89 Years Young on Top of the World (Well Almost)

Altogether Travel is a Supported Travel company that has been providing Holiday Companions since 2013, which allow our customers to travel and enjoy a holiday once again.

                                89 years young Nora on Everest base camp – Nov 2018

Take a recent trip to Kathmandu – not a place for the faint hearted but a destination that was on Nora’s bucket list and in November 2018 got the chance to visit for a once in a lifetime trip.

Nora started each day with breath-taking views of the Himalaya’s from her Mountain View hotel (weather dependent). Then after a hearty breakfast we accompanied Nora to visit the following:

• Durbar square Kathmandu.
• Pashupatinath, the Nepalese cremation site – not everyone’s cup of tea but very interesting and a moving experience with loads going on.
• Swayambunath, the monkey temple.
• Buddha Stupa.
• The Old palace in Kathmandu.
• Patan, one of the three old kingdom cities.
• Bhaktapur the third old city.

Most afternoons consisted of lunch back at the hotel or at a nearby attraction, followed by a stroll through the streets of Thamel, (tourist market area) or a visit to the relaxing garden of peace. Nora also visited Chitwan National Park and went on a canoe trip (a dugout tree), a jungle walk, and visited the elephant programme.

The highlight for Nora was a one day private helicopter flight to Lukla airport and then to Everest base camp where she was simply spellbound by the incredible scenery at Everest base camp. The helicopter carried oxygen, as travellers can experience some dizziness at altitude. Although Nora was a bit lightheaded this proved to be no problem.

Nora who lives in Cardiff said:

“Never in my wildest dreams did I ever think that at my age I could get to Everest base camp, this is breath-taking” (literally!)

Altogether Travel’s companions can accompany customers who have varying forms of disabilities, sensory impairment or even just old age and require the reassurance of a caring companion with them.

Altogether Travel is effectively the combination of a registered care company and a travel company. This unique service allows us to plan, book and accompany our customers all over the world.

We plan and create every trip to suit our customers’ needs and wants for holidays here in the UK or worldwide.

If you feel inspired and are interested in a supported holiday, please get in touch with us.

Travel Tips with Hidden Disabilities

Altogether Travel is the UK’s first Care registered Travel Company. Our Holiday Companions travel with customers across the world, with a wide variety of support needs. With customer and staff experience we hope to share some Travel Tips with Hidden Disabilities. 

Hidden Disabilities

Hidden disabilities relate to medical conditions that are perhaps not obvious immediately when meeting someone. Examples include autism, dementia, hearing impairment, having a stoma, and mental health conditions.

Keep in mind anyone can have any combination of conditions which require support. Most of all, be kind – everyone is different. Give the person space or ask if you can do something to help.

Fear of Flying courses can also be available in the UK which may benefit people who are nervous about flying.

In 2016, Transport Minister Robert Goodwill stated: “According to CAA research, as many as 7% of all people could be avoiding air travel because of a hidden disability”.

Autism

Autism affects how people communicate with and relate to others, and how they make sense of the world around them. As autism is a spectrum, people can experience similar difficulties, but can be affected in different ways. It can be difficult to understand and interpret people or situations, which can cause anxiety. At times autistic people may feel like they are getting too much information at once and need some time to process this.

Everyone is different, but some things people can share are a love of routines, sensory sensitivity to noises, smells and light, and being particularly interested in certain things. Giving the person with autism choice can help them enjoy the idea of a holiday. They could pack their own things in a bag to have with them and be responsible for these familiar things.

Along with the excitement and sometimes stress of organising a holiday, there are extra considerations with travel for people with autism. Doing research for places that may be ideal for the person with autism is key, and you can find out facilities and staff experience or understanding as the National Autistic Society tells us Autism Friendly Award holders – the UK airports shown are Bristol, Birmingham, Edinburgh & Gatwick.

People with autism may find change difficult, so speaking with them about the holiday can help prepare them with what to expect. This may reduce anxiety and help them enjoy the experience more, as each stage of an unusual day can be challenging and may be overwhelming.

You could take some time to look at photos of the destination and hotel to give visual support for the holiday idea. You could have these available in a book or phone for understanding stages of the holiday experience, describing times when you may be waiting.

