Thirteen Tips for Renting a Car

Thirteen Tips for Renting a Car

Thirteen Tips for Renting a Car if you ever need to while you are traveling to another country or if you need to do so in your country.

1. Take advantage of free car insurance coverage by your credit card company. During a trip to Africa, my rental car was damaged due to break-ins. Luckily, I booked the car with my Visa credit card, so I knew I was covered, but I wanted to get an idea as to how much the repairs would cost. I took the car to a shop for a written estimate, and I was quoted $1,600. When I returned the vehicle to the car rental agency, they billed me the dealer price of $6,500. After paying a $200 deductible, my Visa insurance reimbursed me the $6,500. Nonetheless, keep this in mind; if your car sustains minor damage under the deductible amount, then go to a local mechanic shop and have it fixed, or use the following strategy in case you didn’t use a credit card to book the car.

If you rent a car with a valid Visa card, you will have coverage for covered damage to the rental vehicle for up to 31 days outside of your home country and 15 days inside your country. MasterCard offers similar insurance but only covers you for 15 days regardless of where you are. For the coverage to be applicable, the cardholder must decline the collision damage waiver (CDW) or similar coverage offered by the auto rental company. The amount of coverage and deductible vary according to your credit card.

2. As soon as you receive your rental car, don’t drive away immediately. You don't want to get charged for pre-existing damage to a vehicle. Pre-existing damage to a vehicle is the most common way people get ripped off when renting a car. Take time to inspect the car and let the agent know of any damage before you sign any paperwork. First, take a video and pictures of the car, including its damage and the gas gauge. Take 360-degree photos of the vehicle using a free app like Record360 to document the condition of the car when you pick it up. Don't forget to bend down and get anything that might not be at eye level. Repeat this process when you return the car so that you have a record that no damage occurred while you had the car. Save your images or video for a few months after the rental to make sure you're in the clear. Keeping records will help protect you in case the rental company tries to blame you for damages you didn’t cause.    

While in Guadalajara, Mexico, I tried to return a rental car that I didn’t damage. When I picked up the car, it had several dents, and the agent said those had already been accounted for and not to worry (make sure you get it in writing and take pictures if this is the case). When I returned the car, another agent was working, and he insisted I was responsible for the damage. Because I had a flight to catch, I wasn’t able to stay arguing with him, so I signed “Under Duress” as my signature without telling the agent what I was signing. Don’t miss your flight because you’re there arguing over fees. Had I not signed, he would not have given me the paperwork stating that I had returned the car, and they would have continued to charge me as if I had not returned it. Do not sign your legal signature, or you’ll be legally bound to the terms of the agreement. Once I returned home, I disputed the charge with my credit card company and was successful.

3. Book your car ahead of time. It’s highly unlikely that you’ll get the best price by just showing up at the rental car counter. Do keep an eye on your car rental prices as prices vary depending on demand, and if there’s a price drop, you can cancel your reservation and rent at a lower price. 


4. Don’t prepay for gas as the car rental companies typically charge above-market rates for gas. Just fill-up the tank within 10 miles of your return location.


5. Ask for a grace period when you check out the car. The agent will typically give you two hours free grace period. If you ask for it at the end of your trip, the car rental companies are reluctant to provide it without charging a late fee. 


6. Most companies charge a one-way drop fee, but they may waive it if you ask them to do so before your trip starts.


7. Rental cars at airports are generally more expensive, so find another car rental agency, unless it’s too far, that may be cheaper.


8. Pay your toll charges. Renting an optional toll transponder will cost about $5 per day for the duration of the car rental.


9. Decline outdated GPS systems, which usually require $6 to $16 a day for the optional rental. Use your iPhone or Google maps instead.


10. Read the small print in your contract, and don’t leave the counter before reviewing your receipt for optional fees. Once you sign and walk away, it'll be difficult to get such charges removed.


11. Shop the travel websites like Orbitz or use your Costco membership to find the best deals.


12. Become an associate member of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), which allows you to get savings on car rentals hotels and flights. The annual membership is only $16, and members can join before they meet the age requirements. 


