Making sure your next year’s adventures and trips are inclusive for everyone in your group is important. Not only does it allow all your friends and family to fully participate, but it often opens you up to new, more creative travel experiences. Follow these key pieces of advice to plan a full year of barrier-free fun.

Research Accessibility Before Booking

Don’t assume accommodation, attractions or transport will meet accessibility needs. Contact them directly to understand if they cater for mobility aids, hearing loops or other requirements before you pay. Build an accessibility wishlist with must-haves like grab rails in bathrooms. Make sure hotel rooms are on the ground floor or there is an elevator. Otherwise, it will impact your stay. Call ahead to verify before making an online booking.

wheelchair user on holiday

 

Carefully Consider Your Transport Options

How you get around is key for enabling everyone’s participation. Hiring a wheelchair accessible vehicle gives freedom and flexibility if group members use mobility aids or have limited mobility. Finance options like leasing on wheelchair accessible vehicles make this affordable long-term, so if your current car is past it’s prime, check for wheelchair accessible vehicles for sale in your area.

Opting for public transport? Check accessible routes and book assistance in advance. And don’t just look at the outbound journey, think about accessible options for final mile transport like wheelchair adapted taxis to get exactly where you want to go.

Plan Activities for All Abilities

Choose destinations with a good mix of general accessibility like flat walking routes. And make sure some activities specifically cater for wheelchair users or hearing requirements, for example. Theme parks often have dedicated accessible rides – do your research to balance thrills for everyone.  Good examples include Thorpe Park, Drayton Manor, and everyone’s favourite, Alton Towers.

Build In Relaxation

Travelling together isn’t one big adventure all day, every day. Factor in chill time each day allowing group members to recharge batteries as needed. Choose accommodation with accessible room options catering for hoists, low-level beds and more. This makes relaxing as enjoyable there as the activities outside.

friends on holiday

 

Talk About Needs Upfront

Get everyone’s accessibility requirements and medical needs out in the open early in the planning process. Be specific – understand mobility aid sizes, assistance dog allowances and let venues know upfront. Embrace any difficult conversations around pride or embarrassment some may feel when disclosing needs.

Stay Flexible

On the day, be ready to adapt if needed. Have a backup plan allowing you to adjust activities or transport if something lets you down with accessibility. Go with the flow and find alternative ways to have fun as a group. Often the adventure is making inclusive moments happen along the way. The more flexible you can be, the more fun and relaxed the trip will be.

Follow these tips all year long to make your adventures barrier-free for all abilities. Most importantly, enjoy the trip – accessibility issues won’t define your memories if you create special moments together as a group.