Whether you are planning a quiet weekend away to unwind, or you're looking for a longer break to recharge your batteries fully, we've got you covered. There is an accessible holiday to suit your specific wants and needs! However, making sure you plan appropriately is essential for making the most of your holiday, wherever you are! Planning your holiday and making sure it is accessible for you brings a whole load of benefits, including ensuring your holiday is relaxing and stress-free.
We understand that everybody has different needs and requirements when it comes to accessible holidays. For example, wheelchair users require accommodation with wider doorways and generous turning spaces.
Planning your accessible holiday is crucial to ensure the holiday is stress-free and easy for everyone involved! But planning, executing, and enjoying your accessible holiday doesn't have to be daunting. In this guide, we will discuss everything you need to know about making the most of your holiday. Time to switch off and relax; you deserve it!
Deciding Where to Go For Your Accessible Holiday
When it comes to picking your destination for your next accessible holiday, there are many different options available. However, it is essential to choose the right destination to suit your individual needs and preferences. Do you prefer somewhere hot with relaxing beaches? Or do you prefer somewhere in the countryside, with fun adventure opportunities?
Holidays abroad can be made accessible with some extra thought and planning. However, staycations can be an easier option, whilst still just as fun! Self-catering cottages in the UK are quicker and easier to get to, and the stress of navigating your way around a busy airport is erased. Nobody wants their holiday to begin with a stressful experience, and England's National Accessible Scheme should mean your disabled access is guaranteed.
Language barriers can also cause problems when travelling abroad, making it difficult to express your needs and requesting further information from the places you visit. When choosing a staycation here in the UK, this is not likely going to be a problem! Without this language barrier, you might feel more comfortable trying out new activities and visiting new places.
It would help if you thought about what you want from your trip, then narrow down your destination options to about two or three options. Research these places, and find out whether the disabled access is up to scratch. Google is the ideal place for this research! All you need to do is type 'accessibility in (the place you want to visit)' into the search bar. You will find all sorts of information to read, and you can decide whether that location will meet your needs. Another great place to find information is disabled forums such as Scope.
Look into accommodation, give places a call if you need to find out more about their disabled access. You should also do the same for local restaurants or anywhere else you plan to visit! You can also visit websites such as Euan's Guide to find out more about disabled access holidays. Once you have found out more about your potential destinations, it's time to decide which best suits your needs, then time to get booking!
Planning What to Pack for Your Accessible Holiday
Knowing what to pack for any holiday is difficult. Working out what clothes you want to wear and making sure you've packed all important documents can be stressful. So when you're planning an accessible holiday, and you have extra essentials to remember, the process of knowing what to pack can be pretty daunting. Here are some tips and tricks to make sure nothing is left behind!
The first thing you should do is write a list! It can be easy to forget things if you don't do this; ticking each essential off as you pack ensures nothing is missed.
If you require disability equipment, it is a vital part of the planning process to ensure this is available throughout your trip. Some accommodations provide equipment free of charge. This is a massive bonus, meaning you can rest assured your needs will be met during your stay, without setting you back extra money!
You need to make sure you have enough essentials to last for your whole trip. Things like toothpaste and shower gel are important. Still, if you forget them, you can always nip to the closest supermarket to replenish your items. For some items, such as medication, it's unfortunately not this easy. You must remember to pack medication, so make this priority! Also, make sure you pack essential items such as this in a secure place, such as a specially made backpack to fit on your wheelchair, where you will always have access to them.
Again, it will help to write a list, work out how much medication you need for the number of days you are away. Double-check, even triple-check this list! Ask somebody else to look at it for you if you want a second opinion, even ask your doctor for help for peace of mind. They will be happy to help!
Do not leave packing for your accessible holiday until the last minute; start packing your things a week or two before you go. This way, you have time to double-check and possibly remember stuff you could have otherwise missed. Always pack your essentials first, so you don't forget them; slippers and snacks are still necessary, but leave these extra bits till last!
Questions to Ask When Planning Your Accessible Holiday
Asking the right questions in advance when planning your accessible holiday is essential, but knowing the right questions and remembering them all can be pretty intimidating.
Asking these questions ensures that your accommodation and travel, alongside every other part of your holiday, meets your needs and requirements. Write down each question that is important to you, then note the answers when you receive them. This way, nothing will be forgotten, and you can refer back to the list at a later date. Here are some of the most important questions to ask when planning your accessible holiday.
What accessible features does your accommodation provide? Is there an extra charge?
Disabled access features cover a wide range of equipment and facilities, physical and mental. You and the people close to you know best what you need and where, so get in touch with your accommodation and places you plan on visiting and ask which features are in place.
You may require physical features such as lifts, stairlifts, grab rails, and hoists if you are a wheelchair user. For people with different mental needs, such as autism, it can be helpful to get in touch. Take the opportunity to ask if there are any ways activities can be tailored to meet requirements. As mentioned earlier, some accessible accommodation provides these features for no extra charge! Ask about this in advance, so you are not hit with unexpected costs.
Is the entryway accessible? Is there a ramp? Will I need assistance going up the ramp?
One of the most critical factors for anybody with a wheelchair is accessibility. This includes how easy it is to get in and out of a building. If you use a wheelchair or have other accessibility issues, get in touch to find out if there is a ramp. If not, you may need to take a portable one away with you.
Not only is it essential to make sure the entryway is accessible, but once you are inside, is space still accessible? Will your wheelchair fit through doorways? Have the kitchen and bathroom been adapted for wheelchair users?