13. Consider some of the smaller car companies that sometimes have better rates.

These were my Thirteen Tips for Renting a Car

For more travel tips, check out my latest Amazon book:

How to Travel the World and Live with No Regrets.: Learn How to Travel for Free, Find Cheap Places to Travel, and Discover Life-Changing Travel Destinations

Rental Car Insurance When Traveling

It’s always recommended to have some form of insurance when you rent a car to avoid unnecessary risks. Start by calling and speaking with an agent at your credit card company and your car insurance company to find out what types of car rental coverage they provide. Using both of these options to start with, will allow you to use something you already have so you don’t have the added travel expense.

If you’re in an accident, your liability insurance will only pay up to your policy limits for the damages to other cars or property. Collision coverage on your regular policy would pay for accident-related costs to a rental car. Your comprehensive coverage would cover damages to the rental vehicle not related to a traffic accident, such as theft or vandalism.

Most policies have some exclusions; such as, not covering cars rented outside your country, covering vehicles only for leisure (not business), offering only secondary coverage (not primary), and not covering luxury vehicles. So be aware of all exclusions and applicable deductibles so you can get additional insurance if needed to cover those gaps. 

Credit cards give some form of rental car insurance coverage. But they don’t cover personal injury or personal liability, although you may have that coverage through your auto insurance and health insurance. But they do typically cover collision damage and theft protection. Credit card coverage is secondary, which means they’ll cover whatever your car insurance doesn’t cover. Possibly including paying for your deductible, towing charges, and other fees. Credit card companies also have restrictions and exclusions. They may not include some fees or offer coverage in certain countries. 

Once you figure out what limitations your insurance policy and your credit card have, you’ll decide whether or not to buy more coverage to cover the gaps. You can either buy it from the car rental company or decline it and buy your own separate rental car insurance policy, called a standalone policy. The three most commonly used options are popular Allianz, Bonzah, and Insure My Rental Car. 

Buying car insurance through the rental car company is the most convenient option, but also the most expensive and costs up to $40 per day for coverage. If you don’t have another option, it’s best to buy rental car insurance through your rental car company, rather than going without insurance.

Different types of rental car insurance coverage.

Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Loss Damage Waiver (LDW)	The CDW is a damage waiver that will pay for all of the repairs to a rental car if it is damaged or stolen. The loss must happen when an authorized driver is operating the vehicle and during the period when the waiver is valid. It usually requires a deductible payment.
Personal Accident Insurance	Covers emergency medical transport and medical benefits of the renter or their passengers if injured in an accident.
Supplemental Liability Protection	Car insurers are required to provide a limited amount of liability coverage, but you can buy a supplemental amount of liability protection to protect you from lawsuits. Liability coverage in your policy is meant to cover the rental agency and not necessarily you.
Personal Effects Coverage	Personal Effects Coverage will pay to replace up to $500 off your valuables per person. Make sure you know how your property insurance works first.

 

For more travel tips, check out my latest Amazon book:

How to Travel the World and Live with No Regrets.: Learn How to Travel for Free, Find Cheap Places to Travel, and Discover Life-Changing Travel Destinations

Outdoor Camping Tips

Outdoor Camping Tips

The tent is the center of your campsite. Practice pitching your tent before you go on your trip. You must know how to set up your tent quickly and efficiently. When looking for a place to set up your tent, pick an area that has a “natural bed” of soft, flat soil; avoid the bottom of hills or valleys where water can drain into your tent. Always set up a tarp below your tent to prevent damage or water-logging.

Dress in layers. It’s the easiest and most effective way to control your body temperature. Use a GPS or map and compass. No matter how familiar you are with a particular area, getting lost among acres of similar-looking trees is very easy. Learn and practice basic outdoor skills such as using and sharpening a utility knife, tying various knots, and building a fire. 

Another option while camping is to go “Glamping” (glamour + camping), a style of camping with luxury amenities and resort-style services not usually associated with "traditional" camping. Glamping can range from five-star hotel suites installed in a spectacular outdoor setting to simply elevating your car camping set up, so it feels more like a cozy home. Glamping is an excellent way to introduce someone to camping or to celebrate a special occasion.

