Best Holiday Destinations For Disabled Travellers

These days there is more awareness about the mental and physical disabilities. These people are visible, important and a part of society. This awareness has made more people to be understanding and want to be more accommodating. Some countries and cities have also taken it a step further by designing their cities and tourist packages to cater to the disabled, so they can equally have a positive experience of their vacation. Other countries and cities are slowly becoming aware and making changes to accommodate.

We cannot deny the fact that a lot more work still needs to be done in order to make the travelling experience better and enjoyable for disabled travellers. For those of you who may be disabled or have friends, family and colleagues that may be disabled. We created a list of the top travel destinations that provide suitable facilities. Enjoy!

The top friendly destinations that have great access for the disabled list as follows:

1.   Berlin, Germany

Berlin, the capital of Germany, commits to provide better opportunities for the disabled. The city is barrier-free. That means the city is easily accessible to those who use wheelchairs.

The city provides mobility opportunities to blind and partially sight people as well as the deaf and hard of hearing equally. Berlin has a new accessible building and public transport for the disabled. The city also received the European Commission Access City Award. The hotels, tourist’s places and other events are in access of disabled too. Please be aware that some of the main attractions are not wheelchair friendly.

In terms of flying to Berlin. Please note that wheelchair access is available at Tegel airport or Shönefeld Airport. Alternatively you can take the train to the Berlin Hauptbahnhof (which is has wheelchair access).

2.   National Parks of the United States

National Park services decided to build the Accessibility Task Force in 2012. The plan was developed for five years to increase accessibility throughout the parks.

Moreover, National Park Services provides lifetime free pass to permanent residents with permanent disabilities. Therefore, with pass disabled can get free entrance to 2000 recreation sites as well as a discount on the amenity fees.

The top accessible parks in the list are Congaree National Park and the Rocky Mountain National Park.

3.   Sydney, Australia

Sydney is the topmost disabled-friendly destination. It provides public transportation facilities to the disabled. More than 2000 tactile and Braille Street signs and accessibility map are available for disabled. The map gives information related to searching for accessible restrooms and mobility parking spaces.

The map warns the disabled in case of any barriers and stair inclines. Sydney is working on even more opportunities for the disabled. which is amazing!

4.   Disney World

Disney world is included in top destinations that have great access for the disabled. The park provides a wheelchair, audio descriptions, captioning, and assistive listening rental.

Disney World provides a guide for disabled Guests and offers a Disability Access Service (DAS). The services offer comparable return time for disabled who cannot wait in conventional lines.

5.   Dublin Ireland

Dublin provides digital information to search for the disabled-friendly places in the city.

The website Mobility MOJO provides current information. The information includes pubs, parks, restaurants, transportation, and other attraction in Dublin and beyond.

Dublin is trying to redesign its old historic buildings so it can make it more accessible for the disabled. However, the city has several accommodations for the disabled. Please note, that there are a lot of cobbled stones and little hills in the city, so you may need assistance or a private tour guide to make the trip more accessible. Overall, the main tourist attractions have very good accessibility.

6.   Hanauma Bay, Hawaii

Hanauma Bay provides fabulous facilities for the disabled. The disabled can relax on the beach on wheelchairs free of cost.

The other facilities like transport buses and tram to are accessible. The special screen in movie theatres is also accessible.

The other accessible destinations for disabled are listed as Pattaya Thailand, LEGOLAND, Loutraki Greece, Sicily Italy, and South Africa, Seattle WA U.S of America.

If you know any more destinations, feel free to leave a comment and share them with us. :-)

GLOBAL CITIZEN: MEET KIRBY

We had the pleasure of photographing Kirby. She moved to London a few years ago and she is already making major waves in the modelling and fitness world. She is full of energy and is always smiling and we are sure we will be seeing more of her doing her thing and taking over the World! Meet Kirby! :-) 

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT LIVING IN LONDON? 

The opportunities. If I'd never have moved to London I really don't think that I'd have been able to experience half of the things that I have. You really don't know what's going to come your way next, which makes it all the more exciting.

WHERE IN THE WORLD WOULD YOU LIKE TO VISIT?

There are three places that are at the top of my list... Australia, as I hear that the fitness scene out there is amazing and the weather doesn't look so bad! ;) Nigeria because when people find out that I'm part Nigerian they always ask if I've been and one day I would like to turn around and say yes! Finally I'd have to say LA, mainly because I think it could be good for me career-wise out there. 

WHERE IS YOUR FAVOURITE PLACE TO EAT IN LONDON?

For a quick bite I'd say Planet Organic and for date night it has to be Sushi Samba! 

WHAT DO YOU LOVE DOING?

Exercising and sunbathing! Unfortunately I don't get to do much of the latter in London, but if the sun's out, you won't catch me indoors! I also love spending time with good people. drinking cocktails, watching the sun set and writing. 

3 FAVOURITE THINGS EVERYONE SHOULD DO IN LONDON?

Eat at Sushi Samba, run down the Thames and picnic at the viewpoint in Greenwich park (if you like a good view then you won't be disappointed).

Global Citizen: Meet Lauren

We had the amazing pleasure of meeting Lauren! She is actually one of our customers and she has been a huge fan of High Spirit since the beginning! :-) She is smart, funny, driven and ambitious. We believe she has a bright future ahead of her! Meet Lauren! :-)

What is your favourite thing about living in London?

I love that every part is different and there’s always something new to do. I’ve lived here my whole life and I don't think I’ll ever get bored of it. Like Samuel Johnson said, ‘When a man is tired of London, he is tired of life.’

Where in the World would you like to visit?

Australia, definitely. I’ve had this obsession with it since I was really young and grew up watching programmes and documentaries about it. Plus they have the coolest animals and England’s a bit lacking in cool animals.

Where is your favourite place to eat in London?

This place called The Diner in Shoreditch, it has the best pancakes

What do you love doing?

I like hiking. It’s a great way to relax, when you live in London it’s super easy to forget that there’s stuff outside of the city haha

3 favourite things everyone should do in London?

1. Walk along the Thames

2. Go to a gig because there’s always loads on

3. Go Geocaching