Some disabled people may need to use wheelchairs on holiday. We strongly recommend you bring a lightweight, manual , folding wheelchair. Electric wheelchairs with dry cell or gel batteries are accepted by most airlines, but you would be stranded should the wheelchair have a breakdown whilst overseas. You may have problems charging your batteries, with the change of voltage and may also have to bring a special battery charger.

On many airlines scooters are not accepted, we would therefore, recommend hiring an electric wheelchair for overseas travel, likewise, on holidays by adapted coach, scooters take 2 normal wheelchair places and are therefore, not accepted by many suppliers unless the scooter can be collapsed and put in the luggage compartment underneath the coach, however, the weight of the scooter and batteries usually means that this is not practical either.

Ensure your wheelchair is serviced and in good repair prior to the start of your holiday. Overseas repairs can be costly and parts are not always available. Wheelchairs for hire, whilst yours is being repaired, are not always possible, or can be very costly, leaving you stranded. You should ALWAYS bring with you, a puncture repair kit, pump and spare inner tube, unless your wheelchair has solid tyres fitted. Also, if you have an air cushion, bring its pump and a puncture repair kit.

Medication

It is advisable that all persons receiving medication or attending the doctor, obtain permission to travel from their doctor. Some airlines require a Doctor's Certificate stating "fitness to travel".

Always bring with you, one and a half times the medication, surgical dressings, catheters etc., you normally need for your condition, in case of a delay on your return journey or other unforeseen circumstances. All medication should be clearly labelled with your name, dosage and generic name of the drug or medicine and stored in PLASTIC containers. These containers must be carried in your HAND BAGGAGE. If you need a bladder wash out, we recommend this is carried out prior to the start of your holiday.

E111 Form

The E111 form has been superseded by the European Health Insurance Card. To obtain a card, forms are available from the Post Office or online. This still covers you for free or reduced cost EMERGENCY care in European Union Countries. It only covers you for State provided treatment and NOT private treatment. It is, therefore, important you take out additional Travel Insurance.

Vaccinations & Inoculations

If you are visiting a country where you need vaccinations/inoculations or specific medication e.g.. anti-malaria tablets, make sure you talk to your own GP well in advance of travel as it can take many weeks with some vaccinations/inoculations to have total protection. We recommend at least 8 weeks minimum before travel.

Minor Illnesses

On occasions most travellers experience stomach upsets. To minimise the risk, only eat food that is freshly prepared, well cooked and hot. Remember that contaminated food may look, smell and taste perfectly normal, so it may be best to avoid the following, especially in hot climates:

• Food from street traders (unless freshly prepared)
   
• Salads and Fruit Food exposed to insects
   
• Home made ice cream and unpasturised dairy products
   
• Dishes containing raw or lightly cooked eggs
   
• Shellfish, especially if raw

Drinking water abroad is not always safe, and even if it is, because it's sure to be different to what you are used to, it may upset your stomach. It is safer to drink bottled water, purchased from a reputable source, boiled water or water sterilised with tablets. Drink hot drinks or known brand soft and alcoholic drinks. AVOID taking ice in drinks or using tap water to clean your teeth.

Remember, in many holiday resorts you will visit, the sun is much stronger than the UK. Take a hat and shirt for protection and use a sun screen with a factor of 15 or higher. Wheelchair users should consider protecting the tops of their legs against the sun.

Useful Telephone Numbers

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Advice to Travellers Line 0207 238 4503/4

Foreign & Commonwealth Office Web Site www.fco.gov.uk

Home Office Drugs Branch 0207 273 3806

Malaria Health Line 0891 600350

Department of Health has a booklet "Health Advice for Travellers". This is obtainable from Post Offices. There is also a literature hotline which will give advice about publications available for travel on 0800 555777.