Booking a holiday that is accessible for those with disabilities and impairments can often be an incredibly stressful experience. From arranging suitable transport and organising special assistance at the airport, to finding the perfect destination and accommodation, there are so many avenues to be covered when it comes to booking a holiday for those living with a disability or long-term health condition.
Below, we have compiled a useful guide with the best destinations and booking support services to make travelling as stress-free and inclusive as possible.
Our pick of some inclusive overseas destinations
We’ll be publishing our UK accessible holiday guide soon
1. Algarve, Portugal
Set in an idyllic nature reserve, Centre Algarve is fully equipped to make it as accessible as possible.
The centre boasts a multi-sensory soft-play room, a fully accessible swimming pool including a hoist, sensory gardens, and a petting zoo. With only 14 bedrooms, the centre maintains an intimate atmosphere, avoiding the overwhelming feeling often associated with large complexes.
2. Berlin, Germany
Berlin is widely known to be a great destination for individuals with physical impairment. In 2013, the European Commission awarded Berlin with the Access City award, demonstrating their commitment to being barrier-free for those with physical or other disabilities. Not only are most of Berlin’s sights and attractions disability-friendly, but their travel system, including the U-Bahn, trams and buses, has been designed with those with specials needs in mind. The Visit Berlin website offers ‘Berlin’s accessible top sights guide‘ to help you plan your trip. The city is known for its festivals, diverse architecture, and vibrant culture, serving as the perfect location for an enjoyable and inclusive urban getaway.
3. Tenerife, Canary Islands
Tenerife, the largest of Spain’s Canary Islands, offers stunning beaches and year-round sunshine.
Los Cristianos, situated in the south of Tenerife, is a good option for disabled holidaymakers. It has an accessible beach with ramps, floating beach wheelchairs, a transfer lift, and large wood-covered areas with sunbeds.
There are also a variety of excursions available for those with disabilities. You can embark on a wheelchair-accessible dolphin and whale cruise, gaze at the stars in Teide National Park, or even enjoy a guided tour of the La Orotava Banana Plantation.
Who to book with
It can be incredibly difficult to find a one-stop-shop where all your holiday needs are covered, especially when there are so many barriers to consider. Many airlines, including Virgin, British Airways and Emirates, have dedicated special assistance teams on hand to support you during your journey. Don’t forget, if your disability is invisible, you can collect a free sunflower lanyard from the airport help desk,
which lets members of staff know you may need extra assistance.
Below, we have compiled a list of travel companies who are dedicated to providing inclusive holiday experiences.
A company run by people with disabilities who say “you can rest assured that every barrier you may face when travelling has been considered with no compromise on your comfort or enjoyment”.
If you’re looking to book a package trip, TUI has a dedicated section on their website where you can browse accessibility-friendly destinations, accommodation and airport assistance.
As the UK’s largest accessible holiday specialist, DisabledHolidays.com provides guaranteed accessible accommodation, equipment hire and adapted transfers. Founded by a woman named Sian who suffered from Peroneal Muscular Atrophy and was tired of the barriers she faced when booking a trip, the website lists the most trusted suppliers in the disability travel industry.
We hope this article will help ensure disabled travellers can embark on unforgettable journeys with ease and inclusivity this summer season.
