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• Last Updated December 9, 2023

Empowering Journeys: 8 Disabled Travelers Who Became Bloggers

As we’ve previously written about , traveling with a disability can be a challenging experience. While cities, airlines, hotels, and tourist attractions have made strides in improving their accessibility over the years – many barriers still remain for those who aren’t able-bodied.

That’s why we’re inspired to see so many travel bloggers sharing their experiences, stories, and advice on overcoming the accessibility challenges they face.

They prove that the wonder of travel, meeting new people, exploring new places, and experiencing new cultures is not something that anyone is or should be excluded from, no matter their personal circumstances.

There are many accessibility blogs online today, and we appreciate anyone with the courage to put their voice out there. Unfortunately, we cannot list them all here – but we can present our 8 favorite, unique, and inspiring bloggers with disabilities worth your follow today! We hope you can also derive inspiration from the experiences, stories, and advice these bloggers share.

In This Article

Our 8 Favorite Disability Travel Blogs

Simply emma.

Simply Emma is a travel and disability blog run by, as the name suggests, Emma . Emma is an ardent traveler and blogger that writes about a wide range of topics, including guides to accessible cities, hotel reviews, lifestyle tips, and more.

While Emma lives in Scotland with her partner, they have traveled to many places across Europe (and beyond!), including Barcelona , Vienna , and Paris . Emma has shared her experiences and tips from each of these cities, and they are great reading for anyone intended to go to them.

As Emma writes on her website, while she uses a wheelchair, that “certainly hasn’t stopped [her] from travelling and living life” the way she wants to. And as her website proves, she very much means it!

Our Favorite Simply Emma Blog Post

Top 4 Wheelchair Accessible Things to do in Paris

Paris is a beautiful city, but its star attraction, the Eiffel tower, is sadly only wheelchair accessible up to the 2nd floor. In this article, Emma outlines a number of alternative, just as amazing, wheelchair accessible attractions in Paris.

Follow Simply Emma

Website: https://www.simplyemma.co.uk

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/simplyemmablog/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SimplyEmmaBlog/

Curb Free With Cory Lee

Cool website name, right?

Cory Lee is another traveler passionate about exploring the world. He’s already managed 6 continents, which means there is only 1 left – but will that stop Cory? Nope. His Bucket List is stilled packed with destinations and activities for the future.

Despite using a wheelchair as a result of Spinal Muscular Atrophy, Cory has traveled incredibly far and wide , and his experiences are always enlightening to read. He writes a wide variety of content, including accessibility guides, tips, and lists of attractions worth checking out.

Cory has a substantial following on his blog, with many posts receiving tons of comments, likes, and shares. It’s clear that there’s something about Cory’s writing, experiences, and adventures that people relate with – you can count us as one of them!

Our Favorite Curb Free With Cory Lee Blog Post

17 Reasons Why I Absolutely Love Walt Disney World

Why is this our favorite? Well, we love Disney World too! But beyond that, Cory does an excellent job of explaining just how accessible the park is (including many of the rides!). Perhaps not as romantic a travel destination as a city like Paris, but Disney World is magical – and it is a magic that everyone can experience.

Follow Cory Lee

Website: https://www.curbfreewithcorylee.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/curbfreecorylee/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CurbFree

Wheels No Heels (Gem Hubbard)

We only recently discovered Gem Hubbard’s Wheels No Heels Youtube Channel after stumbling across one of her vlogs posted to Reddit – but we adored her instantly and love what she’s doing.

Gemma has a warm, friendly, aura and it really shows in all of her videos where she discusses (and shows) a range of topics from flying internationally as a wheelchair user to the obnoxious questions she frequently gets asked.

While a vlogger rather than a blogger, and not entirely focused on travel – Gemma’s output is too good to leave off our list. She shares unique, impactful, and helpful travel experiences that are always pleasant to watch.

Our Favorite Wheels No Heels Vlog

Wheelchair Transfer On/Off Disneys Magic Kingdom Rides

A perfect complement to Cory Lee’s post above, in this vlog (which is part of a wider number of vlogs from the same trip ) Gemma shows just how accessible Disney Theme Parks are.

Side Note: I really want to try one of those Disney donuts now.

Follow Gemma Hubbard

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNP1tYcve1MtivJtDjHsO-g

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wheelsnoheels_/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Wheelsnoheels/

Rexy Edventures (Ed Rex)

Rexy Edventures is a travel blog through which Ed Rex shares his experiences and advice from his adventures across the world. Alternatively, as Ed states in his author byline, he “chronicles the ‘Adventures of a Deaf and Handsome Luxury Backpacker Travelling the Unexpected.’”.

Ed has a lot of experience blogging, he’s been writing for over 8 years, and his website is packed with stories, travel tips, reviews, and more. Being deaf, Ed also has a lot of great content addressing travelling with a cochlear implant .

Our Favorite Rexy Edventures Adventure

Cochlear Implant Journey

This page is unlike lots of the more usual generalized advice. In it, Ed shares his experience getting a cochlear implant. It’s a touching, personal story worth checking out.

Follow Ed Rex

Website: https://rexyedventures.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rexyedventures

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rexyedventures

Melanie of Little Miss Turtle

Melanie operates the blog Little Miss Turtle, a platform dedicated to accessible tourism. As a wheelchair user, she doesn’t just enjoy exploring the world; she’s committed to changing the game in the travel industry. Melanie actively engages with brands, destinations, and tourism boards to make travel more inclusive for disabled individuals.

Based in Germany, Melanie has covered a plethora of destinations around the globe. From the charming streets of Cape Town to the bustling cityscape of Tokyo, her blog posts are treasure troves of insightful recommendations and tips tailored for disabled travelers.

Our Favorite Little Miss Turtle Blog Post

10 Amazing Wheelchair-Friendly Things to Do in Cape Town

In this post, Melanie walks you through some of the best wheelchair-friendly activities in Cape Town, a city known for its stunning landscapes and rich history. Whether you’re looking to explore Table Mountain or enjoy the local cuisine, Melanie’s guide ensures you won’t miss out.

Follow Little Miss Turtle

• Website: Little Miss Turtle
• Instagram: Little Miss Turtle Instagram

Sassy Wyatt ( Blind Girl Adventures )

Sassy Wyatt offers a unique lens through her blog, Blind Girl Adventures. Living with arthritis and blindness, she challenges the conventional wisdom about what accessible travel can be. From local explorations in the UK to international adventures, Sassy delves into various topics that show you can travel well, irrespective of disability.

Sassy is also a multi-platform influencer. Beyond her blog, she has a YouTube channel where she vlogs about her travels, a podcast where she delves deeper into accessibility topics, and an active Twitter presence where she engages with her audience.

Our Favorite Sassy Wyatt Blog Post

Exploring Accessible Cruising: Aboard Sky Princess with Princess Cruises

This post by Sassy is a comprehensive guide to cruising for individuals with disabilities. She shares her experiences aboard the Sky Princess, providing crucial tips on making the most of a cruise trip.

Follow Sassy Wyatt

• Website: Blind Girl Adventures
• Instagram: Sassy Wyatt Official
• YouTube: Sassy Wyatt YouTube
• Twitter: Sassy Wyatt Twitter
• Podcast: Purple Elephant

Julie Jones (Have Wheelchair Will Travel)

Julie Jones is the force behind the blog Have Wheelchair Will Travel. When her son was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at just 5 months old, Julie turned her focus towards making travel accessible for families like hers. Her blog is a well-curated collection of resources, from destination guides to product reviews.

Julie’s blog is not just a travel diary; it’s a platform that empowers families to think beyond the limitations and challenges that come with having a disabled family member. Her content is invaluable for parents seeking tips and ideas for accessible family travel.

Our Favorite Have Wheelchair Will Travel Blog Post

DIY Beach Wheelchair Kit: Manual Chair to Beach Wheelchair

This post is a life-saver for beach lovers. Julie provides a step-by-step guide on how to convert a manual wheelchair into a beach-friendly one, allowing for greater freedom and enjoyment on sandy shores.

Follow Have Wheelchair Will Travel

• Website: Have Wheelchair Will Travel
• Instagram: Have Wheelchair Will Travel Instagram
• Facebook: Have Wheelchair Will Travel Facebook
• YouTube: Have Wheelchair Will Travel YouTube

Free Wheelin’ (Karin Willison)

Finally, we share the lovely Karin Willison, author of FREE WHEELIN’.

Karin is an avid traveler, expressing a personal inclination to road trips . She writes about her experiences traveling with Cerebral Palsy and how she has had her fair share of adversity.

Karin writes a variety of different types of articles, including many guides and reviews. She travels with her electric wheelchair – so she has a lot of knowledge of accessibility in various cities across America. Check it out!

Our Favorite Free Wheelin’ Blog Post

Disability Pride in New York

In this post, Karin shares her experience attending Disability Pride in New York City. As with all blogs, it’s nice to feel authors just share their thoughts and feelings – and Karin does it perfectly here.

Follow Free Wheelin’

Website: http://freewheelintravel.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/freewheelintravel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FreeWheelinMe

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Being differently abled doesn’t mean that our desire to travel and see the world is any less or different from anyone else. I want to help make accessible travel easier by sharing my own experiences and giving you resources to start planning your next accessible trip.

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Travel & Disability Blog Directory

There are a lot of destinations in the world, and I routinely find inspiration and useful information from travel blogs online. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite travel blogs, plus a few more. I’ve placed an asterisk next to the sites with a focus on disability and accessible travel.

My Favorite Travel Blogs

The bimblers *.

Bridget and Rob – “The Bimblers” – tour Europe with a wheelchair and write about their experiences for the benefit of others. I’m confident you’ll fall in love with this couple, just as I have.

Everything Everywhere

Gary Arndt sold his house and embarked on an adventure that has taken him to more than 180 countries. He was twice named Travel Photographer of the Year.

Incredible Accessible *

Jeanne Allen’s accessible travel journey with Multiple Sclerosis is unique and she has continued to adapt and seek out the incredible and accessible places in the world.

Little Miss Turtle *

Melanie is a good friend and fellow wheelchair user who has written a great deal about some of my favorite countries including Brazil, France, Japan and Spain.

Simply Emma *

Emma lives in Scotland and blogs about traveling with a wheelchair. She writes about accessibility in great detail and makes me jealous with all of her music concert going!

My good friend Michael Trager founded TravelZork to share his knowledge of the casino gaming industry. He’s the most knowledgeable person I know when it comes to Las Vegas and Atlantic City.

More Travel & Disability Blogs

1000 Discoveries 4 Casters – Blandine is the most adventurous wheelchair user I know. *

Amateur Traveler – Podcast & blog on worldwide travel for over 10 years. Anything Is Possible Travel – Blog of a traveler, photographer, writer, and mother. *

Deafinitely Wanderlust  – Stacey is an inspiring Deaf Mexican-American traveler. * Disability Visibility Project  – Campaign to document stories of people with disabilities. * Divergent Travelers – Adventure travel through photos, videos and stories. Drifter Planet – Hippie blogger couple offer travel, fun and madness.

