Traveling as a disabled person can create lots of challenges and cause apprehension. I travel despite the challenges and turn the obstacles into opportunities. I am a fearless traveler who makes it my mission to inform other people with disabilities that traveling is a way to feel free and more independent.

Fearless Mobility

I use a battery powered scooter as a mobility aid because of Myasthenia Gravis and Rheumatoid Arthritis and the resulting weakness, pain and fatigue.  This can be a barrier when traveling because of its size and weight. Thankfully we have a lift for our vehicle for road trips. When flying, I chose to use a wheelchair provided by the airline and someone to push the chair. The scooter is stored with baggage. Although I’m relying on someone else, it allows me to go to far off destinations.  Then watch out for me as I become fearless on my scooter and zip around when I arrive.

“We`re unflappable on the road. We seem to be fearless right now.” Chris Drury

Fearless Health Precautions

I’m prone to get sick when I’m around a lot of other people because of a compromised immune system.  Good hand washing, eating healthy food, getting enough sleep can all help me avoid illness. If going out of the country, it’s important to check if vaccines are needed and if there are any travel alerts for the flu, malaria and other illnesses. When I’m home and go to stores or my daughter’s school, I can get sick too. I’m fearless, but take precautions.

“I tend to think you`re fearless when you recognize why you should be scared of things, but do them anyway.” Christian Bale

Fearless Travel Planning

Going to a strange place and being out of my comfort zone can cause stress which can result in a flare up of one or more of the medical conditions I have. I plan ahead and double check my reservations being sure that any special accommodations I need are taken care of by the airline and hotel.  I make use of deep breathing, relaxation techniques and prescribed medication. When I see the beautiful scenery, meet new people from other cultures, I’m fearless and want to visit every single amazing site.

“Fear–who cares?” Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

Fearless Travel Twitter Party

WHEN: May 7, 9-10 pm EDT (8-9 pm CT; 7-8 pm MT; 6-7 pm PT)

WHO: Panelists @TravelingMoms @KimOrlando @DebMomOf3 @CindyRichards @MaryHeston @LisaSamples @ConnieFoggles

WHAT: Twitter party – Fearless Travel

HOW TO JOIN: Follow the hashtags #TMOM and #BigC2

PRIZES: We’ll be giving away a Sony Pictures prize pack with copies of The Big C – Season 1 and 2, The Vow, Smurfs, and Zookeeper. We will also give away DVDs of The Big C Season 2 throughout the party.

RSVP: Fearless Travel Twitter Party

I wrote this as a compensated Twitter Party host for TravelingMom.com. All opinions are my own.