For the holiday itself, it may be a good idea to ensure enough time for breaks and normal routines the person with autism has. Include them to join in as much as they feel like, and you could show what the day could be like with visual support. This can help things not to become overwhelming and routines can make people feel more comfortable with the situation.

You can also explain possible social situations such as delayed travel and how you would respond to this together, such as playing a game to pass the time. Resources are available online to help show such situations visually which may help to explain things. You can also take these supportive materials with you in case the person with autism becomes unsure of something. Speaking clearly with limited gesturing or facial expressions may help someone with autism to process information, and patience is key.

You can include the autistic person in decisions such as where they would like to sit on the plane – if they like to look out of the window, or if they would prefer someone they know to sit either side of them. Ear defenders can block out noise, but would the person also enjoy their favourite type of music? You could make a holiday play list together and have this ready, especially for the travelling parts of your holiday. Anything which may be comforting for them is a brilliant idea to have during the holiday, if they have a favourite item or piece of clothing perhaps.

Please check out the National Autistic Society for more information.

National Autistic Society:

“More than 1 in 100 of the (UK) population have been diagnosed with autism. Over 99% of people have heard of autism, but only 16% of autistic people feel the public understand them”.

“Some autistic people may manage their experience of a journey through repetitive physical behaviours, for example, tapping their fingers or flapping their hands. This is perfectly normal; try not to stare or make them feel self-conscious”.

Dementia

If the person with dementia tends to walk around, it may be a good idea to have contact information in their handbag or wallet in case they become lost or separated from you. This can also indicate that the person with dementia may be confused or distressed and show what could help. It may also be a good idea to carry a recent photo of them and note a description of the clothing they are wearing.

People with dementia can find the environment or situation they are in confusing and can experience anxiety or stress as a result. For a holiday to be enjoyed by everyone it is important to plan for what people will enjoy and avoid what may be distressing such as busy crowds and noise. Also, a holiday outside summer months can be less busy and may save you some money!

Being supportive can help people cope with changes to what they think of as their normal routine. Find out as much information as you can about a destination, for things the person with dementia may be interested in and how accessible the area is if they also have limited mobility. Going to a place the person with dementia has mentioned enjoying may be fun, as during the holiday this can be a talking point of why you are there together.

It may be reassuring to have a mattress protector with you or request extra bedding to be in the room to be prepared for any accidents. Keeping the bathroom door open can help someone find their way, particularly during the night. Temporary signs can also be placed with images such as a toilet, to indicate what the door leads to with visual support. Another idea is to place a ‘Keep Out’ sign on the back of a hotel room door to deter the person with dementia from exploring. A small hotel without long hallways with many doors may be easier to navigate than a larger hotel.

A person with dementia may interpret a large door mat of a hotel as a hole in the ground, or similar with a dark taxi seat. Try to reassure them and you can place a colourful blanket on a seat to show it is safe.

Making a list of things to remember can help with packing, medication and holiday information to have handy before and during the holiday.

Keeping certain familiarities can bring comfort and help anchor the person with dementia in the holiday or any situation. These can include having extra clothing, their favourite newspaper, book, music and family photographs handy and available during your stay.

Travel Tips: Hidden Disabilities

These travel tips are relevant for people with various hidden disabilities, and main points include arranging passenger assistance before and bringing comfort items that may help with any new situation.

• Communicating support needs with a hotel or airline is important so staff can be helpful. Airlines, train and ferry companies will have a medical or assistance form to complete for a clear record of the person’s requirements. It is recommended to take this with you on holiday, plus any relevant communication or confirmation to show if need be.

• As you will be communicating support needs, you can request to sit in a quieter part of the airport while waiting and it is likely you can board first or last, depending on your preference.

• Either way, with many people around it is best to have any comfort items such as music, noise-cancelling headphones, books or a pillow for travel.

• By describing changes before it happens allows these to be less surprising at the time, so an experience may be somewhat expected. You could show this on a calendar and count down the days before together, asking them to tell you what might happen that day.

• Giving people the opportunity to ask questions and express themselves is a great way to be supportive, as uncertainties can be addressed and lower anxiety.