Freewheel Weekends – Ryan creates A+ videos about access at the world’s most interesting destinations. *

I Wheel Travel – Aurélie explores the world with a cane and wheelchair. *

Mobility Advisor – Educational resource about wheelchairs, scooters & more. * Moments of Yugen – Multi-national couple touring Europe and Asia.

Nomad Revelations – Filled with “exotic narratives and offbeat ideas” for the adventurous traveler.

Palmuasema – Sanna writes about her adventures in Finland & around the world. * Phoenix Society Blog – Support and information to aid burn survivors and families. * The Planet D – Web’s most popular, general travel blog.

Roll On Adventures – Asmae has explored much of western Europe with her wheelchair. *

SPINALpedia Blog – Highlights knowledge & triumphs of SCI survivors. * Spin the Globe – Sylvia is always cruising, in her wheelchair and on the high seas. *

TravelGuides.org – Web source for travel access information. *

Where There’s A Wheel, There’s A Way – Adventures of a young powerchair user. *

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UK Based Travel & Disabled Blogger

One of the UKs leading disability bloggers - providing comprehensive reviews & advice on accessible travel.

Simply Emma is a  leading travel and disability blog  focused on accessible travel and life experiences from a wheelchair user’s perspective. The blog was created to encourage others, with or without a disability, to travel more and make new discoveries, whether that’s abroad or in your own hometown.

Simply Emma combines my personal stories with accessible travel guides , accommodation reviews , live event reviews , travel tips and resources . I also love to discover unique experiences and accessible activities to fuel my adventurous side.

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My mission is to show you the possibilities of accessible travel through my travel guides, tips and reviews.

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UK's leading Disability & Travel blog

My mission is to show you the possibilities of accessible travel through my travel guides, tips and reviews. I also share personal stories, live event reviews and more.

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Hi! I’m Karin. I use a wheelchair and travel around the USA with my service dog, Aria. I blog about accessible travel and life with a disability. I’ve faced many challenges in life, but I don’t let my disability stop me from achieving my dreams!

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Wanderful - Blog

• Travel Content Creators
• Women to Watch

Drop Everything and Follow These 23 Accessible Travel Influencers Right Now

• Posted by by Wanderful Team
• June 3, 2021
• 8 minute read

The travel industry certainly has a long way to go to make travel accessible for all. But, because of women like these content creators, those barriers are slowly being torn down. These women are showing that travel can and should be available regardless of accessibility needs and they’re constantly inspiring their audiences and the industry to do more!

Sharing their personal stories, featuring others in the community, and advocating for accessibility in travel…these women are leading the way. Follow their adventures and support their work!

1. Deafinitely Wanderlust (Stacey Marlene)

Stacey Marlene is a deaf Latina who shares stories to challenge your perspectives about Deaf travel and Deaf communities. She talks about accessible travel, Deaf and disability awareness, and creating accessible and relatable content for the Deaf population. Deafinitely Wanderlust also aims to empower others by creating spaces for diverse Deaf travelers and Disabled travelers to share their stories, as well as sharing her own personal experiences. 

Read Stacey’s Wanderful article on traveling while Deaf

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Marlene | Deaf Traveler 🇲🇽 (@deafinitelywanderlust)

2. My Blurred World (Elin)

Elin created My Blurred World in April 2015 in the hope of building the very platform that she could have benefited from when she was younger. In her blog you’ll find a selection of features that share her personal experiences of growing up with a degenerative eye condition, accompanied by a few accounts of navigating life with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/ME, the occasional diary entry, along with some tips and advice she has to offer. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by E L I N (@myblurredworld)

3. Jayonlife (Jay)

Jayonlife focuses on the different countries and cities Jay has visited, and the different attractions available to travelers. Her YouTube videos feature her thoughts on how other places compare to her home in London both in terms of accessibility and the attitudes of the people towards disability as a whole. It also includes her thoughts on topics that affect disabled people at home and abroad.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jumoke (@jayonlife)

Wanderful members: Catch the replay of the WITS Online session “Making Our Travels & Our Content More Accessible”

4. Life of a Blind Girl (Holly)

Holly created Life of a Blind Girl in 2015 as a way of sharing her experiences of living with a vision impairment in a predominantly sighted world. Over the last six years, she has written guest posts for various charities and organizations including Scope, Able Magazine, Victa UK’s Parent Portal, Attitude Is Everything, and RNIB NB Online Magazine. Holly is also Co-founder of Access For Us, a non-profit blog aiming to raise awareness about the lack of access for disabled fans at entertainment venues across the UK whilst highlighting the barriers that disabled fans face when purchasing disabled access tickets.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Holly (@lifeofablindgirl)

5. Sanna Kalmari

Sanna’s blog and podcast are all about accessible tourism. It is Finland’s most popular accessible tourism blog and information source! Sanna is also an accessible travel specialist and shares her experiences of traveling around the world on an electric wheelchair with readers, students, and with tourism companies and professionals. 

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sanna Kalmari | Palmuasema (@sanna.kalmari)

6. Laurita Tellado

Laurita is a freelance writer, editor, blogger, and voiceover artist, and the founder of the Espresso con Leche blogs. She is also the Founder and President of The Laurita Spina Bifida Project, a non-profit whose mission is to promote positive awareness of spina bifida and unite spina bifida communities across the globe.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by L A U R I T A T E L L A D O (@lauritatellado)

7. Tatiana A. Lee

Tatiana A Lee is the founder and editor of Accessible Hollywood, where she highlights her journey as an actress, model, speaker & lifestyle influencer born with Spina Bifida. She harnesses the power of social media to speak boldly about accessibility and inclusion in mass media.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Tatiana A. Lee (@mstatilee)

8. The Chronic Entrepreneur (Kelcie Miller-Anderson)

Kelcie Miller-Anderson is an innovator and social entrepreneur based in Calgary. She is a dedicated environmentalist and fierce industry advocate, with her sights set on changing the way the world remediates. Kelcie has been recognized several times as an up and coming leader in both oil and gas and sustainability as well as receiving numerous awards for her work as an environmentalist, innovator, and scientist. She is one of Canadas Top 20 Under 20, Next 36, and a Manning Youth Innovation award winner. She frequently uses her platform to discuss accessibility and to educate followers on disability needs.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Kelcie Miller-Anderson (@thechronic_entrepreneur)

Read next:  Why I Finally Wore My Hearing Aids Traveling

9. Sylvia Longmire

Sylvia is the founder of the award-winning Spin the Globe travel blog, on which she shares her adventures traveling around the world in a power wheelchair. Her mission is to share information about the accessibility of her destinations with fellow wheelchair users around the world and inspire them to explore the world around them. Her accessible travel writing has been featured in The New York Times, New Mobility magazine, The Orlando Sentinel, and Lonely Planet, and she has published three accessible travel-related books.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Wheels Up Media 🎥🎤🎧 (@sylvia_longmire)

10. Simply Emma Blog (Emma)

Emma is the founder and writer of ‘Simply Emma’. She has Limb Girdle Muscular Dystrophy, which means her wheels are her legs, but that has not stopped her from traveling and living life exactly how she wants to. Simply Emma shares her life experiences, the blog combines her personal stories with accessible travel guides, accommodation reviews, live event reviews, travel tips and resources. She also loves to discover unique experiences and accessible activities to fuel her adventurous side.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emma | Disability Blogger (@simplyemmablog)

Read next: 39 Black Women Travel Creators to Follow Right Now

11. Have Wheelchair Will Travel (Julie Jones)

Julie is an avid traveler and, after her son was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy at 5 months of age, she decided to use her blog to share all of her research, accessible tips, family travel ideas, and helpful discoveries with others who are either planning a trip or are feeling nervous about traveling with children with disabilities.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Julie Jones (@havewheelchairwilltravel)

12. Wonders Within Reach (Jennifer Allen)

Jennifer is a lover of travel and now her children have the same boast! Her blog is all about sharing accessible adventures for all types of families. Exploring, expanding her worldview, understanding different cultures, and learning through experience are all fuels to her personal fire, and now they shape the way she parents and teaches her children. Jennifer is a big advocate of the fact that age and disabilities change the way people explore, but they just make the journey that much more rewarding!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jennifer Allen (@wonders_within_reach)

13. Wheels No Heels (Gem Hubbard)

Gem is a content creator and YouTuber focused on living life to the fullest on wheels after suffering a Spinal cord injury. She is a disability activist who uses her platform to inspire wheelchair confidence, and she also shares lots of hacks, skills, tips, and tons of content to raise awareness and offer inspiration.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gem Hubbard 👩🏼‍🦽 (@wheelsnoheels_)

14. The Chronic Traveller (Jenny Wren)

Jenny is a British writer, currently living in Barcelona. She started her blog The Chronic Traveller in 2018 to talk about traveling with chronic illnesses, disabilities, and invisible diseases. She has Ulcerative Colitis and Arthritis, which can make traveling a little challenging at times. She has always loved to travel, she has lived in 9 countries across 5 continents, and traveled in 30. She is determined to keep up with her travels despite her chronic illness. Jenny’s blog is for the love of travel, and to help raise awareness of IBD and other chronic illnesses.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by TheChronicTraveller (@chronictravell)

Read next: My Struggle for Accessibility in Travel

15. Sassy Wyatt

Sassy challenges stereotypes through education and humor, empowering others to be more disability confident. She is very passionate about changing the landscape of accessible tourism, imploring destinations, brands, and tourism boards to consider the needs and requirements of disabled travellers. Living with both arthritis and blindness she gives a unique perspective of her local and international explorations.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sassy Wyatt (@sassywyattofficial)

16. Emily Rose Yates

Emily is an accessibility consultant in the UK. She is the inclusive design associate at CCD Design and Ergonomics, and has most recently worked with Heathrow Airport to update their Access and Inclusion Standards for passengers and staff. A wheelchair user herself, Emily is also a disability awareness trainer for Enhance the UK and manages their Undressing Disability campaign, championing the right for disabled people to have access to sexual expression. She recently delivered a TEDx talk on this issue and is currently studying for a PhD in Women’s Studies at the University of York.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Emily Rose Yates (@emryates)

17. ​Planet-Abled (Neha Arora)

Neha Arora grew up without family holidays; her father is blind and mother is a wheelchair user. Her goal when she left her corporate career to create Planet-Abled was to make travel accessible for people with disabilities, one trip at a time. Planet-Abled provides accessible travel solutions and leisure excursions for people with different disabilities, providing the only organization in the world where people of all disabilities mix together into one group and travel together.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Neha Arora (@nehatinaarora)

18. DeafJourney (Lily)

Lily is a proud Deaf Asian-American woman living in Southern California with an extreme case of wanderlust. She works full-time but maximizes her vacation time by traveling around the world. She shares her travel experiences, helpful tips, beautiful photographs, and videos from her journeys to try to empower and give back to the Deaf community, showing that they have possibilities to accomplish what they want to do in life, break barriers, and fulfill their dreams.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Lily ∞ Deaf Journey (@deafjourney)

