Just because a child is disabled doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy travel, except for in severe cases. That much is important to emphasize, because many parents who are also carers can feel guilty about the break from routine, putting their little ones into the unknown, and adding stress where none was required. Many travel experiences can be enjoyed even with disabilities, but of course, it will require attentive planning and care to get it right.
Thankfully, in 2025 and beyond, accessibility and the chance for mutual fun are so much wider than they used to be. Now most major hotels will have accessibility ramps and special rooms with provisions like ceiling hoists for those who cannot walk. It’s not perfect, but it is better.
In this post, we intend to continue that convenience both you and your child deserve, with seven helpful pointers:
- Look Into Your Destination’s Accessibility
You should start by researching the accessibility of your chosen destination, not just the hotel. Some cities and countries are simply more disability-friendly than others, so look for places with good public transport that has ramps or lifts and plenty of accessible attractions.
You want to make sure your child can get around without too much difficulty. It’s fine if you go soemwhere a little less friendly in this regard, like an old European village with cobbled streets and steep inclines, as long as you’re aware of the extra effort that will take. Sometimes you’re happy to take over as long as the parking destinations aren’t too far from the attractions. A quick search online for “accessible travel in [city name]” should give you a good starting point, and you can always call specific businesses or event spaces if you’re unsure.
- Accommodation Confirmations
We mentioned some utilities worth looking for in our intro, but it’s also important to look for accessible rooms with wider doorways, roll-in showers, and grab bars. Some might have more specialized equipment like lifts or adjustable beds, with most of these rooms being on the lower floors, so it’s always a good idea to call ahead and confirm these details. You don’t want to rely on what a website says, just to be disappointed upon arrival, or realise the hotel is used by vacationing tourists looking to party and all the noise that promotes.
Look for a hotel that is close to the attractions you plan to visit to cut down on travel time. There are many disability-friendly blogs and forums out there you can always ask in.
- Plan For Travel Days
Travel days can be the most challenging part of a trip, because it’s a strain on everyone, but also in managing accessibility and the constraints of disability. If you can, plan ahead. So when flying, let the airline know about your child’s specific needs well in advance. They can arrange for things like early boarding, wheelchair assistance, or special seating if you need it too.
If you’re traveling by train, see if they have dedicated accessible carriages, and consider the time of day you are traveling as well. A less busy time might mean less stress, depending on the routine needs of your little one. You will want to pack a small bag with any medications, snacks, and comfort items to keep within easy reach during the journey. Don’t worry about other passengers though, you’re not putting out other people, and it’s your right to use the services everyone else is, disability or not.
- Get The Packing Right
Packing the right kit bag will become second nature as a parent to a disabled child, but consider changing this based on the location you’re heading to. There’s the obvious use ofl clothes and toiletries, but also thjink about any special equipment or supplies you might need.
Make sure you have a good supply of any necessary medications and a copy of prescriptions, as well as travel insurance card if needed, or knowing who to contact if you need advanced help or replacement equipment. Some parents even carry small portable ramps, charging cables for mobility devices, and emergency medications that come as a last resort. Consult with their doctor or disability liason about anything else you should be concerned with, such as the right SPF skin lotion to keep them safe.
- Book Activities In Advance
Pre-booking will save the worry of not having space for you at a certain event or attraction, especially if the service needs to provide room for wheelchair access, or perhaps arrange other shows. Some guided tours, like museums, can even have autism-friendly shows or showings where your particular needs are taken into account.
Many attractions will also have specific times or entrances for those with disabilities, and you could get a more personal experience this way. This planning helps you manage your time properly, not worry the whole time, and ensures your child can enjoy the activities without being stressed by a large crowd. You’ll learn more as you go through the journey to see what precautions are right for you.
- Use Luggage Storage Solutions
Sometimes you have a gap between checking out of your accommodation and your flight or train home, but with everything extra you ended to travel with, that can feel like a burden. You might not want to lug all your bags around with you during that time, which is fair enough, and totally understandable.
Researching luggage storage in New York, for example can be a very good idea. Many cities like this have services where you can securely store your suitcases for a few hours or a whole day, which allows you to enjoy one last activity or a nice meal without being burdened by heavy bags.
- Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help
People are often more willing to help than you might think, especially if a child is involved and you’re clearly doing your best. If you need assistance with something, be that lifting a bag, finding an route, or getting information about a certain service, you should ask. Most hotel staff, airline employees, and attraction workers are trained to assist people with disabilities, or at least have the presence of mind to be polite. Many parents of disabled children can worry about coming off as demanding, but trust us when we say the appreciation and help you’ll gain is much more common than anything else,
With this advice, you’ll be certain to make travel with a disabled child easier.
