For many wheelchair users, the biggest challenge of travelling isn't the flight itself—it's everything that comes before it;  Will the hotel have genuinely accessible rooms? Can the wheelchair be charged? Will there be suitable transport? Are medical supplies packed? Is there a backup plan if something goes wrong? Even a simple weekend away can feel like a military operation.

This cartoon captures that wonderful moment of optimism. The title board proudly declares "Japan Here We Come!" while, quietly in the corner, the wheelchair charger reminds us that freedom often comes with a long checklist of practical considerations. Most travellers worry about forgetting their passport. Someone living with SCI is just as likely to worry about forgetting the charger that keeps their independence moving.

The good news is that thousands of people with spinal cord injuries prove every year that adventure doesn't stop after injury—it simply requires better planning. With the right equipment, knowledgeable carers and careful preparation, the world remains full of places waiting to be explored.

That's why we place such emphasis on practical problem-solving throughout our spinal injury training. Understanding the everyday realities of travel, equipment, routines and contingency planning helps carers give their clients the confidence to say "yes" to new experiences instead of "maybe next year."

Next week on Life of Lionel: We'll be seeing how Lionel's friend Freida get's on at home.

If you use a wheelchair or care for someone who does, what's the biggest challenge you've faced when travelling—and what advice would you give someone planning their first big adventure?