Read next: Plan a trip to Washington DC with this expert guide

19. Flight of the Travel Bee (Cherie King)

Cherie is a Deaf travel blogger with a passion for traveling the world. After having encountered many difficulties as a Deaf traveler, she decided to start a blog in order to enlighten others about the Deaf and hard of hearing. Cherie posts about her experiences and offers tips to ensure you get the best out of your travels.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Chérie King 🐝 (@flightofthetravelbee)

20. The Globe on Wheels (Jasmine Marchand)

Jasmine has a spinal cord injury, at the C6-7 level, which poses certain challenges. She started her blog for those who have a disability and are interested in travelling, but aren’t sure how to go about planning it. Her blog answers all those daunting questions you may have and more!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jasmine Marchand (@theglobeonwheels)

21. Nurul Humairah

Nurul Humairah, who goes by Mairah, is a Deaf freelance photographer and traveler who often travels solo. She defies stereotypes just as she disregards stereotypes about countries and cities, choosing to visit them herself instead of listening to what others might say. Follow her on Instagram to see her beautiful photos!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Humairah | Travel Photographer (@mai.rawr)

22. Travel Breathe Repeat (Sarah)

Sarah is a co-founder (with her husband) of the popular blog Travel Breathe Repeat. Originally from New York but currently calling the Netherlands home, over the past 13 years Sarah and her husband have travelled to 60 countries and spent one whole year on the road! Sarah also has a rare lung disease called lymphangioleiomyomatosis (more commonly known as LAM). They have learned ways to travel and live well with a chronic illness and want to share them with their audience. They have raised awareness for Sarah’s disease and connected with members of the LAM community throughout the world. Together, they also started a business called Accessible Itineraries that helps people with accessibility needs travel to Europe.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Sarah | Travel Breathe Repeat (@spoitras9)

23. Christ0phine (Stéphanie)

Stéphanie is a wanderluster at heart. A Deaf solo traveler, she is the creator of the blog 2 Hands, 1 Backpack, where she shares her stories and photos from here to somewhere. She grew up speaking sign language and, with few subtitles on TV during her childhood, she was drawn to the images of travel shows her dad watched. She now travels the world sharing her own images and inspiring others to travel, too!

View this post on Instagram A post shared by Stéphanie (@christ0phine)

Did we miss anyone? Share their details in the comments!

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I have a travel blog called “MyChronicTravel” and it is a travel blog about general travel as well as about accessible travel as I am chronically ill and disabled.

Would love to be added to this list

https://www.mychronictravel.eu.org/

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Top 13 Wheelchair Travel Blogs

• Updated December 28, 2023

Traveling in a wheelchair can be a challenging experience. Many barriers still remain in cites, airlines, hotels and tourist attractions.

But there are many travel bloggers who share their stories and advice on how to overcome the accessible difficulties they face. Here, we will share you the top 13 wheelchair travel blogs which inspire more wheelchair users to explore the world.

• Simply Emma
• Wheels No Heel
• Tori Hunter
• Little Miss Turtle
• Carrie Ann Lightely
• Kerry Thompson
• Curb Free With Corylee
• Wonder Within Reach
• Free Wheelin Travel
• Wheelchair Travel
• I Wheel Travel
• Caregiver Japan
• Grab Your Wheels

Let’s go explain one by one.

1. Simply Emma – UK’s Leading Wheelchair Travel Blogger

One of the UK’s leading disability bloggers – providing comprehensive reviews and advice on accessible travel.

Simply Emma, as a wheelchair user, shares her accessible travel stories and wheelchair life experiences. She writes this blog for inspiring others with a disability to travel more and discover more possibilities around in daily life. This blog includes accessible travel guides, accommodation reviews, live event reviews, travel tips and resources.

Follow Simply Emma

Website:  simplyemma.co.uk

Instagram:  simplyemmablog

Facebook: SimplyEmmaBlog

2. Wheels No Heels – Top Wheelchair Travel Blogger and YouTuber in UK

One of the top disability lifestyle creators in UK – Owning over 3.7 million hits on YouTube.

The founder Gem Hubbard creates her blog “Wheels No Heels” for encouraging the people with disabilities to go further. With a positive life attitude, she knew from an early age that she had to help others in some way even with injury. She is engaged in fashion lifestyle and share fun online for everyone.

Follow Wheels No Heel

Website:  wheelsnoheels.co.uk

Instagram:  wheelsnoheels_

YouTube: wheelsnoheels

3. Tori Hunter – Powerful Wheelchair Travel Blogger in Canada

Tori, from Canada, is a 25-year-old recent graduate with a passion for travelling in a wheelchair.

Tori was born with a rare neuromuscular disease called Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), but she still lives an incredibly fulfilling life with the help of family. She prefers to explore new places with friends,  and travel the world with her family. Through this blog, she hopes to add disabled representation in the travel and wheelchair life while sharing some incredible ways to travel around the world in a wheelchair.

Follow Tori Hunter

Website:  torihunter.blog

Instagram:  torihunter.blog

4. Little Miss Turtle – Wheelchair Travel Blog from Melaine

Melaine, the writer of blog “Little Miss Turtle”- To bring a minor contribution to benefit the wheelchair community wanting to travel. 

At the age of 4, Melaine was diagnosed with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2I (known as LGMD2I/LGMDR9). She overcome the challenges of physical condition and grew up like turtle slowly, that’s why she name this blog as”Little Miss Turtle”.

Follow Little Miss Turtle

Website:  littlemissturtle.com

5. Carrie Ann Lightely – Accessible Wheelchair Travel Blog

One of the UK’s leading accessible travel blogs, sharing accessibility reviews, disability travel guides and wheelchair travel tips.

Carrie Ann has been named as one of the top 100 most influential disabled people in the UK, on the Shaw Trust Disability Power 100 List, from 2019 to 2023. She loves to travel with my husband Darren and our little dog, Poppy. This blog aims to encourage and inspire disabled people to travel to, explore and discover new places.

Follow Carrie Ann Lightly

Website:  carrieannlightley.com Instagram: carrieannlightleyblog

6. Kerry Thompson – One of the UK’s Leading Wheelchair Travel Bloggers

One of the UK’s leading disability bloggers – providing an insight on living with muscular dystrophy and latest campaigns.

Kerry Thompson wants her disability to be seen in a positive way rather than a burden, which makes her create this blog “My Life, Kerry’s Way”.  She shared her experiences living with a physical disability as well as the other aspects of daily life in a wheelchair.

Follow Kerry Thompson

Website: kerry-thompson.com Intagram: kerry__thompson YouTube: Kerry Thompson – My Life Kerry’s way

7. Curb Free With Corylee – A Wheelchair Travel Blogger Travelling Over 30 Countries

Cory Lee has travelled in a wheelchair over 30 countries.

Cory Lee was diagnosed with spinal muscular atrophy at the age of two. His goal is to show you how to travel, where to travel, and most importantly, why travel as a person with a disability. He started his blog in 2013 when he realised that there was a lack of resources available to travelers with disabilities.

Follow Curb Free With Cory Lee

Website： curbfreewithcorylee.com Instagram: curbfreecorylee

8. Wonder Within Reach – Family Wheelchair Travel Blog

A mission to create an inclusive world where every child and family can explore the world without limitations.

Jennifer Allen is an English teacher in public school for 8 years. Exploring, expanding the world view, understanding different cultures, and learning through experience shape the way she parents and teaches her children. This blog is for inspiring families with disabilities to get out and explore.

Follow Wonder Within Reach

Website: wonderswithinreach.com Instagram: wonders_within_reach

9. Free Wheelin Travel – Wheelchair Travel Blog About Road Trips in USA

Karin, from United States, is an expert of road trips with a wheelchair.

Karin, she uses a wheelchair and travel around the USA on road trips with a service dog. She blogs about accessible travel and life with a disability. She realized that there is no way to stop her from achieving her dream. While Karin is based in the USA, her articles are useful to readers across the world.

Follow Free Wheelin Travel

Website: freewheelintravel.org

10. Wheelchair Travel – Wheelchair Travel Blogger in a Power Chiar

John Morris, from the United States, travels the world with one hand, a passport and his power wheelchair. Morris started her wheelchair travel around the world after a car accident. Yes, he grappled with all of those emotions, like shock, fear, anger, sadness, hopelessness. Then, he starts a blog for wheelchair users who wanna know that the majority of online resources for wheelchair accessible travel are limited and unreliable.

Follow Wheelchair Travel Website: wheelchairtravel.org Instargram: wheelchairtravel

11. I Wheel Travel – Wheelchair Travel Blog in French and English

A fantastic travel blog – published in French and in English – with stunning photos and lovely stories on all the places they visit.

I has Hereditary spastic paraplegia, walks with a cane for the short distances and then uses a manual wheelchair for the longest journeys. Through this blog, she shares her adventures and her findings about accessibility.

Follow I Wheel Travel

Website: iwheeltravel.com Instagram: iwheeltravel

12. Caregiver Japan – Wheelchair Travel Blog From Hazuki

Hazuki is an accessible travel expert blogger in Japan. She published a book on Amazon, called “Accessible in Japan”.

Caregiver is a agent between you and a company assigning caregivers in Japan. They can arrange anything you want! You can reserve a hotel, restaurant, welfare equipment, and transportation! You can get any accessible information as you want!

Follow Caregiver Japan

Website: caregiver-japan.com

13. Grab Your Wheels – Family Wheelchair Travel Blog in New Zealand

A family visiting places, sharing reviews, accommodation and lots of travel tips in New Zealand.

Factoring in travelling in a wheelchair often comes with many barriers. That’s why they decided to share their experiences with blog. They like to share tips and review accommodation, activities, accessible walks and events. Follow Grab Your Wheels Website: grabyourwheels.nz Instagram: grabyourwheels

If you know more wheelchair travel blogs, welcome to leave a comment below or share with us at [email protected] .

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Travel Bloggers with Disabilities You Need to Follow Right Now

At HomeExchange, our mission is to make travel easy and affordable for everyone. For those traveling with a disability , HomeExchange has a "disabled access" search filter to use when finding vacation accommodations, so you can browse more than 13,000 homes that have been labeled as accessible .

People with disabilities can search for the perfect home exchange and stay in beautiful homes with comfort and ease, whether they're searching for a lake house in North Carolina or a penthouse in Morocco .

Meet 10 inspiring women who are proving that having a disability shouldn't stop anyone from getting the most out of life. These travel bloggers use their social media platforms to share advice, tips, encouragement, and perspective on traveling with a disability.

Meet Melanie of Little Miss Turtle, traveling in a wheelchair

Melanie, a travel influencer at Little Miss Turtle , shares her experiences traveling with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy. Melanie got her first wheelchair at age 6 and over the years, she says her wheelchair has become her best friend. Her blog is full of travel tips for wheelchair users and guides to specific destinations, like Disneyland or Banff National Park.

"I have a restless traveler's heart and love to discover new places all around the world," Melanie writes. "I always travel with my husband, who is not only my best travel buddy but also my full-time caregiver. We are both adventurous, and my husband doesn't hesitate to piggyback me when encountering obstacles, like inaccessible buses or metro stations."

