Mobility aids for accessible travel

I love exploring new places and enjoying adventures with family and friends. However, as a stroke survivor with autoimmune diseases as well as assorted back and leg issues, mobility considerations—sometimes accompanied by muscle aches and/or joint pain—are a part of my daily life. I also experience frequent vertigo that can make me lose my balance or fall. These are all factors I must consider when planning a trip.  

Additionally, I help care for, and sometimes travel with, loved ones with an assortment of health conditions, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Parkinson’s disease.  

Thankfully, I’ve found a variety of products that have helped me, my friends, and family members get around, especially while traveling. It’s important to note that none of these products “cured” or solved our mobility challenges, and what works for me may not work for everyone. But I’ve researched and tried many products. The following products have made travel easier for me and my loved ones.  

The best travel accessories for mobility issues 

As someone with mobility issues who travels frequently, I have had to search for durable, easy-to-operate products that can help me get around. From a packable walking cane to a portable massager, these are the items I have found most helpful for travel.  

I bought one of these CVS Health canes after seeing actress Selma Blair—who has mobility challenges as a result of multiple sclerosis—post about it on Instagram. I like that it’s lightweight and folds up, which makes it easy to take anywhere. It comes with two interchangeable feet options. It’s sturdy enough for me, but some people may prefer something heavier. I wish it came with a carrying bag.  

This tote bag fits on most walkers. I avoid loading it down with anything too heavy. It’s the right size for carrying a few essentials such as a book, notepad, and medications. I like the zippered pocket for securing things like your cellphone or keys.  

Made from molded plastic, this tray feels sturdy and is easy to clean. I’ve used it with different walkers for several relatives, so it seems to have a universal design. It’s lightweight enough for travel and easily slides right on top of the walker handles. The lip around the edge contains messes and helps prevent things from rolling off.  

I’ve been traveling long distance for the past 10 years, which has been brutal on my neck and shoulders. This Cabeau neck pillow has helped me get the rest I need on planes and trains. The sides are tall enough to prevent my head from flopping around from side to side. Space in the front keeps the neck pillow from feeling too stifling. It comes with a washable cover in lots of colors.  

(Get the rest you need with the right travel pillow)

Some grabbers I’ve used have been too short, forcing me to bend down or hunch over, which defeats the purpose of a grabber. This one is long enough to reach things easily and has a solid grip for hanging onto even small items. Because it folds up, it’s easy to store (I keep a bunch throughout the house, in the garage, and in our travel bags) and take on trips. I have found that the plastic at the “jaw” part eventually starts to wear, but this grabber is inexpensive enough to replace when needed.  

(Here are some great products for arthritic hands)

I live in a cold-weather area and frequently travel to places with similar climates. Winter weather brings all sorts of anxiety-inducing hazardous conditions, such as sliding or falling. These Columbia boots keep my feet warm but also have a grippy tread on the bottom that helps keep my feet planted on the ground. 

As someone with wider feet prone to swelling after a long day of walking, I appreciate that this style comes in wide sizes. While I like this “shorty” boot style, Columbia also sells higher-style boots with similar traction and warmth features. If you really want the ultimate traction, these Icebug BUGrip boots have strong studs on the outsoles, making me feel like I’m wearing cleats. 

(These are the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis)

The Sock Aid is proof that a product doesn’t have to be sophisticated or expensive to have a big impact on your quality of life. My husband has back issues and hates having to ask for help putting his socks on each morning. Our kids got him the Sock Aid for Christmas, and he says it’s been life-changing. It’s simple to use, even on days when his back issues are flaring up. We keep several in our luggage and tote bags, ready for our next trip.  

Anyone with mobility issues or back problems knows that a “simple” task like sitting up in bed can often be challenging or even painful. I’ve noticed my back and joint/muscle pain can be especially bad first thing in the morning. This adjustable bed ladder is simple to use—it clips to the frame at the foot of the bed—and packs easily for overnight stays.  

My aches, pains, and muscle stiffness seem to flare up when I’m traveling, especially after long days on a train or crammed into an airplane seat. This massager quickly helps alleviate my aches and pains, and it’s compact enough to fit in my carry-on bag. I especially like the heated function. Besides keeping me warm, it seems to be a big help when my muscles cramp up in cold weather.  

For those with mobility (or balance) concerns, falling in the shower is a scary—and unfortunately all too common—occurrence. We’ve used this shower chair to keep several family members safe in the shower. It’s comfortable, yet sturdy and easy to clean. The rubber feet help keep it in place on soapy, slippery showers, and the whole thing folds down for easy storage and packing.  

(These are the best shoes for back pain)

Falling out of bed is a common concern for those with mobility or balance issues, especially while staying in unfamiliar places. I like this bed rail because it does double-duty as both a safety rail and a grab bar for getting out of bed. The bottom slides under the mattress, which in my experience has stayed put due to the weight of the mattress. But it may be a good idea to use the strap for extra security.

