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Pack Your Bags: Recommendations For Disabled Travelers & Wheelchair Users

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Travel with a disability takes planning, gear that works, and zero time for nonsense. These picks make it easier to get where you’re going — with your comfort, safety, and access in mind. I’m sharing what works well for me as a disabled traveler usin...
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Smart Packing Tools - Pack lighter and smarter, not harder

Tools that help you stay organized, reduce bulk, and make space for medical gear or adaptive equipment.
 
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This backpack is lightweight and roomy, and it can attach to your manual wheelchair or power chair. But even better, it can be worn like a regular backpack and fits as a personal item on a flight. The Jansport Adaptive line is a practical choice.
JanSport Central Adaptive Backpack - Wheelchair Compatible
 
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These keep the lid on and the mess contained. I put these on top of bottles and even containers that might leak.
TRANOMOS 10 Pack Silicone Bottle Covers Travel
 
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Packing cubes keep your suitcase in order and save room. Whether you are a carry on only type person, or you pack everything but the kitchen sink and check your bag, packing cubes are very helpful for organizing everything.
Dot&Dot 5-Pcs Travel Packing Cubes Set
 
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Keep your toiletries in sight and easy to find. Multiple compartments keep everything organized and ready when you need it.
SANHECUN Medium Purple Clear Toiletry Case
 
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This suitcase is easy to maneuver, even while seated in a manual wheelchair. It isn’t too heavy, but it keeps belongings secure. This one is a best seller from Samsonite, for good reason.
Samsonite Freeform Hardside Expandable 21"
 
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I keep several of these on hands to keep my luggage from getting away from me and my wheelchair. I actually keep one of these on my power chair and wheelchair on a daily basis to keep my backpack secured to my chair for a little extra peace of mind.
Cincha Add A Bag Luggage Strap Connectors - 2pcs (Rugby)
 
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This two in one belt bag keeps everything contained and easy to find while going through the airport or while sightseeing. It also can keep things together while traveling with suitcases. This belt bag is easy to attach to a wheelchair to keep belong...
Cincha 2-in-1 Travel Belt & Crossbody Bag
 
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Keep a ball cap or other lightweight belongings from getting lost by clipping to your bag or backpack. Quite a versatile clip
Niveaya Travel Hat Clip with Self-Locking Gate
 
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I really appreciate how lightweight this hat clip is. It helps keep your hands free when you don’t want to wear your ball cap or hat.
BAREFOOT CARIBOU Hat Clip for Travel & Hiking
 
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I have this fear of my luggage being split open and all my clothing going in circles on the baggage claim belt. This Cincha luggage belt calms those fears. I still wonder if my bags will get to my destination, but I know they will still be held toget...
Cincha Travel Adjustable Luggage Strap, TSA Approved (Flamingo)
 
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Traveling with a wheelchair means I absolutely need to keep my belongings from slipping and sliding. This mini travel belt has been an essential part of me traveling independently. Easy to hook and unhook, too.
Cincha Mini Travel Belt - Adjustable Luggage Strap
 
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The original size Cincha belt is helpful for keeping a tote or bag on top of your wheeled luggage. I have an assortment of Cincha belts and add-a-bag clips to keep me moving through the airport and when I’m trying to wheel my wheelchair on hotel carp...
Original Cincha Travel Belt Luggage Strap
 
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As a manual wheelchair user, I need my hands to be free. These clips can keep everything help together, clipped out of the way, or just give you an extra hand so you can sip on a cup of coffee. They are helpful to keep in a bag and keep handy when ne...
2PCS Heavy Duty Luggage Straps Black/Blue
 
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I take this little jewelry box with me when I travel. It keeps everything organized and secure. The velvet bag has pockets inside for small treasures.
Jewelry Case
 
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I have a Calpak hard sided carry on. It maneuvers well with one hand. I’m able to manage it while making my way through the airport in my manual wheelchair. Mine is scraped and scratched from many airline miles of travel, but it hasn’t ever fallen ap...
Luggage, Suitcases & More

Packable Wardrobe That Works

Clothes that travel well, feel good, and don’t fight your body or gear. These are staples for disabled travelers — easy to layer, wrinkle-resistant, adaptive when needed, and ready for everything from security lines to room service. Prioritizing com...
 
