Author: Amelis Long, Enable Outreach Specialist, First National Bank of Omaha

Summer is a popular time for families to travel—school is out, the weather is warm, and vacation days are ready to be used. Whether you fly across the world, drive across the country, or walk to your backyard, here are some tips from the Enable team to help you travel with ease this summer.

Staycations– Going on vacation doesn’t mean you have to go far. If you are staying home or traveling locally this summer, try out an accessibility app. Here are a few great apps that do everything from rating the accessibility of buildings and establishments to helping deaf people communicate by phone.

Domestic Journeys–Traveling outside of your comfort zone to another part of the country? The best way to ensure a smooth trip is to prepare in advance. Here are some great ways to make your destination feel more like home:

• Consult your travel agent, hotel, airline, and transportation service to learn about services during your trip and at your destination
• Call the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) helpline at 855-787-2227 or check TSA’s website to ask questions about screening policies, procedures, and security checkpoints
• Use a mobility app or consult local websites to learn about the accessibility of attractions, restaurants, and cities
• Consult with a physician before traveling and make sure to carry necessary medication

Overseas Excursions– Planning a vacation outside of the United States? If so, it is imperative that you do some research in advance to understand the country’s accessibility and accommodations. Each country has its own standards, so if you haven’t yet booked your travel, you can research countries to see which will best accommodate your travel and vacation needs. Visit travel.state.gov/destination and enter the country you are visiting to find information for mobility-impaired travelers. In addition to the bullets listed above, great ways to prepare for your international trip are:

• Check websites, including Mobility International USA, to find overseas disability organizations
• Find out about any quarantine, vaccination, and documentation requirements for service animals
• Make sure where you are staying will accommodate your service animal
• Check policies, availability, electric needs for assistive equipment devices
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security messages and make it easier for the U.S. Embassy to help in an emergency

No matter where you go this summer, we hope these travel tips make your vacation a little more relaxing. Already made summer plans? We would love to hear what you’re doing this summer. Share your summer vacation photos and plans with us on our Facebook page.