I have traveled to many places around the world since I broke my neck and became paralyzed from the chest down. Since my accident, I use a wheelchair to get around, and if there is one thing I can tell you for sure, the word accessibility has different meanings just about everywhere you go. 

Hotel managers have literally told me, “Yes, we’re accessible for wheelchair users. We have rooms on the first floor, and we have an elevator.” Well, I don’t know about you, but that doesn’t tell me a thing about whether or not I can even actually get into the room. So, in addition to avoiding issues with accessibility, here are some tips that I hope are helpful when planning your next trip as a person with a disability. Just remember, every person has unique circumstances even if they may have similar disabilities. This is not one-size-fits-all advice.

Do your homework

Do your homework and make sure you call ahead. If there isone thing I am faithful about, it is calling ahead, sometimes months ahead if it’s a long trip or out of the country—so I have enough time leftover to go to Plan B, if necessary. If you’re working with a travel agency, most are required by law to accommodate travelers who have some type of special need. Just keep in mind that they will likely need additional information on your circumstances. If you’re calling a hotel, I would suggest calling at least a week or two ahead and be very specific about what you need: bed height, bathtub or roll-in shower, king or queen bed versus a twin bed, etc. You may even ask for pictures of the accessible room. If the hotel wants your business, they will gladly send you pictures, and some may even take measurements of doorways and bed height for you.