Top disabled access vacation destinations

The world is gradually switching on to the fact that there is a rapidly growing number of disabled people wanting to travel more, but who just can’t face it because the place makes it too difficult for them. Then there are the places that, often because of one person’s commitment to equal access, get it right. Our map and highlights page salutes these top disabled access destinations. And if your destination is sticking its head in the sand, please read on and get inspired.

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Top disabled access vacation destinations

The days are thankfully long gone when accessible vacations meant you were limited to identikit resorts or vast cruise vessels. No-one is denying that there is still much more to do, but the fact is that travel has never been so wide-open for disabled travelers. Traveling with special requirements does involve detailed planning on your part and that of the tour operator, but with time and flexibility, practically any challenge can be overcome. We have a growing number of partners ready and willing to adapt their itineraries to make them as inclusive as possible. From small ship cruises in Alaska and Antarctica to African safaris, watersports in Croatia or horse-riding in Catalonia, Cuban road-trips in classic cars and skiing in India, this page showcases some of our most exciting and accessible vacation destinations.

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1. Alaska
2. Antarctica
3. Catalonia
4. Costa Rica
5. Azores
6. Cuba
7. Egypt
8. India
9. Tanzania
10. Rwanda
11. South Africa
12. Sri Lanka

Alaska

1. Alaska

The remote and ruggedly beautiful Alaskan wilderness is far from inaccessible when you travel with small, family-run operators capable of flexibility when it comes to their clients’ needs. If you have limited mobility, hearing or vision, or specific dietary requirements, these are no barrier to trekking, canoeing and camping around majestic Denali National Park, or cruising the Kenai Peninsula in search of bears, whales and sea lions.

Our top selling trip: Denali National Park vacation in Alaska

Alaska

Antarctica

2. Antarctica

From Drake Passage to the Wilhem Archipelago, explore the frozen wonder of the Antarctic Peninsula aboard a luxurious expedition vessel as part of a small ship cruise. Adapted cabins and lifts between all floors are available, and weather-permitting Zodiac excursions to shore can be adapted by trained staff to ensure that everyone can take part in visits to the Antarctic’s islands and bays. Note that wheelchair users will need to travel with a companion.

Our top selling trip: Luxury Antarctica cruise

Catalonia

3. Catalonia

Catalonia wins the prize for most committed place in the world for inclusive tourism. The tourist board website is superbly accessible and packed with inspiring info. Take a balloon ride, kayak, trek the St James’ Way, lounge on adapted beaches, discover nature reserves, ski at accessible resorts and celebrate all that is captivating about Catalonia.

Our top selling trip: Catalonia family mountain biking & activity vacation

Catalonia

Costa Rica

4. Costa Rica

As if Costa Rica needn't any more to recommend it, this small but nature-packed country is among the best destinations in Latin America for accessible travel. Tour operators here can unlock Costa Rica for travelers with visual, hearing and cognitive impairments. Hotels, restaurants, attractions and transfers are all checked to ensure accessibility, because adventure should be open to everyone.

Our top selling trip: Wheelchair accessible vacation in Costa Rica

Azores

5. Azores

One of the world’s greatest whale watching destinations is very accessible for lightweight wheelchair users, as well as travelers with limited mobility but who can weight bear for a while. Sturdy and stable catamarans are available for sea excursions, with bench seats, designated space for wheelchairs, and support getting aboard if needed. Our expert partners can also help with arranging accessible accommodation, and recommend restaurants that are wheelchair accessible, too.

Our top selling trip: Azores accessible whale watching vacation

Azores

Cuba

6. Cuba

Travel Cuba to discover its historic and cultural highlights, from Havana to Cienfuegos, the Bay of Pigs and Trinidad, in a handsome vintage car. Transport and excursions can be adapted for wheelchair users or people with limited mobility so that you can enjoy everything from Cuban cookery classes to performances of the Buena Vista Social Club, tours of cigar factories and the Che Guevara Mausoleum. Guests with vision and hearing impairments can also be accommodated.

Our top selling trip: Cuba tours

Egypt

7. Egypt

It might be full of ancient wonders, but Egypt has a far more modern approach when it comes to catering for people’s access needs. Travel with a specialist operator with years of expertise in creating itineraries around Egypt’s cultural gems for wheelchair users, with tip top accessible accommodation and transport. Or see Egypt from the Nile, staying on a 5* luxury adapted small cruise boat.

