Latest news with #Tray


Forbes
24-06-2025
- Business
- Forbes
New integration threads are needed to form the data fabric for AI.
New data integration threads are needed to weave a stronger data fabric for AI use cases. Data demands direction. Left on its own, any information resource is of comparatively little value in and of itself until it is applied to a specific use case, inside a specific application (or other data service) through the specified calculations of an algorithm and under the auspices of a specific set of controls for provisioning, maintenance and management. Nowhere is this simple enough truth more evident than in AI. The technology industry loves to remind us that in AI, it's 'garbage in, garbage out' and that we should focus on the provenance and preparation of data long before we start to think about giving it a seat at the dinner (or boardroom) table and putting it to work. Sloppy Data In AI While the average user might expect data injection, ingestion and integration within the bedrock of AI to be a precise science, instances of AI can experience limitations as a result of poorly aligned data channels. It's not so much a case of garbage in or out, more a case of trying to work with good ingredients, but while working from the garbage heap… with refuse getting the way and a lack of clean work surfaces. In data wrangling terms, that translates to AI being built on incomplete knowledge bases, AI being deployed through public cloud computing resources or on-premises equipment that has memory limitations, the use of misaligned large language models and a lack of fluid 'information transports' exacerbated by rigid interaction channels. This is the pain point that AI integration and automation platform company Tray seeks to remedy. Rich Waldron, co-founder and CEO of Tray says that his firm's Merlin Agent Builder addresses the gap between agent deployment and real-world user adoption. Something like a sat-nav system designed to make sure AI agents not only get built, but actually get used and driven, he says that (all too often) agent experiences feel clunky and disconnected. 'This is because agents lose context, rely on narrow knowledge and force users to start from scratch in every session. Behind the scenes, IT and AI teams struggle to align the right LLMs to the right use cases, especially in multi-agent environments. Without flexible deployment options, it's hard to meet users where they work,' said Waldon 'To bridge the adoption gap, agents need smarter data access, built-in memory, LLM flexibility and tailored user interactions… and all that needs to be built to drive sustained usage, not just prototypes and demos.' Not A Services Wrapper Waldron's fellow co-founder and company CTO Alistair Russell insists that, 'Merlin Agent Builder isn't a services wrapper. It's a fundamental part of our product and is built for ease of use and scale.' By which he means that this product doesn't do what a service wrapper technology does i.e. act as an intermediary abstraction layer that enables non-native computing services to run on an operating system that they were not specifically designed for. Although service wrappers are popular for a variety of use cases (they extend functionality, enable management options and can provide granular control), Russell is suggesting that his firm's tools go deeper and work at the lower substrate layer, weaving a set of interconnections that exist far closer to where data itself is born. 'Our platform handles chunking [diving data into more manageable, digestible pieces] and embedding at the source, ensuring each data source is optimally segmented and vectorized so agents are grounded in high-signal, relevant context. That means fewer retrieval failures, more reliable decisions and agents that reason and take action," explained Russell. He asks us to imagine building an IT help desk agent to automate ticket resolution. But the knowledge it needs (past tickets, solution articles, internal policies etc.) is scattered across siloed systems. When agents can't find the right data for the user, user trust breaks down. The answers offered by agentic AI at this level start to 'feel a bit off' and conversations fall flat. 'For the teams building agents, one of the most time-consuming, technically challenging parts is grounding the agent in the right data. They rely on custom ingestion pipelines or manual preprocessing, burning developer time just to prepare knowledge for agent use. Even then, keeping that data updated and consistently accessible across agents is a challenge,' said Russell. 