When it comes to vacations, everyone has their ideal booking in mind. For many of us, this will include the sun, sea, and beach activities. For others, their summer holidays consist of exploring new places, embracing a local culture and eating the cuisine. Here’s our ultimate guide to vacationing abroad this summer, the dos and don’ts for wheelchair users, and just how you can get the most out of your holiday.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE EUROPE
Many brits this summer will be flocking to the beautiful beaches dotted around Europe – but about those that need wheelchair accessible areas? For those who want to explore in their electric wheelchair, just where is best in Europe to do so? Or for those looking for an accessible beach holiday, where is the best place to soak up the sun? Below are some of the most talked about places to visit in Europe this summer for wheelchair users.
GERMANY
Germany, in previous years, hasn’t been much of a top destination in terms of summer holidays. However, in the past 2 years, many visitors have been flocking to the cheaper destinations in Europe. Two of the top places are Berlin and Munich.
Not only are the transport links accessible, but you’ll find that taxis also include extendable ramps so that wheelchair users can access them.
In Munich, many of the museums, hotels and public spaces have wheelchair accessible entrances and areas. This is thanks to their ramps and access platforms that allow wheelchair users to enter public spaces without feeling as though they are segregated. On top of this, Munich’s train stations are mostly barrier free, and have elevators to help those access the underground systems.
If you’re looking to visit Munich later on in the year for Oktoberfest, the event has its own disabled area and access ramps for those that need them.
BARCELONA
Although you may have seen photographs of the amazing Park Guell, don’t be deceived, Barcelona is surprisingly flat, and many attractions can be accessed via wheelchair. Around 90% of public transport is accessible too, with even Park Guell offering unique access to disabled visitors all year round.
The famous Las Ramblas has a slight incline, however, it is entirely flat, including all the side alleys, the food market, and market squares which can be found just off the main stretch of road.
If you’re looking to visit the Sagrada Familia, this too can be accessed via wheelchair. However, you will need to speak to a member of staff before entering, as you will need a guided tour of the cathedral.
MILAN
If you’re into your fashion, elegance and hot weather, Milan is definitely not a destination to be missed. In 2016, the city won the Access City Award, which was awarded after efforts where made to make the city more accessible for those with disabilities. To take in the most culture that the city has to offer, take some time out of your trip to visit Piazza del Duomo.
FRENCH ALPS
If you’re a fan of skiing during summer, The Alps are the perfect destination to visit. But what if you’re a wheelchair user? You’ll be surprised to learn that many hotels and resorts in the alps offer accommodation transport and even lessons for disabled individuals. So why not try something new? You don’t have to choose somewhere extremely accessible for your needs, you can branch out and explore what new places have to offer for you or a loved one.
ACCESSIBLE COUNTRIES AROUND THE WORLD
If you’re looking to branch out beyond Europe this summer, why not take a look at the following destinations around the world? You may be surprised to learn of some countries that offer accessible travel and accommodation.
MARRAKECH
With organized tours, ramps and transportation facilities for disabled people, Morocco is a beautiful country offering new experiences, cuisines and cultures to explore. You will also find that many of the larger restaurants are wheelchair accessible, and that roads have ramps for wheelchairs to access pedestrian areas.
ISRAEL
With dedicated tour companies offering extensive tours for wheelchair users, you can visit Bethlehem, Jerusalem and dip your toes in the Dead Sea. Many hotels offer disabled rooms, and, when ordering a taxi is popular areas, you can request one with disabled access.
JAPAN
With weird and wonderful cuisine to try and the Olympics on the horizon, Japan is fast becoming one of the biggest places to visit this year. Up until recently, Japan hasn’t been too wheelchair friendly, with many establishments offering little to no ramps in order to access inside. However, with the Olympics approaching, this is ever changing. Many pedestrian areas now offer designated wheelchair lanes, and transport has been updated to help those who need hoists and ramps for access purposes.
LISBON
Despite being hilly, the capital of Portugal can be highly accessible for those who need it. With disabled tour companies ready to provide transport and hotels offering disabled rooms, you will find that Lisbon is highly accessible.
