Some Advantages of Traveling Being In A Wheelchair

Yes, traveling in a wheelchair can be stressful when trying to find accessible places and hotels.  The list of problems and disadvantages that goes along with wheelchair travel can be quite obvious but what about the advantages? There are always a positive spin to everything and that’s what I would like to focus on.  Here are my top advantages that I noticed over the years of wheelchair traveling.

Skip The Lines

Lots of times, people in wheelchairs get to skip the lines or they have a much shorter wheelchair line.  For example, at the airport, I get to go to the wheelchair line when going to the ticket line and security.  At music festivals like EDC, museums, amusement parks I also get to skip the long regular line ups.  This can save a lot of time to allow you to enjoy more time at your destination.

skipping the long line at a music festival

Free Attendant Admission

Every time I go to a place, I always double check their policy on wheelchair persons who require a caregiver or assistant.  There are a lot of companies who allow 1 free attendant to accompany a paid disabled person.  Places like museums, zoos, towers, hockey games and some shows gives the attendant a free ticket.  This can really save you a lot of money especially if you really need someone with you at all times to assist with your needs.

2014, San Diego Zoo offered free attendant admission

Having Your Own Seat

I never have to worry about finding a seat anywhere I go since I already bring my own.  While people are getting tired standing in line or getting stuck in massive crowds anywhere, I am always comfortable and am always sitting in my wheelchair.  I never have to worry about getting tired feet or legs.

crowded subway in Tokyo but I brought my own seat

Separate Private Bathroom

Most modern cities have public places that have separate wheelchair accessible bathrooms.  They usually don’t have long lines of people wanting to use it.  These bathrooms are usually cleaner since they aren’t used as often as regular bathrooms and are more spacious to accommodate wheelchairs.  Since they are intended for single occupancy plus an attendant, we wont have to deal with crowds or be around other people.

private, spacious and hardly used accessible bathroom at Ultra Japan

Designated Wheelchair Spots

At some music festivals, concerts, parades and airport luggage areas they have special designated wheelchair spots.  These places can be very busy and have massive crowds.  It is great to have a reserved spot so that we can enjoy these events too.  Being in a wheelchair, our eye level is much lower so usually these wheelchair spots are elevated on a platform or designated near the front.  This really helps us see and enjoy the event better.

designated wheelchair spot at the front to watch a music concert

Wheelchair Parking

Parking stalls can be very hard to find at some malls, sporting events and anything that draws a large number of people.  It is great to know that there are wheelchair parking stalls located near the entrance of wherever you are going.  We need bigger and wider parking stalls so that we have enough room to transfer from the vehicle to the wheelchair or to have a side ramp for the wheelchair.  Without these, it can be difficult or even dangerous for us to do this in the middle of the road.  Since there isn’t as many of us who use these parking stalls, we can almost guarantee to find a good parking spot.

always happy to find a wheelchair parking stall

So yes, being in a wheelchair does have its disadvantages but as you can see there are always advantages to things if you think positive.  What are some of the advantages you have noticed when travelling as a disabled person in a wheelchair?  I would love to hear some of your comments below, happy travelling…