Family holidays are always exciting when you’re a kid – waking up at the crack of dawn to get to the airport on time, getting new books or magazines to read while you’re there, snaffling sweets on the plane. As a family with four kids, my parents were usually tearing their hair out before we’d even got through security. But for us, as chaotic as we were, the stress and worry was largely centred around their eldest child.
My sister has Down Syndrome, and while her charm, confidence and charisma would have you happily convinced that she could tackle any obstacle thrown across her path, there are several things that can slow her down. Travelling can be mentally and physically challenging and exhausting for her. She has weak muscle tone, loose ligaments, poor vision and hearing problems, making it hard for her to walk far or stand on her feet for long periods. She is incredibly trusting, impressionable and easily distracted so she needs a full-time carer to support her.
So, as you can imagine, trekking through airports, carrying heavy luggage and waiting in queues can prove testing. Plus, access for disabled people in airports during the 90s was minimal, if non-existent. My parents would tag team: my mum soothing and distracting us while my dad rushed around the terminal, being sent from desk to desk trying to find anyone to help us make the process any easier. At the other end of the flight, trying to make sure the hotel, villa, restaurants, transport or anything else was aware of any extra access or support she may need is yet another thing. We’d need assurance that disabled toilets, changing rooms and assistance were available at every stop-off point. And then, there’s the people who stare, give pitying looks without offering help or – the worst – huff and puff as my parents asked politely to skip queues, request seating or for any special consideration.
All in all, the process isn’t an easy one – the lack of understanding from many about what is essential for people with different disabilities to travel; the dearth of detailed information available to disabled travellers and the lack of empathy from many is unnerving, leaving travel as a physical and mental marathon for many disabled travellers.
According to a gov.uk survey from 2021, 22 per cent of the total UK population have a disability – that's 14.6 million people from the UK alone. It’s not very far-reaching to presume that a large proportion of those people would like the opportunity or freedom to travel. If you then assume that most of these people would like to travel with family or friends, the number of people who are impacted by lack of accessibility in airports, airplanes, hotels, restaurants and so on skyrockets.
Accessible travel are two words that shouldn’t need putting together; experiencing cultures, art and food around the world is not something that should be reserved exclusively for able-bodied humans. Travel should be inclusive by default, to be enjoyed by anyone and everyone who wishes to do so. Below, we ask some of our favourite travellers about what accessible travel means to them and why now is the time to change the way the world views disability and travel.
George Robinson
Actor, “Sex Education”
Why do you think accessible travel is more important now than ever?
“Since the pandemic, we have collectively had the opportunity to reevaluate what we deem to be important in life – we want to spend more time living life and doing more fulfilling things, like travelling. This is particularly the case for the disabled community; the pandemic had us isolated for longer, being branded as more vulnerable and so now, we are even more keen to make the most out of the time that we missed for those 18 months or so. This then means that there needs to be an infrastructure to support that demand within the accessible travel industry.”
In terms of accessibility, what do you think needs to change most urgently?
“We need to actively push for the accessibility elements of travel to be more integrated within the regular travel experience – too much travel has a “grin and bear it“ nature for disabled people. I shouldn’t have to put up with the indignity of being carried through a plane full of people just to get to my seat and I’m absolutely certain that there are solutions that will stop the need for this. There are far too many videos (and stories that don’t get recorded) of wheelchair users having to drag themselves along the floor in order to get to the toilet on a flight. There needs to be more investment on the infrastructure of airplanes to make flying a more pleasant experience for people with disabilities.”
What do you worry about most when travelling?
“My main fear when it comes to travelling is that my chair is going to get damaged during transit. It causes a lot of anxiety – going onto the flight when you are without the guarantee that this expensive and vital piece of equipment that you totally and completely rely on is going to come out the other side working. So much of life is about new experiences and embracing horizons beyond what you are used to, and so being able to do that is really important, regardless of one’s disability.”
