Travel essentials for a wheelchaIr user
My quick list of essentials when traveling as a wheelchair user.
This list is not exhaustive and in no particular order. I cannot say it enough - we are all different and have different needs. These are the things that I have found make traveling a little less stressful. Jose and I will always push the limits of where I’m “supposed” to go so we always pack in case of any mishaps.
Suitcase: The suitcase matters!!! Four wheeled suitcases with independently moving wheels is where its at, I have an AWAY suitcase and while I love it, it can still be very hard to move both myself and it. I’ve found using a bungee cord around the bottom of the suitcase and attaching it to right above my foot plate works pretty well and makes it move with me. I also like that I can have my eyes on it at all times and can easily access anything in it.
Medication/Medical Supplies: Obviously you’re going to take you medication and supplies but I just want to suggest making sure these are on your carry on. Luggage gets lost, damaged, and sent around the world when you least expect it. If you don’t know this, medical equipment flies free and doesn’t count toward your carry on items so don’t be shy.
Tire tubes + Small Pump: I always bring an extra set of tubes, even if we aren’t doing rough terrain type stuff. My tires have always decided to pop at the worst times. I’ve found even at home it can be hard to find new tubes when you need them so for me it just always makes sense to have an extra set on hand.
Cushion cover: An extra cushion cover is never a bad idea. I use a ROHO cushion and I personally don’t like using it ever without the cover. Having an extra cushion cover just lets me have a little more ease to move about and do all the things. If the cover I have is soaked from getting in and out of the pool I can just pop it off dry my cushion and put the extra one on, leaving the first one to dry and just switching them out as needed.
Cushion patches: There’s nothing worse than traveling and having your cushion pop on you. Take patches!! Not only can this lead to sores but our wheelchairs are literally built without seats to accommodate these cushions that are our seat. Most of our wheel chairs have a hard bottom without the cushion. It is of the up most importance our cushions stay inflated to protect from skin breakdown and for comfort too.
Aquaseal: If you’re like me and your patches never seem to stick well or last very long you might want to try Aquaseal. This is my go to for holes in my cushion. I don’t know what it is about me, maybe my butt wiggles around too much but patches don’t like me and they have never worked. ROHO cushions are hundreds of dollars and replacing any medical related items is a lengthy, stressful and demoralizing process. Most of us don’t have days to wait for a new cushion anyway. With all the being said, Aquaseal is a urethane adhesive. When it cures it becomes rubbery and flexible, perfect for our cushions that are in constant motion. The kicker though - it’s a 10 hour cure time. We usually plan it so that it cures over night, that way I’m using my chair minimally without my cushion. I’ll usually pad the bottom of my chair with towels or a blanket at least for the short time without my cushion.
Tools: When we travel we take an Allen wrench and socket wrenches (2) but always check what type of tools you’ll need for your wheelchair because they do differ. I do suggest taking these in your carry on, it is not uncommon for a break to be knocked out of place - which means either instability or immobility. There are size restrictions on tools in your carry on but the person in charge can make the decision to let full size tools go through based on why you have them - no promises though.
Heating pad: This is just for comfort. Helps me sleep and helps with lower back pain.
Blanket: I always bring my own blanket with me, however I’m traveling. I’m forever cold but also you can fold it up and use it as a pillow if you need it.
Luggage tags/ GPS Trackers: I do everything I can to never hand my wheelchair over to someone I don’t know but there are definitely times that I have to. Especially with air travel. Anytime I’m traveling I make sure to put a gps tracker on my wheelchair so I can make sure I know where it is at all times. I will stop the entire plane from moving if I don’t see it. Not sorry.
Trusted Back up Outfit: I feel like this is good advice for anyone really; always bring a trusted back up outfit. I always pack like somehow when I travel I”m going to be a different person?.. Lol, meaning I pack all the cute stuff I own but haven’t worn, hoping it’ll be our moment to sine on vacay. Sometimes it is, sometimes it’s definitely not. I always make sure to pack my flowy dress that makes me feel goddess like every time.
Bathing suits of multiple sizes: Not only do I always take a back up outfit, I also always take multiple sizes in bathing suits, well mostly bottoms. I, like literally everyone else in the world, have days where my bathing suits are just not my friend. Pair that with the very possible pain that said bathing suit can cause (nerve pain is a very different beast) and wearing a bathing suit becomes a game you never wanted to play. It’s not always but when it does happen I like to have an option to size up so there’s less of a “grip” on my body. Now I don’t own the same bathing suit a million times over (maybe one day lol), what I do is buy a few solid color bottoms that are sized up from my usual size that way I can switch them out with all my cute tops if needed and its still a look.
I’m sure there are more but for now I’ll leave the list here, check back for updates though!