For disabled people, heading off on holiday can be unusually stressful. As well as worrying about whether you’ve remembered all of your luggage, you have the additional fear that the place you’re visiting might not be able to cater to your specific needs. The literature might say that your room is wheelchair accessible – but if there have been any crossed wires anywhere, then you might find yourself in an incredibly awkward situation. This is even worse if you happen to have booked a stay in a foreign country!

Fortunately, there are some categories of getaway that largely manage to avoid these problems. Let’s take a look at a few holidays that disabled people might look to consider.

City Breaks

A built-up city might not seem an ideal match for a tourist with specific physical needs. But you might be pleasantly surprised by what’s on offer. Historic towns which depend on tourist traffic might make special arrangements to accommodate disabled visitors, while big cities might go out of their way to make public spaces accessible. London, for example, has come a long way – the pavements have been widened, and underground stations have been modified in such a way that everyone can get on and off. 

Naturally, it’s worth considering when the busiest spells are, as getting caught up in rush hour can be a little bit bewildering. If you’re looking to see the city, then you might look for tour operators with good reputations among disabled tourists – they’ll provide you with the helping hand you need to enjoy your break without stressing. If you prefer more autonomy, then you might arrange for a car that’s been modified with the needs of disabled drivers in mind.

Spa Breaks

Many hotels have the advantage of coming with generous spa facilities. As such, you’ll be able to take any treatments in a single place, and you’ll be able to return to your room easily if you need anything. A spa is that little bit more relaxing when you have peace-of-mind, after all.

Generally speaking, big, grand historic buildings tend to present the most problems to wheelchair users, as without modification they can be difficult to get around. Make sure you do your research, and, ideally, get endorsements from other disabled visitors.

Visit the Seaside

The seaside holiday is a British institution that disabled people can by and large enjoy just as much as everyone else. Seaside towns, to be sure, can be narrow and historic, with cobblestones and steep hills coming down toward the beach itself. But they can equally be expansive and accessible, with modifications made to accommodate everyone. The beach itself is often broad and flat, and you might even find specialised mobility options available. Beaches like Great Yarmouth offer wheelchairs for free, so you’ll have no difficulty navigating the sand. 

Feature Photo by Vidar Nordli-Mathisen on Unsplash