If I can do it, So can you!

Travel with a disability that is.

I’ve always loved to travel. I used to joke that my suitcases were always packed and waiting by the door. Any excuse for a road trip.

As I have aged, though the wander-lust remains as strong as ever, the ability to travel has not. The changes and decline in my health and stamina have made travel, particularly on my own, difficult. I thought that travel for me might be totally impossible. Mobility and visual issues I was sure had put an end to my traveling days.

I thought to myself, “Here you are finally retired with plenty of time on your hands and, though not rich, with enough disposable income to do the traveling you couldn’t do when you were working full-time. And maybe you won’t be able to do it.”

I was afraid. Yes afraid, to venture out into the world.

What if I need help?
What if I can’t get around by myself?
What if I don’t have the stamina or capability to manage in unknown territory?

So, I stayed at home, put my suitcases away, and gave up.

But I’m a fighter, not a quiter!

I started exploring. Not the great, wide world outside my door. No, I discovered the world on YouTube and the Internet.
I explored, with the help of various Vloggers and Bloggers, places I had visited in the past and places I had dreamed of visiting in the future.

I happened upon some blogs and videos by people with disabilities much more limiting and disabling than mine.

Charles Lijauco, himself disabled, travels the world and is a strong advocate for PWD’s (People with Disabilities)

Camilo Navarro is the founder of ‘Wheel the World’

They were out there exploring the world.

I came to the startling realization that people with disabilities could travel like anyone else.
I came to believe that the only real limitations were those in my own mind.

If they could do it, so could I.

From these courageous individuals I learned seven very important things

1. Your limitations are what you let them be.

2. Planning ahead is the key.

3. Know your limitations — accept them but don’t let them define you. You are more than your limitations.

4. Know your destination. Know what accommodations there are or are not for those with disabilities.

5. Accept the fact that you can’t or may not be able to do it all. But take advantage and explore what you can do.

6. Know that at times(often) you will need help. Don’t be too proud or too stubborn to ask for it.

7. Plan ahead!! I know I said this before, but it bears repeating.

Everyone has their limitations. A wise individual is one who knows theirs and works around them to rise above them.

So I began my re-emergence into the world, traveling cautiously at first. I began with short local excursions.

First Step: I planned extensively.

I checked online for what the terrain was like and what accommodations were provided for disability access. (I’ll post later the exact process to planning.)

I made very successful trips to the museum and the local zoo.

And when I was ready for my first major trip it was one that I had made many times before, to a place I knew well, and a place known for its accommodation to disabilities of all kinds.

I went to Disney World!

Final Thoughts

I’m a senior citizen. I have a cardiac condition that limits my stamina. I have significant visual and mobility issues that necessitate the use of a walker at all times.
Luckily, my mental faculties are still in good working order. At least I think so.

If you have similar limitations or any other disability that you feel might limit or deter you from traveling, then come along with me through the whole process of a successful Expedition.