What to Bring on a Camping Trip

• Tent, tarp, and sleeping bag


• Pot, pan, cups, dishes, utensils, scouring pad (for cleaning), and fire-starting materials (preferably waterproof matches or a butane lighter)


• Utility knife and rope


• Gallons of water for cooking and cleaning


• Easily prepared foods and snacks (pasta, beans, ground beef, peanut butter, chicken, trail mix, and oatmeal)


• Two to three layers of clothing


• Ice cooler 


• Hand sanitizer and soap


• Outdoor gear depending on your hobbies (fishing poles and hiking equipment)

Read Eight Tips for Car Camping

For more travel tips, check out my latest Amazon book:

How to Travel the World and Live with No Regrets.: Learn How to Travel for Free, Find Cheap Places to Travel, and Discover Life-Changing Travel Destinations

Eight Tips for Car Camping

Eight Tips for Car Camping

When car camping, follow the Leave No Trace principles, and never sleep in a vehicle with the engine or AC running. Sleeping with the engine running can cause suffocation from car exhaust (carbon monoxide) leaking into the cabin. 

If you’re in a city, park away from neighborhoods and avoid private parking lots, or the property owners or police may knock on your window. It’s best to park in industrial areas; Walmart and some churches allow people to use their parking lots for car camping. 

You can also try apps like Allstays and Hipcamp, which tell you where you can legally park and not be bothered. They give information on a variety of free and paid locations to camp for the night. The U.S. Forest Service roads are available for overnight parking and camping as long as you aren’t blocking the way for others, and display any required passes or permits as indicated. Set up camp in a flat, shaded spot, aim to blend in, and avoid crowding other campers staying nearby.

The larger the vehicle, the more comfortable you’re going to be. The ideal car to sleep in would have seats that fold down so you can lie flat. Sleep with your head toward the front of the vehicle.

If you’re not able to find a flat location to park and you’re at an angle, make sure to position the car, so your head is above your feet. Sleeping with your head to the front of the vehicle will give you more space since most cars have wheel wells at the back that take up space. 

If you’re going to sleep sitting up in a seat, recline your position as much as you can and, if possible, take a short walk during the night as needed. Sleeping with your feet below your heart causes your heart to have to work harder to circulate your blood. Sleeping sitting up will cause swelling in your lower extremities as your body relaxes and blood gets trapped there due to gravity. I’ve seen patients who have developed ulcers on their heels, varicose veins, blood clots, and even decubitus ulcers (bed sores) on their tail bones or hips from sleeping for too much time in their cars.

1. Keeping electronics charged. Remember, you can only plug in devices while the motor is running, not at night, or you’ll drain your battery. Dashboard solar panels or battery banks are suitable for keeping your phone, tablet, camera, and any other electronics charged during your trip. 


2. Bring an ice cooler for meats, cheese, eggs, milk, and any other perishables.


3. Use a quality mattress, pillows, and blankets. The mattress will prevent the metal car frame from pushing up against your body when you sleep. Cars get as cold as tents at night, so pack quality linens and/or a temperature-rated sleeping bag. 


4. Create your own movie theater. Just make sure to download the movies on to your electronic devices before going out to areas that have weak or no Wi-Fi or cellular service. 


5. Bring a battery-powered light for reading at night.


6. Stay clean. If you’re sleeping in your car, you probably won’t have access to sinks and showers. Keep your hygiene up with items that don’t need much water like no-rinse shampoo and hand sanitizer. Bring an extra gallon of water for washing your face and brushing your teeth at night. Portable solar water showers are also useful for showering on the road.


7. Breathing all night in your car will fog up the windows, signal to others that you’re sleeping in your car, and attracts unwanted attention. Leave windows slightly opened to ventilate. Open them just enough so that an animal or a person can’t get in. Get window screen and cut it 2–3 inches wider than the opening. Stuff the screen around the edges of the car door to keep out the bugs. 


