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Are your parents reluctant to travel because they just don’t get around like they used to? Well they’re not alone. According to the 2002 US Census, nearly 23 million people had difficulty standing for an hour and 21 million people had difficulty walking up a flight of 10 stairs.

But that doesn’t mean travel is out of the question for these folks. “In this day and age people are able to travel no matter what their disability,” says Candy Harrington, author of 101 Accessible Vacations; Travel Ideas for Wheelers and Slow Walkers (Demos Publishing, 2007).

Harrington emphasizes advance planning and consumer education and she’s quick to point out that many companies and travel agencies now specialize in providing accessible travel products and services. She offers these tips for travelers with mobility issues.

* Even if you can walk, reserve an airport wheelchair if you tire easily. Some airports are huge and you could easily put on several miles while in transit and arrive at your destination exhausted.

* You are not required to remove your shoes at the airport security checkpoint if you are physically unable to do so. Just tell the TSA agent that you can’t, and they will hand wand you and swab your shoes for explosive residue.

* If you need wheelchair accessible transportation from the airport to your hotel, choose a hotel that has a free airport shuttle. Under the Americans with Disabilities Act, if the hotel provides free transfers, they must also provide free accessible transfers, even if they have to contract out the service.

* Cruises are a great accessible vacation choice, but new cruise ships are huge and it can be very tiring to walk from one end to the other. If fatigue is a factor, rent an electric scooter and have it delivered directly to your stateroom. Check with the cruise line for their approved vendors.

* If you drive to the port, remember that parking is free at all Florida cruise ship piers for cruise passengers who have permanent accessibility modifications installed on their vehicles.

* In Europe the first floor is not at street level, so if you want a room at street level, ask for a room on the ground floor. Many small European hotels only have stairway access to the first floor.

* Don’t forget to pack your accessible parking placard with you whenever you travel. It’s good everywhere in the US (except for New York City), Canada and Europe.

Why not have a conversation with your parents about these tips and encourage them to do extensive pre-trip research and expand their horizons? There really are a lot of accessible offerings out there and the Internet is a great place to find updated access information. After all, it feels pretty good to be able to teach your mom a thing or two after all she’s taught you!

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