Travel Tips by Melanie

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Travel Tips by Melanie – how to get around on wheels in not too accessible hotels or other accommodation

“I love travel,” says Melanie

She always finds ways to get around in not-so-accessible places. Read some of her tips, it will help you keep your independence.

Travel Tips by Melanie — Melanie – Hospitality Industry Accessibility Advisor

What are your best travel tips Melanie?

1. Horizontal ‘hoist’ = a rope

A rope on the frame of another bed next to yours can help you to turn around easier and / or to get up.

You can also attach it to your own foot end, bed frame or surround so that you can pull up.

This makes it possible to stay in a bedroom without a (mobile) hoist; a regular hotel room, an ordinary room in an apartment / house.

2. Small (and thinner) transfer board

An ordinary transfer board is often large and weighs about half a kilo. A smaller and lighter shelf can sometimes be sufficient to bridge a small distance making a transfer.

This often fits in a simple travel bag and is a lot lighter.

Sometimes the wood store or a rehabilitation center can make this for you.

A rope, a transfer board and a foldable hand – always in my suitcase

3. Night stand

It is nice or necessary that you have things with you near the bed.

If there is no (usable) bedside table, a chair (possibly with a piece of cardboard or tray on it) can often offer a solution.

4. Foldable ‘hand’

Sometimes it is not possible to get something off the ground, close the curtains, … because you can not (yet) access it yourself.

And you do not always want to ask for help. Then a collapsible ‘hand’ or grab is handy. This often fits in a travel bag and weighs almost nothing.

5. Threshold help

When Melanie was in Spain, she wanted to soak up some sun on the balcony of her apartment.

“It was difficult for me to go on to the balcony myself, when I asked the concierge (should work at a hotel reception as well) if he could make something, it turned out there were these ‘auxiliary blocks’ available.”

Why you should ask for help:

Do not hesitate

1. It makes your stay more pleasant (because you stay more independent)

2. Questions are free and can offer convenience / great outcome -> so dare to ask!