Holiday Checklist

Follow this checklist to guide you through researching, planning and booking your accessible holiday. Simply tick off each section as and when you complete it to ensure your holiday is problem-free. Below is a table with 3 rows and 3 columns.

BEFORE YOU BOOK

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Check your passport / Check your passport is in date, as well as everyone else who is coming with you. /
Be prepared that it will take time / There will be a lot to think about, it will take a lot of time and it may be more expensive than you initially thought. Just be prepared. /

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TRANSPORT

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Which mode of transport?

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Plane, train, car, ferry… what is the easiest and most efficient mode of transport for your holiday? Consider cost, time and comfortability.

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Do your research

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Which company has the best reviews? Are they disabled friendly? Note: ALL companies will have some form of disability guideline in place, find a company that will go out of their way to ensure you’re fully catered for.

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Can you take everything?

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Some companies won’t allow certain equipment or medication on board. Before you book anything, make sure you can take everything you need with you.

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Contact the company

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Before you book, contact the company and inform them of your plans, ask any questions you may have and ensure you’re 100% happy before booking.

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Shop around

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Don’t assume you must book through the company themselves. Compare prices, BUT only use recommended travel agents. Please don’t book through an agent who you’ve never heard of. You will almost always find that travel agents such as Thomson and Thomas Cook offer lower prices than the company themselves. It’s also worth looking at accessible travel agents such as Accommoble.

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Book

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Once you’ve found a decent company, decent travel agent and a decent price, go ahead and book! If it’s an option, I highly recommend booking your seat so you know where you’re sat.

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Contact the company

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Once you’re all booked, contact the company and inform them of any requirements you have. The earlier you tell them the better, and arrangements can be made for you.

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ACCOMMODATION

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What type of accommodation?

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Hotel, caravan, tent, B&B… what is the easiest and most efficient type of accommodation for your holiday? Consider cost, accessibility and comfortability.

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Do your research

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Ensure the accommodation you choose is accessible and meets your requirements. If possible, book accommodation that’s been recommended by somebody who has been there before, or a travel agent.

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Contact

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Contact the accommodation; ask any questions and double check that it will meet your requirements. It’s good to speak to staff or the manager, as websites can sometimes be very misleading.

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What’s on offer?

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Find out if the accommodation offer anything such as equipment hire (it can come in VERY handy, and may mean you don’t need to bring any of your personal equipment)

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Shop around

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As with transport, look around for the cheapest price, but use a reliable travel agent. The accommodation’s main website may not be the cheapest.

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Get back up

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It’s never a bad idea to note down the contact details of a couple of other accessible hotels in the same area to where you’re going, in case of an emergency (i.e. your hotel is overbooked).

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Book

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Once you’ve found a decent accommodation, decent travel agent and a decent price, go ahead and book!

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Contact

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Once you’ve booked, contact the accommodation again, ask any questions and ensure they can meet your requirements. If you didn’t before, ask if they offer any services that could be of use for you.

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PLAN

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Research attractions

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Decide what you want to do on holiday, and ensure everything you wish to do is disabled friendly. Pre-booking attractions is HIGHLY recommended.

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Decide how to travel

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How will you travel around? Taxi? Bus? Tram? Research and make sure the transport you choose is 100% accessible and accommodates your need.

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Create an itinerary for each day

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Some people hate doing this and like to play everything by ear, but by planning you lessen the chances of something going wrong. Write down what you’re doing, how you’re getting there and contact details (explained in detail later)

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Create a plan B

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We all hate it when things go wrong, and hopefully they won’t, but be prepared IF something goes wrong. Contact details are a must.

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Gather contact details

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Gather contact details of EVERYONE you may need to contact while you’re on holiday. A spare taxi number, equipment hire company, wheelchair service, travel agent etc. Make sure it’s all written down and taken EVERYWHERE with you.

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EQUIPMENT

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Make a list

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List every single piece of equipment you rely on and will need on your holiday

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Can you hire abroad?

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You may find that your accommodation offers hire services, or recommend a hire company local to where you’re staying. Do your research, because this could potentially save you A LOT of time, money and hassle.

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Label your equipment

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This is more important than it seems. Label EVERY piece of equipment with what it is, who it belongs to and contact details IF it were to break or go missing at any point during your holiday.

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Can you get travel alternatives?

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Sometimes, travel versions of equipment are available, making it a lot easier, safer and cheaper to take with you. Definitely have a look around, it may cost you more, but it will be worth it.

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Contact details

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Gather contact details for people or companies who will be able to help you if your equipment were to get broken or lost through transit or while you’re on holiday.

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Is your equipment serviced?

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Please ensure all equipment that you’re taking with you is fully serviced beforehand, even if it’s not due for one. This will ensure it’s safe and lessen the chances of it breaking while you’re away.

