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
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees