A Handful of Destinations That Are Inclusive to All Types of Travelers
When it comes to planning an international vacation, there are dozens of things to consider. Among the top considerations are location, expense, and time duration.
On top of those considerations, travelers with mobility issues have to be careful in selecting their locations lest they arrive in a city only to find it completely inaccessible. In the months before embarking on an international adventure, it should be advised that you spend many hours researching accessible hotels, restaurants, and transportation options.
However, even before that, how do you find countries that are known to be accessible to people with mobility issues?
A quick internet search revealed dozens of blogs that write about accessible travel locations for people with disabilities. Below are four cities and countries that appeared in many of the articles and blog posts!
The best way to find more locations is to do a quick google search or reach out to the local disability community! Friends and neighbors may have personal experiences with the cities listed below!
Location #1: Sydney, Australia
If you speak English, an international vacation to Australia might be a perfect starting point. The major cities in Australia are relatively new, meaning that the cities were designed to be more accessible than many of the other travel destinations around the world. You won’t find winding, narrow, cobblestone streets that you have to navigate!
Sydney in particular is making strides towards accessibility with their program Sydney for All. The program provides guides to visitors on which tourist attractions and paths surrounding the city are accessible. Additionally, many of the museums, gardens, and major tourist destinations within the city have committed themselves to being accessible to people with all types of disabilities.
As an added bonus, the city provides accessibility maps that mark accessible restrooms, parking lots, and stairs.
Location #2: London and Stratford-upon-Avon, United Kingdom
Keeping with the theme of international travel destinations that are made easier by being in English-speaking countries, the United Kingdom boasts two cities known for accessibility.
London is one of the best examples of an old city that has been renovated over the years to provide accessible accommodations and tourist destinations. The cabs and sidewalks are among Europe’s best in terms of easy gliding and accessible transportation. The well-known tourist sites all are wheelchair accessible and step-free so that you can focus on the attraction itself and not worry about how to move to the next room.
Stratford-Upon-Avon was the birthplace of Shakespeare and thus has a wide collection of destinations for travelers to see. The best part? All the major attractions have been modified for accessibility, including wheelchair access, sign language, audio descriptions, infra-red headsets, and induction loop amplifications systems at the many theatres.
Location #3: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
It’s often thought that accessible travel limits travelers to Europe, Oceania, and North America. While those areas of the world have gotten a head start in implementing accessible policies due to legislation like the American Disabilities Act or similar legislation, the rest of the world is gradually catching up.
As host to the 2016 summer Olympics and Paralympics, Rio de Janeiro underwent massive renovations in order to accommodate the waves of spectators. In all the renovations, accessibility was a must. This has resulted in a city that is largely accessible to visitors -- from accessible transportation around the city, to accessible cable cars to Sugar Loaf Mountain, to miles of paved paths lining the famous beaches.
Location #4: Pattaya, Thailand
Much like Brazil, Thailand is not known for being particularly accessible for visitors with mobility issues. However, the town of Pattaya, Thailand, is a paradise of accessibility within the country.
If you have a hankering for sailing, Disabled Sailing Thailand has a chapter in Pattaya that boasts nine boats and parasailing. Additionally, a number of the hotels in the area are fully wheelchair accessible, with a medley of portable ramps, adjusted peepholes, Braille, and lower counters.
Outside of living accommodations, many of the local attractions are fully accessible as well!
International traveling takes patience, research, and detailed planning. What it doesn’t take is a traveler being able-bodied. More and more cities around the world are prioritizing accessibility, and it’s up to you to see which city you like best for yourself!
Want to see the article this blog post was based on? Check out https://www.elderguru.com/the-8-most-disability-friendly-countries-for-vacation/
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