Spain and Portugal are two of the most popular “post-pandemic” travel destinations. Scores of people already have flocked to the south of Europe – including me! And many more are expected to make the trip.
As I traversed these countries by plane, train, auto, tuk-tuk, and boat – I realized that there was much I wanted to share regarding accessibility and inclusion for people with mobility, vision, and/or hearing challenges. I also kept in mind how families with members on the Autism spectrum could travel with the least amount of disruption. Thus, I decided to write this blog as a “guide” or a set of “tips”. By no means is what I will offer below an exhaustive list – but just some information I learned along my journey. These tips were written for travelers coming from the United States to Spain or Portugal. And by all means- add your tips in the comment section.
TIPS for FLYING to EUROPE from the UNITED STATES
TIP 1 – Prepare by researching which airline, Hotels, land transportation, and attractions will meet your needs. Price may be a top consideration. But, being comfortable on your flight, cared for, and safe should be very important, as well.
Several airlines fly to Spain and Portugal. (Among other cities in Europe and beyond). Here are the airlines’ links to essential information for those who need assistance and have special needs. Also, a few airlines have bonus features, such as United Airlines’ social stories, on their websites.
- AMERICAN AIRLINES– AA asks that you alert them to your needs for special assistance during your booking process. They have a full concierge of services that are outlined here.
- BRITISH AIRWAYS – People requiring special assistance flying “BA” should alert the airline via the MANAGE BOOKING setting on the reservation. Here you will find this documentation and guide for how they can assist you.
- DELTA: This airline breaks down all their services by “disability”. Here is the main page to access the others. There is even a list of multi-sensory rooms in various airports that can be found here.
- IBERIA – Assistance Animals (Service Dogs)
- IBERIA- Document regarding helping people with special needs or considerations
- TAP AIRLINES (Air Portugal) – This airline does not seem to have a guide that lists services and how they will help someone who needs assistance until you complete their form found here.
- UNITED: This airline also has an excellent reference page with the services they offer their passengers in need of extra assistance.
- **United’s page can be found on their website here. A shout-out to this airline for adding a social story for those with sensory needs or autism. These stories help to prepare children and adults for social situations that could be out of their routine or cause general anxiety. They help to prepare the person as to what to expect when arriving at the airport, going through check-in, the gate, the waiting area, the gate to load on the plane, and the plane itself. This story even adds photos that help a person to know exactly what to expect. Bravo United Airlines!
TIP 2- Make arrangements for any service animals well in advance.
If you have a service animal please contact each airline well before you leave for any airport. There may be information that is needed well in advance and any place where you will have a stop along your route. Even if it is a short layover at London Heathrow Airport – England- there may be special considerations. The links shared above also have information about service animal restrictions, documentation, communications (such as rabies vaccines), etc.
TIP 3- Pack your carry-on luggage wisely
Make sure that you have all medications, essential documentation, a change of clothing (or more than one), battery chargers, extra oxygen canisters, etc. with you in case your checked baggage does not arrive when and where you do. Noise-canceling headphones may be the “best friend” for someone with sensory issues to sound. Also, a personal tablet chocked full of favorite games, audiobooks, captioned videos, etc. will help pass the time and be a great backup in case there is a technology “fail” while you travel. I find the Kindle Fire or iPad to be two very reliable devices that work well. Don’t forget electric converters, too. (The voltage is different in Europe than the US.)
For more information about packing strategies, etc please read this recent article.
TIP 4- If you are taking a tour be sure to communicate with the tour company your needs.
Communicaiton is key. This includes telling the tour company of any challenges you may have and modifications or accommodations you may need. Do you need extra stops for bathroom breaks? Do you need to have special dietary meals? Are you in need of assistance to go on and off a bus? Remember that other countries may not have disability laws (e.g. ADA), expect some differences and even inconveniences. For example, cobblestone streets are truly throughout Europe. We found that older cities, such as Toledo, Porto, and Lisbon were very hilly and filled with cobblestone streets. While charming, they are difficult for anyone to walk, especially in the rain.
