9 Truths Travellers With Disabilities Want You to Hear

Travel can be an empowering and life-changing experience for anyone, but for individuals with disabilities, it often requires extra planning and resilience.

Yet, many have defied the odds to explore the world. Here are their incredible stories and valuable travel tips to inspire your next voyage.

Shivam Porwal

Born in Ahmedabad, Shivam lives with Phocomelia syndrome, a rare condition that left him without lower limbs and with only three fingers on each hand. But…

The 26-year-old adventurer refuses to let his disability limit his passion for travel. From road trips to zip-lining and skydiving, Shivam has fearlessly explored the world. Here are his key tips:

1. Trust yourself

Shivam urges travellers to trust their abilities. When he planned a road trip with his wife, many were sceptical, but with confidence and preparation, they overcame doubts and succeeded.

For road trips, Shivam suggests choosing a customised vehicle for better stability and comfort. He opted for a customised Bullet motorcycle due to its optimum weight, making long-distance travel easy.

3. Travel with a group

Shivam stresses the importance of group travel for bike trips to ensure safety. On his Ahmedabad-to-Ladakh trip, he had a backup vehicle and a travelling mechanic.

Parvinder Chawla

Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis in her school years, Parvinder has travelled solo to 59 countries in her wheelchair. She shares her key advice:

4. Ask for help

Parvinder believes seeking help is not a sign of weakness. She encourages travellers not to hesitate to ask for assistance, as there are always kind people willing to lend a hand.

“Understanding your body and its needs is crucial. Carry medicines and necessary equipment without fail,” she suggests.

5. Pack smart

Before travelling, Parvinder thoroughly researches the accessibility of destinations, especially regarding hotels and homestays.

6. Do thorough research

Living with rheumatoid arthritis, Rency completed a unique mission — navigating the Ganga River in 100 days, despite having limited mobility in his fingers and left leg. Here’s his advice:

Rency Thomas

8. Ensure team support

Having a good team to back you up in such expeditions is the key to success. “Navigating the high tidal river can be hard but my team has my back and is prepared for anything,” he says.

Priti Vishwakarma: Building a travel business 

For many epilepsy patients, the unpredictable nature of seizures often restricts their freedom to travel. But Priti refused to let her condition hold her back.

But she did not let her condition limit her aspirations. She founded her own travel company, Womaniya on Roadtrips, empowering women to explore the world safely.

In sharing tips on convincing parents to embark on solo trips, she recommends assuring them of the company’s commitment to safety.

9. How to convince your parents?

With women guides and comprehensive security measures, Priti’s travel company prioritises the well-being of its clients.