Traveling to a foreign country can be daunting for any person, but especially for the wheelchair user. My first international trip with a wheelchair was to Beijing, China, and I was legitimately concerned that I might find myself stuck at the airport. I had so many questions: about accessibility, safety, healthcare, emergencies and more. Thankfully, the trip went off without a hitch (well, except for one) and I gained so much confidence in traveling abroad with a disability.

In this guide, I’ll draw from my experience of wheelchair travel to more than 40 countries and territories across five continents. Frequently abroad, I’ve learned how to navigate the trickiest obstacles and deal with the unexpected consequences of being so far away from home. Use this guide to find answers to the most frequently asked questions about international travel with a wheelchair.