Meet Sassy, an educational (and humorous) blind traveler

Sassy Wyatt is a blind woman who challenges stereotypes about people with disabilities through education and humor. On her YouTube channel , Sassy shares all her adventures, including her perspective on travel accessibility.

"I’m passionate about changing the landscape of accessible tourism imploring destinations, brands and tourism boards to consider the needs and requirements of disabled travellers," Sassy writes. "Living with both arthritis and blindness I give a very unique perspective of my local and international explorations."

Meet Jodi, an inspiring travel influencer with MS

Jodi Johnson, a warrior and advocate with multiple sclerosis, shares her travels on Instagram, inspiring others not to let anything stop them from accomplishing their goals. She shares practical tips for travelers with disabilities, like how to get to the beach with her walker ("Yes, it takes awhile and it takes energy. Sitting on the beach watching the water, watching my kids play, feeling the breeze, taking in the fresh air, relaxing with my husband is 💯 worth the hassle.").

"Living with a chronic illness throws up daily challenges I never ever imagined," she writes on Instagram. "I rediscovered my why and here I am today, on wheels and not doomed, just having spent an epic 7 day adventure vacation with my husband and children. You CAN find ways to make the best of your days, however that looks. Your strength is there, you’ve already proven that. Keep going. You CAN."

Meet Kelcie, an outdoor explorer with a mobility aid

Kelcie Miller-Anderson is an environmental scientist and social entrepreneur with mitochondrial disease, chronicling her travel adventures in the great outdoors. Her candid perspective and experiences serve as a guide to fellow travelers using mobility aids and gives an idea of what to expect.

On her recent trip to Banff National Park, Kelcie shared honestly, "I was pleasantly surprised with how many accessible facilities there were on this trip. Every stop with accessible outhouses and parking. But the thing is I want to do more than just see a view from a viewpoint..... or stop to use the loo. I want to be able to fully enjoy the trails again. And get off the paved paths. Go down hills that are a bit too steep and not worry about getting back up."

Meet Jenny, a seasoned traveler with chronic illness

Jenny Wren manages The Chronic Traveller, a travel blog with a focus on chronic illness. On her blog, Jenny shares her experiences and advice on traveling with chronic illness, disabilities, and invisible diseases.

"I’ve always loved to travel and I have extremely itchy feet," writes Jenny, who has ulcerative colitis and arthritis. "I never stay anywhere long. I’ve lived in 9 countries across 5 continents, and I’ve travelled in 30. I’m determined to keep up with my travelling, despite my chronic illness."

Meet Jessica, a world-traveling amputee and wheelchair user

Missing a couple limbs doesn't stop Jessica Ping-Wild from exploring all the world has to offer. The writer, blogger, speaker, and model runs “A Lifestyle Blog With A Disabled Twist.” One of the biggest challenges Jessica faces is the lack of representation and awareness that many people with disabilities encounter daily.

"By writing about and highlighting aspects of my life, I am demonstrating my ability to live a high-quality life as an amputee and wheelchair-user," she writes. "It provides a space for me to discuss the extra challenges I face along the way, while still showcasing that I have a purpose beyond my disability."

Meet Jennifer, a spina bifida mom and globetrotter

Mom of three Jennifer Allen shares accessible adventures for all types of families. Her son's spina bifida doesn't dampen her motivation to help her children expand their world views and understand different cultures. "Age and disabilities change the way we explore, but they just make the journey that much more rewarding!"

"It’s not about changing everything for one person, it’s about improving some things for all people," Jennifer writes.

Meet Ruby, a traveler and advocate with Stromme Syndrome

Angie and Ruby are a mother-daughter duo with a mission to make the world a more inclusive place. Ruby is 15 years old and has a rare genetic condition called Stromme Syndrome, which causes vision impairment, microcephaly, intestinal issues, slowed growth and developmental issues. These inspiring women use their social platforms for disability advocacy.

Some of their goals are to "show the world that people with disabilities have rich, exciting and meaningful lives," and to "make the world a more accepting and loving place for people with and without disabilities."

Meet Nerissa, an adventure enthusiast who uses a wheelchair

Nerissa Cannon describes herself as an "adaptive adventure enthusiast." Though she uses a wheelchair, Nerissa also rock climbs, hikes, camps, salsa dances, and is building a tiny house. Her battles with mental health and chronic illness give her her passion for helping others keep their sense of adventure despite having a disabling condition.

“Even though I need special equipment to hike now, I can still get the same satisfaction of being out in nature," Nerissa writes. "It’s exhilarating to feel my heart pump as I work over an obstacle or up a good hill.”

Meet @jayonlife, a traveler with a leg brace

Jumoke, also known as Jay On Life, contracted polio as a baby. Now, she shares inspiration, travel guides, and advice on traveling with disabilities on her website .

Though she admits some countries are easier to navigate due to ease of access and the attitudes of the people, Jay vacations around the world and shares insights along the way. Jay writes, "The very challenges of living in a large, fast-paced and occasionally insensitive city have forced me to thrive. Despite the occasional stares and remarks, Londoners, for the most part, have let me do my own thing."

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Disabled Travel: Tips and Advice for Travelers with Disabilities

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Travel by people with disabilities, also known as “disabled travel” or “accessible travel,” is on the rise. The travel industry is waking up to the special needs of travelers with disabilities by providing more services and greater accommodation. Meanwhile, the sheer abundance of information on accessible travel is astounding — much of it generated by travelers with disabilities themselves.

The Americans with Disabilities Act guarantees that travelers with disabilities receive equal treatment under the law. While this would be the case in a perfect world, it doesn’t always work out that way in real life, especially in foreign countries where accessibility regulations vary widely. Despite having common sense, considerable public sentiment and strength in numbers, travelers with disabilities frequently face inadequate facilities, prejudice, misinformation, general hassles and higher prices than other travelers.

Compounding the problem is the fact that there are as many disabilities as there are disabled folks. Each person’s needs are a little different, and traveling in cookie-cutter airline seats, hotel rooms and rental car fleets can be very tricky. The following tips and resources will help disabled travelers and their companions anticipate some of the snags of accessible travel.

Disabled Travel Tips

• Call ahead. Service providers are required by law in many cases to accommodate travelers with special needs. However, most need some time to make the necessary arrangements. Mention your needs at the time of reservation, and call the provider 24 to 48 hours before your arrival to confirm that proper accommodations have been made.
• Be specific and clear when describing a disability. Not all service providers know the “lingo” of accessible travel, or the medical terms for certain conditions. Give as many details as you can about what you can and can’t do, and don’t downplay the severity of the disability. The more information a service provider has, the better they will be able to accommodate you. If they promise you certain accommodations, try to get these promises in writing.
• Be specific and clear when describing the trip to your doctor. A doctor can often prescribe measures for coping with an unusually long flight, limited medical facilities at your destination, the unavailability of prescription drugs and other pitfalls of traveling. Be prepared — in some cases, your doctor may question the advisability of travel.
• Take a doctor’s note and phone number. Travel with a statement from your doctor, preferably on letterhead, covering your condition, medications, potential complications, special needs and other pertinent information. Be sure you have a number where your doctor (or another medical professional) can be reached in an emergency situation at any hour of the day.
• Bring extra medication. Many experts advise that you travel with two complete packages of essential medication in case of emergency. Store all medications and other necessary medical supplies in your carry-on bag.
• Investigate physician availability where you will be traveling. Your doctor, health care provider, insurance company or local embassy can provide the names and contact numbers of physicians at your destination. For more information, see Health Care Abroad .
• Carry medical alert information, preferably in a place that a medical professional or anyone who assists you will find easily (wallet card, necklace, close to your identification).
• Consider using a specialist travel agent. Some agents provide stellar niche services; one might be very experienced in working with travelers with hearing impairments, another with developmentally impaired travelers. Since the requirements for these varied travelers can be staggeringly different, it helps to find someone who knows the ropes. Check the agent search feature at TravelSense.org to find qualified travel agents across the U.S.
• Avoid connecting flights. Although wheelchairs are the last items to be checked into the luggage compartments, and thus first to be pulled off, flying direct can save you unnecessary time and hassle. One exception: If you have trouble maneuvering into airplane lavatories, long flights may become uncomfortable — so a series of shorter flights might be a better option. If you do choose to connect, be sure to allow plenty of time between flights (we’d recommend at least 90 minutes, or two hours if you need to go through customs or security) to get from one gate to the next.
• Allow plenty of time before your flight to check in, get through security and transfer to your gate. Arrive at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight — more if you’re traveling at a peak time.
• Check in with your flight attendant before your plane lands to make a plan for exit.
• Don’t forget about transportation to and from the airport. If you have a wheelchair, make arrangements in advance to have an accessible vehicle pick you up in your destination city.
• Bring spare parts and tools. Wheelchairs can take tremendous abuse while traveling; assemble a small kit of spare parts and tools for emergency repairs. You may also be required to dismantle a wheelchair for certain flights or activities; make sure you and your traveling companions know how to do this.
• Know your rights. Before going through airport security, be aware of the TSA’s rules for travelers with disabilities and medical conditions. See also the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disability Resource Center .
• Be creative. Reader Dorothy Dean, who has a mobility disability, wrote to us with the following suggestion: “When traveling by car, I can use a bariatric walker in lieu of grab bars in the bathroom. You simply walk it up to the toilet, put it in place against the toilet, turn around, sit down and you have sturdy arms to use for getting up. It’s a little uncomfortable but is fine for travel.” Dean notes that this tip works best with large, sturdy walkers that have hand holds designed to help people rise, not just walk: “I would never use my regular walker to get up from a toilet,” she wrote. (Here’s an example of this type of walker.)

Websites and Resources for Travelers with Disabilities

For more information on traveling with all types of disabilities, check out the websites and other resources below.

• Accessible Journeys : Tour operator for slow walkers, travelers with wheelchairs and their companions
• Accessible Travel Concierge : Concierge who will help you research accessible options and plan your trip
• Accessible Travel Solutions : Company providing accessible tours and other services for travelers with disabilities
• ClubMates Travel : Company that plans trips for travelers with physical and/or intellectual disabilities
• Cruise Critic : Info on cruising with a disability
• DisabledHolidays.com : U.K.-based travel agency for accessible vacations and cruises
• DisabledTravelers.com : Comprehensive listing of accessible travel specialists around the world
• Disabled Traveler’s Guide to the World : Travel tips and destination guides for travelers with disabilities
• Emerging Horizons : News and information for mobility-impaired travelers
• Gimp on the Go : Destination guides, travel tips, photo gallery and resources for travelers with disabilities
• Limitless Travel : U.K.-based company offering accessible tours in Europe
• Sage Traveling : Information for travelers with disabilities on accessible tours/hotels/cruises in Europe
• Travel on the Level : Tips and destination recommendations for travelers looking for less strenuous walking and fewer stairs
• Wheel the World : Listings of accessible accommodations and travel experiences for travelers with disabilities

More from SmarterTravel:

• 7 Safety Tips for Senior Travelers
• Traveling with a Disability: What Are Your Rights?
• Traveling with Dietary Restrictions

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Your accessible guide .