'Tray's data sources [controls] eliminate the barrier on both ends by making it easy for users to connect and sync structured and unstructured knowledge from file uploads or sources like Google Drive.' Today he laments, we are at a point where an IT help desk agent is answering follow-ups and handling escalations, but every time a user returns, it forgets the context of their earlier issue. This is because most agents forget everything between conversations. Short-term context often gets lost in other platforms due to token limits and storage constraints. Long-term memory usually requires custom engineering or patchwork workarounds to avoid frustrated users and disconnected experiences. To address this, the Tray team says that Merlin Agent Builder now includes maximum short- and long-term memory, so agents can track session history and refer back to prior conversations automatically. Competitive Analysis, iPaaS Integration For all Tray's data management, data wrangling, data channeling and data integration capabilities, it's not unreasonable to call the firm an iPaaS player. Analyst house 2025 Gartner places the company in its Magic Quadrant for iPaaS after all. The integration Platform-as-a-Service market is both variagated and various in the types of firms that dominate and proliferate in this space. Top usual suspects in this arena include Boomi, MuleSoft, Workato, SnapLogic, Jitterbit, Informatica and database giant Oracle with its own Oracle Integration Cloud technology. AWS, Microsoft, IBM and Huawei Cloud also all feature in this market. Workato is known for AI-fuelled automation technologies, some of which cover the integration space and many of which fall into the low-code tooling zone. More directly recognized as an integration purist, Boomi (for just over a decade in the 2010s part of Dell, but no longer) offers iPaaS capabilities that run across cloud-native, hybrid mixed environment and legacy data sources. Possibly the 'Windows of the iPaaS market', Boomi is thought of as user-friendly, but without the more advanced application programming interface connectivity that some vendors boast in this arena. Absolutely API-first is MuleSoft (part of Salesforce these days) with its MuleSoft Anypoint Platform, the company is all about API-centricity, API integration, API management and (logically enough these days) API AI. Lesser-known integration brands Jitterbit and Zapier enjoy adoption with smaller to medium-sized businesses that need rather more point-and-click technology services. SnapLogic wins some over for its speedy deployment, its big data alignment and the general appeal of its Iris AI service; commensurately, it loses some prospects over what some feel is its less transparent pricing structure. Data integration is deep and complex, so customer use case contracts shouldn't be, but they sometimes are. Vendors like Celigo get their niche status by offering data itgeration for more defined uses (in this case e-commerce), so think extra governance and security here. IBM App Connect, Microsoft Azure Logic Apps and Tibco Cloud Integration also all make up the smorgasbord of specialists in this market sector. As the iPaaS market continues to develop, AI will (perhaps obviously) feature more prominently as a purchasing decision factor. This will likely enable more iPaaS technologies to move outwards from the datacenter and work at the smart edge in the internet of things, all of which will see more real-time data streaming come to the fore as a critical must-have. All That Agent Talk Watch any news feed on agentic AI services and there are countless pages of new developments telling us about sparkling new agentic functions. Some will be applied to new HR use cases, some will work in disconnected air-gapped deployments such as military-grade software installations, some will offer point-and-click simplicity and some will offer new strains of cloud-native functionality so that they are well-suited to align with Kubernetes orchestration layers and so on. There is an almost infinite variety. What will make fewer headlines are the agentic functions that offer delivery data configuration and integration advancements for smart routing and the ability to maintain continuity across most complex multi-turn interactions, but that's what's happening here. This is a question of data direction for agents so that they steer us the right way and keep us out of the garbage heap.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Weedmaps Teams Up with Iconic LA Artist Robin Eisenberg for Cosmic, Female-Forward Apparel Collection
