Whatever your travel dreams, resolve to make them come true. (Shutterstock)

Imagine sitting in your wheelchair atop the Great Wall of China, or at the site of Ernest Shackleton's doomed expedition into the Antarctic, or anywhere else an intrepid explorer might wish to go.

Nancy and Nate Berger have done it and they share their inspiring story and world travelling advice for the disabled at their website (disabledtravelersguide.com). It's just part of the enormous fund of practical resources and encouraging advice that insists today tourists with disabilities can go just about anywhere and do practically anything. That's not to say it's easy. Disabled travel requires an extra investment of time, preparation and determination. The good news is those who have gone before you, and the growing group of travel experts specializing in helping challenged holidaymakers, have lots of good advice to offer.

Based on their learnings and on personal experience, here are the top 10 tips for travellers with disabilities:

10. Simplify airline travel. Reserve far in advance, explain exactly what you need and check your reservation has been confirmed as requested. Ask about disability services on board, such as aisle chairs to transfer you to the bathroom. Avoid connecting flights if you're bringing a scooter or wheelchair; if you can't, be sure to label your devices with name, address, gate and flight information, and ask before and during your flight to ensure it will be waiting for you at the gate.

9. Cover your butt, medically speaking. Bring extra medication or supplies, just in case some gets lost or spoiled or you are delayed in returning home. If you're flying, pack your medication and copies of your prescription slips in your carry-on, in case your luggage is lost. Carry medical alert information and the names and contact information for your doctor(s) with you. I always pack a back-up folding cane, in case something happens to my scooter or regular walking stick.

8. Never be afraid to ask for help. Remember that travel staff are paid to help you and other travellers, and any extra assistance you need is part of their job. And, in general, people are happy to provide aid to someone who needs it, particularly if they see you have a disability.

7. Know the law. In many places and situations, travel and service providers will be legally obliged to accommodate you, but may not be familiar with the law. You can only insist on your rights if you know what they are (see points below about the internet and travel agents). Be polite, but firm.

6. Never take hotels for granted. Accommodations for the disabled range from perfect to ridiculous, even within a big chain. Be sure to speak directly to the hotel you're going to, not just their central reservation system. Confirm your reservation guarantees the exact kind of room you want, not just a request for that room.

5. Consider a specialist. Travel agents specializing in disabled and elderly clients are now big business and their knowledge of laws, barriers and opportunities can be invaluable. Starting points would include accessholidays.ca for all disabilities, newdirectionstravel.org for the developmentally disabled, and able-travel.com for adventure travel. A Google search will offer you hundreds more.

4. Get technical. Travel can be hard on wheelchairs and scooters, so a few spare parts, basic tools and the instruction manual often proves handy. From hearing aids to sonar canes, learn how your equipment works and is supposed to be dismantled, cleaned or stored. Know what batteries it uses and, if possible, bring a spare.

3. Help the sighted help you. Visually impaired travellers can make life easier by thinking like a sighted person -- have directions and hotel names written down for others to read, remember the type and colour of your suitcase for porters, and carry a cane (whether you use it or not) to signal others of your disability.

2. The internet is your friend. You will find a vast array of resources online -- forums, advice pages, resource lists, reviews, companies, volunteer groups and much more. You can't go wrong starting with the comprehensive access-able.com or the highly useful disabledtravelers.com.

1. Never say "never." Whatever your travel dreams, resolve to make them come true, regardless of your physical challenges. Around the world, others like you have proven that new technology and old-fashioned determination will take you far ... even in a wheelchair!