Travelling with a disability has a longstanding reputation for being difficult, challenging, or even impossible. However, disabilities are today understood to a much greater extent than they once were, and more and more travel operators are beginning to accommodate disabled travellers, making it easier than ever before for those with mobility problems to discover new, exciting destinations. We’re even seeing marketing campaigns dedicated to encouraging an awareness of disabled travel, such as Lonely Planet’s Travel for All project, launched in December 2013. Ultimately, the aim of the campaign is to show those with disabilities that they shouldn’t have to feel excluded from travel, including air travel, sea travel, or even ‘staycations’.

River Cruising

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The world’s biggest cruise liners and ocean liners are more than capable of accommodating disabled passengers, including those in wheelchairs or those who use mobility aids to get around. With accessible cabins, multiple lifts and elevators, and even portside assistance available, cruising is one of the most popular forms of travel for mobility-restricted travellers. In fact, the National Council on Disability cited research findings stating that 12 percent of the disabled population had cruised within the past 5 years, compared with just 8 percent of the able-bodied population. However, ocean transit may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Smaller, river-going vessels are more intimate, more personal, and travel to interesting destinations that larger ships cannot get to. Disabled passengers sometimes feel excluded from river cruising due to a lack of lifts between decks, but, believe it or not, some smaller cruise ships now include stairlifts to help with mobility, such as Viking Fontane, a member of the Viking River Cruises fleet.

You CAN Fly

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The thought of flying is often too much for disabled travellers to bear – not only the idea of limited leg room onboard the plane, but also the distance between check-in and the gate and waiting in long lines to pass through security. It’s important not to be deterred from air travel for these reasons. Airports and airlines do their best to make air travel as convenient and stress-free as possible for those with limited mobility. By informing your airline in advance of special requirements, disabled travellers can, in most cases, be reserved an aisle seat with a moveable armrest for stretching the legs, they can be transferred from the terminal to the plane using hired wheelchairs or other mobility equipment, and flight attendants can even assist with transportation to the bathroom or galley. If you’re travelling to or from the United States, you may wish to download and complete a TSA Notification Card – a document which allows you to discreetly inform TSA agents that you are unable to be subjected to a standard pat-down.

Think Outside the Box

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When it comes to accommodation, why not think outside the box a little? Traditionally, we tend to think of hotels as holiday accommodation, but the travel industry has changed significantly in recent years, and we’re starting to see a wider range of accommodations available, many of which cater to those with restricted mobility. For example, while a classic boutique hotel may sound opulent, and while a back-to-basics tent might sound like a good way to become one with nature, these perhaps aren’t the best options. Single level cottages and chalets, hotels featuring accessible rooms with greater space to maneuver, or ‘glamping’ sites featuring safari-style tents are much better options. They allow you to enjoy the same sort of atmosphere you’re seeking, while not compromising on comfort and convenience. Be open minded when thinking about accommodation choices – you’ll be surprised at what’s out there!

The many changes that have occurred throughout the travel industry in recent years have worked to increase awareness of disabled travel, and boost accessibility. Even travel insurance companies are making it easier for those with mobility restrictions to travel, reducing the high premiums typically associated with insurance for the disabled, and introducing general policies which don’t delve into personal information related to the condition. There has never been a better time for those with disabilities to see the world. So what are you waiting for?

This article has been provided by Acorn. We are a leader in the supply and installation of stairlifts both across the UK, and globally.