8. Block out sensory stimulation, so you can relax. Use earplugs for noise, windshield sun shades to keep the sun out and for privacy, and a sleep mask to keep light out of your eyes.

Suggestion where you can buy camping pieces of equipment => Buy Portables

For more travel tips, check out my latest Amazon book:

How to Travel the World and Live with No Regrets.: Learn How to Travel for Free, Find Cheap Places to Travel, and Discover Life-Changing Travel Destinations

Travel Expenses Plan - Create a Budget and Financial Plan

Travel Expenses Plan - Create a Budget and Financial Plan

Creating and keeping a budget will allow you to balance your spending and saving to help ensure that you have enough money available for the things that are important to you and for reaching your goals. Budgets also help you stay out of debt, or help you get out of debt if you're in debt.

A financial plan tells you how to spend and invest the money you have budgeted to reach business goals. When driving somewhere that you're not familiar with, you use a map, or these days a mapping application, to get to your desired destination. This helps you get there the fastest, safest, and most efficient way possible. Without a financial plan, you're going to waste money, make it more slowly than you probably could, and put your money at unnecessary risk. Create a budget with your current income and liabilities. Then make a written financial plan with short- and long-term financial goals that you can reference regularly. Having a business plan will give you a map to reference and to help you stay on the right path. It's like using a workout routine when you go to the gym; without a plan, you can get hurt from overtraining, or not get the physique you want for the beach.

One strategy to use is the 50-30-20 method. Senator Elizabeth Warren helped develop this plan while at Harvard. The biggest piece, 50% of your take-home income, should go towards essentials and basic living expenses: food, housing, and transportation. The second is 30% for flexible spending on discretionary expenses; clothing, travel, and entertainment. The last 20% goes towards helping you meet your financial goals of paying down debt and saving. 

First, look at all your sources of income and determine how much you have available to spend each month. This will be your total income and this is what you're going to divide up into your 50/30/20 budget plan. If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to track your wages more closely and base your plan on your average monthly income.    

Second, keep track of all of your spending and divide it up into the three categories of essentials, flexible spending, and financial goals. Now, if you’re overspending in one of the categories, adjust it so you’re falling into the 50/30/20 parameters. 

For example, if you’re making $3,000 a month, your budget should be $1,500 for essentials, $900 for flexible spending, and $600 for financial goals. If you're spending $2,000 on essentials, then you have to cut it by at least $500. The easiest way to do this is by cutting the big three: transportation, food, and housing. One suggestion is to add a roommate who pays $750 a month, this way you're covering the extra $500 you went over on your essentials category, and now you have an extra $250 to go into one of your other categories, like financial goals. 

There are several ways to save on transportation, like carpooling, riding a bike, or using public transportation. 

Food is tricky because you want to save on the sources of food but not on the quality. For example, a friend of mine and his wife really wanted to buy a nice house so they started eating top ramen every day for a year. They saved a lot of money and bought a house. But I don’t believe that the collateral damage from the high salt and low nutrition was worth it, because they ended up with high blood pressure. Instead, keep eating high-quality organic fruits and veggies, and cut back on eating out and substitute with economical options.    

Overall the strategy is to cut as much as you can from the essentials and flexible spending categories so you can add more to the financial goals category.

The 50-30-20 Rule works because it’s simple and everything is clearly defined, making it much more likely that you’ll stick to your plan and meet your financial goals. It also allows you to adjust percentages to help you meet your goals faster.

For more strategies on building wealth to increase your travel budget check out: How to Become Rich and Successful. The Secret of Success and the Habits of Successful People. Entrepreneurship and Developing Entrepreneur Characteristics or How to Become Rich and Successful: Creative Ways to Make Money with a Side Hustle. How to Become a Millionaire - Learn the Best Passive Income Ideas.

Airplane Seat Exercises

Top 14 Airplane Seat Exercises

1. Leg lifts: Sit on your seat. Close your feet. Now pull your knees up and down without touching the floor with your feet. Complete one set of 10 repetitions every hour that you're on the plane.
   