A vibrant collection that blends cosmic artistry with Weedmaps' authentic cannabis culture. IRVINE, Calif., June 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Weedmaps, the leading cannabis technology company, is proud to unveil its latest limited-edition apparel and accessories collection in collaboration with renowned Los Angeles artist and animator Robin Eisenberg. Known for her ethereal, bold, and body-positive illustrations, Eisenberg brings her unmistakable cosmic aesthetic to the world of cannabis lifestyle wear, marking Weedmaps' first-ever female-forward fashion capsule. Following celebrated partnerships with Vans, Thrasher, and Adult Swim, Robin's newest creative venture channels the beauty of life's small moments infused with stoner-friendly whimsy and her signature galactic style. "Robin's art captures the bold, inclusive spirit of cannabis culture. This collection celebrates creativity and community in a way that's genuinely unique to Weedmaps," said SVP, Markets & Culture, Jonathan JJ Jones. The collection includes glow-in-the-dark ribbed socks, a raffia Leaf Cowboy Hat with enamel charms, an enamel pin pack, and cozy home essentials like the Robin Throw Blanket and quirky Catchall Tray. Apparel standouts include the "Eye Heart" denim jacket, cowgirl-themed tees, and an interstellar "Dreamstate" tank and tee series, each item designed to empower wearers to feel confident, expressive, and seen. With vibrant, inclusive designs and a cosmic-meets-cozy vibe, the Weedmaps x Robin Eisenberg collab is a celebration of cannabis culture, creativity, and confidence. The collection drops June 5th exclusively HERE. Please see images HERE. About WM TechnologyFounded in 2008, WM Technology operates Weedmaps, a leading cannabis marketplace for consumers, as well as a broad set of e-commerce and compliance software solutions for cannabis businesses and brands in U.S. state-legal markets. WM Technology holds a strong belief in the power of cannabis and the importance of enabling safe, legal access to consumers worldwide. Over the past 17 years, the Weedmaps marketplace has become a premier destination for cannabis consumers to discover and browse cannabis-related products, access daily dispensary deals, order ahead for pick-up and delivery by participating retailers (where applicable), and learn about the plant. The Company also offers e-commerce-enabling tools designed to help cannabis retailers and brands reach consumers, create business efficiency, and manage industry-specific compliance needs. The Company is committed to advocating for full U.S. legalization, industry-wide social equity, and continued education about the plant through key partnerships and cannabis subject matter experts. Headquartered in Irvine, California, WM Technology supports remote and hybrid work for eligible employees. Visit Weedmaps at View source version on Contacts Tiffany CumminsTalent Orpress@
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Weedmaps Teams Up with Iconic LA Artist Robin Eisenberg for Cosmic, Female-Forward Apparel Collection
A vibrant collection that blends cosmic artistry with Weedmaps' authentic cannabis culture. IRVINE, Calif., June 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Weedmaps, the leading cannabis technology company, is proud to unveil its latest limited-edition apparel and accessories collection in collaboration with renowned Los Angeles artist and animator Robin Eisenberg. Known for her ethereal, bold, and body-positive illustrations, Eisenberg brings her unmistakable cosmic aesthetic to the world of cannabis lifestyle wear, marking Weedmaps' first-ever female-forward fashion capsule. Following celebrated partnerships with Vans, Thrasher, and Adult Swim, Robin's newest creative venture channels the beauty of life's small moments infused with stoner-friendly whimsy and her signature galactic style. "Robin's art captures the bold, inclusive spirit of cannabis culture. This collection celebrates creativity and community in a way that's genuinely unique to Weedmaps," said SVP, Markets & Culture, Jonathan JJ Jones. The collection includes glow-in-the-dark ribbed socks, a raffia Leaf Cowboy Hat with enamel charms, an enamel pin pack, and cozy home essentials like the Robin Throw Blanket and quirky Catchall Tray. Apparel standouts include the "Eye Heart" denim jacket, cowgirl-themed tees, and an interstellar "Dreamstate" tank and tee series, each item designed to empower wearers to feel confident, expressive, and seen. With vibrant, inclusive designs and a cosmic-meets-cozy vibe, the Weedmaps x Robin Eisenberg collab is a celebration of cannabis culture, creativity, and confidence. The collection drops June 5th exclusively HERE. Please see images HERE. About WM TechnologyFounded in 2008, WM Technology operates Weedmaps, a leading cannabis marketplace for consumers, as well as a broad set of e-commerce and compliance software solutions for cannabis businesses and brands in U.S. state-legal markets. WM Technology holds a strong belief in the power of cannabis and the importance of enabling safe, legal access to consumers worldwide. Over the past 17 years, the Weedmaps marketplace has become a premier destination for cannabis consumers to discover and browse cannabis-related products, access daily dispensary deals, order ahead for pick-up and delivery by participating retailers (where applicable), and learn about the plant. The Company also offers e-commerce-enabling tools designed to help cannabis retailers and brands reach consumers, create business efficiency, and manage industry-specific compliance needs. The Company is committed to advocating for full U.S. legalization, industry-wide social equity, and continued education about the plant through key partnerships and cannabis subject matter experts. Headquartered in Irvine, California, WM Technology supports remote and hybrid work for eligible employees. Visit Weedmaps at View source version on Contacts Tiffany CumminsTalent Orpress@


