Lived experience and practical tips from a disabled explorer

Travel has always been more than a holiday for me. As a wheelchair user, it’s a way of claiming space, building confidence, and living proudly in a world that often wasn’t built with me in mind. Accessible travel is about freedom – but it’s also about joy, connection, and the right to rest. With summer in full swing and Naidex 2026 on the horizon, I’m reflecting on what it means to travel not just independently, but authentically, and how small, thoughtful choices can make a big difference for disabled people.

Access Isn’t Enough

On paper, lots of places call themselves accessible. There might be step-free entry, a lift, or a ramp. But if the only “accessible” hotel room has a high bed you can’t transfer into, or the restaurant’s accessible toilet is being used as a storage cupboard, that access doesn’t mean much.

True accessibility isn’t about ticking boxes. It’s about how a place makes you feel – welcome, considered, able to enjoy the experience on your terms. An automatic door that lets me roll out onto a balcony at sunrise? A guide who learns my name and adjusts a tour without fuss? Those are truly accessible experience that create lasting memories.

Lived Experience as Expertise

I’ve spent years working with destinations, operators and brands to improve access – not just for me, but for the wider disabled community. And the most meaningful changes always come from listening to lived experience.

Disabled people know where the pinch points are, because we hit them every day. We notice when accessible rooms are next to noisy lifts, when pavements slope the wrong way, or when information doesn’t match reality.

On a recent trip, I booked an apartment that looked perfect on paper – wide doors, wet room, lift access. But when I arrived, the lift was out of service, with no alternative way for me to get there. Contingency plans seemingly hadn’t been considered, until I showed how needed they were.

Consulting with disabled travellers isn’t just good ethics, it’s good business. We’re a growing, loyal customer base, and our insights help create smoother, more inclusive experiences for everyone.

Practical Tips for Summer Travel

While I’ll always advocate for better systems, sometimes travel means making peace with imperfection, and being prepared. Here are a few things that help me get the most out of summer trips:

• Book early – Accessible rooms, train assistance and mobility equipment hire often get snapped up fast in peak season. Advance planning gives you more options and peace of mind.
• Do your research – Don’t rely on vague access icons or generic wording. Look for detailed information on platforms like AccessAble, and check reviews from real disabled travellers on Euan’s Guide.
• Pack smart – Think layers, sun protection, extra medication, and any access aids that support your independence (portable ramps, RADAR keys, chargers, etc.).
• Know your rights – In the UK, transport providers must provide assistance and can’t refuse service due to disability. If things go wrong, follow up.
• Build in rest – You don’t have to see everything. Choose fewer activities, leave buffer time, and prioritise comfort – whether that’s an accessible spa or a quiet view with a good cuppa. Less rush, more joy.

Looking Ahead to Naidex 2026

Events like Naidex matter. They bring people together across sectors to challenge assumptions and spark change. But what I love most is that Naidex celebrates disabled people not just as service users or customers, but as experts, creators, and leaders.

Next year, I’ll be speaking about what happens when access fails – and how we rebuild confidence when it does. Because the truth is, it’s not just about ramps or hearing loops. It’s about how truly accessible travel makes us feel – safe, included, and valued as customers.

Keep Going

Accessible travel isn’t a luxury, it’s a right. But it can also be a joy – and a source of pride. Whether you’re venturing abroad, exploring your local area, or dreaming up a future trip, know that your experiences are valid, your needs matter, and your voice has power.

Keep sharing what works. Speak up when it doesn’t. Take the trip. Take up space. And know that inclusive travel isn’t just possible – it’s powerful.

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Author Bio:

Carrie-Ann Lightley is a disabled travel writer, speaker, and content creator specialising in accessible tourism. She shares honest stories and practical advice to help others explore the world with confidence. Find out more at www.carrieannlightley.com.