Why Your First Time Traveling in a Wheelchair Doesn't Have to Be Scary
Traveling for the first time as a wheelchair user can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. While there are challenges—unreliable accessibility, long airport waits, and unfamiliar places—the right planning and mindset can make your trip smooth and enjoyable. With the right support, traveling with a wheelchair can be liberating, not limiting.
This guide walks you through practical steps, expert travel tips, and firsthand insights to help you plan your first wheelchair-accessible adventure with confidence. Plus, with Wheel the World, you can skip the guesswork and book verified accessible hotels, activities, and transportation, knowing your needs will be met.
Let’s dive in—your first adventure is waiting!
"For my first travel experience as a wheelchair user, I was so fortunate to use the services of Wheel the World."
What's Ahead?
Why Traveling in a Wheelchair Might Feel Daunting (But Doesn't Have to Be)
It’s completely normal to feel anxious before your first trip. Many wheelchair users worry about the “what ifs”—What if my wheelchair gets damaged? What if my hotel isn’t actually accessible? What if I can’t find transportation? These are all valid concerns, but they don’t have to stop you from experiencing the world.
Take Cory Lee, for example, a wheelchair traveler who has visited 50 countries despite facing challenges like waiting hours for an accessible taxi or paying extra for wheelchair-friendly tours. The key takeaway? Travel rarely goes perfect. There will be obstacles, but for every challenge that arises, a solutions exists also.
Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, shift your mindset to what’s possible—because there’s a whole world out there, and it’s yours to explore.
Finding the Right Destination
Some destinations are more accessible than others. But many are surprised to hear just how accessible some places are - like Costa Rica, Spain, and even a South African Safari.
Start With a Destination Nearby
If you're wanting to travel but don't want to plan a big international trip, start small with a place nearby. One of the best places to choose is a Destination Verified city where Wheel the World partners with local teams to measure, verify, and make improvements to accessibility.
Travelers with disabilities can find detailed information on hotels, things to do, places to eat, and more – making these places some of the top destinations to choose for a first trip.
Some of the Top International Destinations
We've had hundreds of travelers plan trips all over the world. Here are some of the top accessible destinations outside the U.S:
- Costa Rica
- Barcelona, Spain
- Quintana Roo, Mexico
- London, England
- Rome Italy
Ultimately, you have many destinations to choose from. One of the most convenient ways to go on your first accessible trip is to opt for a pre-planned vacation package that bundles hotels, experiences, tours, and ground-transportation – so you don't have to worry about a thing.
Or Choose a Group Trip
Another exciting option is a group-trip. Similar to a vacation package, group trips provide accessibility throughout the journey, but you get to travel with a small group of like-minded individuals. It's twice the fun!
Practical Steps for Planning Your First Trip as a Wheelchair User
Planning with Accessibility in Mind
Successful travel starts with detailed planning. The more you prepare, the fewer surprises you’ll encounter.
Finding the Right Hotel
One of the biggest frustrations for wheelchair travelers is booking a hotel labeled “accessible”—only to arrive and find stairs at the entrance, a bathroom too small to navigate, or a bed too high to transfer into. Instead of relying on vague descriptions:
- Research hotels well ahead of time and look for accessibility information.
- Request photos of the room, bathroom, and entrance to confirm accessibility.
- Check if there is an elevator or ground-floor room.
- Look at the surrounding area—is public transportation accessible? Are attractions or restaurants nearby? Sometimes it is much more convenient to stay somewhere close to the things you want to do and see so you have easier access.
- Book with Wheel the World, where every hotel’s accessibility features are verified and measured so you can plan with confidence.
For first-time travelers, having a hotel that’s truly accessible can make or break a trip. That’s exactly the reason to book with Wheel the World—because they know they’ll get a room that meets their needs.
A First-Time Traveler’s Review of Wheel the World
“For my first travel experience as a wheelchair user, I was so fortunate to use the services of Wheel the World. My team helped me book a hotel that was perfectly accessible in a great location! I needed a hotel room in a specific area in Barcelona for a wedding. The team at WTW not only made it possible to book an accessible room with confidence, but they found a much better deal than I could on my own. They also helped make adjustments to the plans as we decided to extend our stay in Spain. Thank you so much to everyone who helped make my first travel in a wheelchair as breezy as possible. I highly recommend using Wheel the World’s services for help planning your next accessible travel.” - E. Weber
Booking Your Flight
Flying can feel like the most intimidating part of travel, but knowing what to expect helps. Calling the airline in advance ensures they can accommodate you with an accessible seat, pre-boarding, and wheelchair assistance.
- Notify the airline immediately after booking of your accessibility needs. They should then make a note on your reservation.
- Arrive early—at least an hour before the standard check-in time.
- Take pictures of your wheelchair before check-in in case of damage.
- Detach removable parts (joystick, footrests, cushions) and keep them in your carry-on.
- Confirm with the flight crew that an aisle chair is onboard if you need one.
Pack Smart for a Hassle-Free Trip
Packing for wheelchair travel requires some extra planning to ensure you have everything you need.
Here are some things to consider packing:
- Essential medications & medical documents (including extra supplies in case of delays).
- A small wheelchair repair kit (including tape, zip ties, and a multi-tool).
- A phone leash & backup itinerary (so your phone doesn’t get lost or stolen).
- A cooling vest for hot climates to stay comfortable on long days.
- Absorbent underwear or a travel urinal for peace of mind during long journeys.
Having AirTags or other tracking devices on your wheelchair and luggage can also be a lifesaver in case anything goes missing.
Navigating Transportation
Every destination is different when it comes to wheelchair accessibility. Before you go, research how to get around and what to expect.
Transportation
- Many cities have Uber WAV (Wheelchair Accessible Vehicles)—but they’re not always available on demand. Book ahead when possible.
- Public transit may have ramps, low-floor buses, and elevators—but always confirm before relying on it.
- Bring a bike lock to secure your wheelchair or scooter if using public transport.
Restrooms & Personal Care
- Some destinations lack accessible restrooms, so having a plan B (like a portable seat or absorbent underwear) is a good idea.
- In some cases, first aid stations in major attractions have the best accessible bathrooms.
Dining & Attractions
Not every restaurant or tourist site is accessible, so plan ahead. Wheel the World can help you find verified accessible experiences, from museums to outdoor guided tours.
Enjoy the Adventure!
Once you’ve planned, packed, and prepared—it’s time to embrace the journey.
Your first wheelchair travel experience will have ups and downs, but each trip will build your confidence. Some travelers start small with weekend getaways, while others dive into international adventures.
The most important thing? Just go.
The world is full of incredible places waiting to be explored. With the right mindset, resources, and support, wheelchair travel can be just as exciting, rewarding, and liberating as any other adventure.
Make Your First Trip Easier with Wheel the World
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