Road trips are all about adventure, freedom, and discovering new places. But when travelling with specific accessibility needs, packing takes on a whole new level of importance. On our recent road trip from Auckland to Cromwell, we had to be strategic about what we brought along, not just because of space limitations in our high-top van, but because every item played a crucial role in making our journey smooth and comfortable.
Packing Smart: Only the Essentials
With limited room in our van, we had no choice but to pack only what we truly needed. But in our case, “essentials” meant more than just clothes and toiletries. Every piece of equipment we packed was necessary to ensure we could navigate the accommodation, move safely, and enjoy our trip to the fullest.
The Non-Negotiable Equipment
Here’s a breakdown of what we couldn’t do without:
- Molift Hoist, Slings, and Battery – Essential for transfers, allowing us to move safely and comfortably.
- Bed Raisers (x9) – These were a must to lift the bed high enough for the hoist legs to fit underneath, ensuring proper accessibility.
- Suitcase Ramp – A simple but powerful tool that helped us navigate small steps and tricky accommodation entrances. We ended up using this countless times throughout our journey.
- Beach Wheelchair – Because a road trip isn’t complete without some time in the water! This chair, along with a lap belt, helped keep Finlay secure and comfortable while enjoying the beach.
- Large Adapted Bike Trailer (with e-bike) – Because we love to do the trails together, and can always rent regular bikes for the rest of the family at locations.
- Sleep System & Incontinence Sheets – Just in case, because comfort and preparedness go hand in hand.
- Shower Commode on Wheels – A must-have for personal care while on the go.
- Two Slide Sheets – These work a treat for sliding someone up or along the bed into the correct position.
- Changing Places Electric Tag on Lanyard – This is always attached to Finlay’s wheelchair in case we need access in an emergency.
Beyond Equipment: Daily Essentials
On top of the larger items, we also had to make room for:
- Incontinence Products – Enough for the whole trip.
- Supplementary Food & Medication – Pre-planned to ensure we had everything needed.
- Feeding Tube Equipment – A daily necessity that requires careful packing and organisation.
- Clothes – Of course, because even with all the equipment, we still needed to be comfortable and prepared for changing weather.
Unpacking & Repacking: A Daily Routine
One of the biggest challenges of this road trip was the daily routine of unpacking and repacking. Every night, we had to unload our essential gear at each new place we stayed. It was a process, but one we quickly got used to. Despite the extra effort, knowing we had everything we needed to make each stop accessible and comfortable made it all worthwhile. This is why people who travel with a disability tend to spend more time in one place.
The Beauty of the Journey
While packing was a challenge, the reward was in the experiences we had along the way. From beautiful beaches to scenic landscapes, every moment was made more enjoyable because we had the right equipment to make it work. Our road trip wasn’t just about the destination; it was about proving that with the right planning and mindset, accessibility doesn’t have to be a barrier to adventure.
Would we do it all again? Absolutely. And next time, we might refine our packing list even more! For example, adding a door wedge, a small but simple tool to keep the door to an accessible room open while a wheelchair passes through. As Finlay’s attendant, I control his powerchair from the back, so I can’t hold the door open at the same time. This is another factor I’ve started including in my blog reviews: how easy is it to get through the door to your accessible room?