Accessible holiday activities

Gone are the days when people looked at you strangely because you want to join in the fun, even though you have a wheelchair, you’re recovering from a physical or mental illness or are visually impaired. Accessible holiday activities are definitely on the up, and we don’t just mean holidays that are purposefully created for people with special needs. We mean really full-on stuff, like watersports, gorilla trekking, horse riding and so much more.

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Accessible holiday activities

Safari

Although the safari world is not exactly shouting about the fact that they welcome everyone on game drives, many are making serious attempts to be more accessible, from open-plan, ground floor rooms in lodges to door-to-door transfers and massages after arduous game drives. We have specialist safaris on offer in Kenya, Tanzania and South Africa, which cater for wheelchair users, although facilities for people with sensory or cognitive disabilities are not as high up there on the agenda yet. However, it is definitely a start. It is also worth speaking with our safari suppliers who are experts in tailor made itineraries. They know their destinations like the backs of their hands, as well as their guides, accommodations and activity providers. They can find out if a balloon ride over the Masai Mara might work for you, if the bush is manageable in a wheelchair on a walking safari or if a one to one guide is available to lead you across the plains if you are visibly impaired. An open canoe safari on the Zambezi might have seemed beyond your dreams but who’s to say something like that isn’t possible?

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Cruise

Large cruise ships have targeted the accessible tourism market for years, with convenient, culture-less commodities which cater for lots of people’s needs. The annual cruise was, therefore, an easy option for holiday makers with access issues. Less known are the facilities available on board small ship cruises, however, many of which also cater for a wide variety of needs. And unlike the giant cruises, they are all about immersion in natural and cultural heritage. Not just sitting on deck, watching the world go by.

Not all of them are as open about their accessible holiday activities or facilities as they could be, but many of them offer adapted facilities and will support you on your journey, so don’t wait for them to catch up. Just ask. You’ll be surprised how many can help out, allowing you to leave the ‘liner lounge lizards behind and take time to really enjoy the likes of Egypt, Alaska or the Antarctic to name but a few destinations.

Water sports

Many people assume that multi activity holidays involve such a degree of challenge and physical exertion that they aren’t suitable for people with disabilities, but in Croatia at least that’s far from the case. Activities such as kayaking, river rafting and swimming can usually be adapted to take into account the needs of travellers with limited mobility, cognitive disabilities or reduced vision and hearing, though you may want to bring along a companion. Amid the glorious setting of Plitvice Lakes National Park, holiday companies are well used to organising itineraries to suit travellers with different abilities.

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Accessible travel or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Our travel team is always happy to discuss your particular requirements when it comes to accessibility. If we know early in the process exactly what you need then through communication with suppliers we can make appropriate holiday recommendations, and ensure that every aspect of your trip will meet your needs, from accommodation to meals and support.

Horse riding

Catalonia leads the way when it comes to accessible, inclusive tourism, with the entire region getting involved. One especially popular activity here is horse riding, with specially trained instructors provide lessons for guests with limited mobility. The surrounding countryside offers plenty of scope for tailored activities from kayaking and rowing to hiking and mountain biking, while accommodation is wonderfully accessible for people with mobility, cognitive, vision and hearing disabilities.

Skiing

When we say that the ski slopes of Gulmarg, some of the most-sought-after in Asia, are barrier-free, we’re not talking about safety fences. Here, people with a wide range of disabilities, including blindness and some amputees, can confidently and safely take to the piste with specially designed small group trips and lessons from expert skiers. You can travel solo, with a companion, or with the kids, and enjoy comprehensive support to begin or develop your skiing abilities.

More about Accessible travel

Accessible holidays guide

This accessible holiday guide aims to show you the world can still be your oyster, no matter what your special need - it's also a call to action to the travel industry to cater better for those with various disabilities and needs.

Top disabled access holiday destinations

The world is gradually switching on to the fact that there is a rapidly growing number of people with disabilities wanting to travel more, but who just can’t face it because the place makes it too difficult for them.

Wheelchair accessible holidays

Wheelchair accessible holidays have seen huge advances in recent years, and while the tourism industry as a whole is still a long way from perfection on this, we’re thrilled to see more and more exciting destinations and experiences opening up for wheelchair travellers.

Holidays for people with limited mobility

Our fantastic and diverse range of limited mobility holidays will encourage you to get out and see the world one step at a time, because not everyone is content to just stay close to their accommodation the whole time

Holidays for deaf & hard of hearing travellers

Many of the accessible holidays that you’ll see on our site can be adapted for travellers that are deaf or hard of hearing, with operators always happy to go the extra mile - your hearing may be impaired, your enjoyment of the holiday won’t be.

Holidays for blind & partially sighted travellers

What do hiking in the Spanish Pyrenees, fascinating cultural tours of Japan and ski trips in the mountains of India have in common? They’re all available in our amazing range of blind and partially sighted holidays.

Holidays for people with cognitive issues

Travelling with cognitive issues needn’t limit your options if the trip is well organised before departure - our cognitive issues holidays are able to accommodate a wide variety of conditions, blending practicality with inspirational activities.

Your disabled access holiday requirements

Accessible tourism is about tourism for all, no matter your needs - here are some tips on how best to teach tourism operators about your disabled access holiday requirements, as well as any other requirements that you might have.

Disabled access holiday advice

Our disabled access holiday advice comes from some of our most celebrated travellers with various special needs - the overall advice is get out there and have fun, not just opt for the boring option because they are catering for your needs.

Responsible accessible tourism holidays

Responsible accessible tourism holidays are a weird concept, because in many ways, every responsible tourism holiday should address equal access - this section of our guide is a call to action to tourism organisations of all stripes.