Our top selling trip: Wheelchair accessible Nile cruise

Egypt

India

8. India

From the iconic Golden Triangle around Delhi, Jaipur and Agra, to the beaches, backwaters and tea plantations of Kerala and even skiing in Gulmarg, India is developing superbly when it comes to accessible travel. Tailormade tours are fully assisted by trained professionals, able to provide suitable accommodations, transport and inclusive experiences for any type of disability in a real effort to break down barriers in travel.

Our top selling trip: Wheelchair accessible tour of India - Golden Triangle

Tanzania

9. Tanzania

Quieter than Kenya, but certainly no inferior when it comes to dramatic scenery against which to frame your wildlife watching, Tanzania plays host to some superb east African safaris, which can be adapted to meet many accessibility needs. For instance, the need for walking can be removed almost entirely, wheelchair accessible accommodation and vehicles can be sourced, and for those with limited hearing, guides proficient in sign language.

Our top selling trip: Tanzania safari vacation, tailor made

Tanzania

Rwanda

10. Rwanda

Trekking to see the endangered mountain gorillas through the forested terrain of Volcanoes National Park in Rwanda is possible for travelers with limited mobility and wheelchair users. Porters can be hired to carry you either on stretchers or chairs, which while not an entirely comfortable journey, is sure to be outweighed by this once-in-a-lifetime experience. Accessible accommodations and restaurants can also be factored in to ensure the rest of your Rwanda trip runs smoothly as well.

Our top selling trip: 3 day Rwanda gorilla safari

South Africa

11. South Africa

With accessible accommodations, door-to-door transfers available, and the option to hire private driver-guides, South Africa is growing to be a very inclusive destination for people with mobility, hearing or vision impairments. You might tour the sublime Garden Route, indulge in some wine tasting, take a safari in Kruger National Park and perhaps opt for a two-center tour, finishing up with a few days relaxing on the beach in Mauritius.

Our top selling trip: Self drive South Africa vacation

South Africa

Sri Lanka

12. Sri Lanka

Unfold the stunning landscapes, wildlife and cultural marvels of the teardrop-shaped island on vacations that can be adapted for people with accessibility requirements. Like many countries Sri Lanka still has a way to go, but tailormade itineraries allow for plenty of support where it’s needed for guests with mobility, cognitive, hearing or vision impairments.

Our top selling trip: Sri Lanka wheelchair accessible vacation

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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 vacation recommendations, and ensure that every aspect of your trip will meet your needs, from accommodation to meals and support.

Lara Paxton at our supplier, The Small Ship Cruise Collection:
“Some of our boats are old Russian expeditions ships and just don’t have the access, but a lot of the newer ships do have access, and so it is really good to see that this is available for some people, especially if they don’t want to do the massive cruise liner thing. They want the different experience that we offer on small ship cruises, to actually get off the boat – and not just point to a destination from on board, which is completely what we don’t agree with. The boat is just a means to get from A to B and the vacation is all about exploring and getting off the boat, more than anything. And so now it is available on many of them.”

Martin Heng, Accessible Travel Manager & Editorial Adviser, Lonely Planet (Australia) has travelled around the world in a wheelchair shares some thoughts on top disabled access vacation destinations: “Baby boomers are now retiring with access issues, whether they identify as disabled or not, but they are increasingly subject to varying degrees of disability, whether it is hearing, sight or mobility. And this is a market that I think the smart national tourism bodies are actually thinking about. Examples of these are England, Scotland and Wales, on the back of the last Olympics and Paralympics in London – but also Catalonia and Germany.

Ahmed Fayez, from our supplier Memphis Tours in Egypt:
“Many tours are accessible these days in Egypt. Boat trips are adapted to disabled passengers with assistance always available. Even the ancient sites in Egypt are now accessible to wheelchair users and walking with just a few limitations at certain sites. The Red Sea resorts also offer a range of activities which disabled clients can also be involved in with diving and snorkelling. Accessible tourism is much higher in demand these days due to disabled people being more adventurous in traveling; therefore adapting to suit their needs has become common place. Therefore, standards have improved greatly over the last 10 years.”