Are there any destinations that stand out to you for their accessibility efforts?
“I recently heard about the Greek investment into making beaches across the country more accessible with ramps into the sea, so I’m really excited about the prospect of checking them out. I spent a number of summer holidays as a kid in that part of the world, so it would be great to go back and do the rounds. The country has also done some great work in making places accessible all over, which just proves that it’s all a matter of the people in power, listening and making those changes.”
Nicolas Hamilton
British motorsports racing driver
What does accessible travel mean to you?
“Accessible travel means that everyone has the opportunity to travel anywhere they’d like to go – anywhere their heart desires. Everybody has some sort of dream destination they’d love to go to, whether you’re young or old, disabled, able-bodied or from different backgrounds. I believe that no one should be held back by a lack of accessibility. Finance is also a problem for a lot of people, so we need to find a way of ensuring that we can cater to anybody who would like to travel. It’s about making the journey as easy as possible for anybody needing or requiring assistance. Accessible travel is just as important as accessibility in general society, so it will be interesting to see how people can continue moving forward and make travel more accessible for as many people as possible.”
Why do you think accessible travel is more important than ever?
“A lot of work has gone into making people aware of accessibility and inclusivity recently. We’re allowing people to stand up to be more accepted and included in many areas of life – it’s a great sign that the world is changing and making a positive impact. Big corporations are now making it essential for their business to become more accessible and more inclusive, so it’s clearly becoming more important than ever. But even though there have been some major changes and positive impacts in the past, there’s always been a limitation on actual accessibility and how much it can help people. There are a lot of able-bodied people that feel they’ve already done enough, but there’s so much more that can be done. Accessibility is almost never-ending because there are so many people that have requirements in so many different areas and ways.”
Sophie Morgan
TV presenter, producer, travel writer
What is the most important thing to tackle when making travel more accessible?
“For me, the most pressing thing is the lack of information. There needs to be more access to information for disabled customers, with clear descriptions with photos or, better still, videos (captioned) as this would enable us to assess access for ourselves and make more informed decisions before we travel. The only way to do that is by making sure the information is out there.”
Do you think travel is gradually becoming more accessible?
“There is a growing awareness of the importance of accessibility and inclusivity in travel and all aspects of life. As the global population ages and the disabled community grows, the number of people with mobility and accessibility needs increases, which means accessible travel options are becoming more and more critical. The travel industry must ensure everyone can access the same experiences regardless of their abilities. Overall, accessible travel creates a more inclusive, equitable, and welcoming world for everyone. It's a win-win.”
Are there any particular hotels, restaurants, or destinations that stand out to you for accessibility?
“I recently discovered that the owner of ANI Private Resorts, Tim Reynolds, is a paraplegic. As a result, every resort in the collection has been designed with wheelchair access in mind. Their open-plan, universally designed spaces instantly make everybody feel at home. The helpful resort staff, who treat you like family, intuitively know how to help without making a fuss. ANI Dominican has one of the most spectacularly positioned pool hoists I have ever seen.”
Hermon and Heroda Berhane
Creators, educators and activists
What does accessible travel mean to you?
“Accessible travel means having absolutely no barriers when accessing information or announcements that are available to anyone else. It’s important to celebrate and embrace inclusion, by breaking stereotypes and encouraging people from different backgrounds, with their own life stories that reflect real people in the real world to engage with the travel industry. We are human beings who deserve to have a chance to see the world and travel without barriers – everyone should have the same opportunities to travel, explore, and experience new cultures.”
What frustrates you most about the lack of accessibility in the travel industry?
“What irritates us the most is that we can’t hear the announcements. If our flight was delayed or the boarding gate changed, we have to ask staff and we would inform them that we are deaf; and suddenly they start panicking or have no patience when we ask them to repeat themselves. Most people lack training in deaf awareness and how to interact with deaf travellers, and the travel industry could do more and should do better to adapt travel and become more inclusive for us. Communication barriers are a concern and accessibility issues occur regularly when we travel.”
