Accessible Travel

80 million people in the EU have mobility or activity restrictions - and therefore rely on accessible travel. Learn what to consider during trip planning, choosing a hotel, at the airport, or at the train station, and how you can be assisted during your journey.

Relaxing on the beach, exploring a new city, climbing the highest peaks, or simply indulging - you've probably noticed that the expectations for a vacation are diverse. However, one thing is common to every enjoyable vacation: the goal is to experience the best time of the year, far from the everyday grind. But this escape from the daily routine can sometimes cause anxiety and heighten heart rates for those of you living with a disability.

But no one should forgo their well-deserved vacation just because of a disability. Accessible travel is the magic word! What sounds complicated at first can now be so well managed with some preparation and a bit of research that nothing stands in the way of a truly relaxing vacation.

Accessible travel means that planning is half the battle. Or in this case: planning is half the journey.

Many hotel providers or comparison platforms make it easy for you to find an accessible room. In the advanced search options, it is possible to search for barrier-free rooms. Often, the type of disability is even taken into account. Possible criteria may include an accessible bathroom or special amenities for the hearing impaired. Suddenly, accessible travel seems much easier, doesn't it?

It is still advisable to gather some additional information and not just trust the listings on a search portal. What does it mean, for example, that accessible rooms are available? What is meant by wheelchair accessibility? These terms do not have a clear definition that is standardized across all hotels. Therefore, it is wise to read the descriptions carefully or have them read to you, and often directly contacting the hotel helps clarify small details. Attention to detail pays off when traveling accessibly. Because small discrepancies that a regular guest might shrug off can be real annoyances when traveling with a disability.

Here, too, it's advisable to create a checklist in advance that breaks down your own needs. It's also helpful to consider points that are taken for granted in your own home, such as door widths. You can find a sample checklist here.

The German Hotel and Restaurant Association (DEHOGA) has also developed a system in its agreements on accessibility in the hospitality sector that classifies restaurants and hotels using pictograms, depending on the type of disability solutions they provide. A breakdown of the criteria can also be viewed. Similar systems exist abroad.

In general, every country can be traveled to with a disability. Even a trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway is possible. There are barely any limits to the bucket list. But particularly inexperienced travelers or those who are less organized benefit from countries that prioritize inclusion and strive to eliminate barriers.

The USA are considered an easy country for overseas travels. Here, the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 mandates that all new constructions of public facilities and private businesses (such as amusement parks) must be accessible to the general public, and existing facilities must enhance their accessibility for all. Due to America's involvement in several wars, the number of veterans with disabilities is very high, and the handling of individuals with special needs is experienced. Additionally, bringing a service dog to the USA is particularly straightforward.

The Scandinavian countries are generally pioneers in accessible travel in Europe. Their laws often mandate that everything be made accessible to as many people as possible. Sweden offers an accessibility database that lists hotels as well as attractions regarding their offerings for people with mobility restrictions, and even public transport considers the needs of allergy sufferers. In Norway, the idea of 'Universal Design for All' applies, while Denmark's accessibility mark identifies various areas of life regarding their suitability for different categories of disabilities.

For mountain and snow lovers, Austria should be the destination for your next winter vacation. Many regions have prepared for winter sports enthusiasts with disabilities, so nothing stands in the way of enjoying the snow. Additionally, Austria is a great place for accessible active vacations. You can select accommodations on holidaysonwheels.at based on the type of disability or what leisure activities should be nearby. Accessible travel made simple!

If you're in the mood for a city trip, it's a good idea to note the winners of the Access City Awards. The European Commission awards this annually to the cities that make special efforts for accessible urban design and provide exceptional services for residents - but also travelers - with disabilities. Some of the most beautiful cities in Europe have won this award in the past. How about spending a weekend in Milan, the 2016 winner?

Cities like Helsinki, Boras, Funchal, or Berlin have also been positive examples of the award. Check out the list of previous winners - some of these cities are certainly on your sightseeing list.

Traveling by car or train is now hardly a problem for those with disabilities. Cars and trains are familiar to most. However, air travel is a different ballgame altogether. Still, it is possible to reach all the distant dream destinations accessible via air with a disability. To help you prepare, I will summarize all the essential points.

First of all, there is no uniform plan that airlines operate under. Therefore, it's always practical to review the specific regulations of the airline you choose and make your choice based on which best meets your needs. Generally, regardless of the airline, there are several aspects to consider for a smooth process.

Timely notification of special needs, such as the transport of a wheelchair, ventilator, or required assistance on the ground or in the air, is certainly one of the most important items on the travel to-do list. The magic word here is as soon as possible, especially with an additional reminder shortly before the application deadline with the respective airline. Additionally, a doctor can issue a fitness to fly certificate, which can expedite the process at the airport itself.

All international airlines utilize a collection of abbreviations that can be directly indicated when booking:

Many airports have a service bell for wheelchair users or those who need additional assistance. Such a bell is usually placed right at the entrance, and help typically arrives quickly.

Wheelchairs are generally checked in with your luggage. Transportation conditions should be checked in advance, especially if it's an electric wheelchair. A wheelchair will, of course, be provided for the duration between luggage check-in and collection at the arrival airport.

At security checks, you should have some understanding towards airport staff. It happens far less frequently that a passenger with a disability is checked than that a traveler without special needs goes through the screening. Therefore, it not only significantly reduces wait times but also makes life easier for both you and the staff if you describe your disability accurately. Can you self-navigate through the screening? Which body areas are particularly sensitive? What can trigger pain? With mutual understanding, passing through security checks is essentially a formality.

The big question is: Where do disabled travelers actually sit? The answer is straightforward: They can sit anywhere. Only the seats at the emergency exits cannot be assigned to passengers with disabilities due to possible safety concerns. Additionally, there is another restriction: the armrest next to the aisle is always foldable. Aisle seats are usually not occupied by disabled persons. If the airline has assigned you such a seat and you feel uncomfortable, don't hesitate to inform the cabin crew.

They are also happy to assist according to your needs. This includes not just assistance in navigating through the airplane (but not to the restroom) or personal safety instruction, but also explaining the arrangement of food on the tray for visually impaired individuals. Some services, however, are generally excluded from assistance, such as lifting and carrying individuals or supervising and assisting with medication intake.

Some airlines reserve the right to require a companion for certain disabilities or only conduct transportation under specific circumstances. Therefore, it's also worth checking in advance to avoid unpleasant surprises. If you would prefer to be accompanied by your dog, most airlines allow this relatively easily, as long as it is indeed a trained service dog that is essential for the owner. Typically, the journey for your four-legged friend is free of charge.

By the way: There is usually always an onboard wheelchair. It is tailored to the dimensions of the aircraft and greatly facilitates movement within the cabin.

A cruise, whether at sea or on a river, is one of the most relaxed ways to enjoy a barrier-free vacation. Modern ships, well-trained personnel, and well-equipped medical stations make cruises particularly appealing. Another plus: without much effort, guests can quickly reach various destinations and receive good assistance during land excursions.

However, you should also gather information in advance regarding the ship's amenities, options for wheelchair users, cabin sizes, and local offerings to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Accessible travel initially sounds like an insurmountable hurdle. In fact, some preparation is needed to enjoy a vacation with a disability carefree. But anticipation is known to be the greatest joy! That's why I think no one should have to forgo their well-deserved vacation. Let yourself be inspired by a healthy dose of wanderlust in my travel magazine!