I used to plan as much as I could about a trip. I’d make sure everything was accessible and figure out how to get there, where to go in, how to get around, where the bathrooms were, and the best way to get back to my hotel. I soon realized a couple things. First, I didn’t need the exhaustion or stress that accompanied this without even having left yet. Second, my anxiety got pretty high if the plan didn’t go as expected. Lastly, things often didn’t always go as expected.
Then I realized some of my best travel days were the ones with no plan whatsoever. No route. No specific trains. No tickets to anything. No to-do list. No must-sees. I could create my own accessible adventure just by going where the sidewalks, paths, roads boats, or trains could take me.
Here is the extent of my planning nowadays after I buy a ticket:
- Find an accessible, well-located hotel.
- Figure out how to get from the airport to the hotel and back.
- Get an overview of the taxi, public transit, and train situation
- Create a short list of places or events I really HAVE to see or go to.
- Figure out any possible day trips
The details can just fall into place. I know this would drive some OCD, planning-type people crazy which is why I don’t travel with those kinds of people. Or if I do, I send them on their own way.
Unless there is something I absolutely HAVE to see or something that requires tickets, I don’t worry about it. For example, the last time I went to Paris I had to pre-buy tickets to the French Open. I also knew I wanted to go back to l’Orangerie and see Sacré-Cœur. The rest was up in the air. I did everything I wanted to and more (the museum of hunting and nature was a gem!)
The worst thing I can do is over-plan an itinerary for a trip. Instead of enjoying the things I am seeing, I am worrying about the time, where to go next, and then feel like I’m missing out if I have to skip something. Having a minimal “must-see” lets you make sure you get to those things and allows for some flexibility to see things you might never have known about until you get there.
If you prefer to have things planned-out for you then working with a tour company might be a good option for you. I have found that most pre-planned bus tours are not wheelchair accessible, however. If you need to get a wheelchair accessible tour then your best bet is to work with specialty tour companies who focus on wheelchair travelers.
You Should Go Anyway 