Accessible Travel: Tips for an Enjoyable Holiday

Lara Matthews
Jan 12
5 min read

Updated: Jan 22

Lara Matthews | Thursday 22nd Jan 2026

Image of woman in a wheelchair from behind. She is parked beside a lake, staring at a beautiful view of the lake and trees. — Woman in a manual wheelchair staring at a beautiful view of a lake and trees.

Travelling is one of life's greatest joys, but for many, accessibility can be a significant barrier. Whether you have a disability, are traveling with young children, or are simply looking for ways to make your journey smoother, accessible travel is essential for ensuring everyone can enjoy their vacation.

This guide will provide you with practical tips and insights to help you plan an enjoyable and stress-free trip.

Understanding Accessible Travel

Accessible travel refers to the ability of individuals with disabilities, mobility challenges or any travel barriers to travel freely and comfortably. This includes everything from transportation and accommodations to attractions and activities. The goal is to create an inclusive environment where everyone can experience the joys of travel without unnecessary obstacles.

Why Accessibility Matters

Inclusivity: Everyone deserves the opportunity to explore new places and cultures.
Independence: Accessible travel allows individuals to navigate their surroundings without relying on others.
Economic Impact: The travel industry benefits from catering to a wider audience, including those with disabilities.

Planning Your Trip

Young man with down syndrome smiling while using his laptop in his bedroom. — Young man with down syndrome happily browsing on his laptop.

Research Your Destination

Before you embark on your journey, it's crucial to research your destination thoroughly. Here are some key aspects to consider:

Accessibility Ratings: Look for travel websites that provide accessibility ratings for hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Some sites include Wheelmap, Euan's Guide and Accessible Australia.
Public Transportation: Investigate the availability of accessible public transport options, such as buses and trains. Check which ride-share apps are available, as some options such as Uber and Lyft offer wheelchair-accessible rides. Alternatively, you can likely speak with hotel staff to arrange something for you.
Local Laws and Regulations: Familiarise yourself with local laws regarding accessibility to understand your rights as a traveller.

Choose the Right Accommodations

Selecting the right place to stay can significantly impact your travel experience. Here are some tips for finding accessible accommodations:

Look for Accessibility Features: Ensure that the hotel or rental property has features such as ramps, elevators and accessible bathrooms.
Contact the Property Directly: If you're unsure about a hotel's accessibility, don’t hesitate to call them and ask specific questions about their accessibility options.
Read Reviews: Check online reviews on sites such as Wheelmap, Euan's Guide and Accessible Australia to get a sense of the property's accessibility.

Transportation Options

Young boy fiddling with a Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard around his neck. — Person fiddling with a Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard around their neck.

Air Travel

Flying can be a daunting experience for travellers with disabilities, but many airlines offer services to make the journey smoother:

Request Assistance: Contact the airline in advance to request wheelchair assistance or other support services.
Arrive Early: Give yourself plenty of time to navigate the airport and boarding process.
Bring Comforts: If you're sensitive to loud noises or bright lights, bring along your favourite headphones or eye mask. Some people like to wear a Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard, which is a globally recognised symbol for non-visible disabilities.
Know Your Rights: Familiarise yourself with laws such as the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), Civil Aviation Act 1959 and the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 which protects the rights of passengers with disabilities.

Ground Transportation

Once you arrive at your destination, consider your transportation options:

Accessible Rentals: Look for car rental companies that offer accessible vehicles.
Ride-Sharing Services: Many ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Lyft now provide options for accessible vehicles.
Public Transit: Research local public transportation systems to find out what inclusive systems they have in place.

Navigating Attractions

A group of tourists on the streets in Europe, with one lady in a wheelchair. — A group of tourists roaming a very wide footpath, with one lady in a wheelchair.

Research Accessibility Features

Before visiting attractions, check their websites for information on accessibility features. Look for:

Wheelchair Rentals: Some attractions offer wheelchair rentals on-site.
Accessible Tours: Many places provide guided tours designed for individuals with mobility challenges, low-vision or cognitive disabilities.
Restroom Facilities: Ensure that accessible restrooms are available throughout the venue.

Plan Your Itinerary

When creating your travel itinerary, consider the following:

Pace Yourself: Allow for extra time to navigate between attractions.
Prioritise Accessibility: Choose attractions that are known for their accessibility features.
Be Flexible: Be prepared to adjust your plans if certain attractions are not as accessible as expected (annoying, I know).

Dining Out

Woman taking photo of her plate of fruit at a restaurant. — Woman taking a photo of her plate of fruit at a restaurant.

Finding Inclusive Restaurants

Dining is a significant part of any travel experience. Here are tips for finding accessible dining options:

Check Online Reviews: Websites like Wheelmap, Euan's Guide and Accessible Australia, and even Yelp and TripAdvisor often include accessibility information in reviews.
Call Ahead: If you can't find the information you're after, dontact restaurants directly to inquire about their accessibility features, such as ramps, quiet booths and accessible seating.
Look for Chains: National restaurant chains often have standardised accessibility features.

Consider Dietary Needs

If you have specific dietary needs, make sure to communicate them clearly when making reservations or ordering food. Many restaurants are willing to accommodate requests (as they should).

Staying Connected

Young woman standing outside cafe while looking at her phone.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

Technology can enhance your travel experience and help you navigate new environments:

Mobile Apps: Download apps that provide information on accessible locations, public transport, and more. Some apps include Wheelmap, Be My Eyes, AccessibleGO and even Google Maps.
GPS Navigation: Use GPS apps to find the best routes and avoid obstacles.
Investigate the Surroundings: Apps like Google Earth allow you to visually investigate the accessibility of a location and its surroundings, such as the presence of footpaths, disability parking, ramps and more.
Social Media Groups: Join online communities focused on accessible travel for tips and recommendations, such as Accessible Travel Community - Wheel the World, Bali Travel with Autism & Disabilities, Accessible Travel, Accessible Travel Australia, Accessible Travel Club and Accessible Travel Forum for New Zealand.

Conclusion

Unfortunately, there are often many barriers to travel for people with disabilities. This is a systems issue. While hotels, airlines, transport systems and venues are increasingly improving their inclusivity, there needs to be more actions taken.

Accessible travel is not just about overcoming barriers; it’s about creating memorable experiences for everyone. By planning ahead, researching your options and staying informed, you can ensure that your vacation is enjoyable and fulfilling.

Remember, the world is full of beautiful places waiting to be explored, and accessibility should never be a limitation.