Tourist in wheelchair getting ready to swim in sea

Accessible Holidays - Enabling You to Jet Off

Discover a world of adventures with our accessible holidays guide - designed to ensure everyone can travel freely and confidently. From barrier-free journeys and accessible hotels to inclusive attractions around the world, we're here to help you plan every detail of your holiday with ease and peace of mind.

Getting There

Airport assistance

Before you reach your destination, you may have to navigate the hurdle of actually getting there. Fortunately, AccessAble and individual airports have produced detailed accessibility guides, helping you navigate everything from car parks and check-in to security to your departure gate. You can expect step-free routes, waiting areas reserved for wheelchair users, accessible toilets, and clear signage throughout the terminal. Digital tools, like real-time information screens and tactile paths, make it even easier to get where you need to go. If you'd like extra support, let your airline know in advance so assistance is ready when you arrive.

Useful links:

Getting There

Eurostar assist

Heading to France, Belgium or the Netherlands? Eurostar is a fantastic alternative to flying, especially if you're starting from London. Eurostar Assist offers help at all major stations, from check-in through border control, right to your seat. You'll find step-free boarding, priority seating in the departure lounge, and help with luggage between the train and platform. Staff are also on hand when you arrive, so you're never left to find your way alone.

Looking ahead, there are exciting plans for direct train services between the UK and Germany. A landmark treaty was signed in July 2025 including plans to introduce direct trains between London and Berlin.

Accessible Hotels

Accessible Transport

Within Europe

If you use buses, trains, trams or any other form of public transport in the UK you’ll probably be aware it’s now a legal requirement for wheelchair provision, bright destination displays and (in most cases) visual and audio stop announcements. Most European countries have similar requirements, but you may notice some differences on your travels.

If you head to Prague or Budapest you'll notice their classic 1970 trams are still going strong. These aren’t wheelchair accessible, but they only run alternate services. So if a vintage tram turns up, the next one will be a modern accessible one. The good news is the older trams have been retrofitted with other accessibility mods - such as next stop announcements, and an easy-to-use contactless payment system.

Bus networks across Europe vary: cities in Germany and Spain are known for their extensive use of real-time information displays and clear audible announcements - features that are still rolling out in many areas of the UK. If you find yourself on a bus without these, you can always find your stop on Google or Apple maps, and keep a close eye on your phone when it’s getting close.

Getting around a different city can sometimes feel confusing - especially if there are lots of bus, tram, or train lines to choose from. Fortunately, big cities have public transport maps that are simple, bright and easy to follow. Colour-coded routes and clear zone boundaries make it easier for everyone to find their way, and are particularly helpful if you have a learning difficulty like dyslexia.

Multilingual ticket machines are commonplace in major cities, removing any language barriers. At stations frequented by tourists in Spain it’s commonplace to find staff on hand if you struggle to use these. However, there are unstaffed stations where you’ll be reliant on a helpful local or fellow tourist.

Accessible Transport

Outside Europe

Public transport accessibility varies widely. In North Africa, the infrastructure itself often lacks wheelchair access and step-free boarding, meaning many vehicles and stops are challenging for those with mobility needs. In Dubai, the public transport system is more advanced in accessibility, with metro stations and buses featuring ramps, audio-visual announcements, and reserved spaces for wheelchair users to ensure a smoother travel experience. In Thailand, accessible public transport is still developing; some newer buses and metro lines in Bangkok offer wheelchair access and audio-visual information, but many older services do not.

In the USA, accessibility is a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Cities like New York and regions such as Florida have made significant progress: buses are low-floor with ramps, trains have accessible boarding, and audio-visual announcements are standard. However, some older subway stations, especially in New York, still lack lifts, so it's wise to check station accessibility in advance.

In Mexico, accessibility is improving but remains inconsistent. Major cities like Mexico City have introduced accessible metro cars and buses with ramps and announcements, yet many routes and stops are still difficult to navigate for wheelchair users. Supportive apps and assistance services can help mitigate these challenges.