   


2. Exaggerated neck roll: Relax your shoulders and drop them down your back, so your spine is elongated. Tilt your head to the right and roll it back and to the left. Reverse. Complete one set of 5 repetitions in each direction every hour that you're on the plane.
   
   


3. Knee circles: Sitting on your seat, lift your knees like in the previous exercise and do circles without your feet touching the floor. Complete one set of 10 repetitions every hour that you're on the plane. Repeat circling your knees in the opposite direction.
   
   


4. High knees: Bend forward slightly, and put your hands around one of your knees. Then slowly pull the knee towards your chest. Hold for 10 seconds and then alternate knees. Complete one set of 5 repetitions every hour that you're on the plane.
   
   


5. Crossover lift: as you are sitting, place the ankle of your left leg on top of your right leg. Now push your right leg up and down. Complete one set of 10 repetitions every hour that you're on the plane. Then repeat after switching legs.
   
   


6. Upper body twists: from a seated position, sit straight up in your seat and rest your forearms on the armrest. Then twist your torso, so you’re facing the left side of the plane without actually moving your head. Keep your feet planted on the floor and hold this position for five seconds while practicing deep breaths. Then slowly twist to the opposite side for five more breaths. Complete one set of 5 repetitions every hour that you're on the plane.
   
   


7. Stand on fists: make fists with your hands and place them next to you close to your knees. Push your weight forward, and then pull yourself up. Your feet are off the ground, and your butt is off the seat. Hold this position for 20 seconds. Complete one every hour that you're on the plane.
   
   


8. Stand on fists pulses: Same as the previous exercise, except you lift yourself and start doing pulses (quick lifts) with your knees.
   
   


9. Tricep lifts: Place your hand on the bars of your seat. Ask your neighbor's permission and point your elbows point toward the back instead of outwards. Now lift yourself up and down using your triceps. Your feet should touch the floor for balance, but don’t use them to help yourself get up. Complete one set of 10 repetitions every hour that you're on the plane.
   
   


10. Harder tricep lift: get in the same position as before, but lift your feet off the ground this time. Complete one set of 10 repetitions every hour that you're on the plane.
    
    


11. Walking lunges: This exercise is optional if you complete the rest of the suggested activities. A good option if the other tasks are just not meeting your needs, and you need more movement. Once the aisle is clear, the fasten seatbelt sign is off, stand up, count to ten, and start with both feet together. Take one step forward and lower your body towards the ground by bending your front leg. Move up by bringing the back leg forward to meet your front foot. Complete one set of 10 repetitions every hour that you're on the plane.
    
    


12. Calf raises: Hold onto a seat back or another sturdy object for support. Stand with your feet hip-distance apart and slowly rise onto your toes. Hold for a second or two, then slowly lower down. Complete one set of 10 repetitions every hour that you're on the plane.
    
    


13. Take a walk up the aisle: Do a full lap to the other end of the aircraft and then back to your seat. While you’re up, shake out your arms and legs as well.
    
    


14. If you have limited mobility or are at high risk for blood clots. Compression socks are an excellent option to help increase blood flow and reduce swelling on long-haul flights. 

This was the guide of the top 14 Airplane Seat Exercises.

Read more on Travel Exercise Program.

For more travel tips, check out my latest Amazon book:

How to Travel the World and Live with No Regrets.: Learn How to Travel for Free, Find Cheap Places to Travel, and Discover Life-Changing Travel Destinations

Travel Exercise Program

Travel Exercise Program

There are literally thousands of workout programs you can find on the web and stream live on YouTube for ideas to use in your room. Here’s a sample of what I use in the mornings to keep me in shape when I travel. Use the peripheral heart action workouts, where you alternate one upper body exercise and one lower body exercise. By alternating upper and lower body exercises, you cause the blood to flow back and forth creating more work for your heart. 

Start by pairing one upper body exercise with one lower body exercise.

Travel Exercise Program:

• Push up/jump squats


• Diamond push up/lunges


• Plank/toe raises


• Spider crawl/bear crawl

Do one set of 6-8 repetitions of the upper body exercise, then rest, not more than 10 seconds, before starting one set of the lower body exercise of 6-8 repetitions. Take a 90-second rest before starting the next pair. Then repeat the pair of exercises 3 times, until switching to the next pair of exercises.

