Finding time to get away and experience a change of scenery is incredibly important, especially for people living with a disability and those caring for them.
However, if you’re living with a disability, the thought of going away can be overwhelming. There’s always the worry of whether your destination will be accessible and if you’ll have everything you need while you’re away.
Luckily, there are plenty of specialists who can help with planning accessible holidays. They’ll be able to provide expert advice and guarantee a disability friendly getaway.
Specialist Travel Agents
Find a travel agent who specialises in creating travel packages specifically for people with low mobility or disabilities.
They will be able to help you book fully accessible accommodation. They’ll also make sure your accommodation is adapted with any special modifications you need. This alone will take a lot of the stress away from booking your trip. You can rest assured that once you arrive, you’ll be able to enjoy your accommodation without any access issues. If you need other services such as special assistance, mobility equipment or carers, they will be able to organise all of this for you too.
A travel agent will easily arrange any airport assistance required and organise your travel between the airport and where you are staying.
If you want to avoid the stress of the airport and flying, they’ll be able to provide you with advice on alternative options such as ferries, coaches and trains.
Your specialist travel agent will also be able to arrange accessible activities to suit your tastes and your needs. They’ll make sure there’s plenty for you to do and that you’ll be able to get the most out of your holiday.
Limitless Travel
Limitless Travel offers packages for disabled friendly holidays, tours, accommodation and more.
Their travel team is made up of people who have disabilities themselves, so they truly understand the needs of holiday makers with disabilities or low mobility. Their travel consultants all have specialist knowledge about the care industry so can organise the perfect holiday to cater to your individual needs.
They offer fully accessible holidays to a range of destinations in the UK, Europe and further abroad. They also offer a great programme of disabled friendly activities to suit all tastes. So whether you’re interested in history, shopping, food or something more adventurous, they’ll be able to help you plan the perfect trip all without having to worry about accessibility!
Enable Holidays
Enable Holidays are one of the most well known specialists when it comes to accessible holidays. They are an award-winning travel specialist, who provide accessible tailor-made holidays for wheelchair users.
They offer destinations worldwide from sunny beach holidays, to exciting city breaks, to 5-star luxury weekends. They’ll be sure to cater to whatever you’re looking for, all while guaranteeing adapted accommodation and full accessibility.
Dementia Adventure
If you are living with dementia or caring for someone who is, the thought of a holiday can be daunting. However, dementia doesn’t have to mean the end of travelling and taking a well deserved break!
Dementia Adventure is a charity dedicated to making it possible for people living with dementia and their loved ones to go on holiday together. They encourage people to get outdoors and connect with nature, themselves and their community. They offer fully supported holidays in small groups. People with dementia can enjoy these holidays together with their partner, a family member or a carer.
Planning Accessible Holidays Yourself
You can of course organise your own accessible holidays without employing the help of an agent.
Accommodation websites such as AirBnB allow you to search properties by accessibility. For instance, you can filter your search to only include properties without steps or stairs. Need a bathroom with grab rails? Again you can filter your search so only properties which meet this requirement will show in your results.
The Disabled Persons Railcard is a great way to get discounted travel around the country. People with this card will get 1/3 off rail travel for both themselves and their companion. The rail services have made improvements to make sure travelling by train is now far more accessible. On many lines, people with disabilities are able to use the service without needing any assistance at all. Customers that do need help are able to book travel assistance up to 24 hours in advance of their planned travel date.
For more advice on preparing for a holiday yourself, see our tips for holidaymakers with limited mobility or a disability.
Lifeline Personal Alarm Service
When you’re not out and about on holiday, a Lifeline personal alarm can provide extra security in your home. For more information, you can call our friendly team on 0800 030 8999 or you can send an email to info@lifeconnect24.co.uk. Alternatively, if you would like to place an order you can do so via our website.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on 31st May 2024.
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