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Guidelines to make your trip abroad Barrier-Free:
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 This page includes special planning considerations for seniors and others with disabilities who are planning to travel overseas, provided by the U.S. State Department. Find additional information for world travelers on the State Department's website.Special Travel Considerations for Seniors: Seniors should review the information contained in "Planning Your Trip: Learn About the Places You Will Visit", consider the following tips, and discuss the trip with a physician: • Local Conditions: Be aware of any effects the local topography or climate may have on you: If you are sensitive to altitude or to humidity, or to other attributes of your destination, consult with your physician. • Don't Over-Program The additional physical activity undertaken during travel can be quite strenuous, and sudden changes in diet and climate can have serious health consequences for the unprepared traveler. • Pack Wisely: Don't pack so much that you will end up lugging around heavy suitcases. Dress conservatively — a wardrobe that is flashy may attract the attention of thieves or con artists, while clothing that is very casual may result in being barred from some tourist sites overseas. Include a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage. For Anyone Traveling With Disabilities: Individual countries have their own standards of accessibility for disabled travelers. Some countries have nondiscrimination laws that help to protect travelers with disabilities, while other countries do not. Preparation before you go can help ensure that your planned destination will be accessible, safe and enjoyable. Travelers with disabilities should review the Department of Transportation pamphlets New Horizons for the Air Traveler with a Disability and Plane Talk: Facts for Passengers With Disabilities . Both of these publications are available at the Department of Transportation’s website http://www.dot.gov. In addition, you might want to review the information contained in "Planning Your Trip: Learn About the Places You Will Visit", consider the tips below, and also discuss the trip with your physician: • Research in Advance: Learn about planned stops and ask questions about services available. Consider the level of health care available, as well as local transportation needs to and from the airport, luggage assistance, and whether other help will be needed to leave the airport terminal. When making reservations, inform the travel agent or carrier of your disability and the equipment you use, and, if necessary, request a wheelchair be brought to the gate upon arrival and any other assistance needed while flying and at the airport. In all cases, ask that your needs and requests be documented as part of the reservation, and take down the name of the agent. That way, if there is a problem, you may be able to quickly show that you are entitled to the service you requested. • Seek Medical Advice: Talk to your physician about the activities you have planned and your general physical condition, any immunizations that might be needed, and medications, whether prescription or over the counter, that you might need for your trip. Carry a letter from your attending physician, describing your medical condition and any prescription medications, including the generic names of prescribed drugs. • Your Medications: If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last the duration of the trip, including extra medicine in case you are delayed. Pack your medication in your carry-on bag, since checked baggage is occasionally lost. Always carry your prescriptions in their labeled containers, not in a pill pack. • Documentation of Immunizations: Take with you proper documentation of immunizations. • Health and Evacuation Insurance: Make sure you have adequate health insurance coverage while abroad, including coverage of medical evacuation (not covered by most domestic policies). Note that U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. • Service Dogs: Some countries have restrictions on service dogs. If you intend to travel with a service dog, be sure to check on possible restrictions with the embassy or consulate of each country you will visit. (This and other country information may be found on each country’s Country Specific Information at http://travel.state.gov). If service dogs are permitted, learn about quarantine or vaccination requirements. Find out what documents are needed, including international health certificates and rabies inoculation certificates, and if the documents need to be translated. Talk with your vet about tips for traveling with a dog, and how travel will affect the animal. You may also want to ensure that hotels will accommodate your service dog, and that there will be an adequate area for the dog to relieve itself. • Equipment Maintenance: Have a maintenance check done on any equipment you will take with you, to ensure everything is in working order before you leave. You may want to research availability of wheelchair and medical equipment providers in the areas you plan to visit. • Carry Written Plans: Carry your written itinerary and directions of where you wish to go. These can be shown to people who might be able to help you if you are lost. Another useful tool is a point-and-conversation guide. [Much information on this page has been provided by the U.S. State Department.] |
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| What Would You Like to Do Next?FIND Accessible Online Travel ResourcesSHOP Online for Travel Services and AccessoriesREAD "Choose Travel Services You Can Use"RETURN to the BFC Travel MenuRETURN to the Top of This PageNAVIGATE to Other BFC Resources |
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