• Some tourism attractions have a ‘Carers go free’ policy, so this is always worth checking out before you go.

• While on holiday some people choose to take a small card explaining autism/dementia/the hidden disability briefly – these can also be available online. It may also be a good idea to translate this into the destination language, or have short phrases prepared explaining with things that could be helpful in case someone does not seem to understand immediately.

• It is important to think with a sensory perspective – is there a quieter area or part of the hotel that the person may prefer?

• Usually the passenger requiring assistance will be prioritised for ‘fast-track’ with immediate carers (2 adults’ maximum).

• An airline can communicate information to the airports you will be using and staff will be expecting your arrival (some VIP treatment!).

• It is recommended to arrive at least 2 hours early for your flight to reduce stress and allow enough time to move through the airport.

• Travel insurance is highly recommended and ensure this covers the medical requirements of each individual travelling.

Air Travel Examples:

Lanyards may be issued for hidden disabilities as an indication for airport staff to assist discreetly, to help your time in the airport go smoothly. The example shown is issued by Edinburgh Airport and a visual social story is available to download from the website with helpful information. Visits to the airport can be arranged before travel to become more familiar with the environment – this does not include security or onboard aircraft for security reasons. Edinburgh airport also advertise induction loops for people with hearing impairments and work with Stomawise to raise awareness of concerns people may have. Other information is available for people with a heart device and it is advised to have a Patient ID Card in your hand luggage, along with medication.

Aer Lingus also have helpful visual guides available to download from the website.

An example of Edinburgh airport lanyards and badges.

Thank you for reading our Travel Tips with Hidden Disabilities. We hope this may be helpful and encourage you to travel. If you would like us to put together holiday options for you to consider, or if you are interested in having a Holiday Companion support you please get in touch with us.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Cruising with a Wheelchair – Our customers top tips

Cruises are understandably popular and we have received increased interest in this type of holiday. Cruise companies have been realising demand for accessibility and continue to make improvements so ships can do more for you.

Cruises can be a brilliant option for wheelchair users keen to travel, as modern ships are better designed with accessibility in mind. Also staff are trained to be helpful, with limited boarding/emergency wheelchairs being onboard.

Some benefits of a cruise are only unpacking once and being efficient for visiting many places all in the same trip. Other conveniences are being familiar with restaurants, accessible facilities such as lifts to each deck and sometimes for the pool, having lots to do and the travel bookends of any other holiday may be removed if your cruise departs from the UK.

It is noteworthy that some cruise companies require disabled passengers to have a companion and may refuse people intending to sail solo. This is partly to ensure your safety but also as crew are not qualified to provide care support. If you interested in a Holiday Companion for your cruise, please get in touch.

Researching cruises may be daunting – where to go and who with? Different cruise ships will have different facilities of course, and most of all this is your holiday. So you need to pick what you want to visit, see and do.

With Altogether Travel we can do the research for you – just let us know where you want to go and your support requirements. Our Holiday Companions can be with you from home and provide care support during your cruise.

Before the Cruise

• It is essential to specify your mobility limitations and medical needs. As this means arrangements can be made with staff before you arrive and their service should be smooth-sailing!
• Providing disability and medical details help ensure things you may need are on the ship. This is important in the event you may become unwell or have an accident. By communicating these early with the cruise company they can clarify policy for batteries, chargers, equipment and spare supplies you are bringing with you.
• Some ships are unsuitable for mobility scooters to board, others may require that the scooter is able to fold compactly. Older ships may not have been built with accessibility in mind so generally the more modern the better. However older ships get accessibility upgrades when being refurbished, so these can be worth considering.
• Unfortunately, some ship areas are not accessible as barriers or heavy doors are safety features and boarding ramps can be steep – helpful staff will be able to assist you. There will be designated secure areas if sea waves become rough.
• It is important to book early as cruise ships have a limited number of accessible cabins. This is also why it’s so important to check the cabin specifications are suitable too. A fully wheelchair accessible cabin may not be available, but if you have limited mobility a standard cabin with an adapted bathroom may work better for you. Due to cabin variations it is important to be clear about your requirements.
• It may be a good idea to arrange meal times in advance so your table is booked and waiting for you, to avoid having to wait for a table.
• As a wheelchair user or person with limited mobility you have priority boarding and you can expect staff there to assist with luggage (more VIP treatment some say).
• Cruise companies can show you accessibility information like cabin dimensions and features or these may be found on their website – some even with deck floorplans!
• As with any travel abroad, confirm socket types for the ship so you are able to charge equipment and gadgets.

