Travel Tips

Travelling

Yes! We Can!

Travel Tips for the ALS Community

Plan Ahead

  1. Know your equal access rights
  2. Accessibility research: Become familiar with accessibility features of your travel destination as well as transportation. 
  3. Route planning: Plan for your route and for alternatives. Always allow for extra time.
  4. Accommodation: Contact your hotel to confirm accessibility and accommodations

Tips: 

  • Google Maps street view
  • Call/email
  • Ask someone who has been there

Contingency Plan

  1. Backup plan:
    • Alternative travel plans
    • Local health care options
    • Mobility equipment and medical device
  2. Travel insurance:
    • Confirm existing policy: employer benefits plans -out of country travel insurance; credit card offers on travel insurance (restrictions on coverage and time); airlines;
    • Terminal illness exclusion;
    • Explore extra insurance for: medical care, COVID plan, coverage for mobility equipment/medical device, trip cancellation.

Tips: 

  • Inform your friends/family regarding your plan.
  • Confirm insurance coverage before you leave.

Consult Your Doctor

Travel restrictions: 

  • Ask your doctor if you need to take any precautions during your trip, including restrictions and assistance required.
  • Plan ahead if any medical approval is required. For example, Air Canada requires medical approval if extraordinary assistance is required. Fitness for travel form.

Tips: 

  • Be honest with your limitations.
  • Inform your doctor of your planned route and activities.
  • Seek advice on assistance and accommodation needed.

Book your flight/transportation

Travel restrictions: 

  1. Many airlines offer priority boarding and seat selection.
  2. Some airlines offer discounted caregiver ticket.
  3. Contact the airlines’ accessibility office for assistance and accommodations: 

Tips: 

  • Write it down: obtain written confirmation from airlines, cruise lines, transportation operators, etc. regarding accommodation and assistance.
  • Book through the accessibility office if applicable.

Enjoy wherever you are!

  • The power of enjoying NOW
  • Communicate
  • Ask for help
  • Plan and plan more

Local Resources 1:

The Access 2 Program
The Access 2 card is for people of all ages and types of permanent disabilities who require the assistance of a support person at participating entertainment, cultural and recreational venues across British Columbia. Visit their website.

BC Ferries Disability Card
Discount fares are available for the person with a disability and their escort. Fare discount applies to passenger rate, not vehicles. Apply on the BC Ferries website.

HandyCard
The HandyCard allows for concession fare on buses, Skytrain, Seabus, and WestCoast Express. HandyCard information and application form. An attendant that accompanies/assists may travel free.

Local Resources 2:

BC Parks
BC Parks provides financial support for children and adults with disabilities to access camping for free up to 14 nights per calendar year. No card is required but a letter of eligibility issued by The Ministry of Children and Family Development or Ministry of Social Development and Poverty Reduction must be presented.

BC Fishing Licence
This program offers a Non-Tidal Angling Licence for lakes, streams and rivers to a severe and permanent disabled person over 16 at a reduced cost of $1.05. Apply through the BC Ministry website.

Online Resources:

• Society For Accessible Travel And Hospitality
• Lonely Planet
• TravelAbility
• Mobility International USA
• Access Now App through App Store and Google Play