Traveling with Your Rollator: Tips from a Fellow Adventurer

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My bubbly and funny aunt Margaret has been busy traveling around the world with her rollator walker for the past two years or so.

I’m so amazed at her, even in her early seventies, she doesn’t let her disabilities stop her, and she even travels alone!

She knows I write product reviews and informational posts about rollator walkers, so in between some of her trips, I asked her to give me a few tips for my readers, which she happily did for me.

I couldn’t help rolling over laughing when I read this, LOL

Hi, I’m Margaret. I’ve traveled all around with my rollator for the last two years now—you know, it has been quite a journey! From busy, noisy airports, pushing and squeezing me onto crowded buses, to fitting into a small rented car in Italy. So, grab a cup of coffee and let’s talk about how to really make that trip with your rollator easy.

Conquering the Airport: Lessons from My First Flight

I’ll never forget my first time flying with my rollator. I was a nervous wreck! But here’s what I’ve learned:

Call your airline ahead of time. That really is a game-changer. On my first trip, I didn’t do this and ended up in a panic at the check-in counter, LOL. Now, I always call at least 48 hours before my flight.

Here’s my airport routine:

• I remove my rollator’s basket and put it in my carry-on. Learned this the hard way when my basket went missing in Chicago!
• I’ve tied a bright red ribbon to my rollator. Makes it easy to spot and prevents mix-ups.
• At security, I usually get a manual check. The TSA agents have always been super helpful.

Pro tip from a frequent flyer: Request a bulkhead seat. Your knees (and your rollator) will thank you.

Public Transit Tales: From Mishaps to Mastery

Oh boy, my first bus ride with my rollator was… interesting. I nearly toppled over when the bus started moving! No worries, though; here’s how I figured it out—what to do:

• Check your local transit website for accessibility info. Some cities (like my hometown) have great resources.
• Make eye contact with the driver as the bus approaches. They’ll usually lower the ramp for you.
• Sit near the front if you can. It’s easier to maneuver and you won’t have to roll far when it’s your stop.

Funny story: I once got my rollator wheels stuck in a train gap. A kind stranger helped me out, and now we’re Facebook friends!

Car Tetris: Fitting Your Rollator in Your Vehicle

Ah, the joys of playing car Tetris with your rollator. I drive a compact car, so this was a challenge at first. Here’s my method:

1. Fold the rollator (if it’s foldable).
2. Open the car door or trunk – I prefer the back seat.
3. Lift carefully – I learned the hard way to bend my knees, not my back!
4. Place it in the car and secure it. I use a bungee cord to keep it from sliding around.

My every-day rollator is quite heavy, so I bought a more lightweight one specifically for travel. Best decision ever!

Bonus Tips from a Seasoned Traveler

Here are a few extra nuggets of wisdom for you, based on my travel experiences:

• Pack light. I once overpacked and could barely manage my rollator and luggage. Never again!
• Bring a small toolkit. You’d be surprised how often a loose screw needs tightening.
• Get a rollator bag. Mine has been a lifesaver for keeping essentials handy.
• Don’t hestitate to ask for help, because most people are genuinely happy to assist.

Build a picture of this in you mind, your rollator is your ticket to adventure, not a barrier. I’ve rolled through the streets of Paris, along the beaches of Hawaii, and even tackled the cobblestones of Rome (though that last one was a bit bumpy!).

So, what are you waiting for? The world is waiting to be explored, one roll at a time. Happy travels, my friends!