Eleven Tips for a Perfectly Accessible Road Trip

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In many ways, road trips are an excellent choice for wheelers and slow walkers. You can pack as much equipment as your car will hold, and you never have to worry about the airlines losing or damaging your luggage. If you want to take a break, get some fresh air, stretch your legs, or even use the restroom, all you have to do is find the next exit. Additionally, if you’re traveling with an attendant, you won’t have to fork over more of your hard-earned cash for an extra airplane ticket — as long as there’s room in the car, you’re good to go.

Of course advance planning is the key to a successful road trip; with that in mind, here are a few tips to help your next one go off like clockwork.

• Make sure you have emergency road service before you leave home; however, remember that very few towing companies have wheelchair-accessible tow trucks. To avoid being stranded on the highway, check out specialty services such as ADA Nationwide Roadside Assistance, (americandriversalliance.com) which also provides lift-equipped transportation to the garage.
• Don’t leave home without your cell phone and charger.
• Take along plenty of bottled water, as you never know when you will encounter a delay.
• Keep your prescription medications in the car, rather than the trunk. The trunk heats up faster than the passenger compartment, and this excessive heat may cause some medications to spoil.
• For the best accessible restrooms, look for newer fast food restaurants. Most fast food restaurants are consistent in their restroom design; so when you find a restroom that has the access features you need, stick with that fast food chain.
• Most Flying J truck stops (www.flyingj.com) have accessible shower rooms, complete with a roll-in shower, a roll-under sink, and a toilet with grab bars. There is a charge for using the shower room; however, it’s a good emergency alternative if you can’t access the shower at your hotel. They also have nice accessible restrooms that are free.
• Get your America the Beautiful Access Pass. Not only does it give you free admission to all national parks, but it will also save you 50 percent on camping fees. It’s free and available at all national park entrances. Proof of disability is required.
• To fight off boredom on long drives, get some books-on-tape to play along the way. They’re free at you local library.
• There’s no need to unload and load heavy suitcases at every roadside hotel. Just roll up an entire set of clothes for each day when you pack; then simply remove one set at each stop.
• Look for Microtel (www.microtelinn.com) properties along the way, as they are constructed from the ground up with access in mind. They are conveniently located along interstate highways, and they also offer very reasonable rates.
• Finally, don’t forget to take your parking placard with you, as it’s valid throughout the U.S., except in New York City.

Candy Harrington is the editor of Emerging Horizons and the author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers. She blogs regularly about accessible travel issues at www.BarrierFreeTravels.com.