NOTE: Vehicles are smaller in Europe, most likely to accommodate the narrow roadways. If you need an SUV for a wheelchair you may ask for the dimensions and to let the people know why. The SUV I just rented could not accommodate four people, luggage, and a wheelchair. Not a chance!
Also, the popular TukTuks vary in size and accessibility. We drove in some that were easy to get on and off and another that required significant athletic abilities!
Consider taking a car hire service such as Daytrip.com . This way you are door to door and have someone to help you. They also have experienced drivers with full-service vehicles that are large enough for a wheelchair.
TIP 5- Do not expect Hotels, museums, and public attractions (such as palaces and churches) to be inclusive/accessible or smoke free.
I spent a good deal of my time while visiting various churches, museums, and palaces inquiring where there were printed materials for the deaf as the audiotapes were so bad that a person with normal hearing probably couldn’t comprehend half of what was said, let alone anyone with difficulty hearing. The majority of my requests resulted in some answers that began with – “Sorry” and ended with “fill out this suggestion form.” How frustrating! So, my advice would be to print as much about the places you plan on visiting as possible. Perhaps an online guide or another resource. This way you will be able to enjoy the synagogues of Toledo, the Picasso Museum, or the Royal Palace in Madrid.
Also, note that the entries to these places are often with multiple steps and no ramps. Check first about walkability for popular tourist spots including the Alhambra in Granada, Sintra outside of Lisbon, and Barcelona. Plus, the hordes of people inside museums, etc. make getting about with a wheelchair or walker tricky.
Ambient noise also makes amplification equipment difficult – such as hearing aids. The PRADO is beautiful and worth visiting, but keep in mind it is crowded and noisy during their free evening hours. Consider going on a small/individual guided tour with a docent during the days and hours when the museum is least crowded.
CHECK YOUR HOTEL BEFORE RESERVING ABOUT BASICS…
Believe it or not, we stayed in more than one hotel that did not have a customer elevator that could accommodate a wheelchair. And, these were major hotel chains. We also noticed many boutique hotels did not have ramps, wide doors, or elevators. This would be very problematic and most likely impossible for a person with mobility needs to stay there. Cobblestone streets made it crazy for us to walk with luggage- let alone if we were someone with any mobility challenges. Streets were often too narrow for a van to drive, as well – thus preventing door-to-door service. Sigh!
Moreover, closed captioning options were not available on some of the older televisions in our hotel rooms. And, only a handful of hotels had technology that would be considered “standard” in the United States – such as braille in the elevators, or flashing lights to alert that there is a fire alarm ringing.
What about dining?
Portugal and Spain are known for great restaurants that are accessible with ample outside seating. The problem is that there is a “catch-22′. While these seats are great for people who wish extra room and easy access – they also are where people who smoke cigarettes tend to convene, as well. Sigh.
TIP 6 – Use language translation apps to help ease and promote communication
Many excellent cell phone applications can be useful to help with communication. It would be advantageous to pre-program key phrases – such as – I NEED HELP, I HAVE A MEDICAL ISSUE (e.g.diabetes, heart condition, etc.) Of course, Google Translate is the “gold standard”.
TIP 7 – Identification is key.
Be sure to place wearable identification on yourself and your loved ones. Especially children or adults with special needs. We know many people with Autism wander (e.g. elopement). In the event of being separated, it would be very important to have identification on their person. There are many wearable items – including medical alert necklaces and bracelets. And, it has become more commonplace to use “tracker” devices – such as the Apple AirTag, Android Tile, and Galaxy SmartTag. A little investment could be a lifesaver – literally!
In closing, the key to travel for anyone, including people with disabilities or challenges, is to 1) Plan and be prepared 2) Communicate with airlines, hotels, etc. any special assistance you may need 3) Read reviews on multiple sources to be sure that you have the full picture of what to expect and/or consider using a travel serivce to help you plan for this special vacation.
Thank you for reading – happy travels!
