A trip is only as smooth as its planning. This is the checklist we recommend working through before any trip — whether it’s your first accessible journey or your fiftieth. Work top to bottom, and check things off as you go.

6–8 weeks before you travel

  • ☐ Research your destination’s accessibility properly: official tourism accessibility pages, recent traveler reviews, forums — not just the marketing copy
  • ☐ Book flights and request airline disability assistance at the same time (most airlines ask for 48 hours’ notice minimum — earlier is better)
  • ☐ Book an accessible hotel room by phone, not just online — confirm the specific features you need (roll-in shower? bed height? door widths?) and get the confirmation in writing
  • ☐ Check whether you need medical clearance letters, and ask your doctor early
  • ☐ Look into travel insurance that covers pre-existing conditions

2–4 weeks before

  • ☐ Arrange medical equipment rental at your destination (wheelchairs, shower chairs, hospital beds) — book early, availability is limited
  • ☐ Confirm your airline assistance request and seat assignment in writing
  • ☐ Plan airport security: know the rules for medications, liquids, and medical devices, and carry documentation
  • ☐ Download offline maps and save accessibility contacts for your destination

1 week before

  • ☐ Call the hotel again to reconfirm your accessible room request — notes get lost
  • ☐ Pack medications in carry-on with prescriptions and a doctor’s letter; pack more than you need
  • ☐ Charge every device and pack backup power; label your equipment
  • ☐ Share your itinerary and emergency contacts with someone at home

Day of travel

  • ☐ Arrive earlier than recommended — everything takes longer with assistance logistics
  • ☐ Keep medications, documents, and essentials in your personal item, never in checked luggage
  • ☐ Confirm assistance at each connection, not just the first flight

At your destination

  • ☐ Test the hotel room on arrival — bathroom, bed transfer, outlets — before you unpack
  • ☐ Locate the nearest pharmacy and medical facility on day one
  • ☐ Build rest into every day; an ambitious itinerary is the fastest way to ruin a good trip

Planning is half the journey. For deeper guidance on any of these steps, explore our guides to booking an accessible hotel room, flying with medications, and renting medical equipment while traveling.