We are all, fortunately, living longer. Unfortunately, our health does not increase at the same rate as our life expectancy. However, this does not dampen the joy of life, the desire to discover new things, or to travel to foreign countries—especially among older people. But it’s not just older individuals or those with sensory impairments and physical disabilities who face various obstacles when traveling. Even very young people may suffer from intolerances or allergies that make spontaneous travel impossible.
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Traveling with a wheelchair and guide dog
According to the Austrian Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired, you should contact your travel agency about three months before your desired departure. This advice is generally valid for all people with physical and/or sensory impairments. Finding a hotel that meets individual needs can be challenging—even if travel brochures often suggest otherwise. It’s important to clearly specify to travel professionals what structural and supportive conditions are required on-site. Are excursions planned, or is it a beach holiday? What distances can be walked independently? Is help needed with filling out forms, and are guide dogs allowed? The more precisely you discuss your expectations with the travel agency, the more likely the arrangements will meet your needs.
Gathering information on-site
To be sure, you should also contact the recommended hotel directly to ask about access to the pool and beach, whether there are continuous handrails outside the building, or if strong currents are expected in the water.
There are now several travel providers specializing in trips for people with disabilities. Offers range from farm holidays to road trips through Australia in wheelchair-accessible rental cars. You can also find tips online and exchange experiences in travel forums.
Mobile by rail and air
Those who prefer to plan their holidays independently can find support from airlines, and the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) also offer appropriate services. When booking flights or train journeys, you must specify which services you require. These range from wheelchairs at the airport for long walking distances to transport to your seat via lift. ÖBB also offers this escort service. Guide and assistance dogs can be taken into the aircraft cabin free of charge.
Chronically ill and eager to travel
Disability is often equated with paralysis, blindness, or deafness, but chronic illnesses like diabetes also pose challenges for travel enthusiasts. It is advisable to always carry a supply of medication for several days in your hand luggage in case your suitcase is lost. You should bring all necessary medication for the entire duration of your trip, as you cannot rely on obtaining it locally. To carry injections and liquid medications on a plane, you need a medical certificate—preferably in multiple languages—to avoid issues at customs.
Transport and storage of necessary medications
When transporting insulin in cooling bags, remember that only water-based cooling packs are allowed—gel packs are not permitted in the cabin. An international diabetes ID card simplifies formalities. Many medications are sensitive to heat, so your hotel room must have a refrigerator. When traveling across time zones, it’s important to maintain your usual dosage schedule to ensure consistent effectiveness. On long flights heading west, an additional tablet may be needed, while heading east may require skipping a dose.
Helpful certificates
A medical certificate and notification to the airline are also required for bringing oxygen equipment, such as for COPD patients. Invisible conditions can also cause issues at security checks—like when an alarm goes off but no metal is found. A bilingual (English-German) implant pass solves this problem for those with artificial joints.
People with back problems often suffer from the cramped and uncomfortable conditions on flights. Reserving a seat in the front row or at the emergency exit, and wearing a support corset or back brace, can help prevent pain.
Useful links:
- www.hilfsgemeinschaft.at – Austrian Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired
- www.austrian.at – Barrier-free travel information
- www.behindertenrat.at – Umbrella organization of Austrian disability associations
- www.bizeps.or.at – Portal with tips and information for people with disabilities in everyday life and travel
- www.50plus.at – Extensive collection of links