Travelling in hot weather can be challenging for anyone, but when you live with a disability, chronic illness, fatigue, pain, or mobility issues, those extra challenges can quickly add up.
Over the years I’ve picked up a few simple travel hacks that make life easier when I’m away from home. While many of these tools have accessibility benefits, they’re genuinely useful for everyone, whether you’re heading to Disney, going on a cruise, exploring a city, or simply enjoying a day out in the sunshine.
Here are some of my favourites.
1. Wearable Fans
If you struggle with heat, wearable fans can be an absolute game changer.
Unlike traditional handheld fans, wearable fans leave your hands free while providing a constant flow of air around your face and neck. This can be particularly helpful if you use mobility aids, push a wheelchair, use walking aids, or simply have your hands full while travelling.
They’re lightweight, rechargeable, and easy to pop into a bag when not in use.
2. Packing Cubes
Packing cubes are one of those things that seem unnecessary until you try them.
They help keep your suitcase organised and make it much easier to find what you’re looking for without unpacking everything. I also use different cubes to separate:
- Clean clothes
- Dirty laundry
- Outfits I’ve worn but can wear again
- Clothes that need washing
It saves a surprising amount of time and energy, especially if you’re moving between different hotels or travelling for longer periods.
3. Bungee Cords
Bungee cords aren’t the most glamorous travel accessory, but they’re incredibly useful.
I often use them to secure folded mobility aids during transport or keep equipment together when travelling. They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and take up very little room in your luggage.
Even if you don’t use mobility aids, they can be useful for securing bags, luggage, camping equipment, or awkward items that don’t quite stay where you want them.
4. Solar Buddies Suncream Applicator
Applying suncream can be surprisingly difficult if you experience pain, fatigue, reduced grip strength, or limited mobility.
The Solar Buddies applicator combines a refillable suncream container with a sponge applicator, making it much easier to apply sunscreen without getting it all over your hands.
As a wheelchair user, I particularly appreciate not ending up with slippery push rims afterwards.
It’s less messy, requires less effort, and encourages me to reapply suncream more regularly.
5. AirTags
We started using AirTags during our trip to Disneyland Paris and they’ve become a permanent travel essential.
While they’re often used for luggage tracking, we found them useful for keeping track of each other in busy locations. Large theme parks, airports, cruise terminals, and tourist attractions can all be overwhelming places to navigate.
Having an easy way to locate each other gave us a little extra peace of mind throughout the trip.
6. Carabiners
A simple carabiner can solve a surprising number of travel problems.
I use them to attach water bottles, shopping bags, hotel key cards, and other essentials to my wheelchair or backpack.
They’re small, lightweight, and incredibly versatile. Having important items attached and easy to reach can save a lot of frustration throughout the day.
7. A Bum Bag
A good bum bag (or fanny pack if you’re reading from outside the UK) has become one of my favourite travel accessories.
It keeps my essentials close at hand without needing to carry a bag on my shoulders or balance items on my lap. I can easily access things like:
- Phone
- Wallet
- Medication
- Lip balm
- Hotel key card
- Earplugs
Having everything in one accessible place makes travelling much less stressful.
8. Visible Armband and App
Pacing can be one of the hardest parts of travelling when you live with a chronic illness.
It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement of a holiday and accidentally do too much, especially when you’re somewhere you’ve been looking forward to visiting for months.
I use the Visible armband and app to monitor my energy levels and help me make more informed pacing decisions throughout the day.
Did I still go over budget? Absolutely.
But having that information helped me understand what was happening and adjust my plans for the rest of the trip.
What Are Your Favourite Travel Hacks?
These are the tools and tricks that make travelling easier for me, but I’m always looking for new ideas.
Do you have a travel hack that saves time, energy, spoons, or stress?
I’d love to hear it.
Feel free to get in touch through social media or leave a comment and share your favourite travel tip.