Installation is a two-person job, but I’ve found that hotels will send a staff member to assist you. This rail fits all bed sizes and most bed styles, but review the specifications carefully to be sure it will fit the bed you’ll be using.  

I find lifting and maneuvering luggage to be one of the most challenging travel tasks, especially while navigating through crowded train stations and busy airports. I like this Travelers Club carry-on because it has four sturdy wheels that help prevent it from tipping over, which often happens with two-wheeled models. 

The compact size and light weight make it easy for me to handle, but it’s surprisingly roomy. If I need more space, I can easily expand it. This bag is pretty durable—I’m pretty hard on luggage and have knocked mine around quite a bit, yet it still looks good.  

As a stroke survivor, blood clots are a big concern for me. My doctors recommend compression socks, especially when I’m flying or otherwise sitting for long periods of time. I didn’t think compression socks could be cute or stylish, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover Sockwell (the dragonfly style is one of my favorites).

These compression socks achieve the Goldilocks balance—enough compression for the benefits I need, but not so much that they’re uncomfortable. Pacas Compression Socks are another good option, especially for traveling in cold weather.  

(The best compression socks for travelers)

I like taking my coffee or other drinks in this Brumate Muv Tumbler. It’s big enough to hold plenty of my favorite hot and cold drinks. I appreciate the drinking/positioning options, so I’m not fumbling around trying to reach the opening while juggling bags. The huge handle is one of my favorite features. It’s so easy to hold, even when I’m experiencing grip issues.  

(These are some our favorite travel coffee mugs)

Recently, the sunflower has become a discreet signal of “hidden” disabilities, such as autism and autoimmune diseases, which may not be easily noticeable on the outside. I’ve traveled with a few people who wear sunflower lanyards, like this one. The lanyards are a fast and easy way to let people know you may need extra support or patience when navigating airports, train stations, or other crowded areas.  

This travel belt has saved me from countless headaches. You can slide smaller items into either of the ends, or stash IDs or other important items in the zippered pocket. One of the best features of this belt is how easy it is to take off at security screenings. There are a couple of different FlipBelt designs, but I find this adjustable Velcro style the easiest to get on and off.  

How we chose the best mobility aids for travel 

I compiled this list based on items that have been helpful to me or my loved ones. When I chose these mobility aids for travel, I took the following into consideration: 

• Durability: I chose products that were built to last through the rigors of travel. 

• Portability: I prefer items that are lightweight and can fold down into a compact footprint.  

• Ease of use: Travel can be stressful, so it’s important to me that mobility products are  easy to use (and assemble, if applicable).  

• Price: I’m a bargain shopper and like to get the most bang for my buck, so I looked for items that offer good value for the price.  

• Recommendations and reviews: I place lots of weight on recommendations from friends and family, along with positive reviews from my healthcare providers or those who work in the healthcare field.  

Tips for buying accessible travel gear 

There are many kinds of physical mobility limitations, so your particular circumstances will dictate how you shop and which products will be most helpful to you. I kept the following considerations in mind when I was shopping for products that worked for me and my loved ones. You should consult your healthcare providers before purchasing anything.  

Consider how practical they are for using on the go 

Many items help make my life easier at home, but some aren’t practical for the road. Ideally, I choose mobility items that are easy for me to transport and operate (and assemble) alone.  

Safety is the top priority 

Space constraints and other factors often limit how much you can take with you when traveling. If I need to prioritize, I always focus on safety-related essentials first.  

Review any relevant regulations 

If you’re traveling by air from or within the United States, federal Department of Transportation rules dictate what qualifies as a mobility aid or device. Those rules determine how and where aids or devices can be stored on an airplane (and whether you’ll have to pay an extra baggage fee). For bus or train travel, check the policies on the company website.  

Get insight from people you trust 

Friends and family members who have similar mobility issues can provide feedback based on their first-person experience. You can also ask your medical providers for recommendations. I’ve found that healthcare aides and others who provide direct support to people with mobility issues can offer great advice in this area.  

Frequently asked questions 

How do people with mobility issues travel? 

Everyone’s situation is different, but I’ve found that many people with mobility issues (including myself) can still travel, but good preparation is the key. I make a detailed plan that includes where I’m going, how I’ll get there, and any challenges I may encounter along the way. This helps me identify the assistance or support products that I’ll need most. I also research available assistance, such as staff, who can help me transport items while navigating through the airport.  

How do you travel with walking problems? 

This will depend on your circumstances and limitations. I’ve found it helps to have a cane, walker, or other item to lean on for support, especially when standing in line for extended periods. I also give myself plenty of time to get where I need to go (including getting through security checkpoints). That way, I’m not rushing, which can sometimes risk injury. I also consider any available resources, such as wheelchair assistance, at the airport.  

How to get disability boarding? 

In the U.S., airline carriers must assist passengers with disabilities to get on and off the flight and get around the airport. They must allow these passengers to board first, if they request it. Travelers can typically indicate special needs when booking. However, you can also ask the gate agent at the airport—just be sure to arrive early enough to get to the gate and make this request before boarding begins.