The Extra Cost of Traveling With a Disability

Getting There: Traveling With a Disability — September Series

Going away for a weekend is supposed to be fun.

But before I can enjoy the trip, there is something else I have to think about:

How much is this weekend actually going to cost me?

Living with a disability and being on a limited budget means I can’t simply pack my suitcase, grab my walker, and worry about the money once I get there.

I have to plan.

The Cost Starts Before I Arrive

Because I don’t drive, one of my first expenses is getting there.

If a PCA, friend, or family member is driving us to the casino and bringing us home, I want to make sure I have extra money to help pay for gas.

That is part of the trip for me.

I appreciate the people who are willing to drive, and I don’t want to assume that transportation doesn’t cost them anything just because they are helping me.

Then there are all the other expenses that come with staying away from home.

I think about tipping the hotel housekeeping staff.

I think about food.

I think about what I might want to do while I’m there.

And I think about having some extra money available in case something unexpected happens.

My Hidden Money

One thing I like to do is tuck some money away.

I don’t look at that money as spending money.

It’s my just-in-case money.

If I’m getting toward the end of the trip and realize I’m running low, I know I still have something put aside.

Having that little backup gives me peace of mind.

It’s another way I prepare myself before I travel.

Day 1, Day 2, Day 3

If I’m staying somewhere for three days, I try not to look at all of my spending money as one big amount.

Instead, I think:

How much can I spend on Day 1?

How much will I need for Day 2?

What do I need to make sure I still have for Day 3?

Breaking my money down by day helps me stay within my budget.

I don’t want to have a great first day and then realize I’ve spent too much and have very little left for the rest of the weekend.

Planning allows me to enjoy myself without constantly worrying about whether I’m running out of money.

Food Adds Up Quickly

Food is another expense I have to consider.

Eating away from home can become expensive very quickly.

When I’m away for a few days, I usually try to eat no more than two meals a day because I know how much restaurant and hotel food can add up.

That doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy myself.

It means I’m making choices.

Maybe I decide which meals are most important to me that day. Maybe I don’t need to buy something every time I’m around food.

It’s all part of making the money I’ve planned for the trip last.

A Vacation From Home, Not From My Budget

Sometimes when we think about vacations, we think about getting away from our everyday responsibilities.

But my budget comes with me.

And I’ve learned that planning my money doesn’t have to take the fun out of going away.

Actually, it can do the opposite.

When I know I have money for gas, meals, tips, activities, and a little extra tucked away, I can relax more.

I know what I have.

I know what I can spend.

And I know I’ve prepared for the unexpected.

For me, traveling with a disability requires planning in so many different ways.

I plan for my body.

I plan for my walker.

I plan for transportation.

And I plan for my money.

The goal isn’t to spend a lot of money. The goal is to make the money I have work for the life I want to enjoy.

Because even on a budget, I still deserve a getaway.

I still deserve some fun.

And I still deserve to make memories.

— Marie W.O.W.C.P.
Our Beautiful Challenges
Seeing the beauty between the challenges. ✌️😊💛