Flying

Your cruise may involve a flight before ship departure – please check out our Tips for Flying with a Wheelchair post. Cruise companies may be able or willing to arrange accessible airport transfers if the standard transfers provided are unsuitable.

Excursions & Ports

Shore excursions are part of the cruise experience and port stops are steering your adventure. Not all excursions may be wheelchair accessible due to the need for a smaller ‘tender’ boat to go ashore – the port may be too small or water too shallow for the ship to get closer. This tender is unsuitable for electric powered wheelchairs or scooters. Other ports have ramped access from ship to shore.

Also, excursion pace or location factors may limit options, such as hills, lack of dropped curbs or many steps. However, this can be checked beforehand and you can find out accessibility information of ports your cruise stops at.

If you remember 1 thing about ports let it be this – get back on the ship at least an hour before it is due to depart. You don’t want to be left behind! Set your watch to the time of the port before you explore.

During Your Cruise

• The cruise staff on board are there to be helpful and can assist with things like allocating accessible tables and entertainment viewing areas. Legally crew are unable to provide care assistance and are not qualified to do so.
• There are so many cruise activities available such as shows and you have the opportunity to relax – a vital component of any holiday!
• As advance notice is needed for disability and medical information, plus typically accessible cabins are booked up quick. It is best to get the paperwork done as soon as possible to get this out the way and you can look forward to your holiday.
• Cruise policy states all equipment is to be stored in your cabin, as leaving a scooter in the hall for example can be an obstruction with safety – like how boxes shouldn’t block the fire exit of a shop.
• To save any confusion or doubt about medication, keep these in original packaging. This validates their content and purpose. Don’t worry about these checks – there will be many people on board bringing medication. It is also advised to keep medication in your carry-on bag so you won’t be separated from something you need.

Assistance Dogs

Cruise companies require advance notice of any four-legged companions. Assistance dogs are welcome onboard but may not be allowed to leave the ship at certain ports.

Evidence is required showing your dog’s medical records, particularly recent vaccinations. After providing these in advance it can be requested to be shown during your cruise, including training certification of your assistance dog. Getting in contact with the cruise company early means paperwork can be completed and no port regulations should be a surprise.

Typically cruise companies do not supply dog food, but often have a designated ‘relief area’ for assistance dogs.

Wheelchair Cruising Tips

People can really become fans of cruising for many reasons. We hope these tips may encourage you to set sail too.

• Disabled travellers have recommended taking both a manual and powered wheelchair for flexibility and a break when tiered. Some people have combination wheelchairs – a manual capable of some power assistance.
• Staff onboard are keen to be helpful so ask for help if you would like any.
• Even if you don’t typically use a wheelchair often people with limited mobility are advised to consider having a wheelchair with them, to get the most out of exploring the ship and ports.
• If you walk at times when home, do this on your cruise too if you feel able, to avoid becoming uncomfortable in your wheelchair.
• Try as much as possible – it may seem hard to do things, but your companion is with you and staff will help when they can.
• The smaller ‘tender’ boat isn’t scary – it may be a little tricky getting on as it moves with the water but staff are there to steady you with limited mobility, and manual wheelchairs whenever possible.
•  You inevitably experience some movement while on board even if steady for a while. It is wise to apply brakes for no unintentional moving! Also at night so your wheelchair stays where you left it before sleeping.

Want to find out more, get in touch with us today. Let’s get planning your next trip.

Customer Quote

“Cruising is better as no ‘travel’ part leaving from Southampton, the holiday starts right away! Our cabin had room for our 2 wheelchairs and a hoist. It’s great as you don’t have to worry about luggage – once you hand it over arriving the next time you see it is in the cabin. It was more comfortable to stay in our own wheelchairs and there is lots to do on the ship until you get in the cabin at 2/3pm like with a hotel. As we have quite a bit of equipment the bathroom seemed small with the shower chair too.

