Booking transport and accommodation

The following tips may be useful when making transport and accommodation bookings.

• Book your transport well in advance, and let the travel company know about any special requirements, e.g., extra leg room, assistance getting onto the train/plane/coach.

• Don’t be afraid or embarrassed to ask for all the help you need. For example, there can be a lot of walking at either end of a journey, and if use of a wheelchair would make things easier, then you should request one. Most companies are happy to provide this, along with an escort to guide you. However, such service isn’t always available, or must be booked in advance, so ask ahead. In addition, some airlines limit the number of people with mobility problems or disabilities it will carry on one plane.
• Ask the travel company about the assistance they can provide, and compare several different companies. Ask if there will be extra charges for these services.
• Note that travel insurance may be more expensive, or more difficult to obtain for a person with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Read the policy carefully as sometimes cover includes accidents and illness, but not PD.
• Find out about car parking, and how close this is to the transport terminal.
• Booking early is also useful when arranging accommodation, so that you can ask for a ground floor room, or one that is close to a lift. You can also ask about facilities such as ramps, hand rails, or rooms that have been specially designed for less mobile people.