Top 10 Accessible Destinations

Algarve, Portugal A leader in accessible coastal holidays, offering over 45 beaches equipped for those with limited mobility. Many of the region’s favourite sands - including Praia da Rocha, Praia de Alvor, and Carvoeiro - feature amphibious beach wheelchairs so everyone can enjoy the Atlantic waves.
Barcelona Boasting wheelchair-friendly beaches and adapted public transport. Major landmarks like Sagrada Família and Park Güell offer accessible routes, making the city a top choice for inclusive travel.
Paris Post-2024 Paralympics upgrades have improved metro stations and tourist landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre for wheelchair users. The city offers accessible Seine cruises and sensory-friendly experiences.
New York City Has numerous wheelchair-accessible attractions, tactile pathways, as well as sensory-friendly programming. Though some subway stations remain challenging, buses and many key sites are fully accessible.
Orlando Home to Disney and Universal Studios, the city provides ride access passes, accessible hotel shuttles, and adapted hotel rooms, making it a family-friendly destination for everyone.
Dubai Jumeirah Beach is renowned for step-free access, accessible walkways, and specialised changing areas, while top sights like the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa offer tactile paving and lifts throughout.
Tenerife The island features wheelchair-friendly beaches, such as Playa de las Vistas in Los Cristianos, equipped with ramps and floating beach wheelchairs. Nature lovers can explore accessible trails in Teide National Park and Anaga Biosphere Reserve, with specially adapted paths and viewpoints.
Singapore A clean, compact city with low-floor buses, lifts in every station, and inclusive gardens and museums, making it among the most accessible Asian cities for travellers.
Copenhagen A blend of historic charm with modern accessibility. Public transport is fully accessible, while top sights like the Royal Palace, the colourful Nyhavn waterfront, and the iconic Little Mermaid can be reached via flat, step-free routes.
The Dolomites, Italy Features numerous accessible panoramic trails and viewpoints designed for visitors with limited mobility, combining stunning natural beauty with thoughtful accessibility.

Top 10 Accessible Attractions

Bat4All, Tenerife A fully wheelchair-accessible boat tour departing from Los Cristianos. Designed with inclusivity at its core, Bat4all offers space for up to four wheelchairs, plus it boasts an adapted bathing platform to facilitate immersion in the sea, even for wheelchair users.
Eiffel Tower, Paris All public levels (except the very top) are accessible by lift, with adapted restrooms and priority entry for disabled visitors.
Colosseum, Rome Spacious lifts, ramps, and adapted facilities allow easy access to most levels, plus priority tickets for disabled travellers.
National Museum, Prague Fully wheelchair accessible with ramps, lifts and disabled toilets.
Acropolis Museum, Athens A modern building with full wheelchair access, adapted toilets, tactile exhibits and audio guides. The actual Acropolis site also has a lift exclusively for wheelchair users, but advance booking is needed.
Titanic Belfast The interactive museum is wheelchair accessible, with lifts, wide pathways and sensory rooms.
Madeira Botanical Gardens Smooth paths and accessible toilets with wheelchair hire available nearby.
Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia Some boardwalk trails and shuttle buses have been made wheelchair-accessible to enjoy the stunning waterfalls and lakes.
Dublin Zoo Fully accessible paths, ramps, and accessible toilets make this a great destination if anyone in your family has a disability.
Festung Hohensalzburg, Salzburg While parts of this fortress have many steps, the bell tower’s elevator allows wheelchair access to the courtyard, museum, and panoramic terrace.

FAQs

How do you find hotels with accessible rooms?

Look for hotel listings that specify accessible or adapted rooms, and check details like roll-in showers, ramp access and lift availability, or get in touch directly to confirm a hotel meets your specific requirements.

Can you request accessibility assistance at the airport?

Yes, most airports and airlines offer special assistance for reduced mobility, which can typically be requested when booking or added afterwards, and it's best arranged as early as possible.

What should you check before booking an accessible holiday?

It's worth checking room accessibility features, the accessibility of the pool and public areas, transfer vehicle suitability, and whether mobility equipment can be hired locally.

Do hotels provide mobility equipment like wheelchairs?

Some hotels offer mobility equipment or can arrange hire locally, but availability varies significantly by property, so it's best to check directly with the specific hotel ahead of your stay.

Can you request airport special assistance in advance?

Yes, we recommend requesting special assistance at the time of booking or at least 48 hours before you leave, giving the airport and airline time to arrange the right support.