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Insurance

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Insure ALL pieces of equipment. If anything gets lost of broken you will need this, and could save you A LOT of money in the long run.

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CARE

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Will you need to take carers with you?

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Number one question. Decide if you’re going to take carers with you, or rely on the people who you are going with.

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How many carers?

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If you’re taking carers with you, decide how many to take. How many hours’ care will you need? Will there be times when you don’t need any care? Bear in mind that carers will need regular breaks too.

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Arrange carers

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If possible, take carers you already know and have cared for you (then you don’t need to train people and you know they’re friendly and reliable). If not, contact a care agency and they’ll sort you out.

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Work out a timetable

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Between you and the carer(s), arrange a timetable so everyone is aware who is working and when.

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Sort out nursing

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Do you need nurses for anything? If you do, there are nursing agencies that will be able to help you out and answer your questions.

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Plan for the worst

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Like before, plan for things to go wrong. Ideally, don’t bring just one carer (unless who you’re going with can step in), in case they fall ill.

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BITS AND BOBS

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Apply for a VISA

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If necessary, apply for a VISA, or any other documentation you may need to enter the country.

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Ensure you have enough supplies

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What supplies/ medication do you take every day? What may you need abroad that you don’t necessarily take every day at home? Ensure you have enough (plus more) of everything.

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Get travel insurance

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This will be costly; I’m warning you now. Again, shop around and find the cheapest, BUT make sure the company is reliable and has good reviews. Declare ABSOLUTELY EVERYTHING.

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Get your currency

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Change all your currency beforehand. Use online comparison sites to make sure you’re getting the best conversion rate possible. You’ll probably find that the company who offer the best conversion rate deliver your currency, so don’t leave it until last minute.

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Print everything

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Print absolutely everything. Not just your flight boarding pass and accommodation voucher… I mean your insurance documents, ATOL certificate, emails, addresses, attraction information, phone numbers… Everything! You’ll probably find you won’t need it all, but it’s better to be safe than sorry.

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Pack early

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Pack early, don’t rush, and ensure you have EVERYTHING.

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Have fun!

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The most important part of all! Go through this list a few times, make sure EVERYTHING is ticked.

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Equipment Checklist

Please tick the appropriate boxes to what equipment you will need on your holiday. If there are items you will need that aren’t on the list, please add them to the blank tick boxes.

  • Hoist (manual/ travel)
  • Slings for hoist
  • Portable ramps
  • Manual wheelchair
  • Wheelchair bag
  • Wheelchair cushion
  • Elevating footrest
  • Wheelchair raincoat
  • Wheelchair safety belt
  • Other wheelchair accessories. Please specify: ______
  • Suction machine
  • Bed risers
  • Overnight feeds
  • Bipap machine (and mask)
  • Splints
  • Shower chair
  • Spare catheter
  • Adapted kitchen equipment (cutlery, plates, cups etc.)
  • Other sleeping aids. Please specify: ______
  • Hearing aid
  • Contact lenses
  • Prescription glasses/ sunglasses
  • Walking frame
  • Walking stick
  • Other walking aid
  • White stick (or other cane for visual impairment)
  • Moulded cushions
  • Portable lifts
  • Portable bidet
  • Urine bottle(s)
  • Draw sheet
  • Satin or nylon sheets or pyjamas
  • Mattress overlays
  • Communication letter board
  • Modified telephone
  • Portable grab bars
  • Perching stool
  • Folding travel toilet
  • Commode chair
  • Bath board
  • Bath lift
  • Bath cushion
  • Bath accessories. Please specify: ______
  • Overbed table
  • Incontinent pads (washable or exposable)
  • Bed pads (washable or exposable)
  • Side wedges
  • Cotside bumpers
  • Automatic pill reminder
  • Cordless photophone
  • Tracker clocks
  • Clothing protectors
  • Portable blackout blinds
  • Inflatable shampoo basin
  • Kennedy cup
  • Anti-slip and grip products
  • Carry chair
  • Evacuation chair
  • Stair climber
  • Dressing aids
  • Transfer disc
  • Transfer board
  • Handling belt
  • Swivel seat
  • Bed pan
  • Toilet frame
  • Toilet support rail
  • Dressing protectors
  • Digital stepometer
  • Heart rate monitor
  • Blood pressure monitor
  • Crutches
  • Rollator
  • Thermometer
  • Furniture raisers
  • Automatic nightlight
  • Travel continence aids
  • Insoles

If you will need any other equipment that isn’t listed, please specify below:

To get maximum benefit from this checklist, use in conjunction with an Accessible Traveller subscription, where you’ll get hints, tips, discounts and more on accessible travel, to ensure YOU have a successful accessible holiday with reduced effort and at a low price. Simply visit the link below to find out more: