’s favorite provider of mobility services, we will have your equipment waiting for you at your destination so that you can travel with ease. Rent with Scootaround and your scooter will be waiting for you when you arrive at your destination and we will pick it up when you’re done. Never worry about lack of space when booking your bus trip again.

We are dedicated to making your life easier and your bus travel experience more enjoyable.