BARBADOS
Despite its rather old reputation for being inaccessible for wheelchair users, Barbados has several resorts that offer wheelchair friendly services, transport and more. So, if you’re looking to see the crystal clear blue water for yourself, there’s no time like the present.
TRAVEL ADVICE FOR WHEELCHAIR USERS
If you’re a relatively new wheelchair user, you may have never traveled before in your current situation. Or, you may have only just got around to travelling in your current condition. In any case, we’ve compiled a travel checklist below for you to use as you book your holiday.
- Make a list of all the places you wish to visit
- Decide which country/destination is more cost effective, or which destination will suit your budget.
- Check accessible accommodation and activities in the surrounding areas – also check the general accessibility in surrounding towns. If you can’t find anything that suits your needs. Take a look at your list again and find somewhere with more options that suit you.
- Check how long the travel will be and if you will need to stop in another country along the way. Sometimes, a layover is the perfect place to stay for a night and get your bearings.
- Ensure that you can get comprehensive insurance for your needs and for the destination that you’re travelling to.
- Take a look at the price of airfare – only book once you’re sure of the destination, and that you’ve done everything else on this list.
- Search for disability related reviews of the area – this is the most important step, as someone in the same situation as you will be able to help you further and provide insight.
- If you need a rental car, ensure you can rent one with wheelchair access at the airport you’re travelling to.
- Before you jet off, ensure that you have booked designated disabled seating, and that you have purchased the necessary wheelchair accessories for your holiday.
WHEELCHAIR ACCESSORIES FOR TRAVELLING ABROAD
You may think that some accessories aren’t necessary for your wheelchair. However, when it comes to travel, you may be surprised how under prepared you can be. Start by packing the essentials. For example, your medication and any necessary toiletries that need to be with you at all times. From there, take a look at where you’re heading to, what you might need and how you’ll take it with you. Many items can be stored in the luggage. However, if you need to take something on your person – you may need to pay for extra hand luggage.
Support Cushions
Support cushions are great for if you’re travelling over a long distance – or if you need specific comfort when in another bed. Support cushions can offer targeted comfort when you need it the most, so whether you’re exploring in a foreign city or simply travelling for a number of hours – support cushions could be vital to your comfort when on holiday.
Medical Equipment
Equipment can be anything from your wheelchair to storage. If you need to take pills at regular intervals, consider getting a pill box so that you know exactly when you have taken your tablets, or when you need to.
Hand Rails
Although some hotels and restaurants offer accessibility handrails – taking a discreet suction rail with you means that you can use it wherever you are and whenever you need it.
Wheelchair Storage
Depending on whether you need your wheelchair constantly, you may want to consider getting some storage for it. This means that it can be easily tucked away whilst you relax on the beach, or whilst you’re on the plane.
WHAT TO DO IF SOMETHING GOES WRONG
From time to time, things can go wrong when you’re travelling. It can happen to anyone, and frequently does. This can be anything from lost luggage to incorrect seats, or even to confusion on your booking. Although this can happen, it more than likely will not happen to you. However, if it does, it’s important to stay calm and understand how you can fix a situation.
Airport Assistance goes wrong
If you have booked assistance, either at the airport you’re travelling from, or at the airport you’re travelling to, but it isn’t confirmed when you arrive, then stay calm. Beforehand, ensure you print off your confirmation and take this to the customer service desk when you can. From here, someone from the airline you’re travelling with should be able to arrange a cover for you. It is their responsibility to do this for you.
Lost Luggage
If you have lost important luggage, such as an oxygen tank or wheelchair, ensure you speak to a member of the staff either on the plane or after security. From here, discuss what will happen, how they track your items down, or how they will replace them if they are truly lost. Again, lost luggage isn’t your fault, and some travel insurances will even cover you for lost items in transit.
Wrong Rental Car
If you have specifically booked a rental car that allows disabled access, but this isn’t the car you receive when you first arrive at your destination, find a representative from the car rental company and explain. Again, it helps to have a printed confirmation, as this proves your booking with the company and they will be able to see where they went wrong. From here, someone should be able to help you with a replacement car. If not, it’s their responsibility to find an alternative travel option for you.