For more travel tips, check out my latest Amazon book:

How to Travel the World and Live with No Regrets.: Learn How to Travel for Free, Find Cheap Places to Travel, and Discover Life-Changing Travel Destinations

Accommodations for Travelers with Crutches

If you’re able to self-ambulate with crutches and partially weight bear, then you may be able to navigate most environments. However, airports may require long waits in lines for check-in or security clearance. Therefore, it’s best to make arrangements with the airport before you arrive to have a wheelchair provided to you, to help you navigate the airport easier and decrease the risk of you falling due to fatigue.

1. Again you can request bulkhead seating. If you can afford the expense, upgrade to a higher-class seat, or ask to be seated next to empty seats, so you have more room to navigate. The same goes for wheelchairs users. 


2. Hotels in developed countries have a limited number of accessible rooms available. So, book rooms in advance so you can have a room with wider doorways and spacious bathrooms that make it easier for you to move around. Otherwise, most hotels have tub-shower combos, which are not accessible in a wheelchair and complicated when you’re on crutches. Accessible rooms will usually provide a walk-in shower, grab bars, and a detachable showerhead.


3. Book hotels in advance and request rooms on the ground floor or near the elevator. If you’ll need a wheelchair while on hotel grounds, reserve a wheelchair in advance with the hotel.


4. Make advanced preparations to see which airport shuttles and car rental buses can accommodate you. In developed countries, most transportation is fitted to support wheelchairs and folks with limited mobility on crutches. 


5. Public transportation in developed countries typically have signs, symbols, and are wheelchair accessible. 


6. Traveling will require you to expend more energy than you usually do in your everyday life. Therefore, it’s best to train for your trip by spending more time walking on your crutches and/or wheeling yourself in your wheelchair.


7. If you can afford the expense, consider buying lighter mobility equipment for traveling. Items such as a lighter wheelchair, walker, lighter crutches, collapsible crutches, transport wheelchair, lighter cane, or a device that’s easier to break down will make your trip easier. 


8. Lighten your load as much as possible. Use luggage and materials that are lightweight, so you expend less energy moving your items. If possible, pack everything into one backpack, so it’s less to keep track of and more comfortable for people who are helping you. 


9. Keep in mind that you’re going to need more time to navigate airports, hotels, and tourist sites, so schedule extra time for everything you do so you’re not rushed and put yourself into danger trying to rush to places.


10. Keep vital travel documents where they are easily accessible in a fanny pack. Bring extra $1 bills so that you can tip the attendants and anyone who helps facilitate your journey.


11. Be cool; stress, pain, and discomfort can be magnified by the fatigue of traveling, so remember to stay calm and courteous to others.

If you run into access-related problems while at the airport, ask to speak to the Complaints Resolution Official (CRO); all airlines in the US are required to have a CRO on duty during airport operating hours. This airline employee is specially trained in the ACAA and can resolve access-related issues on the spot. 

If the CRO is unable to assist you, file a written complaint with the airline after you return home. Sometimes this can be your best and only option for receiving monetary compensation for damages. Be mindful of deadlines, as airlines are not required to respond to complaints postmarked more than forty-five days after the incident. For complaints filed on time, the airlines must respond within thirty days.

If these two steps have not resolved your complaint, then you can file a complaint with the DOT for access-related problems. Claims must be done within six months of the incident and can result in changes to airline policies and practices. Filing a complaint can help make air travel more accessible.