5 Reasons Why You Should Be Planning Activities In Advance For Your Accessible Holiday
So, you've chosen your destination, found your accommodation, and asked all the appropriate questions, now for the fun stuff! It would help if you started planning your activities, meaning anything you want to do whilst on your holiday. This includes restaurants, day trips, and even shopping trips! Why is it so important to plan your activities for your accessible holiday? Here are a few of the main reasons why.
To Manage Costs and Be Able to Budget Accordingly
Planning activities in advance is essential to anyone who wants to manage costs, but for people with additional needs, it becomes even more crucial! Sometimes, places can charge different fees for facilities such as accessible transport. This shouldn't be the case, but unfortunately, it is something we can not ignore.
When budgeting your spending money for your accessible holiday, think about any extra charges you might incur, and put this money aside. Where possible, opt for accommodation and premises that offer free disability access!
To Ensure You Don't Miss Out On Activities
This is crucial for anybody booking a holiday! Suppose there's a particular activity you want to try, or you've picked the destination for a specific attraction. In that case, you want to make sure you don't miss out on the chance!
Book your slot in advance, and get in touch to ask about your individual needs. If you fail to enquire about the disabled access in advance, there is a chance you could turn up and these facilities not be available. To avoid disappointment, make sure you contact the places you are visiting and let them know which facilities you require.
To Double-Check You Have All Required Documents
Documents such as ID and booking confirmation might be required to participate in activities, so when packing for your trip, make sure you've included these essentials! If you have a blue badge that you will require throughout your journey, make sure you bring this with you.
Read into the terms and conditions of any activities you have booked, and ensure you have these documents prepared. Then, before you leave your accommodation for your activity, double-check you have brought the required documents with you. Keep them somewhere safe, like a zipped bag or purse, ensuring they are easily accessible for you!
To Ensure All Activities Are Disability Friendly
You want to make sure the activity is accessible to avoid disappointment. This can include facilities such as stairlifts, level entry access, grab rails and through lifts. Before you book an activity, get in touch to check these facilities are available on the premises.
It also helps to do this, so the hosts know these facilities need to be available and prepared in advance to ensure your activity runs as smoothly as possible when you arrive. Do not be scared to ask; the organisation will want nothing more than to make sure your day is enjoyable!
To Make Sure Your Holiday Is Relaxing!
Holidays are a great way to unwind, relax, and take away the stress of everyday life! So, planning activities in advance can be the make or break of your time away. Not only does it ensure you get to everything you wish to, but it means your experience will be pleasant and without stress. You don't want to turn up for your meal and find out your wheelchair can't fit through the door. This should be a given, but unfortunately, some premises are still not wheelchair friendly. Until this changes, it can help to plan in advance to avoid these situations.
How to Make the Most of Your Accessible Holiday
Making the most of your accessible holiday is essential for ensuring you enjoy your time away as much as possible! You want to come away from your holiday feeling refreshed, recharged, and also accomplished. Maybe you want to try out a new activity, or perhaps you aim to simply chill out. Either way, making sure you get to do everything you wish is the key to feeling you made the most of your break!
Ask For Help If You Need It
Do not be afraid to ask for help if you need it! Staff & even the general public are more than happy to help, so don't suffer in silence through fear of asking for help. If you need help with a ramp or some guidance crossing the road, there will usually always be someone nearby willing to help you out.
Research & Plan
As mentioned throughout the rest of this guide, planning in advance is crucial for making the most of your holiday. Planning ensures you get to do everything you wish to do and enables you to be confident that all of your trips are accessible. Choosing the right destination is a huge factor, but researching the facilities once you're there and speaking to others about your needs can also make a huge difference. This could include asking if places accept assistance dogs, for example.
Become Familiar With Your Surroundings
Wherever you go, become familiar with where everything you need is. This covers everything from supermarkets to accessible public toilets. Finding out where all of these facilities are in advance means you are never left searching when you most need them. It saves you time and prevents you from being left in awkward situations.
Prioritise Organisation
Organisation is key to success! This is true for all aspects of life, including accessible holidays. A great way to stay organised is to use a plastic wallet to keep all your documents safe, such as ID, booking confirmations, and any other important documents. Also, if you have any medication you need to take away on your accessible holiday, use a pillbox. This keeps your medicine organised and ensures you have the correct amount. Another great tip is to take extra in case of emergencies.
Don't Let Your Disability Hold You Back
Having a disability doesn't define you, and it should never stop you from doing what you want! Pretty much everything can be made accessible with a bit of planning and thought, so follow all the tips in this guide and go for it! If you are struggling with confidence, check out some of the blog posts online written by other people with disabilities. They are bound to inspire you to make the most of your accessible holiday!
Hopefully, You're Now Well On Your Way to Planning Your Accessible Holiday!
If you haven't already started planning, now is the time! This guide has hopefully given you guidance and inspiration to book your next dream accessible holiday. Some main things to keep in mind is that nothing is out of bounds, don't be afraid to ask for help, and stay organised! With these tips and tricks, your holiday is guaranteed to be enjoyable and relaxing.
To find out more about Mellwaters Barn, get in touch with us today. Mellwaters Barn consists of several gorgeous, accessible holiday cottages based in the North Pennines, an area of oustanding natural beauty with easy access to The Lake District, York, Durham, and the Yorkshire Dales. You will be spoilt for a choice of beautiful sights and fun activities, all whilst resting in the knowledge your holiday will be fully accessible!
Here at Mellwaters Barn, we provide disability equipment free of charge, including stairlifts, through lifts, reclining chairs, and a level entry wet room. Check out our availability and book your trip today! We look forward to welcoming you to our picturesque cottages and making your accessible holiday one to remember! Speak to you soon.