Hamilton Spectator
21-05-2025
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Tray.ai Named iPaaS Leader Validating its Role as the Enterprise Platform for Composable AI and Agentic Automation
SAN FRANCISCO, May 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — the platform for building smart, secure AI agents at scale, has been named a Leader in the 2025 iPaaS Technology Value Matrix by Nucleus Research. This marks the sixth consecutive year has earned the Leader distinction, recognizing its continued innovation in composability, enterprise governance and a platform built for AI readiness and agent deployment. 'Every AI project is an integration project. That makes iPaaS the critical foundation for deploying agents,' said Rich Waldron, CEO and co-founder of 'Enterprises need one platform to connect systems, apply strong guardrails and power agents that take real action. That's where we focus.' From prototype to production: AI agents that act Merlin Agent Builder gives teams a visual, enterprise-ready way to build AI agents using natural language, reusable tools and built-in guardrails. With Agent Accelerators—pre-built, customizable templates—teams can quickly launch agents for common use cases like ITSM, knowledge management and customer support. Agents can be deployed in Slack, Teams or directly into workflows, and reused across departments with minimal setup. Agent capabilities include: According to Alexander Wurm, Senior Analyst at Nucleus Research: 'With a series of AI innovations and the introduction of Merlin Agent Builder and Agent Accelerators, Tray provides the leading platform for no-code agent development.' A composable foundation for integration, automation, and agent development With the Tray Universal Automation Cloud, enterprises can quickly create AI agents, integrate data, deploy APIs and orchestrate AI-first business processes — all in one place. These capabilities support broader AI, automation and integration goals so that teams can move faster, reduce complexity and scale with confidence. Key AI composability features include: Built-in governance to scale AI with confidence The Tray Universal Automation Cloud's Enterprise Core ensures centralized governance, instrumentation, security and scalability across every agent, integration or automation initiative for complete control. Governance is built into the core of the platform, not treated as an afterthought. These controls ensure that agentic automation can scale securely without compromising visibility, trust or compliance. Key AI governance features include: As enterprises scale their AI initiatives, Tray provides the foundation to move from proof of concept to production in a fast, flexible and safe way. To learn more: About offers a composable AI integration and automation platform that enterprises use to build smart, secure AI agents at scale. It eliminates the need for disparate tools and technologies to integrate and automate sophisticated internal and external business processes and speeds the creation and deployment of high-value, production-ready AI agents. Enterprises can now avoid the traps of high costs and long lead times typical in custom agent development as well as the constraints and silos created by implementing and managing single-purpose agent offers from each SaaS application in the enterprise tech stack. With the development of integrations, the delivery of intelligent apps and the integration of trusted data anywhere is fast, flexible and safe. Learn more at Media Contact: trayaiPR@


National Geographic
05-03-2025
- National Geographic
Mobility aids for accessible travel
By clicking on the featured links, visitors will leave and be directed to third-party e-commerce sites that operate under different terms and privacy policies. As a participant in multiple affiliate marketing programs, National Geographic will earn a commission for certain purchases. See full disclaimer below.