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Finally reaching the Queens Museum was a triumph! We've faced numerous transportation challenges over the years because it's situated in Flushing Meadows Park without a clear building address. Navigating transportation has been one of our biggest challenges to exploring, but that's a story for another day. There's something quite extraordinary about stepping into a place you've longed to visit for a while, which for us included both the Unisphere and the Queens Museum.

Upon arrival, we were immediately greeted by Glori Tuitt's mural, "Black, Trans, & Alive (Qweens Song)." This piece is a vibrant celebration of the Black trans community, highlighting their resilience and contributions with both boldness and beauty. It created a welcoming atmosphere for our visit, starting us off with visible disability representation—a serendipitous discovery.

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Webby Award Winning "Disability Pride Celebrations with Lincoln Center"

Summer For The City is for everyone to Remember, Reclaim and Rejoice!

Our love story with Lincoln Center started last year with their Passports for the Arts program , which was both virtual and in-person. We had a ball experiencing Cinderella. We enjoyed Passport for the Arts so much that we signed up for their spring session, delighting in yet another in-person program with the New York City Ballet at Family Saturday: A Magical Midsummer Eve. We were impressed again by the well-organized program, the entertainment on stage and the overall welcome. 

Showcasing New York City Accessibility

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8 Disability Travel Agents to Plan Your Next Trip

As a wheelchair user, it can be very useful to use disabled travel agents when planning a trip. Working with disability travel agents will provide you with a trip full of all the activities, sights, and locations you’d like to see with the guarantee that each stop will be wheelchair accessible. 

Planning a trip on your own will come with an abundance of questions regarding accessibility and working with disabled travel agents will save you time and effort, giving you more opportunity to look forward to and enjoy your trip. 

These 8 disability travel agents, which are listed alphabetically, are some of the best travel agents for disabled travel, as all have experience planning trips and can help with hotels, resorts, transportation, destinations, and activities, all chosen because of their accessibility.

8 of the Best Disability Travel Agents

1: curb free travel .

The first accessible travel agency on this list is my personal company, Curb Free Travel. I have been documenting my travels here on my travel blog and have recently become a travel agent. I’ve been to 33 countries and 6 continents as a wheelchair user, which has given me a knowledge base about what it takes to plan an accessible trip and become a travel agent. I use my experience traveling to help others in planning their dream trip. 

I specialize in Disney trips, both Disney World and Disneyland, as this is an amazing destination for accessibility. These types of trips offer plenty of space to personalize your experience, as there are many parks at each location, as well as rides that are accessible. In my experience, it takes a lot of research to put a Disney trip together. I have the expertise to assist with the planning process to help make any trip enjoyable and accommodating.

My other specialty is cruises, including Disney and many other cruise lines and destinations. I’ve cruised in the Caribbean, Europe, and Alaska myself and find cruising the most accessible way to travel. Booking a cruise for accessibility can be difficult depending on the cruise line and destination. By using my experience as a guide, I work with each client to deliver the cruise vacation they’re looking for so they can enjoy the trip stress-free. 

Another specialty of Curb Free Travel is all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean. My mom, Sandy, also works for Curb Free Travel, and handles these types of trips.

If you are interested in using our services, please contact me, Cory, at [email protected] or my mom, Sandy, at [email protected]

2: Disabled Accessible Travel 

Disabled Accessible Travel started as an accessible travel agency with the aim of providing barrier-free tours of Barcelona. They wanted to be able to assist slow-walkers and wheelchair users, along with their friends, families, and travel companions. Quickly, the company grew in both size and distribution to their status as Europe’s leading accessibility travel agency. They offer a wide range of services to any traveler who may need assistance. 

Some of the most note-worthy services this agency provides include transfers or adapted transportation. Transfers include from the airport to the cruise port and medical transfers. This agency can also provide accessibility equipment rentals, which can be delivered to a cruise ship or hotel if needed. In addition to leisure travel, this agency can also assist with business travel in the same areas: transfer, accommodations, and rentals. 

The best way to use their services is to book through  their website , as there is space for accessible accommodations, which are hotels and resorts, accessible tours, and accessible transfers, as well as other services like rentals, business travel, and tourist support.

Lastly, they offer an app called “accessaloo” which allows users to update a map with local accessible toilets. This makes it that much easier to travel and explore without the worry of finding a bathroom when you need one.

Disabled Accessible Travel caters to each customer’s individual needs, offering one-on-one accommodations on an individual basis. Working with this company ensures a 100% accessible holiday, travel, or vacation so you can enjoy your stay knowing everything is covered. 

3: Easy Access Travel 

Debra Kerber is the owner of  Easy Access Travel and using this agency could be a great opportunity to work with disabled travel agents, getting information from firsthand experience. Debra is a bilateral amputee and has been leading trips for years by “ Just Doing It Differently ”. With her company, Easy Access Travel, she strives to meet the special needs of disabled travelers, both those new to travel and those with experience. 

The specialty of Easy Access Travel is providing a trip that is structured to “minimize the frustration and maximize the enjoyment.” Knowing that each traveler is an individual, the goal of working with each client is to provide information about the client’s destination. By using a company to do the research, they will reduce the surprises that can occur during a trip, giving you the best information for your destination and a useful resource to plan your trip. 

Easy Access Travel focuses on cruise trips and land tours at popular ports of call. Debra has been on over 90 cruises, making her an expert on these trips, from booking tickets to accessibility on the ship and activities at each stop. 

The best way to contact Easy Access Travel is through  their website , which offers a Contact Us form, as well as a Newsletter subscription, blog, and 1-800 phone number.

4: Sage Traveling

Sage Traveling is a great option for those with mobility limitations looking to plan a trip to Europe. This handicap travel agency works to create custom holidays for clients with a range of mobility issues, from using a cane, walker, or scooter to wheelchair users and senior travelers. Europe offers many obstacles in planning a completely accessible trip and Sage Traveling has the necessary information to help you plan accordingly. 

The disabled travel agents at Sage Traveling offer accessible hotels, transportation both within the cities and between cities, tourist attraction accessibility, and can craft a custom itinerary if you’d like to have your trip completely planned before you leave. At Sage Traveling, they know it takes hours to choose tourist attractions based on accessibility. 

When you work with them, they provide detailed accessibility information about each attraction you’d like to visit, including the accessible entrances, the accessibility of the attractions, and where the accessible bathrooms are located. They also take this same approach when booking an accessible hotel room, so you have exactly what you need throughout your trip.

Sage Traveling specializes in taking each individuals limitations into consideration and creating a custom itinerary to explore each client’s dream destination. All disability travel agents at Sage work to make sure you can visit everything you’d like with your mobility in mind.

5: Spin the Globe Travel

Spin the Globe Travel is another accessible travel agency run by a full-time wheelchair user. Sylvia Longmire has traveled to 54 countries, often on her own, and her experiences led to her to wanting to share her knowledge with others to help them plan trips of their own. Spin the Globe uses first-hand knowledge and experience to help plan any trip for wheelchair users, from those looking to travel for the first time to those experienced travelers who would like some help exploring a new place. 

This travel agency is a smaller, boutique style agency that provides custom and personal trips, not cookie-cutter pre-planned trips like other larger companies may provide. Sylvia works with each client to provide a trip that is full of accommodations and experiences that suit what you’re looking for and is accessible for wheelchair users. Each trip uses hours of research, personal experience, and consultations to ensure tours, hotels, day trips, and activities are wheelchair accessible.

Spin the Globe provides a complete trip, including hotels, tours, cruises, transfers, and guides. Trips are 100% customizable and use personal experience along with local experts and professional partners to deliver your ideal trip. To work with  Spin the Globe visit their introduction page to get started.

6: Travel-for-All

Travel-for-All believes that mobility limitations should not stop anyone from traveling. The team at Travel-for-All is comprised of disabled travel agents, that is people who have first-hand experience traveling with mobility limitations including using a wheelchair. They understand the amount of time, research, and organization that goes into planning a trip for someone with a disability and want to use their experience to help you plan your next trip. 

The specialty at Travel-for-All is making the world accessible for all. They achieve this by working with a team of accessibility specialists to guide you through each step in the planning process. There are a variety of trips they can help you plan, from traditional vacations or holidays to child-friendly or dog-friendly trips, or even fully independent travel. Destinations cover the globe and offer both traditional and unique experiences. The sky’s the limit when working with Travel-for-All, with no dream too big or too complicated to plan.

Travel-for-All also focuses specifically on  wheelchair accessible travel . While they do offer a range of vacations depending on your needs, they see that wheelchair accessible travel is becoming more and more necessary. No matter your mobility or necessity, this is a great company to work with to create an individual vacation. 

7: Wheelchair Escapes

Kristy Lacroix has over 20 years of experience traveling while in a wheelchair and has taken over 65 cruises. Traveling at this volume comes with hours of research and each trip taught her more about what it takes to put together a great trip for a wheelchair user. Now Kristy shares her experience with others as a travel agent through her company Wheelchair Escapes , taking on clients to create their ideal vacations and trips using her comprehensive knowledge base. 

Her approach and specialty takes the idea of working with a travel agent and suggests that if you’re going to use a travel agent, why not use one experienced in the types of travel you’re looking to take? Working with her as a knowledgeable, certified accessible travel specialist will give you the experience you’re looking for.

You should choose to work with Kristy and  Wheelchair Escapes if you’re looking for not only accessible wheelchair trips, but also insights into what it’s like to travel as a wheelchair user. This is great for those that are new to traveling as a wheelchair user and have questions about the process. The services offered through Wheelchair Escapes cover the necessities in any trip, from transportation to and from the airport in a wheelchair accessible vehicle to renting accessibility equipment and anything you may need on your trip. 

8: Wheel the World

Wheel the World is a company that strives to encourage people with disabilities to travel and tour the world, as well as to raise awareness that people with disabilities can be active and live their lives fully. This approach allows Wheel the World to share stories of their clients, which in turn inspires others to get out and try traveling as well. 

This company uses a modern approach to travel, offering a comprehensive website to highlight their clients’ experiences as well as what they offer in terms of travel packages and travel assistance. They offer a range of accessible tours, experiences, and accommodations to create a unique and unforgettable travel experience. 

Popular destinations include Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, and the United States, which can be booked as destinations or activities, or as a full tour package. Other options include accessible hotels and a range of tour guides. This setup allows Wheel the World to provide an individual and personal travel experience based on your wants, needs, and disability. 

Working with disabled travel agents like  Wheel the World allows you to feel in control of your vacation or trip. Their website has plenty of research opportunities to dive into the destinations and what they offer if you’d like to take a hands on approach to planning your own trip. Alternatively, they offer tour packages and take the guesswork out of planning the trip, so you can customize your trip from the planning stage all the way through your trip. 