You can always find things to do and don’t always realise you’re at sea as it’s mostly calm. We forgot to put the brakes on at dinner once and rolled away from the table!”

Flying with Visual Impairment/Blindness - Our Customers top tips

Altogether Travel is the UK’s leading Supported Holiday Company, our excellent holiday and travel companions accompany our customers all over the world. We asked our customers and staff for some advice, tips and what to expect if taking a flight as a blind or visually impaired person.

Booking stage

• If you require additional assistance either within the airport or on the flight, then you should notify your travel agent or the airline direct. The more notice the better but at least 48 hrs before departure should ensure they allocate someone to help.
• Contact the airports special assistance team and advise them of your arrival time should you need assistance into the terminal.

Arriving at the airport

•  Adhere to the minimum arrival time for pre-departure (2 hrs), however we would always recommend adding some leeway into this. This is due to potential issues with special assistance which has been known to happen in the past, it gives you more time to resolve issues and time to relax before transfers through airport and the flight.
• If you arrive at the airport by taxi, ask the driver if they can assist you into the main concourse to the assistance area (which is always located near main entrance). If that is not possible then the drop off area will have a special assistance call button or notification system. This will alert them that you have arrived. Ask the driver to locate this and drop you off at this point.
• If you have requested special assistance, they can meet you and assist with guiding you to check in, supporting you with any baggage check in and guiding you through security and customs.
• If you are taking a case, ensure your name, address and contact details on it, also if known keep in mind a description / colour of case. This will assist the passenger assistance at the arrival airport to locate your luggage.

• Many larger airports have electric carts – some of our customers prefer to request a transfer on this through large and busy airport (Think VIP treatment).
• You will first need to go through security, if you have assistance, they will use the fast track lane. Some airports use a coloured lanyard to provide security staff with an insight into your condition without you needing to explain. The special assistance team will provide these.
• At security will should remove any metal objects, such as watches, belts, mobile phones and empty your pockets, your items will be placed in a tray that goes through a scanner. You will be asked to walk through a body scanner or they may use a hand-held scanner on you. If you don’t beep, then you will be allowed to collect your items from you tray.
• At security during the search of your baggage you can request that security staff repack your bags, ideally the way you had it prior to search this will allow locate specific items when required.

• Once through security you are now airside, you will find shops, cafes, bars, duty free, lounges. If you have arrived in plenty of time why not ask the special assistance team to drop you off at a coffee shop, bar or restaurant if you fancy a bite to eat or drink before flight and they can come back and get you at an allocated time (remember to give them your mobile number) then take you in time for boarding.
• Otherwise the special assistance team will ‘deposit’ you at the departure gate and you’ll be left there until boarding time when someone comes and collects you to board the flight.
• Remember most airports rely on electronic boards located around airside to advise of gates, delays and boarding information for all flights. So, there is no audible announcement made (unless you are late and it’s your name called for last call for boarding, we do not recommend you rely on that!)

• Always a good idea to visit the loos within the airport prior to boarding, they are more spacious and practical than on the plane. If with special assistance, ask them to locate the nearest loo for you in the boarding area.
• If walking with special assistance, it’s important they go at your pace and support you in a way you are comfortable with. The staff tend to be very busy and will have numerous people to support, so they can be known to rush people through the airport.
• Access to the plane depends on your choice of airline, most budget airlines use stairs to access the plane, meaning you need to go outside and climb a set of steps. If the flight uses a skybridge this will bring you straight onboard the flight. If the plane uses stairs and is outside, you can request to use the ambulift which gives you stair free access to your flight. Clarify the boarding method at check in then advise the special assistance team of your preference.

“As a frequent flyer I used your Travel companion service for the first time, it made such a difference I was able to visit the shops, have a lunch prior to my flight, but most of all I had companionship and reassurance from A to B”. 

On board the flight 

• If you have requested assistance the member of staff will inform you when it’s time to board the plane or if any delays. You should enjoy the VIP treatment again and get to board first (even before those who have paid for priority boarding).
• Once on board the special assistance staff will hand over to the cabin crew who will now look after you on board. They will assist with stowing bags or using the overhead lockers and ensuring you are seated and comfortable.
• If you use a walking cane or white stick that cannot fold, then you will be asked to store this in an overhead locker or other storage space within the plane. If this is not possible it will be stowed in the aircraft hold and you will be offered wheelchair assistance to and from the gate, or you can ask for this be provided prior to you leaving the plane.
• Due to safety regulations you will not be allocated an exit row seat if you are blind or visually impaired.