Are there any particular hotels, restaurants, or destinations that stand out to you for accessibility?
“All too often, accessibility is met half way or not at all by some companies – organisations should go above and beyond any regulations. We feel it is an opportunity for some companies to separate themselves from the competition and become the go-to brand for accessible travel. We stayed at The Hoxton in Barcelona and they were fantastic. They went beyond our usual experience and took the time to make themselves aware of our needs, which is important, as we didn’t have to constantly worry about adapting to their world. They made our trip so much easier, so welcoming and the hotel interior is stunning. They created a wonderful welcome message by using sign language finger spelling ‘WELCOME’ on a greeting card.”
Noah Matthews Matofsky
Actor, “Peter Pan & Wendy”
What does accessible travel mean to you?
“I think it is great that we can explore different countries and learn about other cultures, but everybody should have that opportunity whether they have a disability or not. When I flew to Canada to film Peter Pan and Wendy, Disney paid for business class – I really liked all the space and I found it very relaxing, so this was really important for me. I wish I could always fly business class as the space really helps me. I really love to travel and I’m not really scared of anything, but I know it’s different for other people.”
What is your favourite destination to travel?
This summer I will be the keynote speaker at the National Down Syndrome Congress in Orlando, Florida. I am looking forward to that trip because I have always wanted to go to the theme parks there. If you have a dream you should try and make it happen, so accessible travel is really important for that.”
Fats Timbo
Creator, comedian, author
What accessible changes would you like to see in the travel industry?
“As a person with dwarfism, accessible travel means being able to experience the joy and freedom of exploring new places without encountering physical barriers that can make it difficult or impossible to navigate. This includes more wheelchair-accessible transportation and step-free options, accommodations with features such as lowered countertops and grab bars, and trained staff who are able to assist individuals with disabilities, especially in airports. We need to have more information and resources available about accessible travel destinations and activities so that individuals with disabilities can fully participate and enjoy their travel experiences.”
What do you worry about most when you travel?
“My biggest fears when it comes to travelling involve accessibility issues. I worry about not being able to reach certain items in hotel rooms, bathrooms, or restaurants. Another fear is encountering people who may be discriminatory or insensitive towards my condition. Accessible travel means being able to experience the joy and freedom of exploring new places without encountering physical barriers that can make it difficult or impossible to navigate.”
Why do you think accessible travel is more important than ever?
“I believe that accessible travel is more important than ever because it allows all individuals, regardless of ability or disability, to experience the world in the same way. Providing the opportunity for disabled people to travel helps break down all sorts of barriers, and inspires people with disabilities to take on new challenges and adventures. I believe that making travel more inclusive and accessible would not only benefit people with disabilities but also create a more diverse and enriching experience for all travellers. Exploring the world is an essential aspect of life, and everyone deserves to experience it to the fullest, participating in all aspects of a journey without having to worry about physical limitations or accessibility barriers.”
Ellie Midds
Creator, speaker, writer, consultant
What changes would you like to see in the travel industry?
“I think it would be for the industry to accommodate hidden disability equally to physical disability. Accessible travel should be important and taken seriously – one in five people are disabled, and it is estimated that 70-80 per cent of disabilities are invisible. All of those people deserve to experience the joys and opportunities of travel just as much as everybody else. A lot of assistance programmes and accessible facilities cater for wheelchair users and other physically disabled people, but don’t consider the needs of those who aren’t as “obviously” disabled. Providing as many options for as many different disabled folks as possible means that travel can become more accessible to everybody.”
What challenges do you face when travelling?