* I love exploring new places and enjoying adventures with family and friends. However, as a stroke survivor with autoimmune diseases as well as assorted back and leg issues, mobility considerations—sometimes accompanied by muscle aches and/or joint pain—are a part of my daily life. I also experience frequent vertigo that can make me lose my balance or fall. These are all factors I must consider when planning a trip. Additionally, I help care for, and sometimes travel with, loved ones with an assortment of health conditions, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and Parkinson's disease. Thankfully, I've found a variety of products that have helped me, my friends, and family members get around, especially while traveling. It's important to note that none of these products 'cured' or solved our mobility challenges, and what works for me may not work for everyone. But I've researched and tried many products. The following products have made travel easier for me and my loved ones. The best travel accessories for mobility issues As someone with mobility issues who travels frequently, I have had to search for durable, easy-to-operate products that can help me get around. From a packable walking cane to a portable massager, these are the items I have found most helpful for travel. Packable walking cane: CVS Health Take Along Folding Cane by Michael Graves Design CVS Health Take Along Folding Cane Buy it now at CVS I bought one of these CVS Health canes after seeing actress Selma Blair —who has mobility challenges as a result of multiple sclerosis—post about it on Instagram. I like that it's lightweight and folds up, which makes it easy to take anywhere. It comes with two interchangeable feet options. It's sturdy enough for me, but some people may prefer something heavier. I wish it came with a carrying bag. Walker tote bag: RMS Water-Resistant Tote Bag Photograph courtesy Amazon RMS Walker Tote Bag Buy it now on Amazon This tote bag fits on most walkers. I avoid loading it down with anything too heavy. It's the right size for carrying a few essentials such as a book, notepad, and medications. I like the zippered pocket for securing things like your cellphone or keys. Walker tray: Essential Medical Supply Molded Walker Tray Photograph courtesy Amazon Essential Medical Supply Walker Tray Buy it now on Amazon Made from molded plastic, this tray feels sturdy and is easy to clean. I've used it with different walkers for several relatives, so it seems to have a universal design. It's lightweight enough for travel and easily slides right on top of the walker handles. The lip around the edge contains messes and helps prevent things from rolling off. Travel neck pillow: Cabeau The Neck's Evolution S3 Neck Pillow Photograph courtesy Amazon Cabeau The Neck's Evolution S3 Neck Pillow Buy it now on Amazon I've been traveling long distance for the past 10 years, which has been brutal on my neck and shoulders. This Cabeau neck pillow has helped me get the rest I need on planes and trains. The sides are tall enough to prevent my head from flopping around from side to side. Space in the front keeps the neck pillow from feeling too stifling. It comes with a washable cover in lots of colors. ( Get the rest you need with the right travel pillow ) Foldable grabber: RMS Extra Long Grabber Photograph courtesy Amazon RMS Extra Long Grabber Buy it now on Amazon Some grabbers I've used have been too short, forcing me to bend down or hunch over, which defeats the purpose of a grabber. This one is long enough to reach things easily and has a solid grip for hanging onto even small items. Because it folds up, it's easy to store (I keep a bunch throughout the house, in the garage, and in our travel bags) and take on trips. I have found that the plastic at the 'jaw' part eventually starts to wear, but this grabber is inexpensive enough to replace when needed. ( Here are some great products for arthritic hands ) Photograph courtesy Amazon Columbia Snowtrot Shorty Boot Buy it now on Amazon I live in a cold-weather area and frequently travel to places with similar climates. Winter weather brings all sorts of anxiety-inducing hazardous conditions, such as sliding or falling. These Columbia boots keep my feet warm but also have a grippy tread on the bottom that helps keep my feet planted on the ground. As someone with wider feet prone to swelling after a long day of walking, I appreciate that this style comes in wide sizes. While I like this 'shorty' boot style, Columbia also sells higher-style boots with similar traction and warmth features. If you really want the ultimate traction, these Icebug BUGrip boots have strong studs on the outsoles, making me feel like I'm wearing cleats. ( These are the best walking shoes for plantar fasciitis ) Socks helper: RMS Sock Aid Photograph courtesy Amazon RMS Sock Aid Buy it now on Amazon The Sock Aid is proof that a product doesn't have to be sophisticated or expensive to have a big impact on your quality of life. My husband has back issues and hates having to ask for help putting his socks on each morning. Our kids got him the Sock Aid for Christmas, and he says it's been life-changing. It's simple to use, even on days when his back issues are flaring up. We keep several in our luggage and tote bags, ready for our next trip. Bed strap ladder: Vive Bed Ladder Photograph