First Time Traveling As A Quadriplegic

With it being April 15 today, this is when I became a quadriplegic because of a car accident years ago.  It was a tough few years of recovery, followed by a few years of University and a job at an Insurance company.  The one thing that really intrigued me was traveling on a plane and visiting somewhere cool.

I remember early in 2006, I was listening to family, friends and co-workers talking and planning these trips and vacations and wondered how am I going to do this despite my disability.  I have been on a plane once before my injury but that was so long ago that I do not remember much about that experience.

Planning

I quickly got in contact with other disabled friends and asked about their challenges and experiences while traveling.  This got me really excited as I began researching on the internet to plan this trip.  Since this was my first time doing this, I had no idea what I wanted and no idea about what is accessible.  I enlisted a friend who was a travel agent help book me my perfect first trip.

She had the brilliant idea of booking me an all-inclusive vacation.  I was not picky at all, I was just so happy at the thought of going somewhere different than my own city.  All I wanted was somewhere hot, accessible, easy and would be a great choice as a first trip out as a quadriplegic.  Since an all-inclusive vacation included my flight, hotel, food and drink, I was all set for my first time traveling as a quadriplegic, and first time ever going to Puerto Vallarta.

Flying

Before I could even think about how I am going to get on a plane, I have to get my caregivers to help me pack my suitcase.  I remember being a bit paranoid and had to over pack everything.  I brought more clothes and medical supplies than I would do for trip right now.  I didn’t even have to bring my commode bathroom wheelchair as our resort Puerto Aventura actually had one for me to use, thanks to my travel agent.  (Click here to see how I usually pack for a trip now).

To board a plane, I quickly learned that I had to board first and transfer to a smaller airplane aisle chair to get inside the plane and then transfer to a regular plane seat.  Airport staff along with my travel buddy usually do a 2 person transfer each time until I am in my seat.  (Click here to see a more detailed description of how I board a plane.)

Even for the duration of the flight I was a bit nervous.  I remember limiting my food and drink intake as I wasn’t sure how I would get inside the tiny bathroom.  I do remember feeling so free as I am not sitting in either my wheelchair, commode or bed.  I was just so happy to be actually going on my first trip.

The Stay

I don’t remember too much about Puerto Aventura resort except that it was wheelchair accessible and it met my needs.  The room came with an accessible bathroom with a roll in shower and commode.  I didn’t have any issues with the accessibility of the resort either.  With this being my first trip ever as a disabled person, I was not too picky about anything and was just grateful.  (Click here to read about my second time visiting Puerto Vallarta).

view from our resort

Since I never been to Mexico before, I was worried about eating certain foods because I didn’t want to have stomach issues.  I ate small amounts and avoided dishes that looked questionable.  I didn’t even drink any alcohol for the entire trip since I was just trying to be careful.

relaxing at my first beach

This trip also marked the first time a friend ever did full care for me throughout the day.  I was a little shy and hesitant asking for him to help me with anything including my bathroom and shower routine.  Fast forward to today and now I am not shy or afraid to ask to ask friends to help anymore.  (Click here to see how I find the right travel buddy).

The City

We did manage to get out of the resort a few times during our week long stay.  I was nervous and excited to be in a foreign city and to check out the surrounding buildings, homes and palm trees.  I even had to trust and be comfortable with my friend pushing me in my wheelchair around the streets, roads and sidewalks.  One place we really enjoyed that wasn’t too far from our resort was the boardwalk by the beach called the Malecon.  (Click here to see what I thought of it).

The Malecon

What I Learned 

After taking the first step and finally go on my first trip with a friend, I learned that it is not scary.  I realized that bringing the right travel buddy can really help enhance the trip and that having a friend help with the personal care is worth it if it means being able to travel.  I also developed a passion for traveling just after this one trip.  (Click here to read my top 5 reasons for traveling).

thanks for taking me on my first ever trip

Getting my first covid vaccine shot yesterday really got me thinking that traveling can be resumed sometime really soon.  Follow my facebook page or my instagram please to see what I have going on for the rest of the year.  Thank you and I can’t wait to share this with everyone.

so worth it getting out to travel