Traveling Shower Hacks

One of the most common questions I get asked regarding my frequent traveling is how I shower. Of course, this depends on our lodging situation, whether it be a hotel, a friend's house, a campsite, or even a college dorm room. Traveling as a wheelchair user has its challenges, especially when it comes to something as basic as showering. But navigating these challenges is totally possible, and it can add to the adventure of exploring new places.

Plan ahead

A little planning goes a long way. When booking your stay, asking about accessible showers is a must. While a roll-in shower is the ideal scenario, it’s not always available. Calling the hotel ahead of time and getting clear explanation of the bathroom set-up can help you figure out if your shower chair will even fit in their accessible bathroom, or not.

Bringing your chair

If you can, bringing your own shower chair along for the ride is great. I have done this when going on cruise ships or driving my own vehicle and know that my destination has a roll-in shower that is large enough for me, my shower chair, and the person assisting me. But there are times when bringing it just isn’t practical, or you might find that it doesn’t fit in the provided space. That’s when being adaptable is key.

Creative solutions

Flexibility can lead to some ingenious shower setups.If a standard shower chair isn’t an option, alternatives like pool chairs, camping chairs, or even using your own wheelchair (with some modifications) can work in a pinch. On a trip to Italy, for example, adapting a chair from the pool area with some extra towels for cushioning and support did the trick.

I have found myself in a few scenarios where only a tub is available. It’s not our ideal situation, but we have learned to recline and tilt my wheelchair all the way back and back into the bathtub. With extra towels covering the chair, I am often able to at least wash my hair in the shower. I have also done the old-school hairdresser trick and wait on countertops to wash my hair in the sink.

My number one hack

One of the simplest solutions is to pick up an inexpensive camping chair at your destination. This avoids the hassle of traveling with bulky items and ensures you have a chair that’s suited for water use. Look for a chair with solid back and arm support to keep things comfortable. Most camping chairs are designed to fit well in shower spaces.

I have found folding camping chairs to be the cheapest, easiest, and even most comfortable accessibility hack when traveling. I often times, just dispose of it, or leave it for a friend since it was so inexpensive to begin with. I also travel with one in the back of my car all the time just in case I need to hop in the shower wherever I’m going. Hopefully that’s not often, but I have definitely used it more than once.

Communication is key

Don’t hesitate to ask for what you need. Whether it’s details about the room’s amenities or help finding a temporary solution for showering, clear communication can make all the difference. It’s all about ensuring your accommodation is as comfortable and accessible as possible.

Traveling with a wheelchair means facing some extra hurdles, but it shouldn’t put a damper on your adventures. With some preparation and a bit of creativity when it comes to showering, you can enjoy your travels to the fullest.