What’s inside the bag of a wheelchair travel blogger? Each item that I carry in my travel bag has a purpose, and the products listed here are ones that I couldn’t live without while exploring the world in a wheelchair.
Apple’s AirPods Pro are my everyday headphones, easy to use and they pair perfectly with my smartphone and laptop. Their portability makes them an accessory I just can’t live without and, if they’re not in my ears, they’re in my jeans pocket!
I’ve found that duffel bags are the easiest type of luggage to carry if you are a power wheelchair user – just sling the shoulder strap over the seatback and roll away on your wheelchair travel adventure! My Briggs & Riley Nylon duffel works as a carry-on or checked bag and is protected with a lifetime warranty — the manufacturer will repair ANY damage to the bag.
It may not always be possible to use the airplane lavatory, but keeping a TravelJohn disposable urinal in my bag has saved me from disaster numerous times. This leak-proof urinal instantly turns liquids to gel, ensuring that you won’t make a mess after you go. It’s truly a lifesaver, and I don’t fly without a few tucked in my carry-on.
My GoPro Hero 11 Black camera captures amazing photo and video, and is incredibly easy to use. There is no better way to capture video while traveling, with built-in tools to aid creators of all skill levels and abilities.
If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll need to purchase an adapter for your electronics. The plug adapter is not to be confused with the power transformer, which you’ll also need to safely charge a power wheelchair.
Amazon’s Kindle has changed the way I read books. The Kindle makes reading so much easier, faster and more accessible. My favorite model is the Paperwhite, but there are many different models and sizes to choose from.
Attach an Apple AirTag to your checked luggage, wheelchair, backpack, or anything else that’s important to you — it comes in handy when tracking down lost or misplaced items, and you can set an alert to remind you when something has been left behind.
If you’re traveling abroad with a power wheelchair or scooter, you may need to buy a step-up/step-down power transformer, which safely converts the voltage from 220V to 110V, or vice-versa. Without a transformer, you may short out your wheelchair’s charging device.
At home, my preferred soap and shampoo is Asprey London, but when I’m traveling I use C.O. Bigelow products — their hand & body lotion is fantastic and I love the aroma. This travel kit comes with a toiletry bag that can be stuffed in your carry-on or tucked into your checked luggage.
My smartphone is the most important tool I use when exploring a new city. It gives me directions, access to information on WheelchairTravel.org and a helpline should I get into a bind. I make sure it stays fully charged at all times with a portable power bank from Anker, which has both USB-A and USB-C charging ports.
The only place I wear an eye mask is on the airplane — I sleep best in complete darkness, and while some airlines provide free eye masks, they’re never any good. I love my Manta mask because it is super adjustable and there is no flap that will cover my nose. If you want to get better sleep on the plane, whether you’re seated in first class or coach, this is my go to.
I travel with two backpacks and a duffel bag. Neither of my backpacks are made anymore (they’ve really held up!), my most affordable pack is made by OGIO, and this model is basically equivalent — give it a look! I hang my bags from hooks on the back of my power wheelchair.
Airlines have invested in amazing inflight entertainment libraries with some of the latest movies, but you don’t want to listen to the audio on throwaway headphones. The AirFly makes it possible to connect your AirPods or other wireless headphones to the entertainment system at your seat. It makes a HUGE difference!
Protect your passport from damage with this stylish brown leather passport holder that includes slots for credit cards, ID cards, and cash — you’ll be much less likely to lose these critically important items when you store them together.
With this memory foam neck pillow, you’ll get better rest whether you’re traveling in a plane, train, bus or automobile! The memory foam adjusts to fit you and the pillow firs into a carry bag when not in use — all for less than 20 bucks, a much better deal than a standard neck pillow that you’ll pay $50 for at the airport.