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Grab one in every color. Light packing. No weird seams to dig into legs while using a wheelchair. Easy to wash and hang dry during travel. Super easy to throw a jacket on for a business casual look, or dress up for an evening. So versatile. I bring s...
Presidio Dress - Athleta - Gap
 
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Easy on and easy off. Light weight. Can wash in hotel sink and hang dry. Adjustable at the hem to shorten or loosen. One of my most comfy items to travel with. The black one is so versatile. Doesn’t take up much room in luggage!
Flex Jumpsuit | Athleta - Gap

Backup Plans + Just-in-Case Kit - Stay Ready for the Unexpected

Gear that keeps your plans from falling apart when delays, breakdowns, or access barriers show up.
 
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Love these small tins of bandages and antibiotic ointment. Toss in your bag for all those little oopsies!
Welly Quick Fix Colorwash First Aid Kit, 2 Pack
 
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Here is a little bit of DOT info about traveling with a disability
Traveling with a Disability
 
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Info about accessibility needs for travelers
Accessibility Needs for Travelers

Flying, Driving, and Everything Between

Transit doesn’t have to break you. Tools for navigating airports, car rides, hotels, and every stop in between.
 
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This dressing stick does double duty. I use a dressing stick in my wheelchair accessible van so that I can reach the tie downs for my wheelchair independently. I can hit the release button, as well as pull the tie down towards me. I keep it within re...
Nourislif 27'' Dressing Stick for Elderly
 
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If you’re driving to your destination and need a little extra support, this cushion gives your tailbone a break.
KYSMOTIC Super Large Gel Seat Cushion for Hip Pain
 
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This Purple brand cushion can offer a little extra cushioning and support during long drives.
Purple Royal Seat Cushion - Car & Office
 
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When you gotta go, you gotta go. This leak proof and spill free urinal is helpful when a rest stop isn’t in sight, or even while camping, so you don’t have to leave your tent at night.
Loona Premium Female Urinal - Quiet, No Splash - Blue
 
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I use this as a multi purpose tool. I keep one in my vehicle to help assist me with tie downs on and off my chair (with the help of a dressing stick I keep handy), and I use it to move my footplate of my power chair up and down independently. These a...
Long Handled Boot Puller is a Great Adaptive Tool

Bathroom Logistics? Solved - Bathroom + Changing Room Access

Products that support safe, discreet, and clean bathroom routines while traveling.
 
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I think these are more comfortable than other brands and styles. They are lightweight and packable for trips and flights.
Depend Silhouette Women's Incontinence Underwear, Medium, Max Absorbency, 14 Count
 
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This powder is helpful to avoid chaffing, friction, and heat rashes. I always keep it on hand during the summer and while traveling.
Anti Monkey Butt Body Powder for Women, Talc-Free, 8 oz, 2 Pack
 
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This no rinse spray formula has a light scent, similar to a baby wipe. This is helpful to keep on hand for incontinence, when you just want to feel a little bit more clean, or freshening up after a long flight.
No-Rinse Peri-Wash 8 fl oz - Pack of 3

Personal Comfort & Care - Your comfort belongs on the itinerary too

Products that help with body support, hygiene, and temperature control, especially in unfamiliar spaces.
 
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I don’t just save this for travel. I keep one in my bag every day. This travel set contains a brush, small toothpaste, and interdental brush. Very lightweight. Absolutely an essential every day carry that is perfect for your summer travel plans.
Curaprox Travel Set Green
 
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My daughter introduced me to these. They are lightweight for travel and easily packable. I keep one in my bag on my wheelchair to use throughout the day. Perfect for on-the-go wherever you are headed.
Touchland Power Mist Hand Sanitizer Trio
 
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Long flights require a few comfort items. It is worth it to keep a travel pillow with you to make your trip a bit more tolerable
napfun Upgraded Memory Foam Travel Neck Pillow
 
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Keeping a button hook and zipper pull in your travel items allows for a little more independence for solo travel. This version is helpful because it has a finger hook. I purchased this and use it daily. Very handy and inexpensive accessibility tool.
Vive Button Hook with Finger Hole - Dressing Aid
 
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I use this leg lifting strap to help me move my legs to get out of bed independently. I travel with it so I bend it a little bit to fit in my luggage (if flying). Doesn’t add weight to my luggage but allows me to keep traveling on my own!
RMS 42 Inch Long Leg Lifter - Durable Strap