I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to travel in a wheelchair and on crutches. Some of the critical issues that quickly became apparent to me:

1. Be patient, as many people mean well, but not everyone will be familiar with your needs and limitations. Also, keep in mind that most people are not patient, so they will avoid you or try not to help you, not always because they don’t want to but because they are worried that they won’t be able to provide the help you need. So, accept help where you can, and when people can’t or won’t, don’t stress about it. Move on to the next person, or take the time to educate the person on your needs and on how they can help you. Explain that even though you might not be able to do things the way others do you can still enjoy being there and experiencing it your way. So, avoid situations where others can take advantage of or cause you harm. I usually avoided exploring dark streets at night, brought a companion with me to dangerous countries, and used transportation to avoid moving through areas of higher risk. Don’t allow fear to force you into staying at home, most people are conscious of people with disabilities. I’ve experienced extreme kindness from folks from all around the world. People who were helpful and went out of their way to assist me when no one required them to do so. Most people will respect and admire you for taking on the challenge and try to help any way they can.


2. Although I’m 6’ 2”, 210 lbs., and have years of experience in martial arts, I felt an immediate sense of vulnerability, and this is normal when you're in a wheelchair or on crutches. So, avoid situations where others can take advantage of or cause you harm. I avoided exploring dark streets at night, brought a companion with me to dangerous countries, and used transportation to avoid moving through areas of higher risk. Don’t allow fear to force you into staying at home. Most people are conscious of people with disabilities, and I’ve experienced extreme kindness from folks from all around the world. People who were helpful and went out of their way to assist me when no one required them to do so. Most people will respect and admire you for taking on the challenge and try to help however they can.
   Nonetheless, you must be aware of your limitations and avoid situations where you could be at a significant disadvantage. Try to join groups, inquire before. Avoid dangerous areas. Stay away from lonely or dimly lit places. Don’t accept private rides or tours from strangers. When you go out, inform the hotel staff of your plans and anticipated return time. I’d also recommend checking in with someone at home regularly so they are aware of where you are in case you need assistance.

3. Be conservative with your plans, and don’t try to pack too many activities into one day. It’s best to leave extra time for completing the activities, so you’re not under time constraints since you won’t be able to complete them as you usually would. Most things are going to take longer than they usually do, because you’re going to have to wait for elevators, assistance from staff, and you're going to need extra rest breaks. 


4. Allow extra time for sleep and recovery. Typically, when I travel, I can stay on my feet for up to sixteen hours a day walking and sightseeing, but while in a wheelchair or on crutches, a few hours were often enough to leave me exhausted. Remember, your body is meant to move you around most efficiently while on two legs. If you’re using your arms to propel a wheelchair, you have a battery-powered wheelchair, or have to use your shoulders and arms to move you around on a pair of crutches; you’re going to be moving in a much less efficient manner than a person normally would, and you're going to be expending much more energy as well. Give yourself extra time to sleep and take breaks throughout the day, so you don’t exert yourself too much and cause yourself to get tendonitis, strains, or muscle tears. As mentioned before, make sure you prepare for your trip by spending extra time mobilizing yourself and preparing your body for the extra endurance needed to travel.


5. Start with more comfortable travel destinations until you get up to speed. Being stuck inside for months on end can be boring and depressing, but I was unsure of how to proceed because I felt vulnerable. So, I started with road trips in the western USA with my cousin Miska. I was unable to drive because of all the hardware installed in my body, and I needed help unloading my wheelchair; therefore, Miska drove, and I was the passenger. As my endurance and travel know-how increased, we went to first-world destinations like Hawaii. As my mobility improved, even more, I set out solo with crutches to countries such as Mexico, and I used a walking cane in the jungles of Suriname, Guyana, and French Guiana. As you experience early success in your travels, you will slowly work out the bugs, develop strategies, and gain confidence in how to do things.


6. Use social media to connect with other people with limited mobility, who live at the travel destinations you’d like to visit and get ideas about strategies you can use to navigate the local environment.


7. Know that it is typical for a person with limited mobility to have to pay more for tours and other services. You are going to require more time and effort from the hosts, so don’t be taken aback when you hear they may be charging you more than others. It’s not personal; it’s economics, so don’t let that be a deterrent to engaging in activities. You never know when or if you’ll have the opportunity to experience something special.

Read: Wheelchair Accommodations While Traveling

For more travel tips, check out my latest Amazon book:

How to Travel the World and Live with No Regrets.: Learn How to Travel for Free, Find Cheap Places to Travel, and Discover Life-Changing Travel Destinations