Top Tips for finding accessible holidays
Many of us take booking a holiday for granted, but what about those with limited mobility or those needing pet friendly properties for people with hearing or visual impairments?
Many places in the UK and abroad now offer accessible facilities to cater for everyone’s needs, but it is important to do your research before booking to ensure that it meets your own specific requirements.
Mobility Plus has put together their Top 5 accessible stays in the UK but here is my checklist for booking your holiday.
Research Online
Have a look at the accommodations accessibility statement and any other information they have about accessible features. TripAdvisor is a good point of reference for reviews by other travellers with additional needs on specific hotels you are interested in.
Phone the Hotel
Phoning the hotel directly and speaking to someone will give you the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the room. Is it suitable for a wheelchair user with widened doors, a lower sink and manoeuvring room, or is it suitable for an elderly person with grab-rails, an electric bed and a raised toilet seat?
Don’t forget to ask about the surrounding area too. Is there disabled parking, street level access and ramps in the property to allow access to all areas?
Accessible Days Out
When picking your destination, don’t forget to take a look at some other factors too, including accessible days out. Both the National Trust and English Heritage have a facilities and access section of their individual web pages, but make sure you check before you visit.
Travelling Abroad
Most large travel companies have dedicated teams that specialise in booking everything from wheelchair-friendly hotels to specially adapted car hire and assistance with medical equipment.
They will not only guide you through the booking process, but also be on hand throughout your break to help with any issues and ensure you have the best holiday possible.
Do you have any tips for booking an accessible holiday?
Hannah
Thank you for the great post! We haven’t travelled much since I became chronically ill, but I’ll definitely bookmark this for future reference!
Four Roam
Accessibility is something we all take for granted. Sadly it’s not always available.
Anne Fraser
I think it is a good idea to contact your local carers centre or a charity that deals with your condition. They may have advice on suitable destinations. I also think it is a good idea to contact your local train station or airport to ask what times are less busy.
FRANCESCA
Accessibility is important and it shouldn’t be given as granted. I don’t know unfortunately the best way, maybe contact directly is the solution, the easiest available
fashionandstylepolice
Always good to check Trip Advisor before booking. I always do that.
Deborah Nicholas
Great tips, i am guilty of taking things like this for granted.
Newcastle FamilyLife
I have noticed some of the travel sites will mention if somewhere is accessible or not now, which is good. x
Tour Belitung
Thanks you for sharing this great posts, i’ll be back to this blog!