The best holidays for limited mobility

Enjoying a break away from daily life is always a wonderful experience, whether a staycation or a visit to somewhere exotic. However, many people with limited mobility often find it challenging to discover accommodation and activities that suit their needs.

However, options are available, and some holiday types are more accessible than others. In this guide, we highlight the best holidays for limited mobility travellers, giving you a few ideas by which to be inspired.

Cruises

Cruises have a broad appeal and are among the best accessible holidays available. Some cruise ships provide accessible cabins and wheelchair access to the ship’s different facilities, such as pools, restaurants, and entertainment.

The amenities on board also offer a luxurious element to every holiday, but the most appealing aspect is the ease of travel, including the ability to visit many countries or cities in one trip without all the unpacking!

Ben Souza on Cruise Fever quickly pointed out this benefit: “I love to travel and visit new and familiar places. With cruising, I can visit multiple places on one trip, and I only have to unpack once. I don’t have to check in and out of hotels and lose time travelling between destinations. Cruising is the perfect way to sample several new ports on one trip.”

There are two different types of cruising: ocean and river. While ocean cruising offers you the opportunity to visit lots of countries that are often exotic, river cruises are much more intimate. 50+ Voyagers describes the friendliness of a smaller river cruise: 

“River cruising is the most comfortable and tranquil way to explore the ancient and medieval world, specifically for travellers aged 50 and above. Unlike ocean cruising, river cruises offer smaller ships and carry 100 to 150 travellers, which means no queues for meals, a more relaxed and casual travel, and more personal attention from staff.

“Almost every day, the ship ties up in the middle of a magnificent town rich in history and culture. Travellers can walk to a café, shops, or markets or go for a guided city tour.”

50+ Voyagers were also keen to discuss why cruises are so accessible: “River cruises are very accessible for people with limited mobility as they can enjoy the view from the deck as the ship drifts down the river. Many river cruise lines offer discounts to travellers above 55 years of age if the tour is booked at least 6-7 months in advance. Most river cruises are 7 to 10 days long and offer full board facilities with all meals and drinks; sometimes wine is included in the price.”

So, whether you fancy a European break down the Danube or an exotic Caribbean voyage, there is a perfect cruise to suit each traveller. Just research accessible cruises and ask the cruise line questions about their facilities.

READ ALSO: Best holiday destinations for people with limited mobility

Coach holidays

For those looking to enjoy a staycation in the UK, coach holidays can provide the perfect solution. With numerous companies offering a range of fantastic itineraries, you can explore your location with pre-scheduled tours and get to know new people you are travelling with.

Coach holidays mean there will be no need to fly, and they are also likely to depart from a location relatively close to home. For this reason, they also provide an excellent choice for those with limited mobility. While long coach journeys may not be suitable, you are never too far from a beautiful destination in the UK, meaning shorter distances are more than possible.

There are coach holiday providers who can cater to those with limited mobility, but there may be limited space for wheelchair users, so you must book early to guarantee your place. It will also be essential to check with the provider to ensure that your accessibility needs are met.

Some companies specialise in accessible coach holidays, such as Limitless Travel. Booking with a company designed for those with limited mobility will ensure your holiday experience is safe and enjoyable.

Cottage holidays

Wheelchair-friendly holidays can often be found by staying in a charming cottage. Holiday cottages can provide the ideal accommodation for people who like exploring on their home turf, especially those who want to come and go as they please.

Many cottage providers have specially adapted cottages available, with options such as downstairs bedrooms and bathrooms, as well as accessible entrances to make holidays that little bit easier.

Often described as a home away from home, holiday cottages mean you can take your break away at a suitable pace while staying in a comfortable property. When taking advantage of the adapted facilities provided, you can truly relax and be as active or lazy as you wish.

READ ALSO: The ultimate guide to planning an accessible holiday

Art holidays

Whether you are an aspiring painter or an experienced artist, an art holiday will be a relaxing and inspiring travel experience. Art holidays can also be accessible, provided the accommodation and venues have accessible facilities.

Holiday company GoLearnTo describes their painting experiences as about more than just creative fulfilment: “It’s about expanding your techniques and letting your creativity flourish, intertwining mediums, motifs and styles and willing to be daring and bold with them, and, most importantly, sharing laughter, feedback and a glass of wine with others after a day of capturing incredible surroundings together.

“None of our trips have age limits, and we often have guests in their 70s and 80s who have a great time on our trips.”

Cooking holidays

Depending on the offering and your level of mobility, cooking holidays can be an easy way to enjoy a fun activity in a beautiful destination.

If you are passionate about food and enjoy cuisines from around the world, then a cooking holiday may be a perfect getaway. Cooking holidays are about more than just cuisine; visitors immerse themselves in a country's culture.

Tasting Places feels the location informs the cuisine and is therefore meticulous about choosing the destinations they offer: “We have carefully selected each location for its character and individuality, to make you feel at home and to gain a genuine insight to the region as an invited guest and not as a tourist. Our portfolio is constantly reviewed so we can provide the best of new options and edit out those which no longer fulfil our requirements.”

As with all holidays, ensure the accommodation and facilities of any holiday you are interested in can cater to your specific mobility needs.

Active holidays

Just because people have limited mobility doesn’t mean they can’t enjoy an active holiday. Many activities are accessible regardless of mobility, and specialised companies can make participation possible for all. 

Some holidays provide specialised equipment and instruction by trained professionals to allow those with disabilities to experience activities like skiing or snowboarding.

For example, Disability Snowsport UK (DSUK) offers adaptive snow sports holidays: “We have been teaching disabled people to ski and snowboard for over forty years. We believe that taking part in adaptive snow sports has the power to transform a person’s relationship with not just their disability, but all aspects of their life.”

READ ALSO: Frequently Asked Questions to ask before travelling with limited mobility

The best accessible holidays

• Cruises
• Coach holidays
• Cottage holidays
• Art holidays
• Cooking holidays
• Active holidays

As you can see, many holiday options are available for those with limited mobility. Depending on the experience you seek, a fun and relaxing holiday that is accessible to all can be arranged.

This article is brought to you by Handicare, in partnership with Age Co, offering a wide range of home mobility products, including stairlifts, homelifts, and bathing solutions.