Choosing to work with disability travel agents to plan your next trip is a solid opportunity to get the most out of your vacation or holiday while enjoying yourself. Using the resources and experience of a seasoned traveler, who also works as a disability travel agent, will give you the chance to ask questions about their experience along with plan your ideal vacation, all with accessibility in mind. These 8 disability travel agencies have first-hand knowledge into the travel experience and are great options for helping you book your next trip.

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After being diagnosed with Spinal Muscular Atrophy at the age of two, Cory's thirst for adventure never ceased. He went on many trips around the US when he was younger, and then started taking things internationally when he turned fifteen. Since then, Cory has traveled around the world, all while managing to successfully graduate college and start up his travel blog curbfreewithcorylee.com, where he shares his accessible, and sometimes not so accessible, travel adventures with others. Through this, he hopes to inspire other wheelchair users to roll out of their comfort zone and see all of the beauty that the world has to offer.

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I would have never considered doing maintenance checks on a wheelchair before travel. It’s best to prevent any problems that not having maintenance would cause. In the repair kit that you keep with you to fix your chair on the go, it would also be a good idea to keep an angle finder in case the caster falls out of angle.

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I Travel With My Mom Who Uses a Wheelchair — Here Are 13 Helpful Items We Always Pack to Make Trips Smoother

These helpful products make vacations more accessible from just $8.

Travel + Leisure / Reese Herrington

When my mother’s Parkinson’s Disease began worsening a few years ago, I knew that our family vacations would never be the same. To ensure that my mom could still join our road trips (and continue flying to New York so I could help care for her in my apartment), I set out in search of accessible travel products that would make our mobility-friendly trips safer, easier, more comfortable and, at the end of the day, possible.

My mom uses a wheelchair in addition to walkers on trips, so with a little trial and error, we’ve found what works best for her. Because every disability is different, and because even people living with the same disability may experience it differently, I also rounded up a handful of products that my fellow travel writer friends and colleagues have used and recommended. 

Traveling with a disability is hard enough; read on for 13 travel products and mobility aids we swear by that can make your next trip smoother, safer, and more accessible.

Compact Folding Travel Walker

My mother uses a higher-end Drive Medical Rollator Walker around the house and to appointments at home because it is sturdy, wheels around easily, has a comfortable seat and a large storage compartment. However, it’s a bit too bulky to fit in the car when the entire family goes on a road trip, so we usually bring a more compact folding walker that can slide between the front and middle rows. Though we have never needed to fold her walker down small enough to fit into checked luggage, I like how this folding walker can break down small enough (20 inches by 16.5 inches by 3.9 inches) to fit inside a suitcase.

Lenpestia Walker Bag

Whether it’s a quick road trip near my mother’s home or an extended stay visiting me in New York, we always pack a walker bag to attach over her walker so she has easy access to her phone, water bottle, magazine, and medication. We’ve tried lots of bags and none are perfect, but we like the Lenpestia walker bag because it’s large and has lots of compartments for easy organization. We also use the Uncle Yang walker bag , which we like because it has a larger water bottle compartment and a zippered top section. Just be aware that this one is a bit smaller and droops down on the sides.

LiftAid Gait Belt

It’s unsafe for my mother to walk alone, even with a walker, so she always wears a gait belt , which clips around her waist like any other belt. While she’s walking, I hold on to the belt behind her so that if she stumbles, I can hold her up and prevent a fall. Pro tip: keep your hand away from the actual buckle when using the gait belt because you don’t want to unclip it inadvertently. This version has a weight capacity of up to 300 pounds and is machine-washable.

Xero Women's Cassie Hemp Comfortable Ballet Flat

Comfort and practicality are the two most important qualities we look for in a travel shoe for my mom. She swears by these New Balance velcro shoes in black since they’re easy to get on and off and the black blends in better than white as well as these more stylish, lightweight Cassie shoes by Xero . These slip-ons are also very easy to get on, and the wider toe box and minimal footwear design help strengthen foot muscles that usually get ignored when wearing highly structured shoes.

CallToU Wireless Caregiver Pager

Because my mother can’t get up to walk around (and because she sometimes struggles to move around in her wheelchair), we use this CallToU buzzer system at home so she can let us know if she is hungry, needs to use the bathroom, or simply wants someone to bring her a book to read. We also bring this buzzer along when we travel so that she can easily call for help in the rental cottages, bed and breakfasts, and traditional hotels that we’ve stayed in together. In some cases, our family spreads across several adjacent hotel rooms, so we might put the wall charger in the room next to the one that my mother is buzzing from, and the signal is strong enough that the device still rings next door.

Travel Lanyard + Hidden Disability Medical Awareness Card

When my mother flies to visit me, especially when I’m not with her, we rely on a sturdy neck lanyard to safely store her ID and boarding pass. We use the lanyard with a pouch to store items inside, but some travelers use the lanyard as a way to announce a non-visible disability. The sunflower is an international symbol of hidden disabilities ranging from cognitive and neurodevelopmental to physical, auditory, sensory, and visual. The sunflower symbol is not yet as widely recognized in the U.S. as it is in other countries, but it’s increasing in awareness, so many travelers like to wear a sunflower lanyard , which lets others know that they may require additional help, understanding, or simply more time. If you prefer to skip the sunflowers, a plain lanyard with a pouch or pocket is still handy to hold identification documents, and you could also opt for one that specifically says “hidden disability .”

Essential Medical Supply Toilet Support Bars

My family loves these toilet support bars so much that we have a set at my mom’s house, another at my house, and a third set for travel. Though we certainly could have just used my mom’s set for trips, we found it much more convenient to keep a separate set specifically for travel. This way, we could set it aside when packing for a road trip and not risk forgetting it, which had happened in the past. It certainly may not be practical to bring these on an airplane, but they’ve been immensely helpful during road trips because even the most accessible hotel room usually has only one support bar on the wall next to the toilet, and it’s much easier for my mom to get up and sit down if she can hold bars on both sides of the toilet.

Pepe Folding Cane

My mother now requires more support than a cane can provide, but travelers who can get by with a cane would do well with this foldable option from Pepe . One of my travel writing colleagues specifically recommends this one. She says that her husband, who has multiple sclerosis, finds his normal cane to be a bit unwieldy when traveling and prefers this one because it folds up and fits into the side pocket of his backpack. She describes it as being easy to grab, shake into place when walking through security, and then fold back into place to store again.

Hydro Flask Water Bottle

We randomly discovered that this kid’s water bottle worked wonders for my mother, and it’s been her go-to bottle for two years. We actually have four of them that she uses at home, on day trips, and while traveling. Not only is the bottle insulated (so it keeps beverages cold in the summer and hot in the winter), but it is leak-proof, drop-proof, and it has a grippy exterior and convenient carrying handle. Due to Parkinson’s, my mom has a hard time drinking from a cup (because her hands shake) and from long straws (because she has difficulty sucking liquids up a long straw), so the short, built-in straw has solved both of those problems. We absolutely love this water bottle, and it’s so small that I sometimes borrow it to throw in my hip pouch while running errands.

Renpho Massage Gun

For anyone relying on physical therapy to help manage chronic pain or muscular issues, it can be extremely challenging (and painful) to miss out on these sessions when traveling. In these cases, a small massage gun could prove helpful. I like the Renpho Thermacool Massage gun because, in addition to adjusting vibration intensity, you can also include heat or cold. However, if you or your loved one may need some help reaching harder-to-reach places like the lower back, the Renpho Reach Massage Gun may be a better choice because it has a detachable extension handle.

Voxon Door Alarms, 2-Pack

Door alarms like these can be very helpful if you have an older parent who is prone to wandering. A colleague of mine used these to help prevent her father from wandering out of his home and also brought them along while traveling to tape onto hotel doors. If your parent tries to wander away, the buzzer will ring to notify you. While I have no direct experience with this, I know that some children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) elope, meaning they may run or wander off to get to something they want (like a toy in a store) or to escape a situation that’s causing them anxiety. The Autism Speaks organization suggests using battery-operated alarms on doors (among other things) to help prevent autism wandering.

Mossime Pill Organizer

Anyone who requires numerous doses of medication each day can appreciate the convenience of a medication organizer. Many are on the market, and the exact kind that will work best for you or your loved one depends on how much medication they require and how frequently they take it. I like this organizer because it has compartments for morning, noon, evening, and bedtime medication, which are very common times that seniors take their medication. Previously, my mother took medication five times per day, which posed a challenge since nearly all the pill organizers on the market only have 3 to 4 medication compartments per day. As such, we wound up buying a 7-day pill organizer with 7 compartments per day . It was more than we needed, but it did the job. Because there were no specific times written on the slots, we handwrote the times my mom required pills with a permanent marker.

If you plan to travel with medication or any medically necessary equipment (including IV bags, syringes, or pumps), be sure to review the TSA’s Disabilities and Medical Conditions page along with their  Traveling with Medication video.

Springrose Adaptive Front Closure Bra

Spring Rose

Adaptive clothing has often been an afterthought, and for my mother, bras have been one of the most challenging items to get on. She struggles to reach her hands over her head and also to reach behind her back to hook the bra. I love the Springrose adaptive bras because they have been designed specifically for people with arthritis, MS, shoulder injuries, or stroke. Though you can pull their bras over your head and shoulders, you can also step into them. To secure the bra, you simply pull a tab in the front instead of having to reach around and struggle with a small metal latch. My mom has since transitioned to tank tops with built-in bras, but I wish we had known about the Springrose bras during the years she struggled with bra extenders. They’d undoubtedly be a game-changer for travel.

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10 Best Disability Travel Blogs and Websites in 2024

• Curb Free with Cory Lee
• Spin the Globe
• RexyEdventures
• Simply Emma
• Have Wheelchair Will Travel Blog
• Wonders Within Reach
• Destination Accessibility
• Free Wheelin' with Karin Willison
• The Bimblers
• Little Miss Turtle

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Here are 10 Best Disability Travel Blogs you should follow in 2024

1. Curb Free with Cory Lee

2. Spin the Globe

3. RexyEdventures

4. Simply Emma

5. Have Wheelchair Will Travel Blog

6. Wonders Within Reach

7. Destination Accessibility

8. Free Wheelin' with Karin Willison

9. The Bimblers

10. Little Miss Turtle

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6 Tour Companies Dedicated to Travelers with Disabilities

By Arundhati Nath

Growing up, Neha Arora didn’t have the easiest time traveling with her family—her father is visually impaired and her mother is a wheelchair user. “We’d travel 2,000 miles only to realize the place wasn’t accessible or wouldn’t give us the experience we were looking forward to,” says Arora. In 2016, she founded Planet Abled , a travel company that caters to the needs of people with various disabilities, a group the World Health Organization estimates at 15 percent of the world’s population. Arora isn’t the only one pushing for more thoughtful travel experiences—here’s a look at six companies focused on accessible travel .

