Accessible Travel: Creating Memorable Journeys for All Abilities

Booking trips is exciting—unless your wheelchair doesn’t fit through the hotel door, the “accessible” bathroom has no grab bars, or the bus ramp is broken again.

For millions of travelers with disabilities, these aren’t minor hiccups—they’re constant reminders that travel wasn’t designed with them in mind. Whether navigating cobblestone streets, getting left behind at boarding gates, or being forced to explain your needs repeatedly, the barriers are exhausting.

If you live with a disability or you're traveling alongside a friend, parent, or child who does, the stress can take the joy out of the journey before it even begins.

But access shouldn’t be an afterthought. Travel should be possible for everyone, without needing to fight for essentials like ramps, accessible bathrooms, or clear information.

How do we make this possible? Well, read on as we discuss the following:

Common accessibility barriers travelers still face
What accessible destinations and experiences look like
Tools and apps to help you plan smarter
Realistic tips for smoother, more independent travel

At the end of this article, you’ll feel equipped to plan your next trip with freedom, control, and confidence.

The barriers still holding travelers back

Even with progress in inclusive travel, major gaps remain. If you’ve traveled with a disability/been a companion to a person with a disability, you’ve likely faced more than one of these:

Transport limitations: Many buses, trains, and subways still lack ramps, elevators, or platform-level boarding. For instance, most older metro systems in Europe still don’t offer full lift access between platforms and exits. Assistance is also often unreliable or delayed.
Lodging mislabeling: Hotels often label rooms as “accessible” but fail to meet actual needs—stairs at entrances, narrow doorways, or bathrooms without grab bars are still too frequent. In America, for instance, a study of budget hotels found that 87.5% had major violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), particularly around bathroom accessibility, making the rooms unusable for many disabled guests.
Inaccessible attractions: Museums, parks, and historical sites may lack ramps, audio/tactile guides, or accessible restrooms, turning what should be highlights into skipped experiences.
Untrained staff: Frontline workers often aren’t trained in disability etiquette or emergency protocols, leading to awkward, unsafe, or exclusionary interactions.

These issues aren’t just inconvenient; they create uncertainty, and stress, and sometimes force you to cancel or avoid travel altogether.

What to look for in an accessible destination

While many destinations still fall short, others prove that accessibility can be achieved. Here are some things to spot:

Mobility access: Look for places built with movement in mind such as ramps, elevators, curb cuts, wide doorways, and spacious layouts that accommodate mobility aids. Cities like Tokyo and Singapore are strong examples, with reliable lifts, platform-level train boarding, and step-free sidewalks integrated across their infrastructure.
Sensory access: Choose locations that offer thoughtful support for visual, auditory, or sensory needs. Features like audio guides, tactile maps, captioned media, or designated quiet hours go a long way. At the Louvre in Paris, blind visitors can follow visual guides and experience touch-accessible replicas of major works.
Clear, detailed information: Prioritize destinations and services that spell out exactly what’s available and what’s not. The best listings include room dimensions, lift specs, ramp angles, and toilet setup. For example, Hotel Brooklyn in Manchester provides clear details about its accessible features: wide doorways, roll-in showers with grab bars, automated smart controls, and a layout designed with universal access in mind. That level of transparency makes it easier to book with confidence.

Tools that make accessible travel easier

Knowing what to look for is one thing, but finding accurate, up-to-date information can still be a challenge. Don’t worry; the below can help cut through the guesswork and make planning smoother.

Booking platforms with accessibility filters: Sites like Expedia and Booking.com allow you to filter listings by features such as wheelchair access or roll-in showers. While not always perfectly reliable, they can help narrow your options quickly.
Accessibility review and guide platforms: Apps like AccessNow and Wheelmap offer crowd-sourced reviews of places based on real-world accessibility. For more structured, verified information, AccessAble.co.uk provides detailed access guides for thousands of venues, including hotels, restaurants, transport hubs, and attractions. Each guide includes measurements, photos, and step-by-step breakdowns of what to expect.
Travel blogs and vlogs: First-hand accounts from disabled travelers offer honest and practical advice. Blogs like Curb Free with Cory Lee and YouTube channels like The Blind Life cover specific destinations, hotel reviews, and strategies that go beyond what mainstream travel content provides.
Always double-check: Even the most detailed listings can leave out critical information. Don’t rely on generic terms like “wheelchair accessible”; always confirm the features that matter to you. That’s why before booking, contact the hotel or transport provider directly and ask clear, specific questions such as:

Are doorways at least 32 inches wide?
Is the roll-in shower truly barrier-free?
Does the elevator fit a standard wheelchair?
Are staff trained in accessibility support?

Tips for a smoother trip

Even with the right tools and information, a little preparation can go a long way in avoiding stress and staying in control of your trip.

Book early: Accessible rooms, transit seating, and mobility support slots are limited—and they often go fast. Reserve as early as possible to lock in what you need, especially during peak seasons or in popular destinations.
Bring documentation: If you need special assistance at airports or train stations, carry medical proof, disability IDs, or doctor’s notes, especially when traveling internationally. Some countries require advance notice or verification before offering support services.
Pack backups for critical aids: Bring extra wheelchair parts, medication, chargers, or mobility gear you rely on. Airlines have been known to offload wheelchairs due to space limits or damage them during handling. Bags can get lost or delayed, and replacements for specialized equipment aren’t easy to find on short notice. A spare part or extra supply could be the difference between a smooth trip and a disrupted one.
Build in buffer time: Boarding, security, and transfers can take significantly longer when you're waiting for airport assistance, using alternate boarding ramps, or navigating terminals with limited elevator access. If you're flying, delays in getting your wheelchair back at the gate or being the last to disembark can cut into tight connections. Adding extra time between segments gives you room to manage unexpected slowdowns without added stress.

Final thoughts

Accessible travel is still a work in progress, but it’s getting better — and it’s worth pursuing. By knowing what to look for, using the right tools, and planning ahead, you can reduce stress and take more control of your trip.

The barriers are real, but so are the solutions. You deserve a travel experience that’s safe, enjoyable, and built around your needs — and you have every right to claim it.