Dan McIntyre is a freelance writer exploring the UK and Europe by car. As a wheelchair user and disabled traveller, he writes with a keen eye for detail and a passion for meaningful connection. His stories offer insight into the world of accessible travel, independence, and the quiet power of being prepared. When he’s not driving down winding roads, he’s often behind a camera, capturing planes, trains, or anything else with wheels and character.
In this article, Dan shares his carefully curated list of travel essentials for disabled travellers, filled with items many might overlook—but no wheelchair user should leave behind.
Packing for control, not just comfort
Most people pack for comfort. I pack for control. Sure, I double-check my passport and my phone charger, but just as important are the spare leg bags, a stash of catheters, and the spanners that once saved a weekend road trip to the Highlands.
My suitcase doesn’t just carry clothes. It carries independence, dignity, and the quiet confidence that I’m ready for whatever the road throws at me.
As a wheelchair user who travels solo across the UK and Europe by car, I’ve learned to pack not for worst-case scenarios, but for peace of mind. Here’s what I never leave behind.
The mobile workshop: DIY mobility aid repair kit
Inside a small pouch: Allen keys, adjustable spanners, spare bearings. They’ve helped me tighten a wobbly caster in a rural Spanish village and adjust a footplate on a rainy night in Fife. Some carry a toolkit for their car. I carry one for my legs.
I should also mention my adaptations for driving, which include my push-pull hand controls (with built-in indicator switch) and my steering ball for easy single-handed driving.
Travel tip for wheelchair users: If your car has an air compressor for inflating the tyres, it is possible to inflate your wheelchair tyres with this. If not, get a bicycle pump. And a puncture repair kit.
The invisible essentials: disability travel hygiene & care
Behind every confident trip lies a ziplock bag of essentials: catheters, spare leg bags, and valves. They might be discreet, but they’re non-negotiable. I also carry a towel and a change of clothes—because protecting your dignity on the road means being prepared.
Accessibility tip: If you have an indwelling catheter, either urethral or suprapubic, pack some night bags as well. They’re great for long journeys without having to stop at every service station to empty your leg bag.
CPAP and rest: breathing easy on the road
My CPAP machine has its own VIP status. Power cords, tubing, masks, filter spares – all pre-packed in a designated bag that stays by the door. Sleep isn’t optional. Rested, I can drive 300 miles through the French countryside without thinking twice.
Travel health tip: Add a tag to your CPAP bag with your name and phone number on it, just in case. If you need to use one, then you know the importance of always having it with you.
Layers, comfort, and a touch of home
Comfort isn’t just a luxury—it’s a strategy. I always pack an extra fleece for warmth and skin protection during long drives. Little touches like a familiar scent, a playlist of my favourite tracks, and a stash of instant coffee turn a car into something like home.
Solo accessible travel tip: Keep snacks and drinks within reach. Sandwiches, biscuits, juice, or water can make a world of difference, especially when you’re driving solo across long distances.
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Accessible travel equals self-reliance
This isn’t about fearing disaster – it’s about creating freedom. Every item in my kit is a declaration of self-reliance. Because when the world wasn’t designed for you, you design your own way through it, with foresight, resilience, and maybe a spanner tucked in the glovebox.
If you’re a disabled traveller, a wheelchair user, or someone planning a more accessible travel experience, consider what gives you peace of mind, not just convenience. Travel is freedom, but that freedom is built on preparation.
From practical tips to personal rituals, my road kit has evolved from necessity into empowerment. And that’s a journey worth sharing.
You can find out more about Dan McIntyre by visiting his website and following him on Instagram.
Every journey is unique, and so is every packing list. If you’re a disabled traveller, wheelchair user, or someone navigating accessible travel in your own way, we’d love to hear from you. What are the must-haves in your travel kit? What hacks or habits give you peace of mind on the road? Share your experiences in the comments box, on social media or contact us to share your personal story.