A person with a visual impairment is walking with a walking cane.

Accommodations can be tricky, as different people and countries have different ideas and standards regarding accessibility. It's wise to know in advance the size and width of your wheelchair, walker, or other mobility device so you can clearly explain what's necessary and make sure it is available prior to your arrival. PHOTO

There are a number of things you should look for before going on your trip. These include:

• Bathrooms should have grab rails, commodes, shower stalls, and bath lifts.
• The room as a whole should have a bed that's neither too high nor too low for you to get in and out of, sufficient room to turn a wheelchair or walker, wide doors, and ramps as needed. If a bed is too high, don't be afraid to ask hotel staff to have it moved to a lower frame.
• Travelers with visual impairments could benefit from special television sets, large-print signs, bright lighting, and special services, such as guides for visually impaired tourists.
• Travelers who have hearing impairments could use televisions with subtitles, special alarm and telephone equipment, as well as guides who know sign language.

A house surrounded by greenery.

In the U.S., public restrooms must have at least one stall designed for access. (Note: There are now high-tech applications for finding restrooms when out and about, such as SitorSquat and Have2Pee (http://www.sitorsquat.com or http://www.have2p.com/have2p ).

Accommodations are important, but it's also wise to consider how close the hotel is to attractions you'll want to see, whether it has a restaurant, an accessible swimming pool, etc. Again, a little research in advance will pay off handsomely. For more information on what to look for and questions to ask before booking, please see: Wheelchair Accessible Hotels (http://www.whenwetravel.com/travel_destination_hotel/wheelchair_accessiblem_hotels.jsp ). The site also lists hotels and "Bed and Breakfasts" with at least one accessible room.