A successful trip requires careful planning !
Whatever your handicap, the key to a successful trip lies in self-knowledge and careful planning.
The first step is to identify your accessibility needs. Are you travelling with a guide dog or an assistance dog? Do you use a wheelchair to get around? Do you wear a hearing aid? In each case, you must have written documentation detailing any pertinent information about your personal mobility aid, including, for instance, dimensions, weight, etc. Such a document will make it easier for you to communicate your needs to any service providers you may deal with during your trip.
In addition, some transportation services will have specific requirements (medical certificate, health form, etc.) Ask them for explanations of reservation and cancellation procedures, what information they require and how far ahead you should book to be sure that, on arrival, you will indeed receive the services you asked for. This is true for any tourist business.
Furthermore, you should always write down any pertinent information (name of the person spoken to, date of call, subjects discussed, time frame indicated, etc.). Since trips are usually planned several months ahead of time, before departure you should always check to be sure that your reservations and the services you requested are clearly marked in your file. If there is any problem or misunderstanding, written notes will help you to retrace any lost information.
You should always ask about discounts or free offers for a personal attendant accompanying you on your trip. Policies on this matter vary widely from one business to another.
Here is some useful information for planning your trip :
Getting to the Islands
Local Transportation Options
Air Terminal Accessibility Services
Accessibility of Tourist Businesses
To help plan your trip, we suggest that you visit the following Web sites:
