Take Your Own or Rent It? Special Needs Equipment While Traveling
At some point in most individuals’ travels, the question has been asked: should I take it with me or rent it? For travelers with Special Needs, the conversation can get a bit more complicated, as the discussion involves specialized equipment such as wheelchairs, power chairs, supplemental oxygen, walking aides, etc.
To help make the decision a little easier, we’ve compiled a list of the pros and cons of taking your own personal equipment vs. renting. Do you have questions about which option may be most appropriate/convenient for your particular situation? Ask us on Facebook or call us at 1-800-513-4515.
Taking it With You
Pros:
· The most obvious reason to bring along personal equipment while traveling is the comfort and ease of familiarity. You’re comfortable with your own equipment. You know how to use it, how to adjust the settings, and how to maneuver through everyday life.
· If you feel as if rental equipment will be too stressful or too difficult to adjust to, taking your own equipment (when possible) may be the right choice for you.
Cons:
· Consider the possibility of theft, loss, or damage to your personal equipment. Accidents happen. Be sure you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario if you choose to take your own equipment abroad. If possible, look into insurance options if you intend to travel with your own equipment.
Renting
Pros:
· Renting can be one of the most convenient ways to travel with Special Needs equipment. When renting, you have the support of a professional expert – someone who is familiar with the ins and outs of airline/cruise regulations and policies.
· When renting equipment, you won’t have to deal with hauling your equipment to and from the airport, cruise port, etc. Special Needs Group ensures that equipment is ready at the airport, in your cruise ship stateroom, hotel, convention center, etc. when you arrive.
· When renting from a reputable company such as Special Needs Group, you can be assured that your Special Needs equipment will comply with current regulations.
Certain equipment must conform to specific regulations for air, cruise or other travel. Equipment may be subject to restrictions, special handling or advance notice. For example, supplemental oxygen concentrators must meet very specific requirements for travel by air. When flying, wet-acid batteries in electric wheelchairs must often be stowed in a separate compartment, according to certain regulations.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Please, carefully weigh your options before making final preparations for your trip or voyage to ensure a pleasurable experience.
If you think renting may be the right option for you, be sure to visit us online for details about how we can help.
Special Needs Group / Special Needs at Sea is the leading global provider for Special Needs travel. We offer a broad range of Special Needs equipment for purchase and rental including wheelchairs, scooters, power chairs, oxygen, baby cribs, and more. We are recommended by ALL major cruise lines for superior service and value. Special Needs Group also services guests visiting hotels, resorts, theme parks and convention centers. For more info, visit www.specialneedsgroup.com.
We travel, some of us forever, to seek other states, other lives, other souls. -Anais Nin
February 26, 2013