courtesy Amazon Vive Bed Ladder Buy it now on Amazon Anyone with mobility issues or back problems knows that a 'simple' task like sitting up in bed can often be challenging or even painful. I've noticed my back and joint/muscle pain can be especially bad first thing in the morning. This adjustable bed ladder is simple to use—it clips to the frame at the foot of the bed—and packs easily for overnight stays. Portable massager: Renpho Mini Thermal Massage Gun Renpho Mini Thermal Massage Gun Buy it now at Renpho My aches, pains, and muscle stiffness seem to flare up when I'm traveling, especially after long days on a train or crammed into an airplane seat. This massager quickly helps alleviate my aches and pains, and it's compact enough to fit in my carry-on bag. I especially like the heated function. Besides keeping me warm, it seems to be a big help when my muscles cramp up in cold weather. Folding shower chair: Vive Shower Chair Photograph courtesy Amazon Vive Shower Chair Buy it now on Amazon For those with mobility (or balance) concerns, falling in the shower is a scary—and unfortunately all too common—occurrence. We've used this shower chair to keep several family members safe in the shower. It's comfortable, yet sturdy and easy to clean. The rubber feet help keep it in place on soapy, slippery showers, and the whole thing folds down for easy storage and packing. ( These are the best shoes for back pain ) Bed rail: Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail Photograph courtesy Amazon Stander EZ Adjust Bed Rail Buy it now on Amazon Falling out of bed is a common concern for those with mobility or balance issues, especially while staying in unfamiliar places. I like this bed rail because it does double-duty as both a safety rail and a grab bar for getting out of bed. The bottom slides under the mattress, which in my experience has stayed put due to the weight of the mattress. But it may be a good idea to use the strap for extra security. Installation is a two-person job, but I've found that hotels will send a staff member to assist you. This rail fits all bed sizes and most bed styles, but review the specifications carefully to be sure it will fit the bed you'll be using. Photograph courtesy Amazon Travelers Club Hardside Carry-On Buy it now on Amazon I find lifting and maneuvering luggage to be one of the most challenging travel tasks, especially while navigating through crowded train stations and busy airports. I like this Travelers Club carry-on because it has four sturdy wheels that help prevent it from tipping over, which often happens with two-wheeled models. The compact size and light weight make it easy for me to handle, but it's surprisingly roomy. If I need more space, I can easily expand it. This bag is pretty durable—I'm pretty hard on luggage and have knocked mine around quite a bit, yet it still looks good. Compression socks: Sockwell Compression Socks Photograph courtesy Sockwell Sockwell Compression Socks Buy it now at Sockwell As a stroke survivor, blood clots are a big concern for me. My doctors recommend compression socks, especially when I'm flying or otherwise sitting for long periods of time. I didn't think compression socks could be cute or stylish, so I was pleasantly surprised to discover Sockwell (the dragonfly style is one of my favorites). These compression socks achieve the Goldilocks balance—enough compression for the benefits I need, but not so much that they're uncomfortable. Pacas Compression Socks are another good option, especially for traveling in cold weather. ( The best compression socks for travelers ) Travel tumbler: Brumate Muv Tumbler Photograph courtesy Brumate Brumate Muv Tumbler Buy it now at Brumate I like taking my coffee or other drinks in this Brumate Muv Tumbler. It's big enough to hold plenty of my favorite hot and cold drinks. I appreciate the drinking/positioning options, so I'm not fumbling around trying to reach the opening while juggling bags. The huge handle is one of my favorite features. It's so easy to hold, even when I'm experiencing grip issues. ( These are some our favorite travel coffee mugs ) Disability lanyard: Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Lanyard and ID Card Buy it now on Amazon Recently, the sunflower has become a discreet signal of 'hidden' disabilities, such as autism and autoimmune diseases, which may not be easily noticeable on the outside. I've traveled with a few people who wear sunflower lanyards, like this one. The lanyards are a fast and easy way to let people know you may need extra support or patience when navigating airports, train stations, or other crowded areas. Travel belt: FlipBelt Adjustable Travel Belt Photograph courtesy Amazon FlipBelt Adjustable Travel Belt Buy it now on Amazon This travel belt has saved me from countless headaches. You can slide smaller items into either of the ends, or stash IDs or other