Whether you’re new to disability or looking to expand your horizons, planning an accessible holiday may feel a little overwhelming to you at first. However, if you’re hoping to embark on an accessible holiday, here are five things to help you plan the best possible trip… 

 

1. Choose your location 

Would you prefer a city break where you can explore new places and immerse yourself in the local culture, or would you prefer a chilled-out beach holiday? We all relax and enjoy ourselves in different ways, so choosing a location that suits your preferences is one of the most important elements to consider. 

Don’t forget to research the climate and weather for the time of year you’re travelling, any local holidays or festivals that might impact how quiet or busy the location is, and check out the local currency and exchange rate. The more you know, the better you can prepare! 

 

2. Think about your travel options 

Do you have a preferred mode of travel to reach your destination? Different transport options all have pros and cons, especially for disabled people. Some people who use mobility aids have concerns about flying with them, whereas some people with chronic illnesses worry about how travelling by ferry or sailing could impact their symptoms. There is usually more than one method of transport to reach where you’re trying to get to, so compare the options that are available and decide on the best one for you. 

When you book your travel, don’t forget that you can book passenger assistance. You will usually book this directly with your travel provider (such as your airline, as explained here), in advance of your journey. Booking assistance can help you to take care of yourselves and meet your access needs at all stages of your journey, and is not only reserved for people with mobility aids or visible disabilities. If booking assistance could make your journey easier or more accessible, it’s definitely worth doing. 

 

3. Research hotels and amenities 

Regardless of where or how you travel, having a comfortable and accessible base is essential. Make a list of your access requirements, and use these to research hotel options that might be suitable. AccessAble has recently partnered with TUI, the UK’s leading travel brand, to create over 200 Detailed Access Guides for hotels overseas that can be used as an accessibility checker of sorts. This means that you can search and filter results to identify those that meet your needs, such as venues that have accessible rooms, accessible bathrooms, hoists, assistive listening technology, level access, disability equality training for staff, and plenty more.

Visit this page to browse current deals on offer at venues with Detailed Access Guides available to inspire your future travels. Bear in mind that numbers of accessible rooms tend to be limited and so it’s worth booking as early in advance as possible to make sure you can secure accommodation that meets your needs – this is especially true for accessible cabins on cruise ships, which tend to be booked up at least six months to a year ahead of the voyage. 

It's also important to consider amenities around the place you choose to visit, both in your hotel and beyond. Are the pools and recreational areas accessible to you? If you can’t find this information online, contact your travel provider or the venue directly so they can advise. If you require Changing Places toilet facilities, Changing Places International hosts an interactive map of where you can find such facilities across the globe while you’re on the move. 

 

4. Consider food and drink options 

Travelling with food allergies or specific dietary requirements can be really hard. Although it can be tempting to wing it and try to find suitable meals once you reach your destination, it really pays off to research and plan your options in advance. Use search engines and social media to find nice places to eat and drink that can accommodate your requirements, or look for menus online that allow you to filter by allergens or view their allergen matrix online – these places tend to be most understanding and best-equipped to accommodate any needs of this nature. 

It's also valuable to print and prepare a food allergy translation card, a small card that details your food allergies in your own language on one side and translates these into the native language of your destination on the other side. Make sure the translation has been checked or accredited by a reputable organisation or somebody fluent in the language it’s been translated into, such as Allergy UK. Having a card like this means you can simply hand it to your server when ordering your food, saving you the mental and physical energy of constantly disclosing and ensuring everybody is on the same page. Don’t forget to take plenty of safe and travel-friendly snacks and drinks with you too! 

 

5. Plan your activities 

What would you most like to do once you reach your destination? Again, it can be tempting to wing it once you’ve arrived, but forward-planning can help you to manage your time and energy and ensure different attractions and venues meet your access needs. Booking tickets in advance is often much cheaper than paying on the day prices, too. 

You may like to visit historical landmarks or museums, join in with walking or bus tours, visit theme parks or local attractions, or explore public gardens or outdoor areas. Each of these venues should have a webpage where you can find accessibility information online, and some also offer reduced ticket prices or queue-jumps for disabled people or companions. Researching in advance can also help you to uncover some hidden gems or discover options you had no idea about – while researching ahead of a trip to Barcelona last year I discovered the most accessible beach I’ve ever seen, complete with reserved seating, accessible toilets and showers, and even an all-terrain beach wheelchair to float in the sea! 

 

Considering these five elements can help you to get started with booking an accessible holiday abroad and figuring out what you would most like to do – not only in terms of what meets you access needs, but also what will bring you happiness and enjoyment as well. Happy planning, and have a great time away!