Travel for All

Travel for All has organized more than 5,000 vacations around the world for travelers with a variety of requirements, including cane users, slow walkers, hearing and vision impaired persons, travelers with complex health issues like dialysis and developmental disabilities, and wheelchair users. “As multiple sclerosis began to affect my own personal travel, I researched what resources could assist me with executing travel using my wheelchair,” says CEO Tarita Davenock. “I was shocked when I saw the lack of services.” Every trip Travel for All plans comes with an accessibility specialist. “We research and give our clients the pros and cons of any area in the world before planning the trip, so our client knows what to expect while they are in that destination,” says Davenock. “Meticulous planning and great attention to detail are the keystones of keeping our vacations safe.”

A Seable group trip in Cambodia, where travelers visited the Wat Phnom temple

Seable Holidays

Seable Holidays specializes in trips for visually impaired travelers. All trips include trained chaperones—who undergo a background check—as well as inclusive sports and sensory activities like horse riding, scuba diving, kayaking, wine tasting, yoga, and tactile museum excursions. And everything is thoroughly vetted, with chaperones, activities, and accommodations tested by blind people before they’re recommended by the company. While trips are on pause during the pandemic, Seable Holidays will bring them back in summer 2022.

Easy Access Travel

Debra Kerper and her team at Easy Access Travel accommodate most types of physical disabilities in their solo trips and mixed group tours. While Kerper sometimes relies on her own experiences as a traveler in a wheelchair, she says every trip needs to be tailored to an individual client’s needs. To do so, the team spends time getting to know their clients to match them with the best vacation choice, and visits hotels and tourist spots for inspection, takes cruises beforehand, and collects information from trustworthy sources to ensure a safe, accessible, and fun experience.

Planet Abled

Neha Arora’s Planet Abled arranges customized tours for people with different types of disabilities, and also plans group tours that include non-disabled people. Their trips mostly take place in India and South East Asia , with plans to expand to countries in Europe, and popular activities include river rafting, skiing, trekking, and wildlife safaris. Some of their extra touches include assigning a travel buddy for the blind, seeking special permission from museums so clients can touch and feel the articles on display, and arranging for sign language interpreters for the hearing impaired.

Wheel the World

Alvaro Silberstein, the CEO of Wheel the World , was paralyzed from the chest down after surviving an accident at 18. This didn’t stop him from seeing the world—he’s since visited 30 countries on five continents. “I realized that people with disabilities should be able to explore places as anyone else,” he says. Most of his clients are adults or seniors with mobility disabilities and wheelchair users, and he can arrange solo travel or group trips. Silberstein wants to create more awareness around accessibility, and his company pays special attention to details like the height of beds, width of doors, and accessibility of bathrooms, compiling this information on the Wheel the World website. Their multi-day trips are designed with local tour operators with a focus on accessible travel, and includes access to adaptive bikes, beach wheelchairs, and equipment for hiking, skydiving, kayaking, scuba diving, and surfing—they’ve even planned Macchu Pichu trips for wheelchair users . The company makes sure “prices are competitive and the pricing is the same no matter if the clients have a disability or not,” says Silberstein.

A quiet moment in Sintra, Portugal

Tapooz Travel

Laurent Roffe and Aicha Nystrom spent years volunteering with an organization that provides outdoors excursions to people with disabilities. “We have many friends in wheelchairs as part of our close community,” says Roffe. “I’m a sea kayak guide and [Aicha] is a ski guide and this has always been a source of immense joy for us. Launching our accessible travel business was a natural extension of what we are and what we like to do.” Their company, Tapooz Travel , specializes in trips for those with mobility issues, including visual and hearing impairment, rather than cognitive disabilities. When they have a client with a visual or hearing impairment, they make sure there’s at least one guide trained in sign language, or have a guide who can help with things like reading the menu at the restaurant and providing a voice narration during a site visit. Their network also includes adaptive sports instructors, sailboat skippers, tribal elders, massage therapists, and hot air balloon operators , all of whom are trained to work with travelers with disabilities.

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Passing Thru Travel

Empowering Accessible Travel: 10 Essential Tips for People With Disabilities

Posted: February 27, 2024 | Last updated: February 27, 2024

Traveling with disabilities can present unique challenges, but the world can be your oyster with the right planning and resources. This guide is designed to help travelers with disabilities navigate various aspects of traveling, from transportation to accommodation, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience. Whether planning a city break, a beach holiday, or an adventure trip, these tips will help you make the most of your travels.

1. Planning and Research

Embarking on a journey with a disability necessitates meticulous planning, a step that can make all the difference. Dive into detailed research about your destination, focusing on accessibility. This includes understanding the layout of the city, the nature of public transportation, and the accessibility features of attractions you plan to visit.

Websites, travel blogs, and forums dedicated to accessible travel can be invaluable resources. Additionally, reaching out to local disability organizations for insights can provide practical, on-the-ground information that might not be readily available online.

Insider’s Tip: Use Google Street View to virtually explore the area around your accommodation and check for potential obstacles.

2. Choosing the Right Accommodation

Selecting the right accommodation is crucial. Beyond just checking the box for ‘accessible rooms,’ explore the specifics: Does the bathroom have a roll-in shower? Are there grab bars near the toilet and shower? Is the room door wide enough for your mobility device? Direct communication with the hotel can clarify these details. Remember, ‘accessible’ can mean different things in different places.

Insider’s Tip: Request a room close to the elevator to minimize the distance you need to travel within the hotel.

3. Accessible Transportation

Navigating transportation is a key aspect of your travel. Many cities now offer accessible public transportation options, but these can vary widely in terms of availability and convenience.

Research in advance about accessible buses, trains, and taxis. Sometimes, renting a vehicle adapted to your needs might be a better option. Always confirm accessibility features and make reservations in advance where possible.

Insider’s Tip: Download apps for local public transportation systems, as they often have accessibility information and real-time updates.

4. Travel Insurance

Securing comprehensive travel insurance is non-negotiable. Ensure that your policy covers your specific needs, including coverage for any medical equipment you’re traveling with and potential medical care at your destination. Understanding the fine print of what is covered is crucial, especially concerning pre-existing conditions or activities you plan to undertake.

Insider’s Tip: Keep a copy of your insurance policy on you and have a digital copy accessible on your phone. Purchase travel insurance as soon as you book your trip to ensure coverage for any unforeseen circumstances leading up to your departure.

5. Packing Essentials

Packing for travel with disabilities requires thoughtful consideration. Prioritize essential medical supplies, extra medication, and any specialized equipment you might need. A repair kit for mobility aids can be a lifesaver. Pack these essentials in your carry-on luggage to ensure they are readily available, especially in the event of checked luggage delays or loss.

Insider’s Tip: Label all your equipment and medical supplies clearly, and carry a doctor’s note for medications and medical devices.

6. Airport Accessibility

Airports can be sprawling and overwhelming, but being aware of the available accessibility services can make your experience smoother. Most airports offer assistance services, including help with check-in, security, and boarding. It’s essential to inform the airline and airport about your specific needs well before your travel date to ensure these services are available and tailored to your requirements.

Insider’s Tip: Request an aisle seat close to the restroom if needed, and consider early boarding to ease the process.

7. Accessible Activities and Attractions

Many tourist attractions have made significant efforts to improve accessibility. Research and plan for accessible activities and attractions at your destination. This might include guided tours specifically catering to travelers with disabilities. Don’t hesitate to contact tour operators directly to discuss your needs and confirm accessibility details.

Insider’s Tip: Look for attractions that offer free admission for caregivers or companions.

8. Dining Out

Exploring the culinary delights of your destination should be a seamless experience. Research accessible restaurants and cafes in advance, considering both the physical accessibility of the venue and the suitability of the menu for any dietary restrictions. Many restaurants now offer accessible seating and restroom facilities, but it’s always best to confirm in advance.

Insider’s Tip: Call ahead to reserve an accessible table, especially in busy restaurants or during peak dining times.

9. Emergency Preparedness

Being prepared for emergencies is crucial. Carry a list of emergency contacts, including local emergency services and your country’s embassy or consulate. Familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital or medical facility at your destination. It’s also wise to have a basic understanding of the local language for emergencies or at least have key phrases written down or saved on your phone.

Insider’s Tip: Carry a personal medical information card that details your condition, medications, allergies, and emergency contacts.

10. Networking and Support

Building a network with other travelers who have disabilities can provide valuable insights and support. Online communities and forums offer a platform to share experiences, tips, and advice. These networks can also offer emotional support, making your travel experience more enriching and less daunting.

Insider’s Tip: Join online communities or forums specific to your type of disability for tailored advice and support.

The Bottom Line

Traveling with disabilities may require extra planning and preparation, but it should not deter you from exploring the world. You can enjoy a fulfilling and hassle-free travel experience with the right approach. Remember, accessibility continually improves globally, opening up more opportunities for everyone to travel. Embrace these tips, stay informed, and most importantly, enjoy the journey and the unique experiences it brings.

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The post Empowering Accessible Travel: 10 Essential Tips for People With Disabilities republished on Passing Thru with permission from The Green Voyage .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Zamrznuti tonovi.

For transparency, this content was partly developed with AI assistance and carefully curated by an experienced editor to be informative and ensure accuracy.

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Please review our Terms of Use , which changed on May 24, 2024.

Registering for Disability Access Service (DAS)

Learn more about how eligible guests can register for das before and during a park visit..

• DAS is one of our programs offered at the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks to accommodate only those Guests who, due to a developmental disability such as autism or a similar disorder, are unable to wait in a conventional queue for an extended period of time.
• DAS doesn’t provide immediate access to experiences, but rather allows Guests to request a return time for a specific experience that is comparable to the current standby wait.
• The Guest for which DAS is being requested must be present during registration and experience the attraction when redeeming a DAS return time at Walt Disney World theme parks.

Before you speak with a Cast Member to determine eligibility, make sure to:

• Sign in to the Walt Disney World website or your  My Disney Experience
• Link valid theme park admission for each member of your party
• Ensure that the Guest who is requesting to use DAS is present at the time of registration via live video chat

If DAS is provided, you (or a parent/guardian if younger than 18 years of age) will participate in the registration process, which requires having a photo taken.

DAS is valid for up to 120 days. After this time period has passed, Guests will need to re-register.

• At this time, live chat is offered in English only.

Make sure the device has a working camera and a microphone. You must review and accept the Terms & Conditions before requesting a live video chat.

• Live video chat is available from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM Eastern Time.
• The recording of this video chat is strictly prohibited.
• The Guest requesting DAS (or their parent/guardian) must be 18 years of age or older to register.
• The Guest with a qualifying disability requesting to use DAS must be present during the video call.
• If you’re not logged in to the Walt Disney World website, you’ll be prompted to log in.
• If you don’t have an account, you’ll need to create one before continuing.
• Guests using a mobile device or tablet will need to download the Zoom application to connect to the video chat.
• Video chat is screen reader-friendly for Guests with visual disabilities and available with text chat for Guests with hearing disabilities.

For additional assistance, please email us .

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Social Security Matters

Social security pays benefits to children after the death of a parent.

June 20, 2024 • By Kathleen Romig, Office of the Commissioner

Last Updated: June 20, 2024

In fact, 98 out of 100 children in this country could get Social Security if a working parent dies. In some cases, the child’s surviving parent is eligible for benefits as well.