important items in the zippered pocket. One of the best features of this belt is how easy it is to take off at security screenings. There are a couple of different FlipBelt designs, but I find this adjustable Velcro style the easiest to get on and off. How we chose the best mobility aids for travel I compiled this list based on items that have been helpful to me or my loved ones. When I chose these mobility aids for travel, I took the following into consideration: • Durability: I chose products that were built to last through the rigors of travel. • Portability: I prefer items that are lightweight and can fold down into a compact footprint. • Ease of use: Travel can be stressful, so it's important to me that mobility products are easy to use (and assemble, if applicable). • Price: I'm a bargain shopper and like to get the most bang for my buck, so I looked for items that offer good value for the price. • Recommendations and reviews: I place lots of weight on recommendations from friends and family, along with positive reviews from my healthcare providers or those who work in the healthcare field. Tips for buying accessible travel gear There are many kinds of physical mobility limitations, so your particular circumstances will dictate how you shop and which products will be most helpful to you. I kept the following considerations in mind when I was shopping for products that worked for me and my loved ones. You should consult your healthcare providers before purchasing anything. Consider how practical they are for using on the go Many items help make my life easier at home, but some aren't practical for the road. Ideally, I choose mobility items that are easy for me to transport and operate (and assemble) alone. Safety is the top priority Space constraints and other factors often limit how much you can take with you when traveling. If I need to prioritize, I always focus on safety-related essentials first. Review any relevant regulations If you're traveling by air from or within the United States, federal Department of Transportation rules dictate what qualifies as a mobility aid or device. Those rules determine how and where aids or devices can be stored on an airplane (and whether you'll have to pay an extra baggage fee). For bus or train travel, check the policies on the company website. Get insight from people you trust Friends and family members who have similar mobility issues can provide feedback based on their first-person experience. You can also ask your medical providers for recommendations. I've found that healthcare aides and others who provide direct support to people with mobility issues can offer great advice in this area. Frequently asked questions How do people with mobility issues travel? Everyone's situation is different, but I've found that many people with mobility issues (including myself) can still travel, but good preparation is the key. I make a detailed plan that includes where I'm going, how I'll get there, and any challenges I may encounter along the way. This helps me identify the assistance or support products that I'll need most. I also research available assistance, such as staff, who can help me transport items while navigating through the airport. How do you travel with walking problems? This will depend on your circumstances and limitations. I've found it helps to have a cane, walker, or other item to lean on for support, especially when standing in line for extended periods. I also give myself plenty of time to get where I need to go (including getting through security checkpoints). That way, I'm not rushing, which can sometimes risk injury. I also consider any available resources, such as wheelchair assistance, at the airport. How to get disability boarding? In the U.S., airline carriers must assist passengers with disabilities to get on and off the flight and get around the airport. They must allow these passengers to board first, if they request it. Travelers can typically indicate special needs when booking. However, you can also ask the gate agent at the airport—just be sure to arrive early enough to get to the gate and make this request before boarding begins. Bobbi Dempsey is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in Parade, The New York Times, Harper's, and others. Follow her on is a freelance writer whose work has appeared in, and others. Follow her on Instagram *Although we are sharing our personal opinions of these experiences or products with you, National Geographic is not endorsing these experiences or products on behalf of anyone. It has not performed product safety testing on any of these products, did not manufacture them, and is not selling, or distributing them and is not making any representations about the safety or caliber of these products or experiences for individual consumers. Prices and availability are subject to change from the date of publication.