With the summer holiday season fast approaching and many families sensibly planning next year’s getaway, we asked World Accessible Holidays, a disabled-led travel agency and tour operator, for their expert advice on how to plan a memorable and stress-free break when you or a family member has accessibility needs.
Paula Hansen, who founded the company in 2024 after years of personal experience travelling with her son, Evan, who has cerebral palsy, shares her top tips here.
Tip 1: Start planning early
Planning in advance is essential as accessible hotel rooms are often limited, especially those with roll-in showers, grab rails or space for larger mobility equipment. Many accessible rooms are also designed for two people, making early booking even more important for families navigating accessible travel.
Our research across ten European destinations found that 37% of family rooms advertised on booking platforms were marked as pet friendly, yet only 1.5% offered genuine disability access.
Cruise holidays also need early planning, as accessible cabins often sell out a year or more in advance.
Tip 2: Be specific about what ‘accessibility’ means for you
Accessibility means different things to different people, so don’t solely rely on the word ‘accessible’ when browsing destinations. One traveller may need a roll-in shower and a standard bed. Others may need a profiling bed.
Ask direct questions: does the room have a level-access shower, are there grab rails by the toilet, is there space under the bed for a hoist, and is there step-free access to the restaurant and pool? Photos, measurements and written confirmation can prevent stress.
Tip 3: Arrange insurance
Travel insurance should be arranged as soon as the holiday is booked, not left until just before departure. Insurance not only provides emergency support for unexpected events while you’re away - it can also protect you if you need to cancel your holiday before you travel.
Without insurance in place, cancellation may mean losing your deposit or even the full cost of the holiday, depending on when you cancel.
It is also essential to organise wheelchair cover before you travel because airline liability for damaged mobility equipment is usually limited under international baggage rules.
Tip 4: Book airport assistance in advance
Request assistance early and make sure the correct level of support is recorded, including help through the airport, support to the gate, use of an aisle chair or assisted boarding.
For wheelchair users, ask for the chair to be tagged to the aircraft door. It’s also a good idea to have handling instructions readily available, including how to disconnect the battery, where to lift safely and how to put the wheelchair into freewheel mode. And don’t forget to take removable items on board with you, such as a head rest or cushion.
Tip 5: Think about the aircraft, not just the airport
Some larger powered wheelchairs may not fit through the aircraft hold door, even if the airline accepts the booking. Chair dimensions, weight, battery type and cargo hold door height all matter, so keep this in mind when planning your trip.
Tip 6: Pack a practical access kit
Alongside passports, tickets and medication, pack items that make travel easier. For wheelchair users, a puncture repair kit can be invaluable.
A multi socket extension lead is also useful, especially when using electric mobility equipment, powered medical items, chargers, tablets or communication devices. Hotel rooms often have limited sockets to meet these requirements.
Tip 7: Check medication and medical equipment rules
If you travel with medication, liquid feeds, needles, CPAP machines, ventilators, batteries or other medical equipment, check airline and airport requirements before travel. Keep essentials in your hand luggage and request additional medical baggage allowance in advance. Some items may need a medical letter, so check this with airline assistance.
Tip 8: Plan ahead if travelling with a carer
If you’re travelling with a support worker, check whether they need a visa or additional travel documents, especially if they are not travelling on a British passport. Visas can take a long time to process, so ensure this is in place well in advance.
Tip 9: Build in rest and recovery time
Accessible travel is not only about ramps and bathrooms. Fatigue, pain, sensory overload and changes in routine can also affect how much someone enjoys their holiday.
Try not to overfill the itinerary if these are things that affect you or a family member. A successful holiday does not have to mean overexerting yourself.
On my return from Valencia, I required a full two days of recovery time due to chronic fatigue and pain.
Tip 10: Focus on what you want from the holiday
Accessibility planning is essential, but the holiday should still be about enjoyment. Start with what matters most, whether that’s swimming in the sea, visiting museums, or playing with the grandchildren.
With the right support and planning, accessible travel becomes less about barriers and more about experiences and memories.