• As you will have boarded before the remaining passengers you will be provided with an individual safety briefing such what to do in an emergency, the staff will advise you of the layout of the plane such as your tray table, the cabin call button, any in-flight entertainment, toilets and where the life jacket is located beneath the seat.
• Safety cards in Braille format are available on most flights. This safety card will be provided to you after your safety briefing. Ask the cabin crew for this safety card if it is not provided to you.
• If your flight has a meal service, you can request the Flight Attendant read the menu to you. When the food is served the cabin crew can explain where all the food is placed on your tray, if requested.
• A customer advised us that with Qantas you can ask for pre-cut meals. This should be requested at the time of booking and must be requested no later than 24 hours prior to departure.
  

• On board if travelling alone, it might be an idea during exchanging pleasantries when boarding to mention to the passenger next to you that you are blind or visually impaired as it may not be apparent to them, this could prevent any awkward moments or misunderstanding during the flight. They may also be of assistance should it be required. 
• If you need the toilet during the flight, you can press the call button located above your head the cabin crew can assist you finding an available loo and assist you back to your seat.
• Once the flight has touched down, you will need to wait on the arrival of the special assistance to assist you in disembarking. Normally all the other passengers will be away, giving you more time and privacy to disembark.
• The assistance will collect any luggage you have (if you can tell them what it is like and has your details on it) you will then be taken fast track through passport control, customs or security (if appropriate).
• You will now be taken to the exit of the arrival’s hall in main airport building. Here you can be met by onward travel such as taxi, friends or family. The special assistant team will if needed escort you to waiting taxi but generally not any further than airport concourse.

Travelling By Air with an Assistance Dog

• When arriving at the airport ask the special assistance team to take you to the assistance dog toilet area, this will allow your dog to do its business prior to entering the airport and flight.
• Unlike pet dogs, recognised guide and assistance dogs are permitted to travel with their owners in the cabin of the aircraft with UK, European and most international air carriers, who will provide floor space in an adjoining seat or across the bulkhead, usually at no additional charge to guide and assistance dog owners
• When taking your assistance dog on international flights to other European Union countries it is worth considering the Pet Travel Scheme (PETS). This will help you avoid long periods of quarantine when you return to the UK. However, not all airlines operate the scheme, so check beforehand. Unlike other dogs that fly with PETS, assistance dogs are allowed to travel in the passenger cabin with their owner.
  

• To prepare your dog under the Pet Travel Scheme the dog must be microchipped, vaccinated against rabies and have a blood test. In addition, your dog must be issued with a pet passport and have treatment for ticks and worms. The order this is needed to be carried out in can vary from country to country, so always check prior to preparing your dog for the flight. As dogs infected with rabies can take 6 months to show physical symptoms of the disease, your dog may not enter or re-enter the UK under PETS until 6 calendar months have passed since a blood sample was taken. It is important that you ensure that the microchip can be read before and after it has been fitted to your dog.

• If you plan to take your assistance dog with you on the flight it is essential that you tell the airline about this in advance. The airline operator may request you to provide evidence that your dog has been trained by a recognised dog training organisation. In the UK these organisations are members of Assistance Dog UK.
• Before booking your flight ticket you should always check the airline's policy on carrying assistance dogs. There should be no charge for taking your assistance dog on a flight and your dog should be able to stay with you in the passenger cabin. A car safety harness should be taken on the plane to enable your dog to be secured during take-off and landing. Your dog should also carry an identity tag.
• Once you have landed and been supported off the plane, ask the assistance team to take you and dog to assistance dog toileting area.

Altogether Travel offer a travel companion service for flights, one of our experienced and friendly staff would accompany you throughout the journey providing support and companionship when required. This could be Door to Door and as a travel company we can even plan and book your flights and transfers, and provide a braille itinerary (if required).

Want to find out more, get in touch with us today.