FAQ's Travelling after a Stroke

Holidays are an important part of life. But if you’ve had a stroke, you may be worried about travelling long distances and finding accommodation that is suitable, so the idea of going on holiday becomes more stressful. DisabledHolidays.com can give you help and advice when booking a holiday if you have had a stroke. If you have a destination in mind, we'll be able to advise on its suitability for you. Alternatively if you don't have anywhere in mind, we'll use our knowledge and expertise to find your perfect holiday. Each and every customer has different requirements, therefore we would like to speak to you to discuss further.

Strokes affect people in different ways. Some may have few physical side effects; some may recover in weeks, while others will have long-lasting mobility difficulties, However, limited mobility does not mean you can’t go on holiday.

DisabledHolidays are here to make travel possible! We are a travel agency who plan and book holidays specifically for people with all types of disabilities. Our job is to search for suitable destinations, travel and accommodation that are as accessible as you need.

Can you find me accessible accommodation?

Yes - we are here to make sure that the location of your accommodation and the accommodation itself is accessible. We will make sure that you have all the adaptations you require whilst on holiday. Here are some ways we can support you:

• Accommodation in accessible locations/resorts (no steep inclines or hills)
• Adapted transfers and assistance at airports
• Fully accessible accommodation which is guaranteed - other travel agents can request this but not guarantee
• Accessible rooms suitable for the level of your mobility e.g. rooms with turning areas for wheelchair users, walk in shower rooms
• Hired equipment such as shower stools, hoists, grab rails, mobility equipment
• Rooms near lifts
• Rooms with fridges for medication

I am anxious about flying after a stroke - what should I consider to make flying easier?

• Airport assistance can be pre-booked and arranged free of charge through ourselves. We can arrange for someone to help you from your taxi at the airport, at the check-in desk to assist you with checking in your bags, escorting you to the aircraft and helping you to board the aircraft.
• Hoists and lifts on and off the plane
• Even if you don't usually use a wheelchair, airports are busy places and you might want to borrow one to relieve feeling of tiredness - we can arrange this for you
• If you are on a long flight, it is adviseable to drink lots of water to keep you hydrated
• You should move around during your flight, even if it's just wriggling your toes. This will help prevent blood clots.
• We can ensure that you have priority boarding
• Based on your circumstances, we might be able to get you allocated seats on aircraft

What is the best way to keep comfortable whilst travelling?

You might want to try a few different suitcases before you travel – there are a few that you can push rather than pull. It might also be worth taking an inflatable cushion to keep you comfy. We can book you a medical seat with extra leg-room for your flight and if your budget allows, you could upgrade to Premium Economy or Business Class for extra comfort.

Can you find the best accessible days out?

Yes - we can plan the accessibility of your chosen holiday destination before you book with us. If there is something in particular you would like to do on holiday, for example a day trip out or visiting the nearest accessible beach, we can arrange this for you prior to travel.

What do I need to consider before I travel?

• You may have recovered to a point where you feel well enough to go on holiday, but you should always check with your GP to ensure that you are medically fit to travel.
• Take additional medication with you - pack additional medication in your hand luggage too incase there are any delays.
• Consider whether you need to adjust your medication according to time differences- this is necessary if you are travelling to places that 2 hours different than UK time.
• Check whether you need any vaccinations
• You will need a doctor's note to carry medication in your hand luggage if you're flying
• Make sure than any travel sickness tablets won't interact with medication you are already taking
• Take your prescription with you in case you loose your medication
• Before you book check that your accommodation has a fridge for medication storage if required
• Write down essential contact numbers and phrases to ask for help in case treatment is needed
• You might want to take some of your own mobility aids, for example key turners, kitchen utensils, easy grip cutlery and anything else you use at home

Can a wheelchair user cruise?

Yes – you can choose from a range of wheelchair adapted cabins including an ocean view cabin, balcony cabin or a suite. These all have wide access doors, lower placed sinks and units and hand rails. If you require any further equipment, such as a hoist or electric bed, we can arrange this for you. The cruise ships we will book you on will have plenty of exciting accessible leisure facilities and a huge choice of restaurants, so you don't need to worry about getting bored on days spent at sea!

You will of course want to make the most of your ports of call, so why not ask us to book you on some exciting wheelchair accessible excursions. There may be occasions where going ashore would be by tender. If you are confined to a wheelchair you may not be able to go ashore, but we can find you a cruise where the ports of call will be accessible.

Can a wheelchair user travel alone?

For those guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or scooter it is not a condition that you travel with a companion. However, although the crew are always very helpful, they are unable to assist you in moving around the vessel or in any personal day-to-day tasks. For this reason we would suggest you are accompanied by a personal assistant / travelling companion to provide these services.

I need help delivering my luggage and mobility aids to my accommodation - can you help me with this?

Yes, we highly recommend Bagsahead, who pick up your luggage/equipment from your home and deliver it straight to your accommodation. This will mean you don't need to have any stress of queuing and can have extra space in your car if you're travelling by car. When you arrive at your accommodation your luggage will be waiting for you.

What about travel insurance?

We would advise that you get travel insurance. We do recommend you try fish insurance who cover Strokes.

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