“A big challenge for me is my sensory sensitivities while in a new place. I am really sensitive to sounds especially, so if a hotel room or apartment is noisy then it can really throw me off. But there are a lot of really simple things that can be done to make travel accessible for an autistic ADHDer like myself. Marriott hotels and Radisson Blu hotels both allow you to check in via your phone or their app ahead of time, which is great to avoid potentially stressful check-ins on arrival and so you know what to expect when you get there. Similarly, it’s really helpful when restaurants allow you to order via your phone or a touch-screen system. I also can’t deal with queueing for long periods of time in busy or loud places, and Manchester airport is really great at supporting you through the security and border control areas as a sunflower lanyard wearer via their accessibility programmes.”
Sophie Butler
Creator and activist
What does accessible travel mean to you?
“Accessible travel means treating Disabled travellers with respect and dignity. This might seem like common sense, but unfortunately many Disabled people will tell you about experiences where they’ve felt undignified while travelling, either by airlines, hotel access, or public access. I believe Disabled people should be able to travel and experience the world without compromising on their dignity or human rights – it can be done, we just need those with the resources to be on the same page.”
What are your biggest fears when it comes to travelling?
“While travelling is so rewarding and fulfilling, as a Disabled woman it doesn’t come without its worries. I would say one of my biggest fears is damaging my chair or getting physically hurt. This fear is amplified when the trip involves flying, as there are many examples of Disabled people having their chairs broken or damaged in flight. There is also the worry of managing a new environment and its streets, paving, activities, but I try to recognise my fear, feel it, and do it anyway – I would rather feel temporary fear than miss out long term.”
Where is your all-time favourite travel destination, and why?
“I love to travel within Europe, especially on the Eurostar as I can stay in my chair and have much smoother access experience. I recently got back from Amsterdam and was very excited to see how much of the city is accessible! The public transport is very easy to navigate and there was many accessible activities to enjoy. I personally loved an accessible canal boat tour, and a day trip to the Keukenhof gardens.”
Ashley Sherman Young
Activist, ambassador, performer
Why do you think accessible travel is more important than ever?
It's human nature to want to travel the world. We are meant to discover new places and it's good for our mental health to get out if we can or want to. We need to be included in every industry.
What are your biggest fears when it comes to travelling?
“Not knowing if I'm being taken advantage of due to my disability. Without being familiar with a place and potential language barriers it's hard to know if I am missing out because a host may think I can't do something. I also feel that although I'm not in a wheelchair, many historic buildings lack an accessible entrance or have tiny spiral staircases. If buildings don't have access to everything for people in wheelchairs, then it's not accessible.”
If you could change one thing about the travel industry as it currently stands, what would that be?
More accessible prices and stopping planes destroying wheelchairs. I have a lot of friends who are terrified to travel because of all the horror stories about airlines damaging people's mobility aids. Airlines need to take more care and have better design to accommodate wheelchairs.
Tyler Saunders
Personal trainer, coach, wheelchair basketball athlete
What does accessible travel mean to you?
“To me, accessible travel means a seamless travel experience from door to destination. It’s more important now than ever because disabled people are more willing to travel and see the world – with inclusivity and accessibility being points of interest at the moment, it's imperative the travel industry is seen to be taking measures to accommodate those with additional needs.”
If you could change one thing about the travel industry as it currently stands, what would that be?
“If I could change one thing about the travel industry, it would be the way airlines handle large groups of disabled travellers. Obviously having provisions (ramps, lifts etc) would help, but I mean more that the airline staff and helpers need to have the right attitude, and not see us as invalids or people who require pity.”
What are your biggest fears when it comes to travelling?
“I used to have a lot of fears about travelling when I wore my prosthetic leg, as hot weather could cause issues to its structure. Nowadays, my main concern when travelling is the care/handling of my wheelchair(s) whilst flying with my wheelchair basketball team. I’ve had some nightmares – even as recently as last week – with chairs not being packed with luggage and being left at the airport; wrong chairs being brought up to the plane; chairs being sent to the wrong parts of the airport, even chairs being damaged or mangled during transit. Equipment and mobility aid being handled with care is a big worry.”