'Safe travels!' part 1: Travel tips
Summer is here! We are offering a four-part travel series exploring travel tips, budget-friendly escapes, Australian destinations, and finally, international destinations – all within a disability context. Safe travels!
Booking a holiday getaway can be incredibly fun. As they say, a successful trip is often a result of good planning. Plus, more often than not, planning ahead saves you money. But if a family member has a disability or mobility impairment, planning is essential. Unfortunately, not all holiday destinations are accessible which makes planning a holiday with family members who have a disability difficult. The good news? There are plenty of resources to help you online. We have scoured the internet and compiled a list of essential tips and great holiday destinations that will help families plan a disability-friendly holiday.
Before any trip, plan ahead and do your research. While some holiday destinations may seem inaccessible for people with a disability at first, do some in-depth research before you throw a potential destination in the discard pile. You may be surprised at how many cities and popular tourist destinations have accessible hotels and routes to and from major landmarks.
Book hotels in advance. This should be a no-brainer – firstly, it’s cheaper to book your accessible hotel in advance and secondly, many hotels have limited accessible rooms which makes booking ahead that much more important.
Carefully plan your routes. This should be on your must-do pre-holiday checklist. Once you’ve decided on the attractions you want to see, plan your routes from your hotel and back. Check in with the hotel concierge regarding accessible public transportation and map out the best and most appropriate route to get there.
Have a back-up plan. Even the best laid plans can come undone, so always have a back-up plan! If you prepare for all possible outcomes and remain flexible, travelling can be a breeze.
Join a tour. There are a ton of accessible friendly tours in many tourist destinations. Just remember to check that the tour company is licensed and the guides are fully trained. It can also be useful to ask whether there will be other travellers in the tour and if you will be expected to keep up with able-bodied members.
Enjoy your trip – you’re on holiday! With all the planning, thinking ahead and preparing for the unexpected, all you need to do now is enjoy your holiday and the experiences that await you.