The death of a parent can have negative financial, health, and educational effects on children, according to research by David Weaver of the University of South Carolina published in Population Review in 2019.  When tragedy happens, we can help.

Social Security benefits are very valuable for surviving children and their families. They come from all walks of life and all races and ethnicities, income levels, geographic locations, and more.

We estimate that Social Security Survivors Insurance is equivalent to a life insurance policy with a face value of $930,000 for a young worker with average earnings who leaves behind a spouse and two children.

Survivors benefits may be payable to an adult child of a deceased worker, if they have a disability that began before age 22, they are not able to work, and meet all eligibility requirements.

If a child in your life has lost a parent, it’s important for the child’s family to reach out to us as soon as possible. The date you contact us to file an application can affect when the child’s benefits begin.

You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We can usually schedule an appointment in 30-60 days. We will let you know what information you need to apply. We provide free interpreter services by phone or in person in your local Social Security office.

To learn more, visit our Survivors Benefits and Parents and Guardians webpages.

Please share this information with your friends and family who may need it – and post it on social media.

Did you find this Information helpful?

Tags: Children , equity , Social Security benefits , survivors benefits

About the Author

Kathleen romig, office of the commissioner, related articles, social security survivors benefits explained, understanding social security survivors benefits, survivor benefits: four tips widows need to know, five things parents and guardians can learn on our website.

June 24, 2024 10:37AM

What about the retro payments and monthly payment increase adjustment on survivor benefits? Benefits were reduced 4 1/2 years ago for two people and given to two additional people that weren’t supposed to receive benefits and after a hearing (waiting almost a full year for the decision) with a fully favorable decision that determined those other two people shouldn’t be receiving those benefits we continue to have to call about when our retro payment and monthly adjustment will be made. The decision was received March 20, 2024 from my court hearing that was May 3, 2023! We get different answers every time we call and have never received any letters in the time that was stated in the decision letter or from the employees that were spoken to. Why does it take so long for social security to pay back money to someone that is supposed to receive it when it was an error on your end? This is causing an extreme financial hardship for both the families that should have been getting these benefits for their children’s father all along. Extremely disappointed and frustrated with this government agency. It has pushed us to the point of now getting an attorney involved after I was told by a previous attorney that I shouldn’t need one, reaching out to the news, congressman and senators offices when all we are looking for is a payment that should have never been taken from us to begin with. We have been dealing with this since March of 2020.

June 23, 2024 9:34PM

Both my son and daughter inlaw overdosed im my granddaughters legal guardian and she only draws 480 a month my sister lives in Indiana and she draws over nine hundred same thing happened parents overdosed ❓

June 22, 2024 12:53PM

My son passed away a year ago in two days. Benefits were applied for my grandson right away, but still no word. Everything has been submitted, including DNA. This is in LA. It seems very unfair and creates hardships that this takes so long.

June 23, 2024 8:30AM

It usually takes 5 months for payments to begin with S.S., however, when they do begin, they will include the accumulated retroactive payments as well. At least it used to be that way. It’s worth checking out!

Take care and God in Heaven bless you in every way!

June 21, 2024 8:42PM

My son was born premature 4//30/2022 and his father passed away 6/5/22 and never got to meet each other, Furthermore I applied but my son didn’t qualify because my sons father was receiving social security disability and parents who received ssd and pass away leaving newborns or children under 21 do not receive survival benefits not even through work earned points he was missing 1 or 2 points and my son was denied. Los Angele Ca

June 20, 2024 6:08PM

“You can call us at 1-800-772-1213 between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.” Dear SSA, Thank you for all this important information. I would like to experience along with the above quote the “time zone”. For a best time for me to call. Thank you all for your work here at SSA.

Stay Curious,

About Creativity (online name)

June 22, 2024 12:06PM

My mom passed away at the age of 77. I am 61 right now. My mom and Dad both worked and made good money. Can I get my mom or Dad’s or both of their social security

June 20, 2024 5:47PM

Would like to see the math to back up the statement,”Social Security Survivors Insurance is equivalent to a life insurance policy with a face value of $930,000 for a young worker with average earnings who leaves behind a spouse and two children.” Thank you.

June 20, 2024 5:36PM

I think the system needs a change, working members should be able to designate a beneficiary to receive whatever working capitol has been paid into the fund if the person dies prior to filing for SS benefits at retirement age. Think about all of the unmarried and childless workers that died from COVID. Or the 70 yo man who passed, that worked for 55 years and has never taken a payment. SSA got to just keep all of that capitol paid into the system by the person that passed, when the other NOK could have really used those funds. People should be allowed to pass benefits paid into the system as part of an estate.

June 21, 2024 1:23PM

So social security will already be broke if that was done! Social Security is for retirement source of funds, not as life insurance. If you want family members to get money when you pass away buy life insurance.

June 20, 2024 3:39PM

Your story says children receive benefits in till 18 or 19 if in school. Benefits were cut off for my daughter right before she turned 16 yrs old. Something change??

June 20, 2024 3:31PM

Is a DNA test required of the child?

June 21, 2024 8:00AM

BEAUTIFULY presented and very well stated . . You have an solid factual point here. Why is this system so dependent upon leveraging life’s for profitable gain when in all of this made up reality is virtually irrelevant to a point of actual non existence? Why y’allt steady keep tryna make life so much more difficult and stressful than it already is ? I have heard and seen to many stories real life events where actual people citizens of this country dedicate over two decades if not more of there lives to this system just to be spat in the face and and held by there feet dangling wonder how…..? …..why?

UNIVERSAL SHITF IS UPON US ALL . WILL NOT SWAY FOR ANY WHICH WAY . BUT WILL ALIGN WTH STARS TRUE NORTH. THE RIGHT OF WAY …

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Disney fans say changes to disability program exclude many people who were previously covered

Disney fans with disabilities say the company’s new restrictions on a system that previously allowed people with many kinds of disabilities to avoid standing in long lines for rides have now excluded many disabled people who previously had access to it. 

The new rules limit the service to only people with a “developmental disability such as autism or a similar disorder,” according to the Disability Access Service (DAS) policy. Previously, the policy allowed any guests “who have difficulty tolerating extended waits in a conventional queue environment due to a disability” to register for DAS, which was typically granted after a phone call made to the company. Disney said its changes are in response to the number of DAS users triplicating over the past few years.

Disney fans are pushing back on the changes by sharing their experiences with trying to renew DAS on social media and organizing online. 

More than 18,000 people have signed a Change.org petition asking Disney executives to readjust the new policy. The petition was started in April by a group called “DAS Defenders,” which describes itself as a “grassroots alliance of over 2,600 members,” launched in response to the announcement of DAS changes. The group also sent a letter to Disney executives asking to revise the policy. The company has yet to respond to the group.

“Historically, Disney has been a symbol of inclusion, acceptance, and joy for disabled individuals who often face discrimination, lack of access, and challenges in managing complex conditions,” the letter said. “However, with these recent changes, Disney has eroded that legacy by rolling back accommodations that have existed for years, leaving many disabled people feeling abandoned.”

Disney World began enforcing the new DAS rules on May 20. Disneyland will begin enforcing the same rules June 18. 

At each attraction, guests enrolled in DAS receive a pass to return to the attraction through an expedited entry line after the same wait time they would have waited in the regular line. That separate line is the same one guests can access by paying for Disney’s Genie+ service, which is designed to move much faster and have fewer people in it than the regular line. The paid Genie+ system replaced the previous free FastPass system in 2021.

A Disney spokesperson said: “We take great pride in and understand the importance of accessibility at our theme parks and that is why we have a comprehensive website of innovative services along with a team of Cast Members to help our guests make the most of their experiences.”

Disney also pointed to its other accommodations for guests with disabilities, such as the ability to rent mobility aids, sign language interpreters, and dietary accommodations.

An NBC News search of Facebook, Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) returned more than 30 social media posts since May 20 from people who said they have disabilities, sharing their experience of either being personally denied DAS under the new changes or witnessing a spouse, child, parent or sibling with disabilities be denied. The posts included people who said they have postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), Crohn’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder, Type 1 diabetes, prosthetic limbs and more.  

NBC News spoke to two people who said they were previously granted DAS but were denied when they reached out to renew in May, after the changes were made. Both people said they will no longer be able to ride major attractions at Disney World without DAS accommodations. 

Christine, who spoke on the condition her last name not be published since she works for a third party on Disney property, has a heart condition called supraventricular tachycardia, which causes an irregular heartbeat. She shared medical documentation of her diagnosis with NBC News. Christine said she has also passed out in a Disney World queue before, after waiting in a long, outdoor line. But when she tried to register for DAS again, she was told she was no longer eligible.  

During her call with Disney in May, Christine said that the employee initially said she seemed like a good fit for DAS. But when she was connected to a second person, referred to as a health professional, Christine said she was denied.

“For this to be happening post-Covid, when so many people who were not disabled before have discovered they have long Covid or have invisible disabilities,” Christine said. “It does kind of feel like a betrayal.” 

Before the DAS changes were implemented, there was also widespread sentiment among Disney fans and even Disney itself that people without disabilities were “abusing” the system, using it to avoid standing in long lines even if they didn’t have a disability that would prevent them from doing so. Christine said that Disney’s decision to restrict eligibility punishes people with disabilities for the actions of a few individuals who may have tried to “cheat the system.” 

The changes to the DAS reflect shrinking accommodations for people with disabilities, said Maria Town, the president and CEO of the American Association of People with Disabilities. 

“Today we are seeing a greater rate of people becoming disabled because of the result of conditions like long Covid. It’s estimated that the continued Covid pandemic has produced 2 million more disabled people than we would have seen at this point in time,” Town told NBC News, referencing a figure from the Brookings Institution . “We have seen a contraction of accommodations as the public health emergency for Covid has ended.”  

Town said she began hearing from people with disabilities and their families as soon as the new changes to the DAS were implemented. She said the new eligibility requirements exclude people with chronic health conditions, as well as non-apparent disabilities, like heat sensitivity, based on how Disney’s current policy is written. 

“When I saw the changes, one of the things that was so concerning to me was the way that the new eligibility requirements really restrict the types of disabilities that can get this pass,” Town said. “That kind of change actually goes against the ways that the disability community has worked to frame disability policy.” 

For guests who were denied DAS, one of Disney’s alternatives is the return-to-queue system, which would entail entering the normal line and exiting if they can no longer wait in it, with the ability to receive a pass to return to their place later. Christine said this isn’t an option for many people with disabilities, in part because it could lead to an emergency occurring in the regular line. 

“Ultimately, it did seem like the professional and the cast member both agreed that none of the alternative suggestions they made would really be healthy or workable for me, but they weren’t willing to offer it to me, and we left the call knowing I wasn’t going to be comfortable riding many of the attractions,” Christine said (Disney refers to its employees as “cast members”). “I won’t be able to get full use out of my annual pass. It was a very strange experience.”

Kat Tenbarge is a tech and culture reporter for NBC News Digital. She can be reached at [email protected]