How to travel on a budget as a wheelchair user
One of the main things that hold us all back from traveling the world and pursuing our dreams of exploring exotic lands is money, or a lack thereof.
As we all know, traveling can be expensive and as a wheelchair user, it is no different. Paying for flights, hotels, accessible transportation, food, and souvenirs can add up pretty quickly.
However, there are ways to cut costs and still have a phenomenal trip. Here are five ways to travel on a budget as a wheelchair user.
Inquire about walking/rolling tours
When planning to visit a destination, research online to see if there may be walking tours offered. If so, give the company a call or shoot them an email and ask if it could be made wheelchair accessible. I have found, in multiple instances, that walking tour guides have been happy to accommodate a “rolling” tour as well.
Before discovering this idea, I will admit I spent a lot more money and saw a lot less of some cities by doing a private tour with accessible transportation. On driving tours, trying to see out of the windows as the guide describes things can be tricky. Instead of admiring the sights, you may only catch a glimpse of a tree or the side of a building while driving by.
The walking/rolling tours are a much better way to explore a city. You can immerse yourself in the smells of the delicious foods, see the culture in the streets, and feel like a local as you roll through the city and alleyways at a much lower cost than an accessible driving tour.
Travel to cities that have accessible public transportation
Most larger cities have accessible public transportation, whether it’s with buses or a subway system. Using public transportation instead of taxis or private tours gives you the option to save some money and see the city while hopping on or off at any point you desire.
Related: These are the most wheelchair-accessible cities around the world
Many cities have public buses that can easily accommodate wheelchair users via ramps. You will be able to get from point A to point B with very minimal cost out of pocket.
In a past visit to Helsinki, I was able to use the city bus system and was more than pleased with my experience getting to my favorite areas. When I lived in Washington D.C., I regularly took the metro system everywhere that I went. With an easy roll-on and roll-off platform, this made maneuvering around the city so enjoyable and cost-efficient as well.
Choose accessible group tours
Private tours can be pricey and there’s no sense in wasting money that you do not have to spend. A few years ago, I was able to book an accessible safari tour in the heart of Kruger National Park with Epic Enabled, a tour company that specializes in accessible safari group tours. Booking with a group helped us offset the cost of the accessible vehicle and see the same exotic animals as the private, more expensive tour.
Related: 10 wheelchair-accessible tour companies that are changing the travel industry
Also, by booking an accessible group tour, you are saving money on booking privately for transportation and having to pay a tour guide separately. The all-in-one package deals with accessible group tours not only will save you money, but eliminates the stress of time spent planning your own excursions. If you are like me, time is money and I value both.
Cruising is the best way to save money on multiple destinations
The way I see it, cruising is a one-stop-shop. You can pay one price, eat all you want, only unpack one time, and wake up in a new and wonderful city each day of your journey. When planning a cruise, always call ahead to request the wheelchair-accessible stateroom. Accessible staterooms are available in all price ranges, from interior rooms to suites. Typically, you will enjoy easy access within your room, no matter the size of your wallet.
Related: 5 tips for going on a cruise as a wheelchair user
The cheapest vacations I’ve ever taken have been 3-day cruises from Port Canaveral on the eastern coast of Florida to The Bahamas. These cruises are cheaper than driving to a nearby city and spending three nights in a hotel, and the experience is much more fun. Perhaps most importantly, let’s not forget that you would still need to shell out money for food and drinks, but all meals are already included in the price of a cruise. Of course, the shorter the cruise, the more money you save, so plan accordingly for your budget.
Take a road trip
Deciding to drive your own vehicle instead of giving your money to the airlines is a money-wise decision. This will save you a ton of money and think of the extra time spent with your friends or family in the car as a money-saving “bonding experience”.
Flights can be expensive and for wheelchair users, flights are not the most accessible option usually. Getting up to go to the restroom from your plane seat is not an easy task and can be very challenging, plus there’s always (unfortunately) the possibility of your wheelchair being damaged during the flight.
Related: 7 air travel tips for wheelchair users
Driving your own vehicle will allow you to keep more money in your pocket and give you the freedom to stop along the way for restroom breaks anytime you want. Choosing a destination within a few hours' drive can even save more money and you may see sights along the way that you would not have seen from 30,000 feet above.
Even choosing a staycation in a nearby city can be cost-efficient and exciting. Seeing a familiar city from the eyes of a tourist and exploring every corner will give you a better sense of where you’re from and also keep more money in your pockets for the next big excursion that you decide to take.
Photo by Carlo Prearo/EyeEm/Getty Images
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.